March 2010 - Drugs

the

VOLUME TWENTY-FOUR {ISSUE SIX} MARCH 5, 2010

MARQUEE newsmagazine

DRuGs page 5- No additional teachers will be hired in 2010 due to budget issues page 9- Marquette furthers her dancing career through competition page 21- Editorial: Staff supports harsher punishment for drug dealers 1design by Amy Hillberry

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2009

MARCUS HIGH SCHOOL {5707 MORRISS ROAD} FLOWER MOUND, TX 75028

table of contents

the marquee n e w s m a g a z i n e

editors in chief

patrick iversen, shelby bookout

photo editor mark turnbull

graphics editors

amy hillberry, shameer dhaliwal

business manager alexis sherwood

news editor kate o’toole

assistant news editor carley meiners

opinion editor ashley solari

page 2

COVER BY AMY HILLBERRY COVER PHOTO BY NATHANIEL KATZ CONTENTS PHOTO BY KYLE ANDERSON

sports editor luke swinney

assistant sports editor erryn bohon

in-depth editor alex mehlhaff

assistant in-depth editor kelsey mccauley

feature editor natasha jordan

{3} GOVERNORS

Primaries earlier in the week set up a heated November gubernatorial race, while seniors prepare to vote. by kate o’toole

entertainment editor devon miller

assistant entertainment editor taylor ross

opinion editor ashley solari

reporters

{7} Soccer

Boys attribute near-perfect season to reduced pressure, while girls fight to remain in the playoff race. by natasha jordan and luke swinney

smantha draper, lauren rose, jasmine sachar, joey ulfsrud

graphics

maria heinonen, brandon prill, nathaniel thornton, breyanna washington

photographers

kyle anderson, becca dyer, nathaniel katz, allison przybysz, sarah quinn, taylor thomas

adviser

{15} Featured Artist Junior Lilly Brott’s passion for photography

continues to grow and makes an impression on her teacher. by kelsey mccauley

{17} Myspace Music Students expose their musical talents to

the public through social networking site’s music page. by erryn bohon

2 {the marquee}

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.

Ediorials reflect to opinion of the staff, not necessarily that of the administration. Signed columns or revies represent only the opinion of the author.

Advertising rates are $30 per 1/16 of a page, with discounts available. For more information call 469-948-7137.

The Marquee is a standing member of ILPC, TAJE, ATPI, CSPA, NSPA, JEA, and Quill and Scroll.

ALL ORIGINAL MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED

{NEWS}

White’s picgoes here when i have a picture

Republican Governor Rick Perry www.rickperry.org

Democratic Candidate Houston Mayor Bill White www.billwhitefortexas.com

Medina’s picgoes here when i have a picture

Republican Senator Kay-Bailey Hutchison www.dallassouthnews.org

Texas governor race continues

Party candidates chosen, state issues addressed as election begins STORY BY KATE O’TOOLE The election for Texas governor has been heating up as both Republican and Democrats battle for the seat, which will be determined this November. The Republican and Democrat primaries were this past Tuesday, and now Texans have the official two gubernatorial candidates. As of press time, Republican Rick Perry, governor of Texas since 2000 and Democrat Bill White were ahead in the polls and are expected to be chosen as their party’s candidates.

Junior Beau Baumann said that he thinks Perry and the Republicans will be re-elected for a third term, even though Bill White is a good candidate.

“I think it is kind of sad that the Democrats aren’t getting much attention because (White) has a few good ideas,” he said. “But he isn’t getting any publicity compared to the others at all, partially because he doesn’t have a virtual chance in winning. It is unfortunate.”

A major issue for this election is the economy and job creation. Perry has been known to be a fiscal conservative

The Capital building in Austin Classroom.commerceisd.org

MARCH 5, 2010 {the marquee}

and has said in a speech this February that he believes the role in the race. Perry said he wants affordable college rates, government’s job is to cover the basics and get out of the more incentives for teachers, and technology to play a bigway. Perry has said there is a need to remain steady to the ger role in school. In a speech last January he outlined a fiscal discipline Texas has had in the past in order to grow. proposal to recapture high school dropouts by letting them He said that he recently has requested the state to submit learn online in the new Texas Virtual School Network.

“This embrace of plans for a budget cut. technology can help “We need to stay ahead of our vulnerable students avoid country’s tough economic situation “I think that people view Texas as the lower wages and by adhering to our proven fiscal disnot being as hard-hit by the receschronic unemployment ciplines.” Perry said in his speech. sion and jobs.” that plague dropouts,” he “We run a lean operation in Texas, -Jennifer Pettit, Govt. teacher said. “This program would so those cuts won’t be easy, but be yet another element in we’ve taken this tack before and it our successful efforts to works. Whether the calendar says lower the dropout rate in 2003 or 2010, people still want a few our state, like mentoring programs and graduation plans that basic things from government, starting with freedom.”

Former Houston mayor, Bill White said on his website have re-engaged students who have walked away.”

White has said that public education is the most that he is pushing to attract future jobs to Texas and also to important business of state government. White is proposing use tax dollars more wisely than in the past.

“Getting our economy back on track requires economic to put more technology in schools, but said he wants to also recovery for ordinary Texas families, not just Wall Street,” make voluntary summer enrichment programs become White’s website said. “As Texas’ Governor I will work on available and stop drop-out rates from rising. White that the long-term solutions to make our state more competitive in future is his highest priority.

“We need to prepare the citizens of our state to compete a global economy. Smart investments and smarter cutbacks will ensure future generations of Texans have more opportu- well and be prepared for the jobs of the future,” White said nities than those that came before them and are not saddled on his website. “I know how to do that.”

Other campaign issues include immigration, health with poor decisions of the past.”

AP U.S. government teacher, Jennifer Pettit said that the care, the environment, and transportation. Although White Republican party has been getting most of the attention. She was the lead democrat and won the primary, Texas has not said Perry’s campaigning efforts have been very effective had a Democratic governor since 1995.

Pettit said a recent poll showed that Republicans still and attracted a lot of support by having people such as Sarah Palin come to the state. She also said that people credit Perry have a considerable amount of more strength in Texas than the Democratic party. The poll showed when people were with helping the economy.

“I think that people view Texas as not being as hard-hit by given the choice between Republican candidate, Kay Bailey the recession and jobs,” Pettit said. “They want to attribute Hutchinson and Bill White, Hutchinson won.

“That’s why the Republican primary is much more that to someone or something, and they say maybe it is our government, maybe it’s our leadership. (Perry) has got a lot important because it’s generallyw seen through everyone of personal issues that detract from him, but overall, people that’s who will win the governorship,” Pettit said. “The attribute Texas’ success to Rick Perry. That is why he is so Democratic party is making some strides here in Texas, but they are slow strides and they may be halted due to the far ahead.”

In addition to the economy, education is playing a major decreasing popularity of the Democratic party overall.”

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design by brandon prill 3

{NEWS}

Toxins stream cancer worries

Recent benzene findings cause concern, caution in Flower Mound story by Taylor Ross The Texas Department of Health Services (TDHS) is preparing to conduct an investigation of the “cancer-cluster” in southern Denton county from 1998 to 2007 to see if there have been similar cases in the area and if the air is truly causing the sickness.

Meg Schmidt was diagnosed with Malignant Leukemia in November 2008. This disease may very well take her life. Meg Schmidt is only four years old. After being diagnosed, her parents began to ask questions and discovered that not only was their little girl diagnosed with Leukemia, four other children and two other adults have the same condition. Coincidentally, they all reside within in a foursquare mile area in Flower Mound. Meg’s mother Sheri Schmidt told the local WFAA news that she is convinced that a local natural gas mining and exploration of new mines in the area is to blame for her daughter’s condition.

“We hope and pray that there isn’t a correlation,” Schmidt said. “When you start connecting the dots and you see the families that you see at the clinic and have these similari-

ties that they either lived by a drilling facility or they have it in their back yard and you start putting connections together, you start to wonder, ‘Well, maybe there is something to this.’”

This is not the first study of Flower Mound by the TDHS according to WFAA. In 2008, the Texas Cancer Registry conducted a investigation of the increased number of patients with thyroid cancer in Flower Mound. The following results were thought to place blame on the air-quality of the area due to natural gas mines. Spokeswoman for the TDHS, Allison Lowery, said that the study had conclusive results.

“Based on our statistical analysis, there was not a higher incidence of cancer there,” said Lowery. “[We found] thyroid cancer to be within expected ranges in both males and females.”

If a cancer-cluster is found, an investigation will be launched to discover the cause according to the EPA’s website (epa.gov). After an investigation the blame will be placed on those responsible. Spokeswoman for Williams Energy Services, Kelly Swan, said none of the wells her company made are adjacent to the areas in question, and consequently

are not the cause of the disease.

“We certainly sympathize with these families,” said Swan. “[We] respect their desire for the health study, but we do not believe there is any linkage to what we operate.”

In the upcoming months, the Texas Cancer Registry will be investigating the zip codes 75022-75028 for high levels of air-borne contaminants like benzene.

Benzene is a toxin that comes from carbon-rich materials that has not undergone complete combustion and then has been let out into the air. Contaminants like benzene are created by the expulsion of green house gases by car or mining for natural gas.

Also, the conditions of the children in the area grow more public due to increased media exposure by local news stations. While the investigation has yet to be underway, Mayor Jody Smith said she is very determined to find the cause of the outbreak of Leukemia because she has personally been affected by the malignant disease.

“I’ve lost a child and I know the devastating effects a childhood illness can do to a family,” said Smith. “So, as a council, we’re very concerned to get to the bottom of this.”

photo by kyle anderson Car exhaust fumes are one of the leading factors of air pollution in cities including Flower Mound.

4 design by breyanna washington and taylor ross

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

{news}

Debate on drilling

State testing replaced Story by alexandra mehlhaff The 2011-2012 school year will start the replacement of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) by the redeveloped State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The new exam includes 12 end-ofcourse exams for the four core subjects of high schools.

Students who are in the graduating class of 2015 will be the first that need to meet the testing requirements and pass in order to recieve their diplomas. Assistant principal Todd Knowles said that even though the test may be implemented next year, it would not affect the current freshmen’s graduation policy.

“It will be a system of having one fade out and the other fade in,” Knowles said. “The test itself will count as part of the students’ course grades. I don’t think anybody in high school should worry about it. I think it is a good thing.”

Story by lauren rose

Success at Taste of Soul Photo by allison przybysz Black History Club members Juniors Megan Badgett and Morgan Epps and Senior Raven Short serve desserts such as red velvet cake, pecan pie and peach cobbler to students at the Taste of Soul on Feb. 26 in the cafeteria.

