May 2012- Speaking Out

the

mar uee

volume 26 | issue 07 | may 11, 2012

Speaking out

(3) Q&A with this year’s school board candidates (15) The Marquee previews upcoming summer events (17) Senior expresses emotion through unique sport

table contents tableof of contents

pg. 16

the marquee [newsmagazine] editor in chief jasmine sachar

managing editor maria heinonen

photo editor jordan richards

design editor maria heinonen

news editor alex mcginnis

feature editor alex mcginnis

asst. feature editor marisa charpentier

in-depth editor molly spain

entertainment editor juliana adame

sports editor jasmine sachar photo | amanda collen Back row (left to right): Mindy Sample, Cheryl Crawford, Marcie Cooley, Chery Rayome. Front Row: Jane Johnson, Sharon Madden. This group of teachers calls themseves The Yayas.

cover photos | sarah sauer

news/ [4-5] FISH GET NEW HOME Plans to open a freshman center on campus are in the process of being finalized. by juliana adame, marisa charpentier, meghan eurich

feature/ [9] TEACHER SAVES LIFE LISD elementary school teacher donates kidney to student’s father. by jasmine sachar

entertainment/

[14] TACO TALK The Marquee reviews local taco restaurants in search of the tastiest taco. by jasmine sachar

sports/ [18] BACK ON ICE Former ice skater junior Gabrielle Mower seeks to return to competition. by molly spain

opinion editor molly spain

online editor meghan eurich

business manager joseph rau

reporters emily aijkens, andrea boyd, meghan eurich, marisa charpentier, juliana adame, vallery phillips, ryan mcdearmont

designers sydney sund, courtney clubb, joseph rau, amanda collen, preston smith

photographers kathryn petrauskas, sarah sauer, mariah lucy, amanda collen, kady kohankie

adviser lajuana hale

principal gary shafferman The Marquee newsmagazine is a student-generated publication of Marcus High School. It is produced, edited and maintained through the efforts of the school’s advanced journalism class. The Marquee is designed to serve the school and community as a forum for open discussion and student expression.

The Marquee encourages letters to the editor as part of its mission to educate, inform and provide an open forum for debate. All submissions must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit all material. Editorials reflect the opinion of the staff, not necessarily that of the administration. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinion of the author.

Advertising rates are $40 per 1/16 of a page, with discounts available. For more information call 469713-5196. The Marquee is a standing member of ILPC, TAJE, ATPI, CSPA, NSPA, JEA and Quill and Scroll.

news

VOTERS’ P CHOICE

Seven candidates run in LISD Saturday election story | jasmine sachar

Seven school board slots, and Place I and Place 2 are up for election. All seven candidates answered a few

Kathy Duke

{Place 1}

Why are you re-running?

I want to take politics out of our district and the board and the negativity. We need positive leadership within our board. Right now, morale is down with some of our staff. When you hear your board arguing and only caring about single item issues it causes a problem.

Why are you invested in this district?

I grew up here, graduated from Lewisville High School and been here since I was 4. My daughter goes to Marcus and my son is at Heritage.

Most important issues in the district?

Helping staff training on the curriculum, helping them get a pay raise that they deserve. We also have issues of finance because of the funding from the state.

Cornell Bekker

{Place 2}

Why are you running?

I love the motto of PTA, “Every child, One voice,” basically equality for all children no matter where they’re from. I think there is a lot of inequality. We have a very unique composition.

Some of our schools are not providing as much as they should.

What unique quality would you bring to the board?

I am a South African born American. I come from a very diverse country. I do have an understanding of all backgrounds. We have lived all across the world. I speak three languages, and I do know the difficulties of teaching yourself a second language.

Can you list issues in LISD that are most important to you?

Preparing our children to be leaders in a world economy with global economy, competing with kids not just locally but overseas. Secondly, I would think closing gaps between schools.

the marquee | may 11, 2012

aige

Shoven

{Place 1}

Why did you decide to run?

My husband was fighting cancer at the time I got asked to run this year, and I made the conscious decision that if we made it through the cancer by the time it was time to file for the election, I would run for school board.

What will you bring to the school board that it currently lacks?

I can name a family in every school in the district. I can bring a sense of community. I can bring a parent’s voice.

I’m a parliamentarian by nature, and I make sure everyone is following the rules. Policy and procedure is what I do for fun.

June Ehinger

{Place 1}

Why did you decide to run?

After I retired…I considered being a school board member as the ultimate volunteer.

What investment do you have in the district?

I have three grandchildren that are starting school in the district.

Also, excellent schools improve your property values.

What will you bring to the school board that it currently lacks?

I bring professional education background. I don’t know of anyone else who has educational experience on my level. I have over 30 years and three degrees in education. I taught at the elementary level in Montana, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma. I’ve worked in the Republic of Georgia, formerly a part of the U.S.S.R., and in Macedonia.

