The Marquee Volume 29 Issue 4

MARQUEE THE

Volume 29 • Issue 4 • Jan. 23, 2015

4

Freshmen adjust to first year under House Bill 5 graduation rules.

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Junior prepares food for former President at local sandwich shop.

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Explore Valentine’s Day options for those without a date.

Edward S. Marcus High School • 5707 Morriss Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028

PHOTO WILLIAM L EG RO N E

COVER AV ER I CO L L E N

The Marquee Staff

Senior point guard Michael Wheeler chest passes the ball to his teammate, junior shooting guard Brandon Smithey. The Marauders won 74-61 against Lewisville on Jan. 13, which was ranked no.17 in the state at the time.

CONTENTS

5

News

SUPERINTENDENT VACANCY Dr. Waddell retires, Dr. Rogers fills interim void.

8

Feature

FANTASTIC FLAGS Seniors to perform in professional color guard this summer.

20

Sports

REMEMBERING JARED Senior wrestlers honor teammate, who died in 2012.

22

Entertainment NEW YEAR’S FUN

Discover exciting events that will be happening during 2015.

24

Games

PRINCIPAL POP QUIZ How well do you know our leader, Mr. Shafferman?

EDITOR IN CHIEF Austin Rickerson MANAGING EDITOR William Legrone DESIGN EDITOR Molly Webber PHOTO EDITOR William Legrone ONLINE EDITOR Alyssa Schmidt COPY EDITOR Alex Helm BUSINESS MANAGER Molly Webber NEWS EDITOR Victoria Price FEATURE EDITOR Alex Helm ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Rachel Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR Darci Walton OPINION EDITOR Jaime Hardison REPORTERS Cara Crocker, Sanika Sule, Brooke Wyant, Jacob Fontaine PHOTOGRAPHERS AND DESIGNERS Averi Collen, Abby Schlichter, Taryn Welch Anna Kate Hutton, Riley McClure, Brooke Wyant 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 $70 per 1/8 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

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Hunger-Free Kids Act goes into third phase, increases nutritional meal requirements the use of local farms and gardens for fresh produce and switched to serving nonfat milk. It also increased access for free and reduced The latest measure towards more nutritional lunches entered its lunches based on the 2010 census data rather than through paper third phase this school year. The newest stage of the Hunger-Free applications.

Kids Act implements new nutrition requirements to school lunches, Child nutrition manager Sharon Innman said that she appreciates including one cup of fruit per day for breakfast, more foods with the new nutrition standards because it helps the 63 students at the whole grains and stricter sodium limits. school on the free lunch plan and the 59 students on the reduced This phase requires that schools serve a fruit or vegetable with lunch plans get healthier lunches at the school. meals to qualify for reimbursement from the federal government. It “For the students on the free and reduced plans, this is where their also includes Smart Snacks, which place nutritional limits on cafe nutrition comes from so it’s nice to give them good food,” Innman food, a la carte items, vending machines and fundraising events. said.

Although the bill attempts to make school foods healthier, senior Despite the steps towards healthier lunches and students, many Andres Garcia said that it isn’t necessarily what people want to eat. school districts are working to waive the requirement to participate “My favorite parts of the food are the cafe and the hot dog days,” in the Hunger-Free Kids Act. They claim that the program is too Garcia said. “It would be cool if they could have a survey where the expensive and the restrictions don’t take into account height, weight students could say what they like to eat.” and activity level. Lewisville ISD has not, however, made any public This is the latest installment of a program first implemented in plans towards pulling out of the program.

2010. This law decreased calories, sodium, sugar and fat served in “Even though I only really enjoy things like the tater tots, overall, breakfasts, lunches and snacks provided in schools. It encouraged I would say the food is pretty nutritious,” Garcia said.

STORY ALY S S A S C H MI D T

Healthy Snack Substitutions

PHOTOS BR O O KE WY A NT

1) Bananas are a higher calorie fruit. However, they are also rich in vitamins, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and minerals, like potassium.

DESIGN TARYN W ELCH

2) Pretzels are low in fat and calories, while adding additional fiber and B vitamins. They are a good alternative to potato chips.

3) Mixed nuts are high in carbohydrates, protein and fiber. They are another healthy alternative to potato chips.

4) Lightly salted and buttered popcorn contains about 30 calories and is high in fiber. It is the fourth most consumed grain in the U.S. JA N. 23 , 201 5

4 NEWS

Campus adjusts to new House Bill 5 requirements their careers, counselors are encouraging students to take more career centered classes.

Freshman Sahiti Talasila said House Bill 5 is beneficial to This year’s freshman class is the first to be affected by House Bill 5. The freshmen must pick a subject area in which they are students because high school is a crucial time to plan for the future.

“The bill is important to freshman,” Talasila said. “[They] interested and take certain courses which are related to it.

The bill is designed to help students explore their interests and should be able to discover interests within their first year, so they career paths in high school rather than after graduation. The bill can progress in those interests for the rest of high school.”

Because the bill reduces the number of EOC and STAAR also reduces the amount of tests students are required to take, such as STAAR and EOCs. It gives students the option to chose tests required, students are given the opportunity to focus on the from five endorsements, which are science, technology, engineering subjects required by their endorsement.

Since students can give priority to certain and math, called STEM, subjects, they are able to pursue pre-AP and AP public services, business and courses in their desired classes. Talasila said because industry, arts and humanities, the geometry EOC was removed as a part of House and multidisciplinary studies.

Bill 5, she was able to spend more time on the MHS 9 counselor It gives them the subjects that she found important.

Jerilyn Welsh-Roe said she opportunity to have more “I think House Bill 5 is beneficial to students,” believes that by choosing an time to practice concepts and Talasila said. “It gives them the opportunity to have endorsement, the students are able to explore their options reinforce them rather than wasting more time to practice concepts and reinforce them rather than wasting time to prepare for the STAAR for the future. time to prepare for the STAAR test. test, especially for the higher level classes.”

“It will get them closer to House Bill 5 is designed to focus on increasing the career of their choice,” students’ knowledge and understanding, rather than Welsh-Roe said. “It will help on standardized tests. Though the bill eliminates the Sahiti Talasila, 9 them find not only what they need for some courses, such as Algebra II, Chemistry like but what they are good and Physics, depending on the endorsement, at.” taking these courses can be favorable.

Prior to its introduction Students still have the option to graduate on the distinguished to Texas high schools, some students expressed the concern of committing to a field too early. But Welsh-Roe said that because plan, which requires an extra language credit. Welsh-Roe said she students have 32 slots for credits and only 26 are actually required recommends that students take these classes whether they are mandatory or not. to graduate, there is room to change their graduation plans.

“You don’t want to graduate on a lesser plan than you are Counselors meet with the students every year to make sure capable of,” Welsh-Roe said. “It helps you too, in essence to get they want to continue with their endorsements. The counselors ready for college, so you don’t waste a lot of time and money.” have also conducted meetings with students and parents to Though graduation requirements have changed to eliminate any confusion and discuss how House Bill 5 will accommodate individual student’s interests, not all subjects affect the students’ graduation plans. are optional. Welsh-Roe said that students have accepted “The more we keep educating the students on it, the the bill, but most have said it is still to early to tell whether less pressure it is,” Welsh-Roe said. “They can see it is they like it or not. favorable to what they want to do.”

“It’s going to be here. It’s not going away,” WelshThe classes assigned to each endorsement are Roe said. “Research shows that if you can get a person designed to increase experience in that specific field, into an interest and carry them along that line, clarifying whether these subjects are appropriate for they are more apt to graduate high school the student. Because the bill is geared to and go on to secondary school.” prepare students for college and STORY S AN I K A S ULE

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DESIGN V IC TO R IA PR IC E

NEWS

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Superintendent looks forward to retirement few jobs [available] and I transitioned to teaching high school, which turned out to After four years as the LISD be a wonderful choice. I loved teaching high superintendent, Dr. Stephen Waddell will school kids, and I could pursue my passion effectively retire from his position on Jan. of history and literature.”

31. During his time in the district, he After teaching English, American implemented History and World the Bring-YourHistory at Splendora Own-Technology High School and (BYOT) policy, becoming a principal My goal was while also in 1986, Waddell investing in iPads looked for higher to be principal, not and other Apple positions. Becoming superintendent. products across the superintendent the district. was not on his radar, Dr. Stephen Waddell Wa d d e l l but with motivation said his life was from his father, who influenced by teaching long before he was a principal and superintendent, he became an educator himself. When he did began looking into the job. enter the working world, his jobs were “My goal was to be principal, not centered around teaching and learning. superintendent,” Waddell said. “But “My original goal was to be a college I did begin applying and got my first history teacher,” Waddell said. “I loved superintendency and did that for 20 great history, reading, learning. There were years.”