A town council meeting will be held at the Flower Mound Library to vote on the issue of urban gas and oil drilling on Sunday April 6 at 2:30 p.m. The Flower Mound Citizens Against Urban Drilling (FMCAUD) group is trying to prevent the expansion of urban drilling. Tammi Vajda, representative of FMCAUD, said that the group is working in a civil manner to make changes happen.

“We are not against all gas drilling, but rather that which adversely affect the public safety, enjoyment of our homes and overall quality of life.” Vadja said.

Although the issue on urban gas and oil drilling in Flower Mound is looked down upon, it can bring the city millions of dollars. Petitions created by protestors are being considered by city officials, but as for now the only decision that will be made can be forseen in the future.

Teacher hiring screeches to halt

District tightens belt, classroom size increases loom for next year Story by jasmine sachar

get. And you know, they’re less courteous of the rules.” attention to students,” Crouse said. “That does make it a little No new construction additions or portables are in ques- bit more of a challenge. The more kids there are, the thinner Classrooms might be a tight squeeze next year, as the dis- tion, so the school will have to work on arranging the loca- you have to divide yourself.”

Crouse said that she and other teachers feel that the budtrict has decided against hiring additional teachers despite a tion of certain teachers and setting up desks in order to fit students into classrooms comfortably. get can be cut in other areas. significant projected increase in student population.

“I think anytime you increase size, teachers are not go“I think we do need some additional teachers and I think “Right now this is what we’re thinking that means: If a business teacher retires, then they won’t replace them,” ing to be overly excited about it because it makes their job it’s just going to get worse,” Crouse said. “Everyone’s hava little more difficult,” Shaffer- ing to tighten their belts. You can see it here as well. We’re Principal Gary Shafferman man said. better off than California schools that have 45 students per said. “If it’s a math, science or “The more kids there are, the thinner World History teacher classroom.”

English teacher, we may be you have to divide yourself.”

Danelda Crouse said that she According to Shafferman, the district is in much better able to replace them, but we’re is uneasy about the size in- shape than others in the state because of the existence of a not adding any new teachers, creases. Her classes currently savings account--- called a “fund balance”--- which has cusheven though we’re going from -Danelda Crouse, Teacher average 27 to 30 students. She ioned shortages for this year. He expects the situation to im3000 kids to 3200 next year.” said that she will have to find prove within three to four years.

The situation is attributed better ways of managing grad“On the other hand, I think we’re all very happy that we to money problems, as educaing and suppressing behavioral have jobs,” Shafferman said. “Overall, our district is very fortional funding from the state tunate. Other districts are laying off. Dr. Roy has promised remains the same as last year’s while the school’s financial problems.

“The assumption is that you can’t give as much individual everybody that works here will have a job next year.” needs continue to increase.

“Sort of like your own house,” Shafferman said. “If you don’t get an increase in salary at home, but your house payment goes up, your gas goes up and your food prices go up.

It’s hard to match those.”

The biggest effect, Shafferman said, is that classroom sizes will increase, from a current average of 25:1 to about 27:1.

Instead of arranging students in classrooms themselves, administration plans to utilize a computer software program to divide classes for more even distribution.

However, Shafferman admits that the consequent increasing in classroom sizes will affect overall classroom quality to some degree and said that good management and discipline will be a necessity to maintain an organized learning environment.

“There’s probably one kid in there that can really disrupt a classroom,” Shafferman said. “We have to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Sophomore Sarah McCarthy said that class sizes are big enough and doesn’t think it’s a good idea to add to them.

“I know when my Latin teacher goes around and tries to help people personally, it’s difficult because there are so many people that she runs out of time,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy said that from her own experiences, classrooms with smaller numbers promote a more focused, “perPhoto by becca dyer sonal” environment. Rowdiness, McCarthy said, also seems As campus population is expected to increase by 200 students next fall, classes like that of Pre-AP English II teacher Melissa to be a symptom of larger classes.

McKnelly’s will most likely see an increase in size. “It’s basically going to be harder on the teachers because our class is “There’s always kids talking and distracting me,” McCar- already super loud,” sophomore Garrett Bailey said. “And if you have questions, it’s going to be harder because she can’t thy said. “The more kids you get, the more rebellious they get around to everyone.”

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{SPORTS}

Almost perfect season draws near Lower national ranking relaxes team, removes distracting pressure STORY BY NATASHA JORDAN

Photo BY ALLISON PRYZBYSZ Senior Kalon Parman dribbles the ball during a game against Southlake Carroll on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Flower Mound.

With two minutes left in the game, a single goal would decide who would advance.

The ball was shot and landed in the net. The boys’ team was thrilled until they had their victory ripped away by an offside call. With a single blow of a whistle, the idea of claiming the title as number one in the nation fell out of the team’s grasp.

With this loss, the team has dropped to 16th in the nation.

“We always strive to be number one and that’s a goal every year,” senior Kalon Parman said. “I think it makes us play harder. Not being number one in the nation has taken the pressure off of us. It was good being number one, but there is so much pressure trying to win every game, but now we can relax and play our style.”

Coach John Gall said initially both the team and himself were disappointed with the loss. However, their national rank is not their first priority.

“We’re not here to be ranked number one in the country,” Gall said. “We’re here to try and win state championships and that is still truly our focus. When you do lose a number one rank in the country, obviously that’s a big blow be-

cause you never know when you’re going to have that chance of being number one. But we have definitely overcome that and we’re truly focused on trying to win district.”

The boys are currently 4-0-1 in the district season. Gall said that after watching film, the team has identified that they need to control the game, slow down and be patient. In the Feb. 19 win over Hebron 3-2,

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“Not being number one in the nation has taken the pressure off of us.”

-Kalon Parman, 12

Parman said that their team chemistry was off even though they did win the game. Still, it cost them the first goals scored against them in the district season.

“I don’t think we were at our best,” Parman said. “We weren’t talking as much and we weren’t communicating to each other like we needed to. Zach (Barnes) stepped up in the end and provided us with the win.

We still didn’t play our best.”

Gall said that the players have done a great job in terms of putting work in, and being 14-1-2 they are reaping the rewards of putting in such an effort.

“We need to understand that now we are in the middle of district and headed into playoffs, hopefully,” Gall said. “Now we have to be even better than we have at the beginning of the season. I know that around every corner, somebody is lurking and somebody wants to beat Marcus and we have to understand that. I keep reminding the players that everyday that’s the case.”

Gall said that in order to stay on top of the district, lots of preparation is needed.

“We spend an awful lot of time in practice understanding what each and everybody’s role is on the team,” Gall said. “When we play a game, there is a definite understanding of what is expected from each other.

Coppell will be lurking around the corner tonight at the 7:30 home game. Gall said to prepare for the game, the team will need to continue what they are doing and hopefully not make the same mistakes they made in the Hebron game.

“Coppell is down on their luck a little bit this year,” Gall said. “They are struggling in fourth place right now in district and they are fighting for their lives. Our chance would be to knock Coppell out of the playoffs. It’s been nice to enjoy some success against such a good program like Coppell.

This year when they are down on their luck, we are really going to try and make things difficult for them.”

Fourth place finish just enough Despite unlucky conditions, girls stay in playoff contention STORY BY LUKE SWINNEY The girls sit in the parking lot, stranded after their bus doesn’t turn up. Construction took over their practice field, leaving the moldy Indoor Athletic Center as the only option.

Unusually cold weather makes it difficult to practice.

Even though everything seems to be working against the Lady Marauders, coach Kevin Albury said there’s still no excuse for their 1-3-2 district record.

“I call this the perfect storm,” Albury said. “We’re a younger team with less experienced players. We have a lack of facilities. The weather’s been really cold. All these things have come together and it’s affected our preparation.”

In a district consisting of top teams such as Southlake Carroll, Coppell and Hebron, the fight for fourth is crucial.

Only the top four teams advance to playoffs.

“We’ve played well, but in this district you have to play great,” Albury said. “We’re playing teams like Southlake who have been state champions. It’s very competitive. I tell my players we’re soft and we’re slow in comparison to the players on other teams.”

Besides improving on work ethic, senior captain Anna Molen said the team’s biggest problem is executing during the final minutes of the game.

“We’ll play hard and then kind of slow down at the end and give the other team a chance during the last five minutes,” Molen said. “That’s when we get scored on. Coach

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

tells us that if the other team can play the full game and we can’t, we’re not the better team.”

During their 1-0 loss on Feb. 12 to nationally-ranked Coppell, who they play again tonight in Coppell, the girls were hoping for at least a tie. Molen said every game, especially during district, is extremely tough.

“We pretty much held our own, but we fell apart during the second half,” Molen said. “They got an easy goal on us.

We got close, but in the end we couldn’t get the ball to score.

We know now that we do have a chance to beat them and should have done it the first time. It gives us hope.”

In the six district games played so far, the Lady Marauders have only scored three goals. Albury said his team needs to match the proven goal scorers on other district teams.

“To make the playoffs, we need to score goals,” Albury said. “It’s as simple as that. Our defense has been playing very well, but when you start scoring goals it gives you a belief that you can start winning games. At the moment, we don’t know where our goals are coming from.”

While they are currently tied with Flower Mound for fourth place, Albury said the next few games will determine their hope for the playoffs. He said no matter what conditions are thrown at the team , they have to adapt to succeed.

“We just need to keep morale up,” Albury said. “Every year Lewisville finishes last, but they’re still very competitive every game. We’re so close, but being close and actually winning are two different things.”

photo by Nathaniel Katz During their game on Feb. 16, captain Madison Whitehead kicks the ball to another teammate. The game ended 0-0.

design by maria heinonen

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{SPORTS}

Road to the finish November 17 @ Colleyville Heritage Marcus Won 52 - 41

December 12 @ Flower Mound Marcus Won 57 - 48

With the Region I semifinal game tonight versus Arlington Bowie, The Marquee highlights the key games that furthered the 35-2 boys’ basketball team.

January 5 vs DeSoto @ Home Marcus Lost 44 - 42

UIL Bi-district February 23 VS Keller Marcus Won 53-36

Kendall Hogan,11 Softball COMPILED by DEVON MILLER

Regional Playoffs March 1 VS Jesuit Marcus Won 46-45

Area Playoffs February 27 VS Duncanville Marcus Won 54-51

Who knows me best?

Cold weather reduces attendance

The Marquee asked junior Kendall Hogan five questions. Then, her boyfriend junior Philip Vivar and her coach Christy Tumilty tried to guess what Hogan put.