Trisha Sheffield

Tracee Ali

3

{Place 1}

Why did you decide to run?

I live in an area that has been rezoned. The school we were rezoned to wasn’t as good as the ones (my daughters) had been going to. That made me see the inequality of the schools and that was one thing I didn’t agree with. Some of the schools get more resources, have better drill teams and better programs. I don’t think that is something that should exist.

What will you bring to the board that it does not have?

I have a Masters in Counseling from Florida State and have worked in career counseling for about 50 years. I am very focused on the counseling and school. development programs, two career centers in LISD.

Vernell Gregg

{Place 2}

Why are you choosing to run for another term?

I thought it would be good to have continuity right now to continue to develop and train new board members. I’ve got the experience.

What qualities do you bring to the board that it needs?

I’m a retired educator so I’m familiar with the full spectrum of education. I taught 23 years. I have watched the district grow from a very small area since I came here in 1981.

What problems in LISD that are closest to you?

I’ve always been concerned about the small number in pre-AP and AP classes and dual enrollment. The other thing is with the demographics changing, the population changing, we have to be alert and make sure that we can provide the very best quality education for all students.

{Place 2}

Why are you invested in this school district?

I serve actively as a volunteer. I have an eighth grader and a ninth grader. The decisions that we make in the district, that’s going to have an impact on my family and my neighbors. Because my children are in the schools, I want them to be the best they can be.

What will you bring to the school board that it currently lacks?

I think that we need to maintain the voice of parents and students, so I think it’s important that we have members that have children in the schools. I live on the East side of the district. I do think it’s nice when we can have a school board that is well representative of the community.

Important issues to you?

The Strategic Design Team is very important to me. It’s important that we continue to make progress with that, that it wasn’t something we all sat in a room and created and for whatever reason it doesn’t move, or get fully implemented.

The other thing I think is important is community involvement. We need to make sure we’re involving all members of the community, that we’re involving the stakeholders.

design | joe rau

4

news

District to build freshman center on campus Plans to construct freshman campus with college-like features in the final process story | marisa charpentier, meghan eurich and juliana adame

The district is in the process of finalizing plans to build a freshman center on campus that is set to open in August 2014.

This campus will replace the parking lot found between the field house and gym as well as the softball field and tennis courts. These sport complexes will be rebuilt beside the baseball field on Dixon Lane.

Students, teachers, parents and community members put in their input on the center during several of the design meetings. Heads of student counsel, seniors Dalton Dallas and Ryan Lambert, attended the meetings along with multiple department heads.

According to Principal Gary Shafferman, by having the ninth grade center on the same campus as the main campus, the freshmen will be able adjust to the high school environment.

“What the freshman campus offers is a little bit of a transition period for freshmen,” Shafferman said. “It allows them to have a little bit more specialized attention.”

Though the freshman center was originally planned to be built off campus, the district decided that a center built on campus would save transportation time and money. Even though all advanced classes will be offered at the center, certain classes will only be offered on the main campus.

Students will need to move between the two campuses during passing periods, so the new campus will connect to the three-year campus through a hallway near the Marauder gym. The softball and tennis players will travel to the fields on Dixon Lane for their practices.

Sophomore Makensie Holland heard about the new freshman center from the athletic trainers and has some concerns about the new center.

nter

FACTS Cost:

about the

“All of the construction is going to make the traffic and “It’s not cast in stone yet,” Toews said. “Things will move parking really bad, and it is going to make it hard for the as they decide exactly what’s going to be in the ninth grade people in tennis,” Holland said. center.”

The entrance of the center is planned to feature columns The new center will solve the problem of “floating” like those found in the front of the three-year campus. In the classrooms, giving teachers who must share their classrooms middle of the center, a 40-foot wide hallway will stretch from their own rooms. The issue of overcrowding will also be the entrance to the end of the school. resolved.

Inside this hallway will possibly be “learning hubs” “I think it is going to make the campus less crowded but and charging stations where students can plug in their I feel like the seniors should get [the new campus] because electronics and surf the I think the seniors have priority over the web. Another feature freshman,” Holland said.

What the freshman center offers includes a courtyard, Once the freshman center is completed, is a little bit of a transition period which will be an outdoor the three-year campus may undergo for freshmen. It allows them to area found within the renovations. If the campus gets the school. Students will approval from the school board, a bond have a little bit more specialized be able to eat and study election would have to be passed, followed attention. there surrounded by by a whole new round of building plans.

Gary Shafferman, principal grass and trees.

In addition, the renovated school would “They’re really also receive a new look. According to going to have to work at keeping the upperclassmen out Toews, if the same group of architects works on this project, because it’s going to be so attractive,” art teacher Kathy and their vision of Marcus is carried through, the circular Toews said. design of the school would be replaced with wide halls that According to Toews, the freshman center will follow a would allow for a regular traffic pattern. trend of openness and natural light. Classrooms will contain “The trend is building campuses that look like junior large windows, and some will contain movable walls that colleges or colleges with wide open spaces,” Toews said. allow the rooms to open up to each other, creating an even “The plan is that Marcus will be renovated after that, so larger room. Natural light will illuminate classrooms through they’re going to bring some of those things into Marcus.” the wall-length windows that will line both sides of several If the original campus is renovated, it may contain many of L-shaped rooms. the same features as the new center.