STORY CARA C RO C K ER

Waddell achieved his goal in 2011, becoming LISD superintendent after nine years at the same position in Birdville ISD. Waddell said that the experience of four years at LISD has been satisfactory, mainly due to the kids and the staff. Waddell said he enjoyed his time when he visited Marcus.

These times include experiences ranging from Marcus winning their second regional basketball championship to students taking selfies with him.

“All of my experiences at Marcus have been like that, friendly and dedicated staff and some of the most wonderful students to be found anywhere,” Waddell said. “I have so many great memories of the kids.”

With the potential upcoming years of free time for Waddell, he has his own plans for his retirement life.

“I want to enjoy more free time to spend with my family, including my wife, children and grandchildren,” Waddell said. “I look forward to more time devoted to some of my interests.”

Former school principal fills in as superintendent STORY CA R A CR O CK E R

PHOTO S UB MI TTED

Dr. Kevin Rogers was named the interim superintendent for LISD. He was the school’s principal from 2000-2008.

Former school principal Dr. Kevin Rogers has been named the interim DESIGN VICTORIA P RI C E

superintendent while the district looks for Dr. Stephen Waddell’s successor.

“I am honored to have been named the interim superintendent by our Board of Trustees,” Rogers said. “My ultimate goal, no matter what happens, is to serve the students and staff of LISD.” Rogers first started teaching as a middle school science teacher and coach at Milliken Middle School. He joined LISD in 1986.

He worked at MHS in the mid-1990s as an assistant principal and was promoted to principal from 2000-2008. Rogers then became the executive director of secondary schools and assistant superintendent of secondary schools for LISD-East.

While he is the interim, Rogers hopes to

keep strategic design as a large foundation of LISD’s curriculum. He also wants to make advancements to the English as a second language program.

Rogers got his bachelor’s and doctorate degree from the University of North Texas.

He has served as an adjunct professor for UNT and for the past four years as Chief Operations Officer in LISD. Although he has been away from the school for awhile, Dr. Rogers said he still remembers the many memories of the times he spent at Marcus.

“My favorite memories were working with the great students and staff,” Rogers said. “All I know is that Marcus was, and continues to be, an amazing school due to the people.”

JA N. 23 , 201 5

6 FEATURE

New Year, New Zealand Junior and brother receive trip from Make-A-Wish Foundation STORY RAC H EL RAMI REZ

When most people beat cancer, it can be difficult regaining a sense of normalcy. Typically, they don’t take a trip to New Zealand.

However, when eighth-grader Riley Hall received a Make-A-Wish trip, that’s what he knew would bring closure to his two-year journey with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. On Dec. 4, he and his brother, junior Griffin Hall, and their family embarked on their 13-day adventure to the other side of the globe. Several years earlier, he had declined the offer of a free trip, but one night in July 2013 changed his mind. *** The cold dampness of the bed against his burning skin woke Riley up in the middle of the night.

He peeled himself off the bed and checked the fan again, making sure it had not turned off while he Griffin was sleeping. Shaking himself awake, he glanced at the sweat-soaked sheets. That was the third time this week.

It’s summer.

The room must be hot.

There’s no need to jump to conclusions.

But it seemed that his bedroom seemed to grow hotter more and more frequently. In the back of his mind, memories of similar night sweats taunted him. He refused to believe it, but when he went to the doctor, his worst fear was confirmed.

His cancer had returned.

“The first time I actually cried during that entire experience was when I got diagnosed again,” Riley said. *** The Hall family’s first encounter with cancer began when Riley was

hospitalized during Thanksgiving of 2011 due to appendicitis.

Doctors discovered the initial tumor on his neck in January of 2012 after he had experienced some blood complications with the appendicitis. Riley was officially diagnosed for the first time on Valentine’s Day in 2012. The cancer required Riley to frequently visit the hospital for intense treatment. Regular chemotherapy and radiation kept him out of the home for long periods of time. Test after test, treatment after treatment, all left his body littered with scars. His parents were always by his side during each treatment. This often left Griffin alone at the house, concerned for his younger brother.

“There would be times where I wouldn’t see Riley for a month and the thought of just being separated from him for that long really hit me Hall, 11 hard because he’s my brother,” Griffin said. “I’m extremely close to him in every single way.”

Riley’s diagnosis changed every part of his life. As his hair started falling out and his treatments started taking a toll on him, his relationships with his peers began to change. His friends acted much more delicate around him, which was a bit out of character for a group of seventh grade boys. But when he made it home at the end of the day, he could always count on Griffin to be ready to roughhouse and wrestle to create a sense of normalcy.

“It was very helpful because I would go to school and everybody was like ‘Oh, that’s the kid who has cancer, we have to treat him differently,’ and I’d get home and my brother would already have his fist ready to hit me, all ready to take me down on the ground and just start messing with me,” Riley said. “It was really nice.”

After the second go-round, Riley decided we need to get over this as a family.

Griffin, Kahu Tataurangi, Riley and Talia Tataurangi gather near the Remarkable Mts.

Riley, Kahu and Griffin enjoy a New Zealand sunset in Queenstown.

PHOTOS SU BM I T T E D

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DESIGN R IL EY MC C L U R E

FEATURE

7

But just because Griffin attempted to keep their relationship who had moved to New Zealand seven years ago. With playful in the midst of their trial didn’t mean he was Riley going into remission a second time in July 2014, Auckland unaware of the circumstances. the family wanted to make an effort to return to a normal While Riley had to spend an extended period of life. An opportunity to see the Tataurangi family again and time at the hospital, Griffin and his parents stocked up explore the island country together would be an excellent on trinkets and toys to present to him each day of his opportunity to kickstart this new chapter of their lives. stay. His room was filled with a Despicable Me minion, “We were really good friends, so when they moved away, board games and even a Nerf gun that was eventually used we were devastated,” Griffin said to battle the hospital staff.

Make-A-Wish is known to gift their recipients “I definitely must say that my brother and I did not get with special privileges and behind-the-scenes along very well before the cancer, but after the treatment access that are not always available and everything, we bonded a lot more to the point where to the public. In addition to the we’ve realized that life gets shorter and we’re all we’ve got,” opportunities from the Make-AGriffin said.

Wish foundation, the family was able The second diagnosis and round of treatments was a to create unique memories because Phil devastating time for Riley and his family. Enduring stage Tataurangi, their family friend, was also III Hodkins lymphoma again made Riley reconsider a PGA golfer and New Zealand celebrity. his denial of the Make-A-Wish opportunity. As Taupo The family quickly discovered that traveling he watched his family bond together during with Tataurangi in New Zealand was much this trial, he thought it might be beneficial different than in Texas. Everywhere they went, to heal from the trying experience. he was recognized, and they were given five-star “After the second go-round, Riley treatment. Combined with the special privileges from decided we need to get over this as a the Make-A-Wish foundation, the family’s 13-day trip was family,” Griffin said. full of fun and adventure.

As the family considered what they During their stay in Queenstown, Tataurangi took the two boys wanted to do with the wish and on a grocery run. Unbeknownst to Griffin and Riley, however, the where they wanted to go, grocery store was across the street from the airport. Instead of parking in they remembered the front of the grocery store, they found themselves in front of the helicopter boys’ childhood loading zone as Tataurangi turned to them. friends - the “You’re going on a helicopter ride,” Tataurangi said. “I’ll get groceries later.”

Tataurangi The helicopter tour of Queenstown and many other memories like white water family rafting down the Shotover River and paragliding off the Remarkable Mountains helped the family get back to the outdoor activities that they loved. They may have traveled halfway across the world to do it, but the trip seemed to bring their battle with Hodgkin’s to a close.

Queenstown “Before we weren’t really that close and so now, we’re all much closer,” Griffin said. “It’s kind of the end of the journey.”

Kahu, Griffin and Riley take in the moment after they paraglided off the Remarkable Mts.

DESIGN RILE Y MCC LURE

The Halls capture the view of Queenstown, New Zealand.

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Flag phantoms

8 FEATURE

Color guard girls join pro marching band STORY A L E X H E L M

Eric Kennison, 11 COMPILED B RO O K E WY AN T

1. If you could sing one song on The Voice, what would it be?

“Probably ‘Wrecking Ball.’ That’s a quality song right there.”

2. If you could trade lives with someone, who would it be and why?

“Jennifer Lawrence. She’s bae.”

As the band played their final notes and the color guard caught their flags for the last time, cheers erupted throughout the stadium. The stands of the Alamodome were filled from bottom to top with parents, fans and other bands from across the state. The band members were breathing heavily, smiling from ear to ear. They had just finished performing this year’s show, Imperial Treasures, for the last time at the Bands of America State Championship.