PHOTOS BY SARAH QUINN

Philip Vivar, 11 Boyfriend

Lost

Favorite TV Show?

What Not to Wear

Chocolate

Christy Tumilty Coach

CSI: Miami Vanilla

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs

Cats

Dogs

Favorite Band

Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind

Nickelback

Favorite Color

Green

Green

Marcus Red

15 points

5 points

TOTAL

+5 +5

+5

Results: With 15 points, Vivar knows Hogan better than Tumilty who scored 5 points.

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COMPILED by KATE O’TOOLE Road Graphic designed by amy hillberry sign graphics by shameer dhaliwal

design by brandon prill

PHOTO BY BECCA DYER Senior Wes Green and junior Matt Hudspith practice with the Ultimate Frisbee team on Feb. 10 in preparation for their new tournaments.

story by joey ulfsrud It takes a certain breed of athlete to withstand the elements. The frigid Texas winter has brought about a negative change to the school’s ultimate frisbee club. Even as they prepare for a new tournament, the club is struggling with a vastly reduced practice attendance. Members of the team are now recruiting at almost every opportunity. According to junior Ian Blair, the reduced attendance doesn’t make a big difference on the practice, but the club is still looking for more people. It is all the more frustrating that the team would be at full strength if only the weather was a bit nicer. Junior Wes Green has been on the team for almost a year, and said he is not pleased with the lack of attendance.

“Those guys are just fair weather friends,” Green said. “They come out when the weather is nice, but stick inside when the rest of us are freezing our butts off. We are always looking for more people. If people are interested in ultimate, the should really give it a try.” {the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

{SPORTS}

I RUN INTO PARKED CARS

photo by kyle anderson At the end of their performance, the Marquettes reach towards junior Rachael Hutto at Grapevine High School on Saturday, Feb. 13. The Marquettes took home trophies for awards like Best Overall Presentation, Technique and Precision.

Grand Champion finish

Demanding season brings out best in girls story by carley meiners Red and silver shiny pom-poms shoot up in the air as dozens of sparkling girls form the shape of a heart. The crowd enthusiastically applauds as smiles stretch across 60 girl’s faces. A feeling of accomplishment fills the room. It’s 8:20 p.m. on a Saturday and the Marquettes are performing their last routine of the evening. The Marching Auxiliary competition is finally over.

With a flushed face, junior Rachael Hutto exits the stage.

The finalists for the 2011-12 high school solo division are being read. The first name is called, not her. The fifth name is called, but still not her name. Her heart beats faster as she nervously waits for her name. Finally, “From Flower MoundMarcus finalist number 11 is Rachael Hutto.” Relief and anxiety fills her mind. Once again, she must perform her solo.

Hutto has trained as a dancer for 14 years at studios like Dancin’ Feet, Motion Center for Dance and Ballet Conservatory. Hutto said she started dancing at age three at Iasis, which is now Excite! gym.

“My mom used to take ballet and point but she never ventured to dance after college,” Hutto said. “She did it as something fun and enjoyable which is what I do also. But I plan on dancing in college, then I want to join a modern company.”

Hutto joined the Marquettes for three Saturdays in February, spending 12 or more hours competing against schools across North Texas. This is Hutto’s second year on the team and first year as an officer. Hutto and her best friend junior Service Officer Sarah Rini run her squad called the Rascals.

Rini said being best friends makes working together so much easier.

“Rachael and I work on everything together,” Rini said.

“That’s kind of our philosophy. We usually concentrate on just being positive and trying to make our squad happy. We just love all the girls. It’s really fun.”

With the year almost over, the Marquettes have had many accomplishments including winning a total of 61 awards at competitions. Hutto said this year has been very exciting and successful.

“It feels like all our hard work has finally paid off,” Hutto said. “We work so hard during competition season so when we win, we’re all so proud of the whole team.”

Leading the team to success this year was captain McKenna Davis. While Davis said there is so much pressure on her to make the team look good, Hutto said she looks up to the captain for all their perseverance.

“Being captain would definitely be more stressful and a lot more responsibility,” Hutto said. “ Everyone on the team knows who you are, you always have to be on your ball. The other girls on the team admire the captain. Especially rookies, they look up to her as their role model.”

In May the Marquettes have tryouts for the 2010-11 school year. Next year will be Hutto’s senior year, which means she could be captain. Rini said Hutto would make a great candidate for captain.

“She’s always so happy and she’s a really good leader,” Rini said. “Everyone loves her and thinks she’s awesome.

And of course she’s an amazing dancer.”

Marquettes’ success The Marquettes have won numerous awards this season, including: American Dance/Drill Team - Rockwall High School

- Best Choreography for Kick, Pom and Lyrical

- Judges Award for Kick, Pom and Lyrical

- Outstanding Technique

- Best Overall Presentation, Technique and

- Winners Circle Trophy out of the top 16 teams

Precision - Best in Class in the Super Division

Crowd Pleasers - Timber Creek High School

- Ranked #1 out of 41 teams for the Best of the Best

- Highest Scoring Kick of the day - Highest Precision points in division

Marching Auxiliary - Grapevine High School

- Best in Class for Pom and Kick

- Super Sweeptakes

- Highest Overall Scoring team out of 39 teams

9 design by breyanna washington

District changes worry sports addict Patrick Iversen

Ever since the district realignment two years ago, the path to athletic glory has been described in various ways.

“Difficult,” “tough” and “challenging” often referred to our district schedules. But after the biennial district alignment in early February, Marcus’ hopes for a state title in the next couple years can only be described as “wishful thinking”.

Marcus teams will now be playing in District 8-5A, which will be one of the toughest in the state. Familiar foes Flower Mound, Lewisville and Hebron follow Marcus to the new district, as do Allen, Plano West, Plano and Plano East.

Many will breathe a sigh of relief that Southlake Carroll no longer resides in our district, and understandably so. In the two years since the last realignment, Carroll has been competitive in each sport. It’s always been my thought that Marcus football (as great as they have been), would’ve had even more postseason success if they didn’t have Southlake dominating the district.

But the sobering news here is that the four new teams in the district more than make up for Southlake’s absence, and in more than just one sport. Allen’s football team won state in 2008, and their volleyball team won district this season. Plano West has been a consistent force on the baseball diamond. Plano boys’ soccer is undefeated, something out own team can’t say this season. Really the only school even close to weak is Plano East, and their football team finished second in district this past year.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily spell doom for any of Marcus’ teams. Just looking back at the past season in each sport shows that we have plenty of talent to reach the playoffs. The only question is whether or not we can expect a championship in the next two years in this district.

I can’t predict the future, nor do I claim I can, but after studying on each of the new teams I think I can say that we shouldn’t expect a title to come easy in basketball or soccer.

Every year, it seems, Marauder soccer is destined to win the state championship. Both coach Gall and Albury have built successful programs through onsistency and an ingrained sense of winning. However, the same can be said for Plano and Allen. Neither have the championship rings Marcus wears, but both have proven themselves consistent winners. The road to glory for soccer has gotten much tougher.

As for basketball, title hopes seem a little brighter. On the boys’ side, new coach Henderson has gotten the team off to a record number of wins. But not far behind us is Flower Mound, having an equally great season. As if one competitor wasn’t enough, Plano West is running away with their district in both boys and girls hoops. So for the next two years, Marcus basketball must continue a consistent winning pace if they want to keep up.

Over the past few weeks I’ve heard comments of despair from Marcus fans about the new opponents. I’ve heard anything from “We don’t stand a chance” to “I might as well not watch anymore.” That’s a little drastic. If our chances at a state title have diminished, it is only by a small margin.

The path to success has only grown more challenging and if there’s one thing Marauder teams have proved to us over the last two years, it’s that each of them are up for a challenge. {the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

Bring a Friend Buy one Service

getWhenone Free you PreSent your Student or Faculty id Expires 4/30/10

Appointments 972.899.2662 annaandfriendssalon.com 840 Parker Square, Flower Mound, TX 75020

D R u G S DRuK2GS prescription pills crack

ecstasy PCP heroin cocaine

marijuana

weed

meth

an investigation of the emotional and physical side effects of drugs. “How bad do you think the drug problem is here at school on a scale of 1-5�

(1 being not existent at all to 5 being rampant)

freshmen think: sophomores think:

juniors think:

seniors think:

31.4%

29% 26.3% 21.2%21.2% 12% 13% 15.7% 4% 35.7% 9.6% 35.5% 3% 8% 36.4% 17.1% 32% 18.2% 18% 12.9% 11 design by amy hillberry

1--nonexistent

2--a little

3--average

4--alot

5--too much

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

DR DRuG uGS S

To hell and back

Marcus dropout 19-year-old Tanner Blount tells of his extended battle with drugs

2.

story by lauren rose

But he ate his own words that night as his so-called “friends” pushed the marijuana towards him pressuring him to smoke it.

The marijuana tampered with his senses and fooled him into thinking he was only away from home for only a day.

Sitting in the still garage surrounded by garden tools, bicycles and a car, his friends pulled out a bag of marijuana and started to smoke. As the smoke surrounded his body he got high.

“I’ll never do drugs,” he had said days before. “I’m better than that.” He always promised himself and his family he would remain above the influence and be a good kid. As he took his first drag, his senses began to weaken and his world started to spin. He breathed in a sigh of relief because he felt like he could finally fit in with his friends. This was the first time former student Tanner Blount got high.

At the age of 15, Blount was first introduced to marijuana after seeing his older sister, his role model, under the influence. Along with his sister, Blount’s friends began to do drugs and encouraged him to do so as well. Tricked into believing this temporary escape from reality would be the best way to solve problems Blount said that this was an offer he felt he could not refuse.

“Whenever I got high the first time, I felt normal for once,” Blount said. “Weed made me feel accepted in society and I didn’t have to worry about anything anymore for a little while.”

During Spring Break of Blount’s sophomore year in 2007, he decided to take a break from the real world and smoke marijuana. He was gone for over a week without telling his family or friends where he was going. In reality, Blount was in his friend’s garage constantly smoking. His frightened family’s hearts were broken as Blount walked through the door after a week as the smell of marijuana trailed behind them.

“I was disappointed that he began getting into drugs because they were hurting his body and his future,” Dylan, Blount’s younger brother said.

His family decided a proper punishment would be to ground Tanner, take away his phone and car, and sell them. Even after

12 design by amy hillberry

Blount’s mind could only think about getting high and the disease of addiction began to control his life.

his material things were taken away, Blount still had one thing that he believed made his life better. Marijuana.