Another feature includes a cafeteria that will possibly “I would assume that we are probably going to benefit contain an indoor stage as well as an outdoor stage. Middle from this nice school being built [here], and eventually they school performances may be brought to this stage in the will make our school a little bit nicer,” Shafferman said. “Not future. that it’s not a nice school, it’s just 30 years old.”

CENTER

$50,394,872

The new center’s mission statement: “Recognize that the quality of life, both today and in the future, depends upon the quality of education provided by the public schools, the Lewisville Independent School District is dedicated to education and committed to meeting the needs of every individual.”

Flower Mound High School will also receive a freshman center at the same time.

Designed

by PBK architects design/graphics | amanda collen and jordan richards

8 About rooms dowstairs 4 About

rooms upstairs

two stories

TALL may 11, 2012 | the marquee

news 5

POSSIBLE

Less travel

freshman center features

If the new campus were to be built away from the original campus, it would take up to 20 minutes for buses to take freshmen from one school to the other for certain classes.

Wide hallways Moveable walls Some areas of the building will have moveable walls, which will be able to make rooms bigger or smaller.

The new center will feature wide hallways in an attempt to combat traffic and congestion among students.

Drop Off At the front of the center will be a new drop off area for parents coming to and from school to pick up their students. This addition will help to reduce traffic at the threeyear school.

the marquee | may 11, 2012

Connecting hallways There will be two hallways connecting the main building to the freshman center.

Students will be able to travel to certain classes that will only be offered easily through these hallways.

Courtyard One of the features of the new center is the enclosed courtyard where students can eat lunch, study, or just hang out with friends. This outdoor area will most likely feature grass and trees.

Windows The new freshman center will provide natural light in the classrooms. Some of the rooms will contain walllength windows.

design| jordan richards

6 sponsors

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feature 7

Teacher creates blended class

6

New model for physics class to be set up for next year story | ryan mcdearmont

seconds with...

Carmen Marxuach, 11

compiled | kathryn petrauskas and joe rau photo | kathryn petrauskas

Team Peeta or Team Gale?

“Team Peeta because he makes bread.”

What is Victoria’s Secret?

“That she is secretly a man.”

If you could have anyone’s body part, whose would it be?

“Well, probably Ryan Gosling’s lips so that I could just touch them.”

What two animals would you mix and why?

“Flamingoes and peacocks. Because they are my two favorite animals, and they’re both birds so they could mate easily.”

How do you live out the YOLO motto?

“I don’t because I am a cat, so I live nine times.”

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

“Shirt pockets.”

With students able to work with peers and receive in-depth help from the teacher during class, group work is encouraged Next year, there will be a new type of class offered to in the classroom part of a blended course. Hovde hopes that it students. It isn’t an AP course, it isn’t a test-prep class and it will build students’ ability to work in a group in places where isn’t an elective either. It is a fourth period class that students it is necessary for success. only have to show up to for a couple of days per week.

“Outside of high school, there’s a lot of working in group Students learn lessons through the internet and do homework environments,” Hovde said. “I want to help prepare students in the classroom. This style of learning is called a “blended for that.” classroom,” and upcoming juniors and seniors will be able to One of these environments is colleges, many of which, try it out.

Hovde said, are beginning to take a blended approach to Physics teacher Adam Hovde is set to teach Marcus’s first classes. blended class, which will be a regular, non-AP physics class.

The blended class does provide the freedom often found According to Hovde, the class will be more difficult than a in a college environment, but there is a price. Students in the typical Physics class and will also be a different experience blended physics class must make sure to stay on top of their for students. work and not procrastinate, or else they will lose the privilege In a blended classroom, students come to class for a few of going home on some days, according to Hovde. days and then work at home for a few days. The curriculum “The first missing assignment will cause a student to be remains the same, but students will participate in more labs put on probation,” Hovde said. “The second will cause the and work with integrated technology student to have to come to class I would like it to help students every day. If a student procrastinates, in the form of instructional videos at home. think critically on their own, this is not the class for them.”