Four drum taps sounded across the football field, signaling the band to turn and march out of the stadium to the parking lot. All the members hugged each other, only some able to hold back tears. For the seniors, memories of Grand Nationals 2013, BOA State Championships 2012 and BOA Super Regionals 2011 washed through their minds. The gemstones, snakes, gates and ferris wheels - the main symbols for each of the shows - were finally finished for them.

But for seniors Emily Plumer and Jenny Hollowell, it was just the beginning.

“I didn’t want to stop,” Plumer, the color guard captain, said. “After doing four years of color guard, I wasn’t ready to stop yet. I wanted to keep doing it.”

The girls decided to try out for Phantom Regiment, a professional drum corps.

Drum corps are professional marching

bands that perform all across the world.

The girls traveled to Rockford, Illinois, where the corps is based, to try out on Dec. 5-7. They endured long practices and slept on gym floors, all the while trying to stand out to the color guard instructors.

“It was really intimidating being around girls from all over the world, like the U.K. and Japan,” Hollowell said. “They’re all insanely good.”

Over the weekend, they had to learn a flag, rifle and dance routine. Then four girls at a time performed in front of the instructors. Only 36 girls out of the 150 girls trying out would become part of the color guard.

But by the end of the tryout camp, both girls left Illinois with offers to join Phantom Regiment.

“I felt really thankful [to have gotten a contract],” Hollowell said. “There were over 150 girls all fighting for the same spot, and we already got offered two guaranteed spots, which is crazy.”

Although they are guaranteed spots, they both have to send in videos of themselves practicing flag and rifle techniques to show the corps that they’re dedicated. They cannot reveal the show’s theme either. They will also miss the last three weeks of school to start practicing in Rockford. From then until Aug. 8, Plumer and Hollowell will be traveling with the corps from California to Indiana. After that, they’ll head straight to

3. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you want to play the lead role?

“Jonah Hill. That dude is awesome.

Plus he’s fat, so that works well.”

4. Describe the strangest dream you’ve ever had.

“One time I was getting chased by a bear, and I was trying to run up this hill, and I kept falling, and I lost one of my legs and then he ate me.

And I woke up.”

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Four years of flags

Both seniors Jenny Hollowell and Emily Plumer were in colorguard for all four years of high school.

Freshman: Vanity Fair DESIGN MO L L Y WEBBER

FEATURE

college.

As part of Phantom Regiment, the girls will perform their routine over 50 times next summer, ultimately finishing at the Drum Corps International World Championships in Indianapolis. They’ll sleep on busses and floors, traveling from coast to coast. They’ll also have to fundraise to get the $3,300 it takes to be a part of the corps. Both girls said that they anticipate the obstacles ahead.

“The most challenging part is just adjusting to everything,” Plumer said. “Just being able to adapt to the environment and the conditioning and know that I’m going to be tired all the time.”

The drum corps holds intense practices for several weeks. Members have to be up before dawn and often practice until late at night. They are also in each other’s company all the time for the entire summer.

“For me, it’s [challenging] just being away from my family,” Hollowell said.

“Especially since my whole entire family is going on a cruise to Europe, and I’m going to be stuck in the sun. It’s just going to be difficult being away from all my friends and family for that long.”

Despite the struggles, both girls said that they’re looking forward to the opportunities being in a drum corps will bring them, like participating in the extensive practices where the band learns the show and the music and the color guard learns their flag and rifle routines.

“I’m excited to start the experience all over again and work towards getting to perform almost every single day across the

Sophomore: Gilded Melodies DESIGN MOLLY WEB B ER

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country with all my closest friends,” Plumer said.

Both the girls said that it is the friendships they made the past four years that made them love color guard in high school, and they know that they’ll love drum corps for the same reason.

“My favorite part is being with my closest friends, like Jenny,” Plumer said.

“She’s one of my closest friends in the color guard and being able to experience it all through high school together with her and being able to perform and everything, I think that’s my favorite part. I’m going to miss it a lot.”

PHOTOS WIL L IA M L EG R O NE *** Senior Jenny Hollowell practices her flag routine It’s Nov. 4. The band has just found during fourth period. out that they won yet another state title, completing a decade of dominance. The air is humming with an excited buzz as the eight busses fill with band members returning home in triumph. Uniforms are taken off and put away. Shako hats are closed firmly in their boxes, and chicken biscuits from Whataburger warm the members’ hands.

Plumer and Hollowell chat with their friends on the color guard bus. They hang their magenta dresses in their bags and settle down in their seats, ready for the drive back home. Their last show as part of the high school color guard is over. But they know that that there is still more to come.

“I’m most excited for creating a new family,” Hollowell said. “At Phantom, that’s the biggest thing. It’s supposed to be one big family. I’m excited to meet all these new Senior color guard captain Emily Plumer works on a people.” dance routine during her color guard class.

Junior: Charmed

Senior: Imperial Treasures JA N. 23 , 201 5

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FEATURE

Executive cheesesteaks

Junior meets President Bush twice at local restaurant job STORY AUS TI N RI C K ERS O N

Junior Calla Hamlin put on her black visor and yellow shirt as she prepared to go to work, just as she always did. But as she got in her car and cranked the engine, something was different.

She was nervous. Today she wouldn’t just be taking orders, or just assembling Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Or just making fresh-cut French fries from the metal bin of raw potatoes behind the front counter.

Today she would be doing all of those things for the former President of the United States.

When Hamlin was interviewing for her job at Penn Station East Coast Subs in Flower Mound over the summer, the hiring manager told her that President George Bush was an investor in the Penn Station franchise. According to Hamlin, when a former spokesman from Bush’s time in the White House decided to bring the first Penn Station franchise to Texas, Bush became a co-owner.

But Hamlin hadn’t thought too much of it at the time. She was just focused on landing her first job. She had some free time from school and JV soccer and wanted to make some extra money. She hoped to mature through her job, just as her older brother had done when he was her age.

“You really have to learn how to treat people because sometimes you’ll get a really rude customer,” Hamlin said. “You still have to put a smile on your face and be nice to them.”

After all, she would likely never actually see Bush. As a well-known public figure, he likely wouldn’t be involved in the everyday operations of the fast food chain. Her boss’s MHSMARQUE E.COM

comment during her interview was perhaps just a ploy to get her to take the job.

But after five months of working at Penn Station, her chance finally came. Her boss invited her to a special event at the store’s Southlake location, where Bush was scheduled to make an appearance later in the day. Hamlin went to school for first and second period, then left for work. As she walked out to her car, the nerves began to mount.

“I told my friends, ‘Hey, I’m going to go meet George Bush and you have to sit through pre-cal,’” Hamlin said.

She drove to Southlake, one of the three Penn Station locations in Texas. Bush was going to be meeting with some local officials and was answering questions from a high school honor society in the area. As Hamlin walked in the front door, she was met with the aroma of hot sandwiches on the grill. She was immediately engulfed in a sea of customers, all dressed in their best attire. She could barely make her way behind the counter as she squeezed through the crowd of people standing shoulder-toshoulder in the restaurant.

Once on the clock, she took hundreds of

Junior Calla Hamlin meets President Bush at Penn Station in Southlake. Hamlin has also met him at the store’s Flower Mound location, her place of work.

DESIGN JA IME HA R D ISO N

FEATURE

orders from the President’s guests. Every now and then she would catch a glimpse of Bush or overhear him talking to some students or businessmen. Eventually, a swarm of men in black suits made their way toward the cash register. The Secret Service. It wasn’t until Bush was standing right across the counter from Hamlin that her nerves reached a climax.

Any miscue on the cash register or in the sandwich assembly line could send out a bad meal to the former Commander-inChief.

If there was ever a customer to impress, this was him.

“You’re just in awe,” Hamlin said.

“There’s just so much respect for him.

You’re speechless honestly.”

Hamlin’s fingers pressed nervously on the cash register as Bush ordered an eightinch Philly cheesesteak with mayonnaise, onions and banana peppers, a medium lemonade and a small French fry. She had taken hundreds of orders in her five months on the job, but this was one she would never forget.

“It’s so unreal,” Hamlin said. “It’s like, ‘You’re a real person? You have to eat food, too? You’re kidding.’”

After her brief encounter with the President, Hamlin and her coworkers prepared food for him and the other guests. Hamlin’s coworker, Flower Mound sophomore Sam Lawrence, wrapped the

Provolone Cheese

sandwich and took it out to him. Above all, she said she was surprised by how laid-back he was.

“He’s really friendly,” Lawrence said.

“He’s really appreciative. He called all of us by name.”

You’re just in awe. There’s just so much respect for him.

You’re speechless honestly.