As time passed, Blount began to experiment with over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol, NyQuil and Sudafed. One day, he came to school under the influence. It was a day he would never forget.

“My counselor came into my classroom and took me to the principal’s office,” Blount said. “We had an intervention about what drugs I was on and the cops came.

My parents were called and I got kicked out of my house.”

These consequences brought Blount to his rehabilitation for the first of three times.

“Whenever I was high the first time at school and got caught I thought it was funny,” he said.

While being punished Blount said that he did not take his intervention seriously but whenever he learned he was to stay at a rehabilitation center he did not want to go.

As a result of being caught doing drugs at school, Blount was expelled. He returned to school only to drop out the last nine weeks of his senior year because he was so behind his classmates.

Rehabilitation started early in the morning with strict classes. Patients were taught about the disease of addiction, and their day ended with talks with a couselor.

Blount’s life began to change because of his progress at rehabilitation and a glimmer of hope appeared.

Two months after graduating from the rehabilitation program, Blount was able to get his GED diploma.

The glimmer of hope shortly faded as Blount’s friend began to influence him to smoke more and stop going to work and college. Blount was later arrested twice, once for possession of marijuana and the other for burglary in 2007. Charges were dropped on the possession arrest, but Blount was put in jail for two months because of the burglary.

Every day he was locked up in jail, Blount desired the drug he was separated from more and more. “My friends influ-

enced me to start doing more drugs, worse drugs,” Blount said. “It got to the point where I was doing ecstasy, cocaine, crystal meth.”

The harder drugs began to finally catch up with Blount’s body and he had a seizure.

“I just remember laying on the ground shaking,” he said. “I couldn’t move. My friends were too high to notice or care so I went to the bathroom floor and just laid there. No one bothered to take me to the hospital. I just laid there on the floor all night.”

Blount said that whenever he was on drugs he didn’t have any feelings of guilt or remorse for breaking the law, but whenever he was sober he would always have regrets.

“I started to shoot up heroin and realized how bad it was, so I put my self in rehab.”

Blount said. “I really wanted and needed to change.”

But the severity of Blount’s addiction condition increased rapidly and he decided to go to rehabilitation and overcome his disease.

He said that the third time at rehabilitation he was willing to change. His progress has astonished his family, especially his younger brother Dylan because Blount has recently graduated from rehab and currently has been sober for 30 days.

“I’m proud of him because I know it isn’t easy to quit drugs,” Dylan said. “I feel that this time around he is really dedicating his time to becoming sober and stay that way as long as he can.”

Blount advises Marcus students to think before they take action because every single action can affect your whole life.

“If you feel like you can’t stop doing drugs, don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he said. “There are people out their willing to help you.”

Future plans for Blount include attending a community college and getting a job.

He is currently attending church services regularly and other support groups. Blount says that there are ways to defeat the battle of peer pressure and addiction because there is always hope.

Whenever he was finally released he returned to his old ways and went back to drugs. He began to take an assortment of different drugs together.

His family was broken because of his problems.

He realized only one person could help him at this point was himself. After his overdose, Blount was admitted into a rehabilitation center for the second time but sadly this attempt of being sober failed again.

Counselors stated that addiction could not be overcome if the patient is unwilling to change. At his time Blount was unwilling to change because he did not believe that he had a problem.

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

Drug bust brings extra precautions story by jasmine sachar The school’s drug problem and prevention techniques are being reexamined after over 15 students were expelled in early February for possession, use and dealing of illicit substances, namely marijuana and hydrocodone.

Principal Gary Shafferman said that it was a text message revealed by a parent to school administrators that spurred the beginning of a week-long investigation of involved students.

The police soon involved and they were given leads to continue criminal investigations.

“Uncovering it is the difficult part,” Shafferman said. “I’m disappointed. I was aware it was here. I wasn’t naïve, but I guess it’s a little bit more prevalent than I hoped it would be.”

As students’ hidden involvement began to unravel, they were talked to individually by administration. Parents were contacted shortly.

“They were pretty supportive and want to help put a stop to it,” Shafferman said. “I don’t think they were in disbelief.

Some of them were maybe shocked at the involvement, just like all of us would be, as parents. We assumed we’ve taught them well and they make a mistake.”

Due to the district’s zero-tolerance drug policy, the students in question were immediately sent to the Junior Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP). Sentences range from 45 to 90 days and they will be able to return to school afterward.

Still, the incident has served as initiative for administration to begin taking extra measures to reduce campus drug use.

On Feb. 11, Shafferman called an impromptu faculty meeting, briefing them on the problem. The police had come in earlier to train teachers on how to deal with the prevalent drugs among students. Organization sponsors were told to discuss the matter with members.

Shafferman has also met with both the head of district drug education Regina Bennett and Narcotics Officer Sgt. Colin J. Sullivan of the Flower Mound Police Department to help think of solutions for the problem. Shafferman is now looking at a computer program that would allow students to anonymously tip off the school about ongoing drug use, saying he will go “as far as he can” to help the problem.

“There’s so many consequences for drug use,’ Shafferman said. “It’s not just getting caught and being expelled. It affects your grades, home life, social life, health. It can really mess up a family.”

Shafferman said he wonders if the scare tactics of both past and current drug education programs, like SADD, are effective and if students have been taught the consequences well.

“You don’t want kids to drink and drive,” Shafferman said.

“We try to tell people that but they don’t listen. So, how do we educate? That’s what I’m struggling with.”

Shafferman has also made sure counselors are available for conferences with affected students and parents. The school’s designated STAR counselor, Lea Drewery, deals with students who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. She also advises students after they return from sttints in rehabilitation facilities and JJAEP. “I thinking that the administration knew it was a problem but having a group being caught at the same time was pretty eye opening,” Drewery said. “It’s disturbing that we (caught) so much in a short period of time.”

Drewery said that she was happy with the outcome drug bust, thinking that now the expelled students and parents will seek out help, being aware of the consequences. She also said she hopes that other users on campus will be more inclined to come forth with their problem.

Shafferman said that he would “be naïve to think” that anything less than 20 to 40 percent of students on campus use drugs regularly.

“I think kids think they’re invincible,” Shafferman said.

“The thing I want to assure students of, probably the majority of our kids don’t do drugs.”

More drug assemblies, parent briefings and student presentations are being planned for the future. Shafferman said he wants students who don’t do drugs to “help catch the kids who do.”

“To the ones who are already in trouble we want them to stop,” Shafferman said. “We want them to get better we’ll do whatever we can. Everybody deserves a second chance and hopefully they’ll take that second chance and make wise decisions.”

WhAt yoU nEed To knOw effects Marijuana cocaine

distorts perceptions, impairs coordination, creates difficulty in thinking and problem solving user risks heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, abdominal pain, and nausea

CONSEQUENCES Someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a lower intellectual level all of the time.

Sudden death can occur from first dose, often from increased heart rate

opioids can produce drowsiness, constipation, and can depress breathing

Taken repeatedly or in high doses, stimulants can cause anxiety, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat or seizures.

pcp

a “dissociative” drug that distorts perceptions of sight and sound and producing feelings of detachment

Several unpleasant psychological effects, with symptoms mimicking schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, extreme anxiety).

Heroin

surge of euphoria and clouded thinking followed by alternately wakeful and drowsy states

Depressed breathing which can be fatal, users who inject the drug risk infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

hydrocodone

meth

stimulates the nervous system and makes user more awake and enhances mood and body movements

Meth can cause convultions, dangerously high body temperature, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, stomach cramps and shaking.

CRAZY CARLITA

Drugs shatter friendships Carley Meiners I don’t understand.

Ever since I was little I followed the rules. I guess it was just the way I was brought up. As I grew up those same morals stayed with me. As more and more people got into things I always knew were bad, I stayed behind. I knew right from wrong.

My friends have always helped shape me into who I am, but I’ve never fully understood the concept of peer pressure. I’ve never felt pressured by my peers to do something I’m not comfortable with. To me that’s a sign of weakness.

But in high school, people get sucked into things that their “friends” are doing. Especially drugs.

Two years ago if you would have asked me if there was a drug problem at this school I would have said no. I was an oblivious freshman. Fast-forward two years and my answer would be a resounding yes. In the morning as I pull into the parking lot, people are sitting in their cars smoking, which to my eyes looks more than just a cigarette. The drug problem has gotten worse. I used to think that it was just a part of growing up. But now I realize this much of a problem is not normal. While sitting in class, I hear numerous accounts of students who sit in the back laughing about what happened last weekend at that crazy party. But to me, drugs aren’t a joke, they’re a way of ruining a life.

I’ve seen firsthand someone go from top to bottom because of drugs. She pushed away everyone, including me as she got sucked into the horrifying world of drugs.

She began with “I only smoke weed. It’s not that bad.” And that’s how it always starts. But then as the addiction kicked in, she got into more hard core drugs.

She pushed all her friends away, saying she didn’t need anyone. We had this thing where we always would send each other inspirational quotes. She helped me become a better writer. But one night I got a text I would have never expected. “We can’t be friends.” I sat in my room count-less nights wondering what I had done wrong. What I could have possibly said. She would try to explain but nothing made sense. Weed became her only friend. Three months later she apologized; saying this time it was different. That I was there from the beginning and she needed me now. But it was too late. I was hurt, and now we don’t even talk.

I saw firsthand how drugs take over lives. They not only hurt the user but they hurt those around them. They break relationships. They break hearts. I don’t get why someone would want to put toxins inside of their body. Why someone would want to leave their friends behind? Why would someone want something beside themselves controlling their decisions?

I just don’t understand.

FACTS:

less than 2% of Marcus students receive a positive score on the drug tests {the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

design by amy hillberry

13

{FEATURE}

Profesores de la clase de Español Teacher participates in Brazilian martial arts Story by Luke Swinney

Photo sUBMITTED Spanish 2 Teacher Alex Aquino (left) and former World Champion Carlos Machado (right) after some Jiu-Jitsu.

He stood up straight, facing his Jiu-Jitsu enemy with an intense stare. A quick fake to his left put his opponent in a trap.

He immediately capitalized on the mistake and placed his foe in a headlock, rendering him immobile. Spanish teacher Alex Aquino: 1. Former World Champion Carlos Machado: 0.

Even though Machado was going easy on him during their 2006 fight, Aquino said he was in disbelief he could even put Machado in a chokehold. He said fighting him is frustrating because no matter what you do, Machado counters and gets in a better position.

“Nobody beats the guy,” Aquino said. “Period. Carlos came to Dallas because he’s a friend of Chuck Norris and we used to train inside the studio where the show Walker, Texas Ranger was filmed. We’d be fighting and when they started recording a scene we’d have to be silent.”