The blended course won’t be the Students will meet in the learn on their own. first in the district, as Flower Mound classroom two days a week

Adam Hovde, Physics minimum, but more likely three. It High School has recently applied the blended approach to certain math will take place during fourth period, classes. However, it’s something that Hovde says he’s wanted which allows students to go home and study the class’s to try for quite some time. In fact, he went back to graduate current subject. school in order to gain more skills that would be useful in This part of the class focuses on the use of technology, teaching a blended class. something that has grown into a useful tool for education in “I’ve been toying with the idea of this for a few years,” past years, providing students with access to online resources Hovde said. “I would eventually like to teach all my classes and allowing textbooks to become digital. Hovde plans to like this.” use the internet in order to make presentations that will help According to Hovde, the class is designed to help students students understand lessons and material that will be available in areas where they are struggling. Those who have difficulty for student access through SchoolWeb. completing homework alone will be able to work with their Hovde said he has high hopes for the class, which he classmates, and those who do not understand their lesson thinks students will enjoy. Juniors and sophomores alike also at home can come back to school the next day and ask the have good expectations for the blended class. teacher for help.

“I think it is an interesting opportunity for anyone taking Even though the students would be able to talk with their physics,” Sam Karnes said. “I enjoyed physics a lot; it teacher about lessons while in the classroom, Hovde believes was definitely my favorite science. [The blended class] is there is benefit in students learning lessons individually. definitely something that could have positive effects.”

“I would like it to help students think critically on their Hovde said applications are still being taken for the own, learn on their own,” Hovde said. blended physics class next year. Any student who is going to Indeed, some students work best in a singular environment. be a junior or senior next year and is planning to take regular Junior Sam Karnes said he sees a lot of potential in the idea of physics is eligible. teacher-led independent study offered in a blended classroom.

A good work ethic is desired, but not necessary. To apply, “As long as you can get the help you need at school, then talk to Hovde in room A215. In addition, Hovde also said you can do a lot with your own work,” Karnes said. students need to make sure they have reliable internet access.

Marauder Musings What do you think about the blended physics class coming to Marcus?

It could be good for students who need to work some days, but it does take away some social interaction you get from classes.

Mason Rackley, 9 the marquee | may 11, 2012

I don’t think I would take the class because I get behind on my work when I’m at home.

Kelly Fisher, 10

I think it’s a pretty good idea. I would rather come to class to work instead of coming and doing nothing.

Garret Lee, 11

photos | amanda collen design | courtney clubb

8 feature

Flipping out

Senior participates in parkour as hobby, hoping to receive sponsorship with company Take Flight story | molly spain

“He’s doing another trick!” one boy shouts to his two friends as they press their faces against the wooden bars at Kid’s Kastle. They are trying to catch a glimpse of senior Matt Johnson as he sprints towards a picnic table and vaults across the sidewalk. Johnson’s three fans follow him around the park as he back flips off the turret of the wooden castle, jumps off the roof and flies off a slide.

Though it may look like Johnson is performing tricks for the kids, he is actually practicing parkour, which is, according to Johnson, converting one’s own style of movement into a series of obstacles. Parkour involves anything from backflips to jumping between the roofs of buildings.

“Basically, if you like adrenaline, just go jump on stuff,” Johnson said. “That’s all it is. It’s a complete freedom sport.

It’s whatever you want to do. Whatever you can do to your best potential, you do it.”

Johnson has been doing parkour off and on for about three years, but he said he has just recently become very good at it. He practices at least four times a week at places like Kid’s Kastle, the University of Texas in Arlington and the Shops at Legacy in Plano. He said he wants to start practicing in Fort Worth as well.

“It’s honestly like an everyday thing,” Johnson said.

“Whenever I’m walking around, I see something, and I just go do it.”

Johnson first became interested in parkour after his brother introduced him to Youtube videos of the sport. Having taken a trampoline and tumbling class when he was younger, Johnson had already been doing flips since he was six-years-old. He said when he first started attempting parkour, he was a little scared.

“You just got to get your mind over matter,” Johnson said.

“If you hesitate, you’re going to mess up, and I’ve hesitated

plenty of times and have gotten hurt. Anytime you’ve got something big in front of you, it’s always going to be scary.

It’s a matter of being able to say, ‘Okay I can do this. My body can do this.’”

Right now, Johnson is trying to get sponsored by the parkour company Take Flight. His ultimate goal is to become sponsored by Urban Freeflow, a professional parkour company. Take Flight is a clothing company endorsed by David Belle, who helped revolutionize parkour across the world.

“Getting sponsored by Take Flight gets your name out there,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he doesn’t really compete but does participate in parkour jams, which is a group of people showing off their parkour skills without competition. He frequently practices with freshman Ryan Reeves, who Johnson said is going to be good. Reeves said Johnson first got him started in parkour.

“It’s kind of fun to learn,” Reeves said. “But just having a second person is better because they see other stuff that you don’t see like different jumps.”

Johnson has suffered from multiple injuries as a result of parkour. One of these injuries, he will suffer from for the rest of his life. He tore a ligament in his ankle while trying to flip over a wet park bench, and according to his chiropractor, it will never heal.

“I just kept on going at it every day, and it’s kind of just always messed up now,” Johnson said. “It’s healed up enough to where it doesn’t hurt that bad, but I can still feel it.”