Calla Hamlin, 11

Afterwards, Hamlin and the other employees tried to look busy, cleaning a speck here or washing a dish there. But really all they could focus on was listening to the conversations between Bush and the other people there. When the President was in the building, work was forgotten and all the attention was on him.

“I don’t care what you say about the President, if you don’t like him or whatever,” Hamlin said. “When you see

11

him in person, you’re just like, ‘Oh my God. It’s the President!’”

Although they weren’t allowed to take pictures with Bush, there was a professional photographer there to capture the moment.

And it wasn’t the last of him that Hamlin and Lawrence would see either. They would meet him for a second time, this time at the Flower Mound location on 2499.

Hamlin was able to capture a selfie with the President and prepare his chicken salad sandwich, as well as those of the Secret Service. She was even able to have a brief conversation with him about his presidency and get a hug. Lawrence snapped a selfie with Bush too, posting it on Twitter and receiving around 500 favorites and 60 retweets.

“I was nervous of what to do, but he’s just an average man,” Lawrence said. “He’s cool.”

Looking back, Hamlin still regards the experience as one of the best in her life.

Although she hasn’t added the meeting to her resume yet, it is certainly a good conversation-starter. After taking his order, making his food, having a conversation, taking a picture and embracing in a hug with the former leader of the nation, Hamlin said she was inspired by Bush pursue the goals she has in her own life.

“It’s so humbling to see someone who has accomplished so much,” Hamlin said.

“It makes you want to go out and be President one day.”

wich

tial sand The perfect presiden

Onions

Steak DESIGN J AIME HARD I S O N

Mayo

Banana Peppers

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12 F E A T U R E

Game changer Senior benched due to knee injury, looks forward to playing college soccer STORY A L E X H E L M

Senior Ally Salls sat on the bench on Salls has to wear a knee brace, and once Yet she still does her best to be a part the side of the soccer field, watching healed, she’ll go to physical therapy three of the team by building the relationships her teammates practice. The girls were times a week. Although she tries hard to around her. She said that the girls on the scrimmaging, yelling across the pitch to stay positive, sometimes it’s difficult to team are some of her closest friends. one another. One of the forwards shot the watch the team practice and play while “I just keep myself motivated by the ball, and the goalie dove to make the save. she sits on the bench, especially since she people around me,” Salls said. “Just looking Salls looked down at her knee, wrapped in a looked forward to playing as a senior. The forward to my future and knowing that my brace, and thought to herself future is the reason I am how she wished it could be where I am today and that’s her on the field playing. what I need to push for.”

But she can’t.

Plus, she said she plans In November, Salls tore to focus harder on the her patellar tendon, which unofficial job she’s had extends down muscles in the since sophomore yearthigh to attach the kneecap getting the team pumped to the bones in the shin. She up before games. had knee surgery soon after, “I’m in charge of the leaving her unable to play boom box this year, so I until March. After twelve choose the music for the years of soccer, her fourth bus rides and I’m going and final year as a senior to make our warm-up CD varsity goalkeeper ended this year,” Salls said. “I before it ever started. keep the bench motivated *** and encourage our team to Scroll down Salls’s do the best we can.”

Instagram, and pictures of Even if she’s on the her and her teammates out bench, her team knows on the soccer field fill the that she’ll be the loudest screen. She started playing Salls looks on from the sidelines while her teammates train. She will play soccer next year at the player on the field. Senior when she was just 5 years University of Central Oklahoma, located outside of Oklahoma City.

Dani Murphy, the only old, and by the time she was a freshman, past three years, the varsity team has made other senior who was also on varsity as a she had already made the varsity team. Over it to the regional finals, and last year they freshman, said being on varsity for four the years, she was always the one keeping made it to the area finals. To Salls, one of years was an absolute blessing. She said that the team pumped up during games. But the most difficult parts of sitting out is she and Salls especially grew close over their this year, she would be doing that from the the fact that if the team makes it this time, time playing together. sidelines. she’ll miss out on playing in her senior-year “Salls has such a loving and goofy “I get to my senior year, and I wish I playoff games. personality so it’s been so much fun could enjoy it... instead of just having to sit “I guess [the toughest part is] realizing spending the past four years together,” and watch,” Salls said. “That’s something I that I could be the one out there playing,” Murphy said. “We’ve been through a ton wish I could fix.”

Salls said. since freshman year and I’m thankful to M HS MARQUE E.COM

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FEATURE

have walked through everything with her.”

Besides being the team’s biggest supporter, Salls also focuses on what’s in her very near future. In June, Salls verbally committed to play for the University of Central Oklahoma. Once she’s able to play again, she said she is going to have to train extra hard to prepare for the challenges of college soccer.

“The girls are going to be even bigger and stronger than [they are in] high school,” Salls said. “Fitness is going to go way up, which is why I need to get my fitness level up when I come back from my injury.”

But Salls said she is ready to be part of the UCO team. Ever since she was little, she dreamed of becoming a college athlete.

After attending the camps, she said she is excited to start playing for a college team.

“I love the coaches,” Salls said. “They’re all supportive and they make it fun. I’ve always wanted to become friends with [the players] and get to know them better.”

Even though she won’t play in her last year of high school, Salls said that her future in college helps to keep her motivated. As she sits on the bench, watching her friends play, she reminds herself that she can only get better from here. To her, improving for the future is the goal now.

“I realize that there is a purpose. There is a reason I’m sitting out,” Salls said. “And that’s just to get better and make myself healthy for my future and for college.”

13

The patellar tendon attaches the bottom of the kneecap to the top of the tibia, also called the shinbone. A tear in the patellar tendon is most common in people who play running or jumping sports. The patellar does not heal well on its own and can lead to difficulty with routine activites, like walking, if not treated within a few weeks. Complete recovery to resume sports usually takes 4-6 weeks.

PHOTOS W ILLIAM LEG RO N E

Salls won’t be able to play until March due to a torn patellar tendon in her knee. She is a goalkeeper and has been on varsity all four years.

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JA N. 23 , 201 5

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ENTERTAINMENT

According to a study by the University of Leiden, the term homogeneity is used to describe populations that exhibit identical behavior or display similar characteristics. Whether it’s the same gender, age, religion, socioeconomic status or race, people tend to like and feel more comfortable around people that are like them. This can lead to a- divide amongst people and create tension, as seen in recent racial protests and outcry. When a lack of diversity exists in an area, such as at the school, a lack of information about other races can persist and lead to ignorance, such as through racial slurs and jokes. The Marquee investigated racial tension in the school and across the nation.

Student opinion on racial tension COMPILED ALEX H ELM

Do you think there is a race problem at Marcus? Do you think it’s okay to use racial slurs in a joking manner?

45% YES

55% NO

41% YES

59% NO

Do you think there is a race problem in America?Have you ever used racial slurs, even in a joking manner?

75% YES

Have you ever experienced racism?

81% YES

25% NO 19% NO

63% YES *Polled out of 300 students*

37% NO

15

16 I N - D E P T H

Racial tension in the news 1 2 3 4 STORY J A CO B F O N T A I N E

1

July 17, 2014-

African-American male Eric Garner died after white NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo put his arms around Garner’s neck during an altercation following the attempted arrest of Garner for illegally selling cigarettes on the street. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital one hour later.

Medical examiners concluded that Garner was killed by “compression of the neck.” However, no evidence showed that the death was intentional. In December, a grand jury decided not to indict Pantaleo for the death of Garner.

3

Nov. 25, 2014- Since the court rulings in

the cases of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, numerous groups have protested for racial equality around Dallas. On Nov. 25, dozens of protesters gathered on Interstate 35E on the western edge of downtown Dallas, where they blocked traffic and shut down the highway for nearly two hours while surrounded by police. Protesters also gathered at the Dallas Police Department’s headquarters, chanting things like, “Hey hey, ho ho, these racist cops have got to go.”

Though multiple arrests took place for charges such as blocking the highway, there have been no reports of violence or injuries to demonstrators or police officers.

MHS MARQUE E.COM

2

Aug. 9, 2014-

African-American male Michael Brown was shot by white police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Unarmed at the time of the shooting, Brown was stopped

by Officer Wilson for walking in the middle of the street after an alleged robbery of a convenience store happened earlier that day. Wilson’s motives are still debated, but after going in front of a grand jury, consisting of three African-American members and nine white members, he was not indicted for Brown’s death. Following the grand jury’s decision, protesting and looting erupted in Ferguson. The circumstances would trigger the debate of law enforcement’s relationship with African-Americans and bring racial issues to the forefront of the media.

4

Dec. 20, 2014-

Two New York City police officers, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, were shot at point-blank range and killed in their vehicle. The shooter, African-American male Ismaaiyl Brinsley, had traveled from Baltimore after posting statements on social media suggesting that he planned to kill police officers due to his anger about the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases.