Brazilian native Aquino started martial arts at age eighteen with karate since that was all they had available in Sao Paulo, Brazil. However, when he moved to Texas he met Machado and started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“I might not be the best at it, but Jiu-Jitsu is just awesome,” Aquino said. “If a guy attacks you, the philosophy is that you’re not going to butt heads. You use their motion and momentum to counter and take them down. It’s just like playing chess. You have to think one or two moves ahead.”

Aquino created a Jiu-Jitsu club at Marcus a few years ago, but it was ended by administration due to liability reasons.

“The kids enjoyed it and we never had any problems with injuries,” Aquino said. “As a matter of fact, there’s a whole bunch of kids now who want the club to continue. We had a disclaimer too so there was really no risk.”

Aside from the physical training that Jiu-Jitsu competitors complete, the sport also teaches patience and discipline.

“A lot of kids might initially enter into martial arts because of violent thoughts,” Aquino said. “But as they emerge themselves in the philosophy of pure martial arts, they slowly focus on the technical side of the sport. I’m for art and beauty, not violence.”

Because Aquino is working towards becoming a high school principal, he has put his training on hold for the past year. Still, he said Jiu-Jitsu will always be a part of his life.

“As soon as I get this principal’s aptitude test out of the way, I’m going right back to training,” Aquino said. “I don’t care about getting beat up or anything like that. Some people do Jiu-Jitsu professionally, but I wouldn’t want to do that. I just want to keep enjoying the sport.”

~ Senora demonstrates artistic side both outside, inside of classroom Story by Devon Miller The basketball was thrown high into the air and the game was set in motion. One player knocked it to the ground and began dribbling toward the net. As the girl raced down the court, Spanish teacher Anna Neale captured every moment.

Every dodge, every pass, every play was caught and frozen in the lens of her camera. After the game, she reviewed her work and smiled, proud of what she’d done.

Neale became interested in photography after marrying her husband, a former photographer. Four years ago, she began taking photography classes and now takes sports pictures for Texas Women’s University.

“It’s kind of a small school so you can get really involved,” Neale said. “I do a lot of sports photography, like basketball and soccer. It’s just a volunteer thing but I shared it with the information director and now it’s sort of my unofficial job.”

Hosting athletes also helped Neale further her photography career. Over the summer three college baseball players from California stayed with the Neales. Neale took pictures of the collegiate summer league the boys were playing on.

“I love baseball,” Neale said. “It’s my favorite sport to

-Richard Treat rides a bike to school once a week (24 miles) from North Richland Hills.

14 design by nathaniel thornton

watch. I also enjoyed the photography and since we don’t have kids it’s a way to interact and be involved in the community.”

The summer league is designed to help college players get into the minor and major leagues. The three boys were drafted into the minor league systems of the Colorado Rockies, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Anaheim Angels.

Another way Neale shows her creativity is through crocheting. After midterms and finals, she teaches her Spanish students to make bracelets with leftover yarn. Neale said crocheting helps her keep busy.

“It’s just one of those outlets,” Neale said. “I can’t just sit still and I never do one thing at a time. With teaching I’m always walking around the room. Same as when I’m watching TV. I’ll be crocheting or something like that.”

Although Neale expresses herself in various ways, she said photography is her favorite because it allows her to illustrate her personality.

“I love it,” Neale said. “It’s a creative outlet. I’m a creative person. I love scrapbooking and crocheting. Photography is just one more thing I can do that’s creative and that I can share with people.”

-Nina Ivey lived across from current Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal when she was a child.

Photo By sarah quinn Spanish 3 teacher Senora Anna Neale crochets before her 3rd period class on March 1, 2010.

-Cesar Chavez is training to become a physician assistant.

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

QUESTION & ANSWER Emily Warner, 11 COMPILED by Luke Swinney PHOTO BY Taylor thomas {Q}: If vampires attacked, what’s your first plan of action? {A}: I’d probably have to stab them in the heart with a wooden stake and burn them because that’s the only way they can die. {Q}: Do you wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy? {A}: No. If I did, that would be frightening because P. Diddy is in fact a man. {Q}: What’s your weirdest quirk? {A}: The fact that I’m in love with Seth Cohen who is indeed a fictional character. {Q}: Have you ever had a near-death experience? {A}: I fell down the stairs on New Years and hit my head on the wall. Concussions aren’t fun. {Q}: If you could have a bobble head of one faculty member, who would it be? {A}: If it could speak it’d have to be Mr. Hamric so I could hear his quote of the day. {Q}: What would you do if you woke up as a flamingo? {A}: I’d probably perch on one leg. Then eat some shrimp since that’s why they stay pink. {Q}: Would you rather be a superhero or a super villain? {A}: Villains have way more fun so probably a villain. {Q}: If you were in Star Wars, which character would you be? {A}: Qui-Gon Jinn. No, just kidding he dies. Definitely Luke Skywalker. {Q}: What’s the meaning of life? {A}: To marry someone rich and move out of the country.

15 design by nathaniel thornton

Lilly Brotgtra,pher rtist} photo

{featured a

Story by KELSEY MCCAULEY When a crowd of people passes by a man, whose frayed, red sweatshirt resembles his weather-beaten face, they might be more inclined to turn away rather than observe his handcrafted jewelry on display. To some, a house whose shingles have disappeared in patches and whose windows have been shattered is an eyesore, a blemish in their squeaky-clean suburban neighborhood. However, to junior Lilly Brott, the man selling jewelry and the battered home are treasures all on their own.

“I find beauty in really strange things,” Brott said. “That’s how it’s always kind of been…I saw things and remembered these objects or people and I kept the memory of them.”

Brott has developed a passion for photography after participating in her fourth class and plans on pursuing a career in the field. She said photography came so naturally to her that once she found out about it, she fell in love.

As her interest in photography began to deepen, Brott said she started to appreciate the passion others felt for it. However, she said she realizes that some people’s motives in pursuing photography are transparent.

“Some people just like art because of what it makes you look like, because you seem artsy and cool,” Brott said.

“With me, it’s just a part of me. I get this high that I can’t get from anything else from taking photographs.”

Most aspiring artists, athletes or writers have a guide for their creativity. For Brott, it’s photography teacher Kathy Toews.

“I love her so much,” Brott said.

“She’s like me, but older. She’s so weird and strange, and she has these opinions that no one else has. You don’t think about it until she says it and that’s how I like to think I am at times. She’s so artistic, and she really believes in me.”

Toews said Brott’s drive is especially apparent in all of her photos and said that she has already exhibited the qualities of a true artist through her intense approach.

“As an art teacher, you’re always trying to get students to put a part of who they are, to bring that out in their artwork,” Toews said. “With Lilly it’s easy because it’s already there. Part of her shows in all of her photographs and when you see it, you get an emo-

tional response. That’s what artists try to do.”

Brott said today there are many stereotypes concerning the subjects of photography. She said people tend to associate nature scenes with photographs and often fail to recognize the effort put into producing good work. With the majority of her photos depicting real people in real-life situations, Brott said she hopes to change this perception.

“The main thing I want to do is travel to places that are filled with poverty and take photos and show people what life can really be and what people can do to other people,” Brott said. “I look at photos, and photos can really change people… That’s what I’m all about.”

PHOTOs BY ALLISON PRZYBYSZ Junior Lilly Brott’s award winning photograph of a man selling jewelry in Austin, TX is displayed on her dresser among a record player and a photo of her as a child.

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

part three: the future

{FEATURE}

Synopsis: On Dec. 21, 2007, two-year-old Evan Verfurth was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis, an often fatal disease that causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord. Evan survived, but the effects of the disease have changed the lives of him, his freshman brother James, and his sister Emily. Evan’s journey to recovery has been remarkable, and his story continues to inspire many every passing day.

TOP: Evan’s teacher, Beth Norris, helps him participate in the sound therapy session at Prairie Trail Elementary. LEFT: Evan emerges for the first time from a tube which his physical therapist set up. It was the first time for him to make it through independently after two months of therapy. RIGHT: Senior Megan Sconzert is responsible for updating the Verfurth’s Facebook page. She began the page in 2008.

16 design by shelby bookout

PHOTOS BY ALLISON PRZYBYSZ

Senior steps in to help STORY BY PATRICK IVERSEN PART THREE OF THREE

Trish Verfurth could tell it was going to be one of those days. Evan had been grumpy and temperamental since he woken up a few minutes before. After dressing him, Trish took him by the hand and began walking to the car. Evan, one hand in his mother’s and one hand in his mouth, waddled beside her.

His steps were awkward, quick and wobbly.

In the three years since the pneumococcal meningitis, Evan’s recovery had progressed faster than his doctors thought possible. Through intense physical therapy, Evan had regained use of his legs, to the point where running around the house became a pastime.

The disease left damage to his brain that would take years to recover. Evan can hear, but can no longer understand words. And although he had relearned to make sounds, he can not speak, only scream and groan.

“What it seems like is that someone pushed the ‘reset’ button,” Trish said. “Everything Evan had learned had been wiped away, and he has to develop it all over again.”

They finally reached Prairie Trail Elementary School, where Evan receives specialized education. His personal trainer, Beth Norris, greeted the two of them at the front of the school and led them to class.

After spending so much time looking for a school that could best help Evan’s devel-

opment, Trish was eager to see her son’s activities firsthand.

Evan seemed too agitated to focus as he began screaming in anger. Beth placed a number of small cylindrical blocks in front of him. Evan quieted as he watched her stack them. “Okay Evan, now can you stack them for me?” Beth asked. Instead, Evan put them in his mouth. Beth frowned.

Later, Trish took Evan home for lunch while they waited for his physical therapist to arrive. When she arrived, she set up a long, large tube across the den floor. The idea was for Evan to crawl through the tube on his own, but up to this point he hasn’t done so.

As Trish watches the therapist helping Evan, she thinks back on the aid her family has been given over the past year.

A few months earlier, Trish found a message in her email from senior Megan Sconzert. At her mother’s request, Megan forwarded an essay she wrote about faith in God through tough times. They had never met, but the essay resonated with Trish.

The two began emailing back and forth, and a friendship blossomed.

Within weeks, Megan was posting updates on Evan’s condition on Facebook. The act was purely volunteer, but Trish was grateful that so many more prayers were coming Evan’s way. However, Megan didn’t believe she had done enough.

“Trish had mentioned that James and Emily had not had much time to spend with

friends because they were so busy with Evan,” Megan said. “It was really wearing on them, so my youth group decided to help out.”