Johnson said he wants to continue parkour until his body no longer allows him. He said he hopes to use his parkour skills to become a stunt man in movies. He said despite being scared before diving into flips or making a big jump, he finds parkour extremely satisfying.

“I’m in it, and I always will be,” Johnson said. “I love it.”

photos | sarah sauer Top: Senior Matt Johnson flips sideways off of the paralell bars in the park. He looks forward to pursuing parkour in the future.

Bottom Left: Johnson jumps off of the top of a tower at Kids Kastle park in Highland Village. Flipping backwards he propels through the air, land lands on his feet in the gravel. design | courtney clubb

Bottom Right: Johnson practices in parkour on April 13. Johnson has been doing parkour for three years. may 11, 2012 | the marquee

feature 9

A perfect match LISD teacher, Marcus mother donates kidney to her student’s father story | jasmine sachar

Marshall Smith’s left arm still bears the scars from two years of dialysis, two dark circles in which 16-gauge needles once lodged painfully into his skin day after day. Bulging from the crook of his elbow was another thick plastic tube inserted to enlarge his vein for easier blood flow. For two years, his days were governed by this medical procedure. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Smith sat in the Lewisville Dialysis Center for four hours while a machine pumped blood out of his veins, through a filter and back into his body. His kidneys photo | submitted were failing, and this purifying process was the only way he Marshall Smith was wheeled into Marie Bell’s hospital room after undergoing the three hour operation.

The two have remained close and in each other’s could stay alive. lives, as Bell has said that they “are joined at the kidney.”

“It was a weird, eerie feeling to know that you are only alive because of this machine,” Smith said. it. So when Sean arrived late that day, Bell started asking *** Life on dialysis was tough. Around him, he watched questions. people die. He watched the sallow bodies of others in the By emailing Smith’s wife, Mary Smith back and forth, Bell traced back and forth in her room, “squealing like a center degenerating with lupus or heart disease. People could Bell learned of Smith’s medical dilemma. When Bell asked if little pig.” live on dialysis for over 30 years, but at a steep price. The there was anything she could do to help, Mary emailed Bell There wasn’t a question in her mind. From then on, one of strenuous process was hard on his heart muscle, the pancreas the number of the Dallas Donor Institute. her kidneys belonged to someone else. and his overall health.

Bell dove into research. After a few days of thinking and “I have never been so at peace with something,” Bell said.

“When you’re going through dialysis, it’s fixing one part writing down questions, she consulted her brother, a hospital “This was a God-given opportunity to ...do something for my of your body, but it’s breaking down other parts of your administrator in Arkansas. Then she got in contact with the fellow man who was in need and that I felt called to do.” body,” Smith said.

Director of nursing at the same hospital. Kidney surgery At the heart of her decision was Sean, who she felt needed Often, the pain after dialysis would be so much, he couldn’t was a laparoscopic procedure involving a relatively small a father to grow up with. He needed someone to read with, to walk through the front door five feet to his couch. Sometimes, incision, and a three to five day hospital stay. talk to and to play basketball with. Dialysis was making his it would be so severe that he would double over, grip his leg “I got to be honest, once I knew that it was a laparoscopic father weaker every day. and wait for the spasm to pass. procedure and not a full body procedure, it was a done deal,” “How can I look in the face of that child that I serve every Depression and fatigue seized him.

Bell said. “I was ready to move day and say ‘Hey I know your dad has got it rough, that’s a This was a God-given forward and inquire more about bummer,’ knowing I was a blood match for him?” Bell said.

There were times that his wife Mary would be talking to him and he couldn’t opportunity to do something the actual testing.”

“That’s not who I was raised to be.” understand her. He couldn’t form the Organ matching is complex.

The reality that he was actually getting a kidney didn’t hit for my fellow man. right words with his mouth. He was First the donor has to be of the Smith until after the three hour surgery in late March, when Marie Bell, LISD teacher too tired to play with his 5-year-old son same blood type as the recipient. the nurses wheeled his bed into Bell’s room in the hospital. He Sean. He didn’t want to talk to anybody Then the laboratory performs tissue tests to make sure the saw her moaning in agonizing pain from the procedure. The or be around anybody. tissues are similar. Lastly, the cross-matching test is performed doctors had curled her body into a “C” position. The incision “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” Smith said. to examine the compatibility of the antibodies. the surgeons made cut deep into the abdominal cavity.

There was something that could stop the pain of dialysis: a Bell told her husband Allen her decision to try to donate “That broke me right there,” Smith said. “I did not want new kidney. But Smith, who was unemployed, was reluctant over coffee at McDonald’s. The risk of giving a kidney was her to feel any pain. I even said to God ‘Lord, if it means to start looking for a donor. Baylor Hospital had called him small, but there was always a danger with general anesthesia. giving her back the kidney, so she doesn’t have to go through twice offering him a kidney. He rejected both times, too afraid “Do you think I’m crazy?” she asked. this pain, I’ll do it.’” of the future and of the unknown.