Detectives found the officers were shot in the head before reaching their weapons and that Brinsley committed suicide with the same gun in the subway shortly after. At their funeral, hundreds of officers turned their backs when New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke due to his support of the civil protests following the death of Eric Garner.

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17

Colors in a crayon box COLUMN ALY S S A S C H MI D T

Toys litter the floor of my brother’s living room. Three babies crawl and toddle around. Hannah, the oldest, giggles as she hands the toy to her brother, Harrison, who’s barely a year old. His twin sister, Hayden, screeches with joy. Right now, they’re learning what colors are.

These are my nieces and nephew. But they don’t look just like me. Hannah, Hayden and Harrison are mixed.

Half white. Half black.

Right now, I can watch their innocence and know that they are safe from judgment.

But as I see the headlines on the news, I grow concerned that life won’t always be this easy for them.

New stories surface every day of racial

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profiling. From Michael Brown in Ferguson to Tamir Rice in Cleveland and Trayvon Martin in Florida. All black teenagers killed by white men with the controversy of racial profiling.

As Harrison plays with toys and learns his colors, he doesn’t even know that those prejudices could be applied to him.

My family has our own fears. We’re afraid that my nephew won’t be able to walk around wearing a hoodie without being looked at as a thug. We wonder if he could be killed just by being in a mostly white neighborhood at too late an hour.

But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that these racial prejudices are taught.

Children go through their early years seeing the differences in skin color without seeing them negatively.

For instance, my best friend, Kristen, works at Montessori Episcopal Preschool where she works in after school care. She takes care of children of all races - Hispanic, Asian, black, white and Indian. She often tells me of their carefree attitudes towards the color of each other’s skin.

One day, the children decided to draw portraits of each other. They gathered their crayons and blank computer paper and began to draw. A face: eyes, ears, nose and a

mouth. A body: legs, arms, hands and feet.

Clothes and shoes followed. Everything flowed naturally for them, until they had to fill in the skin color. They looked each other up and down and meticulously picked their crayons. They discussed which colors would work best for each person without any malice behind it.

At that age, they don’t understand that the color of their skin could mean the difference between getting a job or not. The difference between getting into college or not. The difference between life or death.

And that makes me wonder at what stage in life do they begin to see those differences?

Why do we teach them to see it negatively in the first place?

And right now, in suburban Georgia, as Hannah, Hayden and Harrison learn their colors, they’re safe from knowing those prejudices exist. But I hope by the time they’re deciphering the differences they won’t see them as a negative. I hope that we all teach our kids that our skin is nothing more than a color out of a crayon box.

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18 I N - D E P T H

Love isn’t black and white

Interracial couple defies stigma, advocates for racial equality STORY ALEX H ELM

Junior Gabbi Morris was speechless. A girl had just told her that she shouldn’t be dating her boyfriend, junior Bryce Osborne.

But her reason why was what made Morris cringe.

“I had an African-American girl come to me and get mad at me because I was dating a mixed guy,” Morris said. “They say that I’m taking that away from them.”

Morris is white. Osborne’s late mother was black and his father is white.

And sometimes people give the two a hard time about dating. *** The two first became friends when Osborne came over to Morris’s apartment to help her with her chemistry homework. They grew closer over the next few months and eventually started dating.

A year and three months later, far longer than most high school relationships, Morris and Osborne are still dating. But the two are a little bit different than most other couples at the school. They’re an interracial couple.

While some people, usually older men, stare at them when they go out on dates, Morris

M HSMARQUE E.COM

and Osborne don’t see each other differently at all. Osborne grew up in Chicago where he said that many people are more accepting of interracial relationships.

“Being down here is the first time I’ve ever had to deal with some people being uneasy about it,” Osborne said. “It’s pretty different, and sometimes I don’t know how to react to it. But I’m not saying it’s bad. It’s just different.”

The people of the same race as you think that you’re going against them if you date someone who is not the same race as what you are.

Bryce Osborne, 11 Morris, on the other hand, grew up in a southern Baptist family.

She knew that when she started dating Osborne her family might judge their relationship. Morris’s parents are divorced, and while it took her dad some time to accept it, her mom and grandmother were okay with the two dating. “[My mom is] very Democratic, very liberal, and she’s always been super accepting of anyone of any color, of any religion,” Morris said. “I think her being so Democratic helped me to stay away from the super racist kinds of things.”

The girl who told Morris she shouldn’t be dating Osborne is one of the instances

that comes to mind as racist. Osborne said that people even treat dating someone from a different race as a sort of betrayal. “[Sometimes] the people of the same race as you think that you’re going against them if you date someone who is not the same race as what you are,” Osborne said.

Some people think that Morris could do better than Osborne simply because he’s biracial. They judge her for her who she is dating based on his appearance, not on his personality.

“I think one of the things for me is that I do get judged personally as a white girl dating a black guy,” Morris said. “They think I have low standards.”

But Morris said that that’s not true at all. The way she sees it, she’s worth no less than Osborne, or vice versa.

“I would approach those people who would question Bryce and [say that] God says in the Bible that everyone is created equally,” Morris said. “That’s just what everyone should live by. He’s no more or less and his sins are no more or less than mine or yours.”

Osborne said that he learned a lot from his parents. His mother, who was black, was the most polite and well-mannered person he knew. He knows that often people will look at an African-American boy as if they’re troublemakers, but he said his parents made sure he and his siblings were raised to be the best people they could be despite the stereotypes set against them.

“There’s some [black] people out there that I shake my head at because of the way they act,” Osborne said. “I never acted that way. I don’t even know what it’s like, so

DESIGN A NNA KA TE HU TTO N

IN-DEPTH

that’s why me and Gabbi have gotten along from the get-go. It’s pretty much the same thing, just different color.”

Both said they feel like their relationship is stronger because they’ve managed to defy the stigma that sometimes comes with being an interracial couple. They use people’s negativity as a motivator to prove them wrong.

“They might have a problem with it at first but they’re just going to have to learn.

They’re going to have to get over it because it’s going to happen,” Osborne said. “It’s not just us that are dating.”

Morris said she thinks it’s sad that some people have to go through a learning phase to be able to accept things like her and Osborne’s relationship. But she said she feels that interracial couples have come a long way from 20 or 30 years ago. In fact,

LISD racial demographics: 3.5% Other

19

all of their friends think that the two are a great couple.

“He comes to my lacrosse games and everyone’s so jealous and says, ‘Aww, y’all are so cute,’” Morris said.

“I go to his golf tournaments and the guys he’s playing with say, ‘Dude, she’s a keeper,’ because I always bring a cooler [for him].”

To them, being black or white doesn’t really matter. Sure, some people will judge them. But they know that they just have to make people see that they aren’t so different from a couple of the same race.

“That’s kind of always been our little motivator, to prove people wrong,” Morris said. “We always say that all the time. We’re going to prove PHOTO W I L L I A M L E G R O N E these people wrong.”

Juniors Bryce Osborne and Gabbi Morris have been dating

MHS racial demographics:

for over a year and three months. They support each other by going to each other’s lacrosse and golf tournaments.

2.58% Other 3.94% Black 4.34% Asian

9.4% Black

10.7% Hispanic

11.7% Asian

27.5% Hispanic

47.9% White

DESIGN ANNA K ATE H UTTO N

78.5% White

JA N. 23 , 201 5

20 S P O R T S

PHOTO SU BMITTED

The Corkran family take a family portrait. From left to right, father Tery, Jared, sister Amanda Miguez Miller, mother Scherrie, and sister Kimberly.

WRESTLING IN REMEMBRANCE Annual award to be given in honor of deceased teammate STORY RAC H EL RAMI REZ

Every March, the school’s wrestling team sits down to have their end of season banquet. Among the awards being presented, members also vote for one senior wrestler to receive the Jared Corkran Teammate Award. The award is presented in memory of the teammate that they lost two years ago in an ATV accident. The recipient gets his name etched into a plaque in the school’s trophy case. According to his coaches, Corkran was someone who worked hard and a teammate who could always be counted on, so the award goes to the person who exhibits those traits the most.

“Jared was a good teammate, a good workout partner, and he definitely enjoyed the activity,” wrestling coach Michael Prado said.

M HS MARQUE E.COM

“Never got into any trouble, he was a good kid.”

Grappling sports like wrestling had always been a part of Corkran’s life. Since he was just 3 years old, Corkran was trained in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu under his father, Tery at North Texas Mixed Martial Arts. According to Tery, learning both Jui-Jisu and later boxing contributed to Jared’s charismatic personality.