For a week, Megan’s church youth group spent hours a day with James and Emily.

They took them to the movies, played games with them at the house, and gave them muchneeded time to have fun and relax.

While everything had changed for her family, Trish said there is no denying Evan’s journey left an impact on others.

“I get emails everyday from people who have children going through sickness,” she said. “And they all tell me how much they’ve leaned on Evan’s story for support. He’s a fighter, and the way he fought through this is inspiring.”

As she said this, Evan got down on his knees and crawled into the tunnel, further and further into the tube. He finally emerged through the other side, and looked up to his mother. Trish picked up her son, teary-eyed and beaming. It was just another little miracle for Evan.

“As a mother, you always think your kids are special,” Trish says. “When I had James, I thought, ‘He is so smart, he will be a great leader one day.’ And Emily is so compassionate and has so much kindness in her heart.

“And when I had Evan, I just knew that this child was so very special. I thought Evan would change the world. And in so many ways, he has.”

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

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Making your own band Myspace

Christian Dodson story by erryn bohon As new technology becomes available, more and more musicians are stepping away from getting a record label and starting to promote their own sounds through websites. One of these musicians is junior Christian Dodson who writes and records his own music and promotes it on the website MySpace.com.

The website helps bring out new bands and for anyone who wants to start one, record a song and put it on the Internet for people to hear.

MySpace.com is a home to established artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Michael Buble and U2 that use the site to allow fans to hear new hits, upcoming shows and band pictures. However, many of MySpace’s profiles are new artists trying to get their style out into the music world.

Dodson became interested in music when he started playing Guitar Hero on his Xbox. After playing the game, Dodson soon was inspired to buy his own guitar and learn how to play and record. Dodson plays only instrumental music because he does not like singing.

“I play and record pretty much anything,” Dodson said. “From experimental rock, instrumental, to electronic with synthesizers, and I also record some

CONCERT

IN CONCERT

compiled by samantha draper

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

acoustic.”

Dodson started out playing solo and had his own style to put on MySpace so he does not currently have a band but would like to start one. Recently, Dodson and some friends played and recorded a few songs, and one particularly about Twinkies.

“I really liked playing the guitar and I really wanted to get better on recording myself,” Dodson said. “So I decided to put my music on MySpace so other people could hear what I like to do.”

Even though playing and recording music for other people to hear is what Dodson likes to do best, he is unsure of his college plans and his future regarding his music and what he would like to do with it.

“It would be cool opportunity to go to a music college, major in music and start a band,” Dodson said. “I would like to start a band first, but if that does not work out, then I would want to teach lessons.”

Being a musician, Dodson loves when friends, family and fans give him feedback whether it is going to be postitive or negative.

“It really makes me feel good because it lets me know I am doing something right and making people happy,” Dodson said. “But I also like taking criticism because it helps me become better.”

Citizen Cope @House of Blues March 10

$25-$75

Suckers @Haileys March 21

Rouge Wave @Palladium Ballroom March 17

$25 Vampire Weekend @House of Blues April 11 $25-$75

Yeasayer @Granada Theatre April 8 $15-$25 Beach House @Granada Theatre April 21 $15-$25

$10-$15

1

Have pictures, MP3 files, and any other information on hand as your create your site. This will allow you to get a functional site up and running within your first visit.

2

Have an email list of your friends ready for that first invitational email.

3

Keep in mind that the most important aspect of the MySpace community is your group of friends.

4

Do not plagiarize material or host music on your site that is not your own, or MySpace will remove your account.

5

Do not post your email address on your profile page unless you don’t mind who has accesss to it.

The Ruby Suns @Haileys March 17 $10-$15 Camera Obscura @Haileys April 10

$10-$15 The Big Pink @Granada Thetre April 9 $25 design by breyanna washington and amy hillberry

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{ENTERTAINMENT}

Top 10 manly, girly things

The Marquee takes a look at how people represent their genders compiled by Taylor Ross and erryn bohon GRaphics by amy hillberry

5

Possibly the simplest thing in the world to do on this list. And if she says no what happens? Nothing, just a little bruised ego. However, this Ask a Girl Out also requires you to follow through. If you stand a girl up because you’re nervous or afraid, you get your man card revoked. No questions asked.

Taylor Swift is the queen of “cry-your-heart-out-with-a-gallon-of icecream-in-bed” music. Her songs make every girl want a boyfriend and make a hard day easier. “Love Story,” though very overplayed, still helps any girl make her day brighter and better.

This means you deliberately pick up a hammer or some hard object and attacking something that caused you grief. Nothing says “man” like Break taking a crowbar and beating a computer that stopped working right as Something you finished your essay on quantum mechanics due in thirty minutes.

No matter the season or occasion, these sweat pants can be lounge wear or mall-wear. They’re easy to put on and super comfortable, and the bright colors bring out a figure that appeals to the eye and looks good on almost everyone.

Did our forefathers create America using only their well-written letters and their overdramatic signatures? No, they screamed and fought with each other to get their points across. The only time they would have used Get into a only letters to argue was if they had grabbed letters and shoved them Fight down the throat of King George III. That’s the American way.

If you really want to show a woman that you are a man and you are not to be trifled with, eat a huge chunk of steak drenched with bottles of Eat Tabasco or A1 steak sauce. After the last bite, roar and beat your chest Steak like in King Kong to show that you are the alpha male. Ladies love that.

Dogs are the best friend that will never judge or betray you. They are the perfect companion to any man. That’s what makes this movie so difficult. In the end, the boy and his dog go through the most heart-wrenching Cry during moment in cinematic history. Any guy who can say he didn’t cry during “Old Yeller” Old Yeller is not only not a man, he isn’t even human.

Whether you need to look good for your man or you want to gossip with the girls about the latest Brangelina drama, a mani/pedi is the cure. A fresh manicure and pedicure looks good for any occasion, whether it’s prom or just a night out with friends. Why not add a facial to the cost? It will help you look and feel better.

Hot top? Check. Skinny jeans? Check. What’s missing? Accessories! Scarves, hats, sunglasses or even jewelry will make any outfit complete and help pull it together. A cute scarf and hat during the winter season will make the clothes pop.

Nicholas Sparks is good at making women cry. Sparks can weave words into a tapestry and The Notebook is his crown jewel. This movie is ranked in the top ten for girl movies. Because of the scenes and the storyline, it is a cute, romantic film that every girl loves to watch with popcorn in front of them.

Compiled By NATASHA JORDAN Crushed or cubed ice?

Do you brush your teeth in the shower?

101 Dalmations and Peter Pan are the only two Disney animated features in which both parents are present and don’t die throughout the movie.

yes 18%

cubed 30% crushed 70%

The 57 on the Heinz ketchup bottle represents the number of varieties of pickles the company once produced.

More people are killed annually by donkeys than die in air crashes.

no 82%

Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.

When you walk on a tile floor do you try to keep your feet perfectly inside the tiles?

51%

Do you put your deodorant on before or after you put on your shirt?

53%

49%

*Polls based on 122 students

18 design by maria heinonen

47%

The three best-known western names in China are Jesus Christ, Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley.

It is believed that Shakespeare was 46 around the time that the King James Version of the Bible was written. In Psalms 46, the 46th word from the first word is shake and the 46th word from the last word is spear. {the

marquee} march 5, 2010

{ENTERTAINMENT}

Reviews to keep your resolutions Story by Ashley solari and kate o’toole photos by mark turnbull It’s the perfect time of year to fall back on your New Year’s resolutions and quit the gym. Luckily, The Marquee has a new fitness routine for you.

We’ve reviewed the hottest home workout DVDs and protein shakes to help you get in shape and stay in shape for the new year.

Isopure (40g): Nature’s Best flavored this drink Blue Raspberry but I beg to differ, as I would re-name it a sugarless Kool-Aid. The clear bottle tricks consumers into thinking it will taste like a refreshing Gatorade instead of a plain drink.

Even with all the protein, body builders should go for an alternative, better tasting drink.

Forget it

Special K (10g): It’s not a surprise that the drink with the lowest grams of protein is the best tasting. This is a perfect drink for any consumer that wants to skip the nutritional taste of a protein shake yet consume healthier nutritional value than a soda. The strawberry flavor is a perfect substitute for strawberry milk.

Myroplex (42g): The drink with the highest grams of protein of the three was, fortunately, the second best. The company did a great job in hiding the nutritional part of this drinking by adding a sweet strawberry cream taste. This is a win-win situation for any health fiend that wants a delicious and effective drink.

Consider it

Worth it

Trio of worthwhile workout DVDs outshines one exercise error Daily Energy Yoga: Shiva Rea

PROS: This workout is spilt into seven 20-minute sessions, as well as two 5 minute opening meditations and two 5 minute closing meditations. The set is decorated in Eastern Asian style with Buddhist statues and relics throughout the background. Shiva Rea has a relaxing voice and does primarily voiceovers to make sure no one is lost in the workouts. The poses are creative and Rea makes yoga her own in this peaceful workout.

CONS: Beginners may not understand what each workout is at first for it is spilt into Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. There are a lot of intermediate positions which may get boring. The music volume changes in each workout, which is especially noticeable in the Shavasana section.

30 Day Shred: Jillian Michaels

PROS: This is a quick workout that will really bring results.

Jillian Michaels, also known as ‘America’s Toughest Trainer,’ developed these three level, twenty minute workouts. Cardio, strength and abs are all worked in the routines. Michaels goes over form in each exercise and stresses the importance of doing each exercise correctly. She is tough but she is also very encouraging.

CONS: People with knee injuries should keep away as Michaels incorporates a lot of squats and lunges into her workouts. It might get boring doing level one for two or three weeks before moving on to level two, so a nice variation is to switch between three levels each day. The levels do get extremely harder but results will be seen faster.

Must have

Think about it Callanetics: Callan Pinckney

PROS: This is a workout that will tone and lengthen bodies and is somewhat similar to yoga and Pilates. Instructor Callan Pinckney created an hour workout that consists of tiny, challenging movements that work muscles. Pinckney creates a very relaxing environment and never pushes. Pinckney has tips and variations in each exercise for everyone. The video has participants ages 20-70 so anyone can do it. Callinetics should be done three times a week.

CONS: This workout is from the late 1980s and some people may be bothered by the outdated clothes and music. People may find the workout boring as the exercises typically go for 100 reps and are done slowly.

Worth buying MARCH 5, 2010 {the marquee}

Rockin’ Body: Shaun T

PROS: Shaun T, instructor of this video and the more popular Hip Hop Abs video, is very energetic and you will be thoroughly entertained by his antics. These DVDs follow a simple format – Shaun teaches fast-paced dance steps and combines them together in a cardio workout. Each DVD has a different workout with different times, varying from fifteen minutes to an hour.