Allen paused seriously. “Why would I think you giving But Bell was awake and ecstatic on the inside, knowing “I’m 50 years old. I’m a black man,” Smith said. “I knew someone an organ was crazy?” that the surgery had worked. once I got up on my feet, ...who’s going to hire me? When “He was very moved that I wanted to move forward with “It brought tears to my eyes,” Bell said. “I could see where that fear sets in, it throws your whole way of thinking off.” this gesture,” Bell said. “He was willing to gather information, they were collecting urine from the kidney. That was just such He hesitatingly accepted the kidney offer on the third make an informed decision and support me in what I felt was confirmation to me that all the time that we had hoped and phone call. As Smith lay on his hospital bed on an early my heart’s desire to give this man a second chance at life.” prayed, that this was going to work.”

December morning, preparing to enter surgery, the doctors Bell agreed to educate her husband about the procedure Both Smith and Bell are recovering from the surgery, and entered the room. as it went along. Her three kids, Kayla, Brandon and current no complications have arisen yet. Bell took a five week sick The surgery was cancelled. senior Conner, were supportive also. leave and returned to school last week. Smith, meanwhile, The kidney meant for Smith turned up diseased.

Two weeks later, on Feb. 9, Bell’s students were playing is rejuvenated and wakes up with more energy. He doesn’t *** at recess. She instinctively picked up the phone to call the know what his next move will be, but said he feels blessed.

That same day, Smith’s son Sean walked into Highland hospital where the tests were being performed. A nurse named “I feel it’s a privilege to wake up,” Smith said. “It’s a Village Elementary Kindergarten teacher Marie Bell’s class Deena answered the phone. She had grown to recognize Bell’s privilege to put my dog on a leash and walk him down the with a pink tardy slip. Scribbled on the note was the excuse voice, and ran off to grab her file. Bell paced in circles around street. It’s a privilege to sit here and drink bottles of water …. “hospital.” her room until Deena put her back on the line. The next four and just know that I have a second chance at life. And then Bell recalled the first time she met Sean’s father back in words were crystal clear. when I see my little son, it’s hard to explain the joy that I feel.

August. She suspected he was sick. His face and eyes showed “Girl, you’re a match.”

And it’s all because of her.” the marquee | may 11, 2012

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Marcus High School

in-depth 11

Bullying the marquee | may 11, 2012

With the recent making of the documentaries “Bully” and “Finding Kind,” bullying has become a topic of discussion in high schools across the nation. The Marquee examines the effects of bullying on students. design | sydney sund

12 in depth

Taking steps

Schools, organizations attempt to put an end to bullying between students

story | emily aijkens

Last year, hundreds of Marcus students filled the gymnasium to hear the story of Rachel Scott, the 17-year-old high school student who was the first to be killed in the Columbine School shootings.

“The entire message is about anti-bullying and acts of kindness, truly showing compassion for other people in the hope that it will start a chain reaction,” counselor Kristi Gibson said.

Gibson has been a sponsor of the Friends of Rachel club and has organized charity events and pep rallies for the cause.

Assistant principal Todd Knowles said he believes the Friends of Rachel Club has had a positive influence on the amount of bullying at the school.

“It has gotten less. Will we ever completely get rid of [bullying]? Absolutely not. Not going to happen just because of the nature of human beings,” Knowles said.

Born This Way, a club started this year, is dedicated to help students cope with bullying.

Senior Madison Perry, the founder of the club was bullied

herself at school.

“I was personally affected by mean girls, making rude comments, verbal abuse,” Perry said.

Perry felt like something needed to change. “[The club] is basically a group of people who are there to help each other and talk about what we have gone through,” Perry said.

Movies are another way the anti-bullying message is being spread and has been gaining national attention. “Finding Kind” is a documentary about friends Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson, who travel the country finding out how girls are specifically impacted by girl aggression. The documentary “Bully” follows the lives of five students who face bullying on a daily basis. The movie also focuses on the suicides of two children who took their lives due to bullying.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, according to the CDC and at least half of teen suicides are related to bullying.

These movies are eye openers,” sophomore Maddy Ermenio, a member of the Friends of Rachel club said.

“Seeing how the victims are feeling and how bullying is affecting them changes your perspective on bullying.”

The Marcus High School 2011-2012 student handbook defines harassment as “unwelcome or unwanted behavior toward another person or persons, and may be verbal nonverbal or physical.”

“With the exception of drugs, guns and alcohol, any type of harassment or bullying receives the strongest disciplinary consequence,” Knowles said.

The handbook does address cyber bullying and states that cyber bullying will not be tolerated at school. This includes, but is not limited to sending abusive text messages, posting abusive comments on social networking sites and posting photos to “embarrass” the target.

The school does not have any jurisdiction of harassment posted through electronics at home. If a phone or computer is used at school to harass, it does become a school issue.