“I think it had a big part of his self-confidence that he trained,” Tery said. *** The sweat hadn’t even dried on the mats. Sophomore Lucas Lovell had just finished his last match of the day and was joking with the rest of the wrestling team who had gathered around their coach. Lovell wiped his face with a towel and turned his attention DESIGN A BBY SC HL IC TER

SPORTS

21

to Prado as he broke the news that Jared had died.

This realization of the frailty of life has impacted him “Jared?” Lovell thought. throughout his high school career. Memories of heedless fun when Then it came flooding back. The one teammate that wasn’t at they were younger came flooding back, and Cornell found himself the meet. The one teammate who had left for his Arkansas ranch recognizing how easily he could have found himself in a similar that weekend. The one who it now seemed had been in a fatal ATV situation. He said he is grateful he was on good terms with his accident. Jared Corkran. Suddenly, his performance on the mat childhood friend. faded from his mind. The whole team went silent.

“Don’t take anybody for granted,” Cornell said. “Always be nice “Everybody was just freaked out that and make sure the last thing you say to somebody we were wrestling with died,” them that day or whenever is not a mean Lovell said. “He just won a varsity spot, thing.” so it was kind of weird thinking about Since his death, the wrestling team has it.” made an effort to make sure that Jared’s Lovell and Jared had grown up in the memory is never forgotten. Throughout same neighborhood. Twelve-year-old the year, a sponsorship from the North Jared had dreams of getting his master’s Texas Mixed Martial Arts on Corkran’s degree and becoming a video game behalf is displayed on the wall in the designer. He also wanted to take over his Silver Gym. It remains there as a reminder father’s business. According to Tery, Jared of the hard working wrestler that Corkran was a truly nice kid. He never got angry was. at others, and always aimed to make peace Although wrestling is a primarily Michael Prado, Wrestling rather than argue. He wasn’t one to make individual sport, after Corkran’s passing, enemies and was loved by many. the team bonded together to support each “I never could ask God for a better son than Jared,” Tery said. other and the Corkran family.

Once Lovell received the news about Corkran, he immediately “We always try to keep Jared in our memories and it brought our called another neighbor of theirs, Steven Cornell, who had also team together at that time to help his family,” Prado said. grown up with them. Cornell experienced the same shock and Corkran would have been a senior this year. Despite the time disbelief Lovell did, initially thinking Lovell was joking. As the that has elapsed since he passed away, the blur of emotions the conversation continued, however, it quickly became clear that this team experienced has deeply impacted the remainder of their time was no joke. in high school.

“I never thought it would happen to anybody around me because “Our heart always goes out to his family and his friends,” Prado I haven’t really had anyone close to me die,” Cornell said. said. “We all lose something when we lose somebody.”

We always try to keep Jared in our memories, and it brought our team together at that time to help his family.

Remembering Jared Corkran After Jared Corkran passed away on Nov. 17, 2012, his father, Tery, created a website in his memory. Pictures, articles, old school projects, and much more can be found on the website.

Scan this QR-code to view Jared’s memorial website.

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22 E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Year in preview

20

COMPILED DARCI W ALTO N

The streets of New York are now clear of the colorful confetti and trampled New Year’s Eve gear that was sold on every street corner that night. The Ball now sits at the bottom of the pole it travels down once a year. The year 2014 has come to an end and leaves a brand new mysterious set of 365 days in its place. Though no one knows exactly what will happen this year, The Marquee found some entertainment events you can look forward to in 2015.

-Ludacris’ new album, Ludaversal, will be stocked on shelves starting at the end of the month.

-Aside from album releases, another event to look forward to is Taylor Swift’s much anticipated world tour for her latest album, 1989. The tour will kick off in March overseas, but Swift will perform at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 17.

-For the scary movie lovers, the newest Paranormal Activity -The Ghost Dimension, will frighten viewers beginning Friday the 13th.

-The second installment of the Divergent series, called Insurgent, hits theaters Mar. 20.

March

February

-For the all-American sports-lover, the Super Bowl will take place between the Seahawks and the Patriots on Feb. 1 to see which football team reigns supreme.

-For the indie-rock fans, Imagine Dragons will have their second studio album, Smoke and Mirrors, hit stores Feb. 17.

MHS MARQUE E.COM

April

Duke William and Duchess Kate’s second royal baby, which is rumored to be a girl, will be born.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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15

The first day of the month and the 15th will be sure to please fan bases with the respective releases of Avengers: Age of Ultron and Pitch Perfect 2.

The ten-year wait for the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, will be over, and fans clad in dark robes, Stormtrooper costumes and equipped with lightsabers can finally head back to the movie theater on Dec. 10.

The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials will be sure to answer some questions that rose after the cliffhanger ending of the first movie on Sept. 18.

September December

May

June

November

The fourth and final movie of The Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay: Part 2, will premiere in theaters on Nov. 20.

-June is the month that all seniors will finally receive the cure to senioritis, walking across the stage on June 6 with diploma in hand.

-Insidious: Chapter 3 will incite screams. For a more lighthearted flick, be sure to catch Pixar’s newest creation, Inside Out, which brings us into the mind of an 11-year old through the use of creatures that each represent a different emotion. It will debut on June 19.

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24 E N T E R T A I N M E N T

How well do you know Mr. Shafferman?

COMPILED A L Y SSA SCH M I D T

1. Where did he go to college?

A. Yale B. University of Texas C. University of North Texas

D. Harvard E. Texas Tech University

4. What is his favorite food?

A. Belgian Waffle B. Kung Pao chicken C. Fruit Loops

D. Boiled shrimp E. Hawaiian pizza

2. What brand of motorcycle does he 5. What is his middle name? drive?

A. Kawasaki B. Ducati C. Indian

A. Carlyle B. Charles C. Cornelius

D. Yamaha E. Harley-Davidson

3. What other job did he have before working in education?

A. Cattle rancher B. Police officer C. Used car salesman

D. Environmental lawyer E. Bounty hunter

D. Chad E. Chuck

6. Where is he from?

A. White Settlement, TX B. Fairview, IL C. Kansas City, KS

D. Prairie View, TX E. Fairmont, WV

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS B RO O K E WY AN T & AV ERI C O L L E N

1 or 2 correct:

You and Mr. Shafferman are mere acquaintances. You’ve probably bumped into him once or twice in the hallway, but you’ve never really had a good chat.

Use the facts that you’ve learned here to break the ice and take your friendship to the next level.

3 or 4 correct:

You and Shafferman have broken the ice. You are now at homie level. Not quite at first name basis yet, but you’re getting there. Keep flexing your friendship muscles and maybe you can graduate to the next level.

5 or 6 correct:

Wow, you really flexed your friendship muscles, and now you and Mr. Shafferman are best friends for life, BFFLs. You’re most definitely on first name basis, and even after you leave the school, you’ll still keep in touch.

Answer key: 1. C 2.E 3. B 4. D 5. A 6. E M HS MARQUE E.COM

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A blue Valentine’s Day STORY J A I M E H A R D I SO N

Twitter and Instagram are filled with pictures of chocolate boxes, flowers and giant teddy bears. Reservations are made at restaurants, and girls stare lovingly at their phones receiving sweet texts from their significant others.

And then there are the single people.

The people without a boy or girl to hold dear. The people that see the sympathetic looks that others shoot at them, wondering how they are surviving the day without endless compliments, while watching others bask in the admiration. If you are one of these singles, looking for something to do on the day of love and affection, have no fear. The romantic 24 hours will pass quickly and easily with some of these simple solo activities.

No flex zone

Perhaps, instead of moping, you could get a jump start on all of the couples holding hands across the table while politely shoving breadsticks or burgers into their mouths. Head to the gym. Spend time on the treadmill and run away from insecurities. Lift weights while telling yourself why you don’t need a boyfriend

or a girlfriend. Take a yoga class to find the inner peace that seems to have been lost after venturing the school halls full of kissing teenagers and pink balloons. The gym is also a great place to be because it won’t be crowded whatsoever. While others are gaining five pounds in pasta or pizza, you’ll be losing five on the machine of your choice.

H2O

Dinner and a movie

POP CORN

Watching a movie doesn’t have to be a partner activity. If you’re alone, you can have just as much fun. Pop in a favorite film, and lounge on the couch. You can save tons of energy by staying indoors, instead of chancing the crowds eager to view the latest sappy rom-com at the theater. The best part is, you don’t have to waste time arguing over which movie to see. Without a significant other, the choice is entirely yours. On top of that, a Netflix film or your favorite DVD costs close to nothing. And don’t think you’re missing out by

passing on the romantic dinner scene with fancy menus, dim lighting and large bills. Opt to order a pizza. Don’t worry about bad breath because there is no smooching in the near future. You can order as many onions and garlic sauce as you desire atop the cheesy meal. Make popcorn or a chocolate cake. And forget table manners. No one is watching, so the “I’m-so-cool-and-polite” demeanor can be tossed away for the time being. Without a date, you’ll get off much cheaper and will have the whole night’s activities under your control.