CONS: Although the infomercial shows people who look fantastic and muscular after doing the DVD, this is just a fun cardio workout and will not provide much toning results. Also, some of the dance steps, like the guitar, are really cheesy and the over the top enthusiasm might be off-putting to some

Don’t bother design by nathaniel thornton 19

04/05/10

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04/05/10

04/05/10

{STAFF EDITORIAL}

Town Hall must fight drilling plan Until recently, few residents of this quiet suburb of Flower Mound paid much attention as gas-drilling rigs periodically sprouted around the western edges of town. Then, seemingly overnight, the wells crept closer to our neighborhoods and schools, and tanker trucks began rumbling down residential streets. Meanwhile, many of the town’s elected officials have stood idly by as citizens gather to protest. Town Hall must make an effort to stop the drilling until after the long-term consequences have been adequately evaluated.

Citizens are concerned over the recent press coverage of the so-called ‘cancer cluster’ in Flower Mound. Since the drilling began, at least five children and two adults in Flower Mound have been diagnosed with leukemia. Meanwhile, hazardous levels of benzene, a known carcinogen with proven links to leukemia, were detected during recent tests at several sites across the Barnett Shale, the bedrock over which the town was built and the primary target of the drillers. Needless to say, this has triggered alarms all across Flower Mound. Except at Town Hall.

Recently, roughly 600 residents packed a hearing to voice

town council 2010 ok...lets think about this...

If we get rid of the oil drills what solutions can we come up with that will be the substitue?

opposition to controversial new zoning ordinances requested by the drilling companies. Representatives of the drillers, most notably WilliamsProduction, smiled and assured everyone that they had the best interests of the community in mind. But they refused to answer probing questions, while forging ahead with plans for at least a hundred more wells, many in close proximity to homes, schools and businesses.

Despite pleas from their constituents to tap the brakes and assess the long-term consequences, certain officials continue to accede to the drillers’ demands. At the meeting, three of the five council members thumbed their noses at the crowd and sided with the drillers, dismissing the health concerns as “scare tactics”. They worried aloud about lawsuits should the town stand in Williams’ way. And, in true political fashion, they insisted upon having more “facts”.

Town Hall cannot continue to ignore the facts. Even if the cancer cluster investigation proves to be a mere coincidence, the other chemicals used by the companies are far too dangerous to not be regulated. And besides the health concerns, several realtors have presented anecdotal evidence that

solution #2

solution #1 Have everyone use carrot juice instead of gas!

No...not good. We’ll be over populated with carrot farms.

Live in space. No oil needed!

We need money to fund that and most of our money comes from the oil in the

property values are being affected, while many new buyers are steering clear of Flower Mound. But more importantly, the health of the town is at risk. The city’s financial well-being does not outweigh the cost of the health of its citizens.

This town’s officials were elected on the idea that they listen and act on the concerns of their constituents. The unsafe and unregulated methods the drillers are using near homes are making the citizens restless. All they ask is for the Town Hall to investigate the methods and prove that there is nothing to worry about. The fact that our officials resist because they fear being sued is preposterous. Flower Mound citizens deserve to see their leaders fight a lawsuit to protect them, not avoid retribution in the name of business and ignore the concerns of the population.

It seems that the only way to get the point across is if the community comes forward and shows their disgust. They can no longer sit idly by as their quiet suburb is transformed into a hazardous zone. Citizens must call for Town Hall to take down their white flag and go to battle for them. Too many lives and livelihoods are at stake for them not to.

solution #3

solution #4

Turn schools into manufacturing buildings for electric cars and hire the Wait until this all blows over and the public students!

Possible but not probable...

bingo!!

Graduated system good alternative In the past few weeks the school has expelled over 15 students for the dealing or possession of drugs. Administrators follow a system in which, regardless if it’s a user or dealer, they receive a first offense of a 45-90 day expulsion in Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP), and a second offense of 180 days, or full school year, in JJAEP. A better alternative administrators should use to stop the source of the drug problem is to implement a graduated punishment in which dealers would automatically receive the second harsher offense of 180 days.

Dealers are a bigger problem than the users in our school because they have encouraged recreational drug use ranging anywhere from marijuana to heroin. We cannot have dealers introducing and encouraging a culture of drugs because it will take a toll on the users’ life for the worst. Dealers peer pressure their classmates into telling them to try something new and exciting and eventually bring in more potent drugs.

These dealers have caused a drug epidemic among the student body. To keep students from going down on a bad path, administrators should make it top priority to find all dealers and punish them first.

Another problem area is over-the-counter medicine, which is something seen throughout our school and something students are not commonly being punished for. According to the Partnership for Drug-Free America, one in every 10 teenagers abuse over-the-counter medicine, or in perspective 300 students on campus. Students have been seen taking Robitussin to achieve a “Robo-Trip.” It starts with one {the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

student bring a bottle to school from home and passing it around to other students. Although administrators attempt to catch these students, a simple parent phone call ends up getting them out of their punishment. Any dealer that brings medicine into the school building deserves to get the harsh, proper punishment.

One notable argument that people may say caused administrators to overlook drug problems in our school before is that the drugs abused were not as extreme. Because both marijuana and alcohol have been proven to play a major role in the lifestyles of young adults for generations, it seems pointless for them to try to punish the dealers of the less serious drugs. Once a user develops a tolerance to one drug, it is common knowledge that they will turn to a harder drug such as heroin. Administrators need to look out for dealers that are not only dealing hard drugs or medicines but also those selling marijuana. Having administrators expel dealers of every type of drug will eliminate the core source of the drug problem.

The reputation of the campus having a major drug problem is an embarrassment to any faculty member, parent, or student. To successfully fix the drug problem administrators need to use a system to give the dealers a harsher punishment. Dealers need to recieve the second offences and users, first time or not, the first offense. If administrators use this system they will help keep any student from having a source to get their drugs and will keep our school free of any drugs.

To be fair, the current drug policy never succeeded in the carnival either S.D. design by breyanna washington

21

{OPINION}

BETTER THAN LUKE

Drug overdose hits home hard

Express freedom

Just say no to bugs

Chik-Free-A

The Apple Express card allows family members over the age of 55 to get into district plays, music shows, sporting events and other LISD-hosted events free of charge. This free card is the best thing to happen to the elderly since the Early Bird Special at Denny’s.

Refreshing is the best word to describe the lack of crickets and cockroaches in the Marcus cafeteria. Whether it is due to a random fluke or an unknown implementation of a mysterious bug-killing technology, the reduced bug population is appreciated.

Nothing can brighten someone’s day like a chicken biscuit, especially one for free. This newly implemented deal was a ray of sunlight in the gray skies of winter. Chik-fil-a offered one free menu item every Wednesday in February, the one thing that kept students going.

{BOOMBAS}

THINGS WE LIKE

Sarah Quinn

I never thought I’d hate the smell of flowers. Their morbidly bright colors lighten up any situation, perverse with a sickly sweet smell that poisons the nostrils. People compare the smell of flowers to good things: a beautiful bouquet of tulips for congratulations or a single rose of love. To me, I think of one thing: the casket of a friend, taken too early from this world, from their family, from me.

On December 13, 2008, I awoke to my sister crying hysterically. That’s when the horrifying words escaped her trembling lips.

“Beren overdosed last night.”

My heart came to a screeching halt. Time began to slow.

It wasn’t possible. It was a joke. It had to be. This couldn’t happen to me. Not to Beren. He was only 19.

The news was overwhelming. I didn’t know what to do.

My eyes began to flood with tears. I needed to get out of the house and go somewhere else.

But no matter where I went, the tears led from my face back to where it all began. I walked in my living room, and there he was awkwardly sitting in my house with no one else around him. He said his name was Beren and he was heading to Drivers Ed when his sister stopped by to see my sister. I was in my pajamas. It made for an easy icebreaker that started a wonderful friendship. This boy had such wit, charm and a smile that melted my heart. The thought of him dying was too unbearable to face.

The days leading up to his funeral were spent in mourning. I couldn’t do anything without Beren coming to mind.

Everything I did I could remember doing with him. When I would go to the park I could see us swinging together. When I would look up at the stars I could remember how he attempted to teach me all the constellations. Every memory of him tortured me, a cruel reminder that I would never be with him again. Thanks to the holes in his arm that left bigger holes in my heart.

The day of the funeral was the most painful thing I have ever endured my 17 years of life. His mom and dad, friends, teachers and his older sister with her children were all there to remember the life of Beren. They came to pay their respects to a boy who changed so many people’s lives in such a short time. As I walked to his casket to say my final goodbyes, I saw him lying there lifeless.

I closed my eyes, and as I opened them, he looked like he did the day I met him. He looked how I always had remembered, with his long hair reaching his shoulders, his sparkling hazel eyes, his goofy grin that could make anyone around him smile and his favorite Bill Cosby sweater. Then, in an instant, my image of him was gone, replaced by shut eyes, pale skin and pursed lips.

I leaned in to say one thing I never had the courage to say to him.

“I love you Bear and I always will.”

I kissed his forehead and added an Indian paintbrush to the pile of flowers growing on his casket. As I was leaving the funeral, I looked around one final time. The room was filled with flowers.

22

design by brandon prill

JUST ANOTHER STATISTIC

Divorce causes fear for future Kelsey McCauley I always knew it would happen; it was only a matter of time. After awhile, I got used to their bickering. Their quarrels slowly became white noise. Every movie told me I should hate them, that they were the enemy. As much as I wanted the fighting to stop, I couldn’t help but imagine what my life would have been like had they never met.

Science says I wouldn’t be here today, that without the sperm and egg life cannot be generated. That’s beside the point. I wanted to know how my life would’ve turned out if I had been born to parents with happier family histories.

My parents were among the last of the baby-boomers.

Born in the 1960’s, much of their free time was spent watching The Brady Bunch or running back and forth through the neighbor’s sprinklers. Times were simple. Divorce was almost unheard of. Little squabbles here and there were sugar-coated with assurances like, “Mommy and Daddy still love each other very much, you know that right?” And the children, completely oblivious to their own realities, would be assured. Just like that. No questions asked.

Unfortunately, the same didn’t hold true for my mom and dad’s parents, my grandparents.

Each family came complete with their own alcoholic, disgruntled wife and troublesome offspring. The only differ-

What do

you think

about the

zero tolerance policy?

Compiled by Natasha jordan Photos by sarah quinn

ence: one family was served meals on a silver platter while the other struggled daily to put food on the table.