“With Facebook and text messages, no one really has to see a face,” Gibson said. “Just because it’s not pushing someone up against a locker or saying something awful to someone’s face, bullying is still bullying, and it is still hurtful.”

Student voices

Marcus students give personal accounts of school bullying experiences

Bobby Gessel story | vallery phillips

Senior Bobby Gessel vividly remembers walking down the halls of Briarhill Middle School alone. Heading towards his next class, he hears them shouting “fag.” The boys stand huddled in a group, laughing from a distance as Bobby continues on.

That day was a normal day for eighth grader Bobby. The constant bullying and name calling was a usual occurrence.

The feelings of loneliness absorbed him. He felt his school was a prison and he was an inmate.

As the days continued so did the mocking. However sticking up for himself in this situation only made it worse.

Even though it was becoming intolerable, Bobby told no one about the bullying happening at school.

“They didn’t know about it because I didn’t really talk about it,” he said.

One weekend while browsing MySpace, Bobby received a message: “If you want to work this out meet at Kid’s Kastle at 3 p.m.”

Bobby arrived at Kid’s Kastle with a friend for support. design/graphics | sydney sund

He then found the boy who had messaged him had brought anything rash.

“It put me in a lot of emotional distress as a kid,” Bobby about 30 other people. said.

“I was sitting there, a little intimidated,” Bobby said.

When Bobby finally told his mom, she tried to get him to The boy began to push Bobby waiting for him to fight back. Bobby swung. He missed. The fighting began. As see a counselor, but he refused. Over time the bullying finally Bobby stood in shock surrounded by people, his opponent stopped.

“At first it was really hard,” grabbed him. Holding him in a headlock, he began to punch Bobby said. “Sometimes I him in the head. would retaliate and as soon as “It was embarrassing because there I got called a name I would were so many people there,” Bobby start yelling.” said.

Like Bobby, junior Ashamed, he turned and walked Preston Smith has also home, thinking to himself that dealt with the same type the bullies at school would of bullying. Since seventh never let him live this down. grade, he has listened to Bobby knew the bullying kids call him gay. The fact would continue, and it would is, neither Preston nor Bobby be worse. are gay.

“I wish I would have never “I was just angry that people have gotten into the fight in the don’t take the time to listen to my first place,” Bobby said. “That side of the story,” Preston said. is what started a lot of it.” ner d The bullying hit its peak his From then on, the days at freshman and sophomore year. school worsened. The bullying rude Ugly Preston was being bullied at least increased and he was soon a frea once a week. It has now subsided but still victim of cyber bullying as well. k exists. Preston has gone through this alone.

The small amount of friends he Loser “I wouldn’t say it gets better,” Preston had did not talk about the fight, but said. “But it gets easier to go through.” everyone else did.

Stupid Bobby’s past experiences have taught “It made me feel lonely like I t him to stand up for other kids who are being o didn’t have friends,” Bobby said. g g Fa bullied.

Because the bullying continued, “Your laugh may be costing someone he began to think of suicide. This Munchkin their life,” Bobby said. lasted for a year. But because he was immigrant so young, he was too afraid to do may 11, 2012 | the marquee

in depth 13

Courtney Jackson story | marisa charpentier

Junior Courtney Jackson was only 12 years old when another student told her she was going to get shot at school.

It all started with the letters. Letters that she never even wrote. After her seventh grade group of friends back in southern Florida split up one day, the girls began slipping pieces of paper filled with hateful words and insults into each other’s lockers. Phrases like “you’re fat”, “you’re ugly” were scrawled across the scraps of notebook paper. When Courtney attempted to stop the letters, her plan backfired.

One girl began sending letters to another saying they were from Courtney when truly they were not. The letters were then aimed at Courtney.

“They were things a 12-year-old should not read ever,” Courtney said.

Then one day Courtney received a text message, saying she was going to be jumped the next day at school. At the end of the message, the girl had written: that’s what happens when you’re two-faced.

That night, Courtney came home crying to her mother,

1. Bullies are just selfconscious people who need to feel secure by harassing others

Fiction

Research has consistently shown that bullies view themselves highly and often have above average self esteem.

2. Bullies tend to act the

way they do because they can usually get away with it.

Fact People who bully may seem

like they are rebelling against strict rules. But in most cases, the behavior is not punished, which makes it seem acceptable.

Wendy Jackson. Her tears came in sobs. Then she looked at her mother. Thoughts of death filled her mind.

“Mom, I don’t want to live anymore, I just want to die,” Jackson said. “I don’t have any friends.”

Tears streamed down her mother’s face as she watched her daughter cry.

“How are you supposed to deal with your 12-year-old daughter saying ‘I want to die’ or ‘I’m going to get shot’?”

Courtney said.

Wendy then drove her daughter to the school, insisting she speak with the principal. Believing the situation was a hoax, the principal did not take action. According to Wendy, the teachers and faculty were unprepared to handle the situation.