Galentine’s or Palentine’s celebration Luckily for you, there are singles everywhere. Grab a few single friends, and they can provide great company on Feb. 14.

Sending them a text and making plans with them is always a healthy alternative to an expensive date. With friends there is no pressure to dress nice or freshen your breath to perfection. Let your hair run wild and allow your clothes to be wrinkled. ShowerDESIGN AND GRAPHICS TARY N WELC H

ing is not mandatory either, since you aren’t trying to impress.The options of activities with friends is endless. Places like Top Golf, the mall or just each other’s houses can provide amazing alternatives to sitting home alone and thinking wistfully about date possibilities that didn’t happen. Spend time with friends until the clock strikes 12, signifying the end of a romance-ridden day.

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26 E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Swole Pickings STORY J A CO B F O N T A I N E

In recent years, gyms have appeared around the Highland Village and Flower Mound area, booming every January as people try to live out their New Year’s resolutions. Regardless of if it’s a resolution that lasts an entire lifetime or just a few weeks, The Marquee explored four local gyms that can be a good start to any workout regimen.

UFC GYM: The newest fitness addition in Flower Mound, UFC Gym provides a unique workout environment for its members. Punching bags fill half of the two-room complex located off of Dixon Lane and 2499. It offers a full range of group fitness classes that aim to mix martial arts and a normal workout. A small amount of basic machines are available, and are constantly in use.

The boxing fitness classes are UFC’s main attraction,

as they often provide faster results than basic machine use. The employees are usually friendly and cooperative, engaging in one-on-one discussions about individual progress.

Though few amenities are provided, the individualized fitness approach makes up for it. Membership costs $124 to $149 monthly with no initiation fee, but many discounted plans are available.

Although the cost is the greatest, UFC offers a unique approach to the typical workout that causes quicker results in many of its customers. This gym would be ideal for anyone who seeks different ways to achieve their goals other than simple free standing weights and cardio.

LA FITNESS: This gym at 2499 and 407 provides exercise machines and equipment that cover all the muscle groups, as well as many cardio machines on the upper level, such as bikes and treadmills. A lap pool and basketball court are also available for use. In addition, LA hosts group fitness classes, including yoga, kickbox cardio, mat pilates and cycling, all of which come without extra

charge. The building is open so air is always flowing which prevents the large one room gym from smelling or growing humid.

Though it is a medium size gym, LA Fitness rarely requires a wait at the machine during busy nights. A weight scale is available, as well as computers, to track workout progress. With a $99 initiation fee and a $29.95 monthly fee, the gym provides exceptional services for its price. This gym is ideal for anyone new to the fitness world looking to learn the basics but also caters to those accustomed to the gym atmosphere.

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Most Expensive

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Excellent

LIFETIME FITNESS: Lifetime Fitness is the largest of the gyms and provides many amenities. With an entire upper floor dedicated to cardio and weightlifting, there are always numerous open machines, and the facilities are spotless. A full-sized lap pool, indoor pool with water slides and two full basketball courts are all available for use.

In addition, during the summer, Lifetime offers an outdoor water complex complete with water slides. A few activities that are

included in the membership fee consist of swimming lessons, weight loss programs, yoga and pilates classes, organized runs and outdoor bike rides. A cafe is also part of the workout facility, but it sells food and drinks that are not included with membership and are often overpriced.

Though Lifetime offers superior machines and facilities, the initiation price is $189, followed by a monthly charge of $77, making it not a good option for a student or anyone else on a budget. That being said, Lifetime does provide the tools to achieve any fitness goals, as well as many class and personal trainer opportunities.

WORLD GYM: Located off of Main Street in Lewisville, World Gym provides the most affordable membership, while still providing many of the amenities of the other gyms.

Some of the features include a massive workout floor that includes free-standing weights, as well as weight-lifting machines, numerous cardio machines and a full-sized basketball court. Unique to this gym is a women’s only workout center with numerous machines.

The locker room is also spacious

and clean, providing showers and secure lockers to keep valuables in while working out.

In addition, those who elect to purchase a VIP membership can enjoy unlimited tanning privileges in the on-site tanning bed facility. Free group fitness classes are also available to all members. The staff is generally friendly. The basic membership costs $9.99 a month and includes full access to the gym, with the exception of the tanning bed. The $19.99 VIP membership includes tanning. A $19.99 membership card fee is required for both levels as well.

Overall, this gym provides excellent service for the cost.

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28 O P I N I O N

Love starts young Al ex Helm

@ a l e x _ he l m

Over the past few years, the media has become more open to portraying characters in TV shows, books and movies as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. In AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire, the main character, Joe, is bisexual. In Modern Family, a gay couple, Cam and Mitchell, adopt and raise a girl.

Orange Is The New Black has several lesbian characters and one transgender actress, and the BBC drama show In The Flesh has a gay zombie couple, with one of them being pansexual, which means he doesn’t consider gender in his partner preferences.

While all of this representation is a step in the right direction towards acceptance, most of it is aimed towards teens and young adults. There are hardly any children’s books or shows that portray LGBT characters.

But on Dec. 18, the Nickelodeon animated series The Legend of Korra aired its finale episodes online after being moved

from TV to the Internet. Korra is a sequel to the extremely popular show Avatar: The Last Airbender. At the beginning of the series, Korra and her friend Asami both dated and fought over a boy named Mako. By season three, the three were just friends. But Korra and Asami, both females, seemed to be becoming closer in every episode.

The online fan-base who hoped that Korra and Asami - nicknamed “Korrasami” - would end up together never thought that it would actually happen. Korra is a kids’ show, after all. But the final scene of the last episode showed the two holding hands and turning to face each other before stepping into a portal to take a trip to the spirit world. The gesture was obviously romantic, and creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino both stated in separate blog posts that Korra and Asami are, in fact, bisexual.

Another instance of children’s media portraying LGBT characters is in Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus series, an extension of the popular Percy Jackson series.

Nico, one of the male characters, finds that he has feelings for Percy, who is also a male, and struggles with being jealous of Percy’s girlfriend, Annabeth. But by the end of the series, although Nico admits to Percy his true feelings, he becomes close with a boy named Will and their relationship grows from there.

It may seem like it’s too early to teach children about sexual orientation. Many

parents wouldn’t want their children to be exposed to something that’s been so controversial in the media. But by only letting them view their favorite characters through a heterosexual lens, we are forcing them to be confused about sexuality until as late as their teen years. I didn’t fully understand what being gay was until middle school, and I learned even later than that about what it meant to be transgender. What about the children who grow up knowing that they feel different from their friends, but they’re not sure why? Why should they be left in the dark?

On Dec. 28, a seventeen-year-old transgender girl named Leelah Alcorn committed suicide for this exact reason. She left a suicide note on Tumblr, saying that she felt that she would never be accepted and that her family would always think of her as their son Josh, not their daughter Leelah.

She never even knew what being transgender was until she was 14. She had felt like a girl trapped inside a boy’s body since she was 4. Yet, if she had been exposed to LGBT characters in books and shows when she was little, she may still be alive today.

Maybe she wouldn’t have felt so alone.

The road to acceptance has to start young.

The only way to a society that treats everyone as equals, no matter their sexual orientation, is by teaching children from the start that it’s just as okay to be gay or bi or transgender as it is to be straight.

Sweet tweets COMPILED DARCI WALTO N

has anyone ever seen an ostrich sticking its head in the ground???? #realtalk

My mom just said I’ll get u food for a fav on my tweet, so basically I don’t eat unless I fav her tweet

constantly eating smarties today hoping they will make me smarter

Brady Pierce, 9 @pikabrady

Riley Mattingly, 9 @rileym23

Penny Heth, 10 @pennyheth

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Gracious goals Ra chel Rami rez

@ rd r 719

Maybe I was just tired from our road trip. Maybe I was irritated because I had been in a car for three hours. Maybe I was being irrational. Regardless, my companion on this trip back home was getting on my nerves.

It reached peak annoyance when R & B artist Mandisa’s song came to an end and the radio station announced the beginning of the “Behind the Music” segment. The host discussed the artist’s song, Overcomer. Mandisa described the phenomenon behind the song, how it had been used by newsanchor Robin Roberts during her battle with cancer, and she had heard many people describe it as an inspiration. As she delved into the motivation behind her song, she mentioned her struggle with food ad-

Does a sweet memory ever just creep up on you and you can’t help but smile or laugh in the middle of what you’re doing Abbie Short, 11 @shortabbs

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diction and a recent decision to live healthier. That’s when my road trip buddy decided to peel her eyes from her phone.