In both households, the meals were usually hot by the time the husband and kids came home, and so were the tempers. The mashed potatoes could always use more seasoning, and she could always use morehelp around the house. So she added another teaspoon of salt, and he cleaned a dish or two.

Eventually, both sets of grandparents couldn’t stand to be around each other. So grandpa comforted himself with items found in the liquor cabinet, and sometimes so did grandma.

As both families would quickly learn, time and alcohol could not heal all wounds. In situations like these, some parents choose to stay together for the kids’ sake. My grandparents chose to demolish the vows they had sworn to uphold.

For the well-off couple, divorce was the light at the end of the tunnel. For the struggling couple, alcohol took more than a marriage; it took my grandfather’s life.

It was only a matter of time before my parents followed the family pattern. Before long, they would start falling out of love. As time would have it, their marriage would end up just like those of their parents’—a futile attempt at happiness.

I just wonder what that means for me.

“I think that the zero tolerance policy is good, but I think investigation should be done to see people’s involvement with the drugs and more punishment should be given where it is needed.”

Sam Karnes, Freshman

“I think they should investigate it more than just expel them right on the spot because they don’t know the full story. I think after they investigate, then they should punish them and it depends on the severity.”

Sarah Mosely, Sophomore

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

{OPINION} Something’s fishy

Dont be a phone-y

Red is for stop

Some little stinker, or group of collective punks, decided to release some stinkbombs in the W-hall stairwell. Students walking that way are upset and wish to see these jerks brought to justice. Bringing them into the bathroom for a swirly isn’t the worst idea, either.

Yes, the school will take your phone and food, and won’t give it back without compensation.

The teachers of Marcus practice the confiscation of such paraphernalia, while some teachers are using their phones and eating food in class, which is frustratingly hypocritical.

Teachers are being stolen from their conference to take a teacher color test at a workshop. The test tells teachers their teaching type and gives them tips for future teaching.

This takes away from possible grading time, and a teacher’s only long break in a day.

{HEYS} THINGS WE DON’T LIKE

Lessons on dating taken to heart Shelby Bookout Some get angry and take out their emotions on the people around them. Some try to win the other person back. Many ignore the other and avoid contact of any kind.

These dating behaviors aren’t healthy. Each person may handle situations differently, and I’m not here to say that there is one right way to act; The ways we control our reactions to people are our own. I have come to understand that just because a guy doesn’t call me for a second date doesn’t mean that I’m less of a person. It’s because our personalities simply don’t go together. I’m trying not to take things as personally as I have in the past, both in dating and in life. I’m trying to better control my reactions.

Dating really is about learning. I’m learning how to better interact with people and how to control my reactions after things don’t go my way. In high school, I’ve had varying situations that I’ve had to deal with. Each time I go through a crush, a dance, or a date, I learn about myself. This time when things end, or don’t ever even get started, I’ll make a point to make contact. For me, it’s important now to be friendly towards guys that I’ve dated, despite the changes in my relationships with them.

Inhale. I’m walking towards him. Ready? Find his eyes and smile. He nods in return. We’re all cool. Exhale and breathe.

“The policy is a correct idea for those who have continually been busted for drugs. If it happens on occasion, then the punishment shouldn’t be so extreme but still have consequences.”

“I think if Marcus has a zero tolerance policy then they actually need to execute it.

Overall, I think it is a good system because people need to know that there are repercussions for their actions.”

Will Fr yt, Junior

Sarah Hammerle, Senior

{the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010

History gives art different meaning

Kate O’Toole

SHELBY COMIN’ ROUND THE MTN.

Inhale. Oh great. He’s walking this way. Be cool and give a simple smile. Ready? No. That’s not what we’re going to do.

Okay, we’re not going to acknowledge each other. Cool. That’s easier anyway. Much easier than talking. Look away and act busy with something else. All right, he’s gone. Exhale.

I turn the corner and begin to wonder “why?” Why does it have to be this way? After our date, it was obvious that neither of us felt a romantic connection. It was easy to realize that we didn’t exactly go together, but we really weren’t sure of what to do when we saw each other back at school. This dynamic of ignoring each other was so unnecessary and juvenile. It isn’t right and wasn’t fair to either of us.

I had tried following my own advice. In my last column, I talked about the importance of dating different people. I went on a couple of dates, and when they didn’t turn into anything, I didn’t get upset. I knew it would be easy for me to say, “Okay, that didn’t work. Let’s move on.” But I’ve experienced more since then, and I’ve learned that the situation of being unsure and awkward after things don’t go the way we expect is common, but still uncomfortable.

But what do we do instead? How do we act when you both get to school and know you won’t be going out again? How do you act when your relationship with someone changes?

ONLY COOL KIDS QUIT

“It’s already a rule. It’s already a law. If you get caught I think you should be punished.”

Chris Dunlap, Teacher

I hate art. Well, I used to. I am still awful at it -- I was laughed at in kindergarten at my attempt at drawing a nose and my drawing skills probably haven’t gotten much better since then.

Museums were normally a bore for me too. I only spent 30 minutes at the Louvre museum in Paris, and most of it was spent on trying to find the Mona Lisa. However, as I started taking European and American History courses, I realized that my hatred of art is really ignorance. I can stare at paintings and half-heartedly appreciate the effort. It’s when the story behind it is known when it becomes interesting.

The Mona Lisa has no facial hair apparent, including eyebrows and eyelashes, which is reportedly because women of that time used to pluck them out. Just a quick look at that painting would never have told me that.

It first started in my European History class. We went over a painting every day in preparation for a big exam at the end. It was lengthy, and sometimes the talk about how the brush strokes were painted just put me to sleep. But when I was able to connect to something I knew, like history, was when I actually could find the paintings or sculptures actually worth remembering. I needed to relate.

I never understood nude paintings until I understood the time period. Nudes started being done as a way to capture human form first in Greece with sculptures. Then, they evolved as history went on. More detail became apparent in nude paintings when discoveries of the human body and condition were made.

More variety was becoming noticeable as it became socially acceptable to painting things other than church subjects. Then in the Age of Realism, artists stopped painting perfect bodies and started using real people as muses for their masterpieces. I certainly don’t go out of my way to find nude paintings now, but I try to appreciate it.

In these revelations, I have discovered that art is a form of history and can be applied to pretty much any aspect of my life. I love baking anything I can get my hands on and I dislike chemistry. Yet after I put the same perspective towards chemistry as I did with art, was when I realized that baking is all a chemistry experiment.

I may not want anything to do with chemistry, but when I am making bread, cakes or cookies and want them to rise, I am using the subject I thought I’d never use willingly.

Everything can be connected. I may not find art, science or math that interesting alone. But when I can apply what I know to the things I hate or look more in-depth is when I can actually grasp those subjects that I don’t understand.

No, I’ll probably never be a genius at art or want much to do with it when I am older. But if I have an open mind when it comes to things I don’t understand, perhaps I can learn something from my experiences and stop regretting experiences I have missed out upon, like turning a blind eye in the Louvre. I hope to appreciate the more puzzling things in life to the best of my ability and not be ignorant. I don’t want to miss out on something in the future just because I don’t get it. design by brandon prill

23

{SPOTLIGHT}

Live Action Role Play Boys find new pastime for the weekends Story by alexandra mehlhaff photo by sarah quinn

1.

2.

The sword lunges forward as a Casadonian warrior dodges it, moving swiftly to bring his own sword down on the opponent’s arm. The enemy’s weapon drops to the ground. He turns to find a shield, but it’s too late. The enemy falls to the ground like a marionette whose strings have been cut. The warrior turns from the fallen man and sprints off towards the major battle.

The people are blurs from the top of a hill. The warrior wastes no time. He launches himself in the air, narrowly dodging the sweep of a battle-axe. He swiftly arcs his sword to the left, killing another enemy. The surprised expression on the enemy face lets the warrior know he is doing well. The enemy army slowly dwindles down to the leader.

The warrior holds out his hand as a comrade hands him a long spear. It was to be a death match. They stepped into the circle, weapons poised at the ready. The warrior sidestepped, watching his opponent as they circled each other. One wrong move and either of them could be dead.

The opponent stumbled, barely catching himself. The warrior lunged forward and felt the rush of the glory, the adrenaline of victory. He made one quick slice, and his opponent fell to the floor. The warrior cheered and listened as his comrades lifted the cry of victory into the air. They had won the war. They had won today’s battle of LARPing.

LARPing, also known as Live Action Role Playing, has recently become a new form of entertainment for different students. Inspired by the movie “Role Models”, LARPING was created here at. Senior co-founder Jordan Watkins

said that LARPing first started as a Facebook group, then spread to other students followed by actual game play.

“We don’t really do storylines,” Watkins said. “We do more of scenarios. We will split into teams and try to kill each other.”

Watkins said that there are scenarios in which one person will be a healer, protecting himself with only a dagger, making sure their teammates get healed in time to continue fighting. There is also “capture the flag”, where the teammates are able to respawn, or come back to life.

Once, Watkins said that girls showed up and that they played “capture the maiden” instead of “capture the flag”.

Like all games, LARPING has specified rules. The laws of LARPING are as follows: If one is hit on the arm or leg he must lose it by placing it behind his back, or hopping around on one foot. If one is hit either in the head or in the body he must die.

The players are also allowed to use the environment to their advantages, such as the landscape of Kids’ Kastle or casting “ice spells” and throwing a snowball. While this new game may cause bruises and cuts, students can take time to make precautionary weapons. Watkins said that they first discovered how to make these safer weapons from a video on Youtube.

“When we first started, we all went to my friend’s house,” Watkins said. “You get PVC pipe and a swimming noodle. You put glue on the pipe and insert the pipe into the noodle and let it dry. Then you wait for it to dry and finish by taping it up.”

Watkins plays this game with others mostly on Saturday afternoons. LARPing continues to grow among the students. Even though Watkins is graduating this year, he said he still wants to continue playing LARPing.

“Wherever I go, if they don’t have a LARP program, I plan to start one.”

1. Senior Jordan Watkins battles to see who would become captain of the teams during the 10 rounds of LARPing. 2. Junior Zach Baumann runs away from two players on the opposite team to avoid “death” by sword. 3. Players run to the center of the field to grab as many power weapons and shields as possible. 4 Seniors Jordan Watkins and Keith Matheson battle on the ropes during the first round of LARPing on Feb. 14. 5. “Don’t break formation,” junior Mike Wyse yells to his teammates as the other team charges to attack.

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5. {the marquee} MARCH 5, 2010