“Addicted? To food? What even!” she scoffed. I felt my skin bristle and my eyebrows raise. But the interruption was over before it even began. Her nose was reburied and her face lit up with an electric glow. At this point, I was too exhausted from our travels to bother correcting my ignorant acquaintance, but this moment stuck with me for the remainder of our car ride.

It wasn’t even that she was trying to be rude. It’s that she was so concerned with herself that she couldn’t take the time to think before she spoke.

Because she knew. She knew that for the past three years of my life, I had been a large part of the support system for someone who had a similar food struggle. Regardless of what she thought of Mandisa or her music, she knew what I had been involved in. Yet because she had never struggled with her weight, or ever been exposed to this and other eating disorders, she felt like she could dismiss Mandisa’s genuine goals.

I had watched this person in my life cry and cry because they felt like food controlled them. I had worked with them day in and day out on healthy decision making and developing a good relationship with food and exercise. I had been there through every trial, triumph, and everything in be-

tween. And I had told my traveling companion some of the harder details. Just as this person in my life had made herself vulnerable to me and asked for my help, I had made myself vulnerable and revealed my heartbreak to my friend in the car.

It didn’t matter that she hadn’t seen Mandisa’s work toward her goals. It didn’t matter that she hadn’t watched her Instagram posts regarding progress and triumphs.

What matters is that unknowingly, she belittled changes that were supposed to be celebrated. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have had the same reaction if she had mocked a different struggle. This one just happened to be close to my heart. However, this moment of shock and disbelief has been etched into my mind since that day. It’s prevented me from dismissing things that I don’t understand and making the same mistake this former friend did. In that one moment, I discovered that I don’t have the right to question the validity of someone else’s battle even if I don’t understand it or have not struggled with it.

Moments like mine in the car aren’t necessary. They don’t have to happen to other people if I act like a supportive, compassionate person. It doesn’t take much effort on my part to make sure I am considerate of someone else. I think that’s why my friend’s comments bothered me so much. They could have been prevented.

*lights go up for intermission at the ballet* Dad: “is it halftime?”

Not a huge fan of TCU, but this game is AWESOME! What say you now selection committee?!

Hanna Harrison, 12 @hannacamilleh

Emily Strauss @TeacherStrauss

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30 O P I N I O N

Journalists should receive both praise, critique for work STAFF EDITORIAL

The recent attack at the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo rallied the world around the journalistic community.

Citizens banded together to protect the right to free speech. Celebrities donned pencils to declare “Je Suis Charlie,” or “I am Charlie”. While the journalistic community appreciates the support, we understand that there is still room for us to improve.

Many journalists put their lives on the line every day. The Charlie Hebdo attack resulted in the deaths of 10 staff members of the publication. It was targeted by the perpetrators for publishing satirical cartoons of Muhammad. Several Al Jazeera journalists were arrested and put on trial in Egypt for treason. In covering the Syrian conflict alone, over 70 journalists have died.

ISIS has most recently been capturing and beheading journalists, such as Scott Foley and Steven Sotloff. The terrorist group is now threatening to behead Japanese journalist Kenji Goto Jogo. While doing their jobs of pursuing the truth, these are the fates that journalists could face.

Other journalists provide excellent

MARQUEE Remarks

coverage of difficult topics and offer solutions to complicated issues. Nick Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn are both journalists who write for The New York Times and are married. Beginning in the 1980’s the two began reporting on women’s issues all over the world. They began in Sheryl’s home country of China, discussing issues such as education and sex trafficking.

An accumulation of their findings became their book, Half the Sky. Together, they won the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. They are a true example of how honest reporting can call attention to important issues, without compromising quality.

However, because bias still exists, journalism has room to improve. The Charlie Hebdo shooting and the NAACP bombing happened within days of each other. The shooting eclipsed the coverage of the bombing, despite its proximity to home.

There was no bloodshed in the bombing, which could be why there was so little coverage. However, since it was a domestic event, there should have been more,

THE

How can we solve the racial tension in America?

“The changes that need to be made have already been made.

The problem is just the people that are discriminating.”

-Celeste Grunwald, 9

especially in light of the events in Ferguson and New York City. NAACP supporters believed that it accentuated, once again, that black lives do not matter in the eyes of the media. Also, when reporting on the appearance of the Charlie Hebdo attackers, Cherif and Said Kouachi, journalists almost immediately labeled them as terrorists. The two men were Muslim, of Algerian descent and wielding guns. When reporting the appearance of the NAACP bomber, he was simply referred to as a “40-year-old, white, balding man.” Many people are using the bombing to highlight how the word terrorism is not always applied to everyone who commits terrorist acts.

Journalists, just like everyone else, have a job to do. Although we are often vilified as fear mongerers or gossips, the Charlie Hebdo attack brought journalists back into some of the world’s good graces.

Many journalists are risking their lives to report the truth, however. We still have room to grow. There always needs to be a middle ground between persecution and glorification.

“There is definitely still a problem with racism. I think we are moving in the right direction, but we aren’t to the point where we can say there is no problem with racism.”

COMPILED/PHOTOS B RO O K E WY AN T

-Adam Baldwin, 10

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Society needs to start racial conversations ST A F F E D I T O R I A L

The topic of racism has come into the public’s eye recently. But this issue hasn’t been talked about as much as it should have been. The uproar over the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases shows what happens when these issues are not worked out beforehand. Analyzing matters like these before tragedy strikes is necessary to avoid further unrest.

Discussion of topics that have such large repercussions must start at school.

Communication between different racial groups is vital to the health of the whole country and education of future generations. Certain topics, like racism, sex and rape, are seen as off-limits and are left out of school curriculum, as well as family and everyday conversation. Shared opinions help strengthen bonds and help different people better understand the way others think. Without this communication, problems won’t be addressed until it’s too late.

Schools teach other life skills, such as anatomy and speech, but they don’t teach students how to address controversial issues like race relations. An avoidance of these topics only further expands the issues by creating citizens who are uneducated on the subjects.

People are also too afraid to talk about issues of race for the fear of being called

out by others. In a modern society that is so politically correct, it is easy to seem rude when one simply is not sure what to say in a touchy scenario regarding race. People shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it in school or in casual conversation. After all, no major issue ever got solved by avoiding it. Many people in the learning environment also may not understand all the true facts about certain racial issues. By talking openly about it in the classroom, people can start learning the different opinions of these matters. This could strengthen the knowledge of those who don’t know about certain events or don’t care about them.

Ultimately, it shouldn’t take shootings for this conversation to happen. The less people talk about race, the more tension will increase and violence will escalate. Racism has been around forever and is inherent when there is a world full of different eth-

Cynthia

and

nic groups. When people don’t put in the time to care about it or are too scared to address it, no progress will be made. The longer the tension persists, the harder the effects will be to reverse. The earlier we can start discussing difficult topics, the higher the chances that they may not escalate into something society may not be able to handle.

As long as a fear to discuss race persists and people remain uneducated about the modern racial issues, tensions and turmoil will persist. The first and hardest step is the beginning of a conversation about race. After all, different races are inherently different. There will always be misunderstandings as long as communication is not open among different groups. Once race no longer becomes a taboo subject, good communication is a start to resolving some of the present issues.

Hey, Cynthia!

Chad

Hey! Have you heard about all the race issues lately?

Yea! But wait, who’s Ferguson again?

Whatever, Chad...

By: Victoria Price

“Facing RACE”

“I think we should treat each other as equals, and people should get over their ignorance.”

“There is a problem and we should be trying to spread awareness about it. “

-Maddy Grawe, 11

-Andres Garcia,12

“[The way] to change views and thoughts about racism and people’s races is through education, and with each generation we get more and more educated.

Eventually racism will go away, but racism does still exist.”

-Tracy Jennings, Human Geography

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32 S P O T L I G H T

Resolution revolution

At the beginning of each year people across the world reflect on their lives in order to chose a goal to achieve during the upcoming months. The Marquee asked a few of the teachers COMPILED A BBY SC HL IC TER what they planned on accomplishing in 2015.

“My New Year’s resolution was too keep the kitchen counter clean at night before I go to bed so I would wake up to a clean kitchen counter.”

Julie Murdock, Art

“My plan is to get more organized, so on days like this I can actually go to lunch instead of going through my mounds of paper to figure out where everything is.”

Karen Harper, Physics

“My New Year’s Resolution is to be awesome. Every day is an improvement.”

Gene Costa, Astronomy

“I’m trying to engage students at a higher level, because I’m tired of students sitting around doing nothing.”

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Chad Taylor, World History DESIGN MOLLY WEB B ER AN D TARY N WELC H

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