“You hate to think that it’s that one time that you don’t speak up that there’s going to be a problem,” Wendy said.

After the police became involved, they discovered the student was not planning on bringing a gun to school, and the girls that created the situation were sent to a juvenile detention center.

Soon after returning to school, Courtney would open her locker to find slips of paper reading “you’re a tattle-tale,” “you’re stupid,” “we can’t believe you,” “we hate you.”

Sometimes the students would throw eggs at her house and slash her mom’s tires. During these times, Courtney experienced thoughts of suicide. She even attempted cutting herself but couldn’t go through with it.

“There were times where I was just like, ‘If I wasn’t alive anymore, it would all just kind of stop,’” Courtney said.

When Courtney’s father got the opportunity to work in Texas, the family did not hesitate in taking the offer.

At Marcus, she thought things would be different. But this was not the case. As a sophomore, Courtney would sit in class and listen to another student call her fat for no reason.

O R

Throughout the school year, the bullying continued. She said the other students did not defend her.

“They don’t want it happening to them, so people get into this selfish, protective mode, so they themselves don’t get affected,” Courtney said.

During the time that she was bullied, the teacher sent Courtney to an assistant principal. She explained how the other students were treating her, and the assistant principal asked for witnesses.

“That’s the worst part, especially when you don’t have anyone on your side except for the teacher,” Courtney said.

When she explained to her counselor that she wanted a class change, Courtney said she was told she needed to remain in the class for the rest of the year, otherwise she would lose credit.

“Kids have enough stuff to deal with,” Wendy said. “They don’t need to worry about [bullying], too, especially in school.”

Once the class ended, and some of the students graduated, the bullying came to a halt. Although Courtney said she is no longer bullied today, she still witnesses bullying around school. When taking a dance class earlier this year, Courtney noticed a student making fun of an autistic girl.

“People think they are being funny and cool, but actually they are just being extremely cruel,” Courtney said.

Though her experiences with bullying have led her to thoughts of death, Courtney said they have made her stronger as well. For students struggling with bullying, Courtney said that ignoring the bully is a difficult task. She said her best advice is to be careful who you talk to and what you say.

“I think sometimes it also helps if you just forgive and forget,” Courtney said. “It’s easier once you move on because if you just dwell in it, it will kill you every single day.”

5. Cyber bullying leads to other forms of bullying. compiled | alex mcginnis

3. People who bully are more likely to carry their behavior into adulthood.

Fiction

Cyber bullying is often a result of direct face to face bullying. Using social media to bully is often used to ramp up the damage since threats made online can go viral.

Fact A bully is six times more likely to

be incarcerated by the age of 24 if their behavior is not corrected.

4. Teachers in general put

a stop to most instances of bullying if they see it.

Fiction The average bullying episode

lasts about 37 seconds. Teachers notice or intervene in only one in 25 incidents.

6. Emotional/cyber bullying

is significantly more common than physical bullying.

Fact According to the Youth Violence Project, physical violence among students has decreased rapidly over the years while emotional and cyber bullying have remained consistently high.

www.news.discovery.com; www.facts.randomhistory.com; www.youthviolence.edschool.virginia.edu; www.greatschools.org; www.behavioral-management.com the marquee | may 11, 2012

design/graphics | sydney sund

14

entertainment

Which taco is tops?

Taco Bueno

The style reports are in, and tacos are the new cupcakes. Several establishments have sprouted up in the Dallas area, offering a hip, new spin on a Tex-Mex classic. The Marquee examines the competition so you don’t have to. reviews | jasmine sachar photos | kathryn petrauskas

Taco Fiesta

Taco Bueno is so much like its competitor Taco Bell that it is hard to tell the difference between the two establishments. Chicken and beef tacos both go for $1.89 and a combo meal with three tacos and a drink costs $6. The tacos are dry and tasteless, uncreatively thrown together with meat, lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. To spice up the entrees there is a cart of salsa near the register and pico de gallo, but it hardly can make up for the lackluster quality of the taco. Here, you are better off getting a burrito or just staying in Flower Mound for Taco Bell.

It’s easy to overlook this eatery, a large taco stand next to the Dollar General on 1171. The menu is pretty simple, but this is the place for quick, cheap and authentic mexican food. Traditional taco meats are served. Each taco will run you $1.49 and comes topped with cilantro and slice of lime. The tacos are also served with a spicy red taco sauce, which adds the necessary kick. Besides the tacos, which are small, other good options are the chicken enchiladas and the tostadas. Most options are under $3 or $4. This is a drivethrough, but there are a few benches for those who aren’t in a hurry.

rating:

rating:

Urban Taco

Fuzzy’s

It’s not easy to get to, but after one meal at Urban Taco, you’ll overlook the 45-minute drive and confusing parking garage. Nestled in Mockingbird Station in the affluent sector of Dallas, this venue looks hip inside and out. The interior is spacious and dimly lit, decorated with balsa wood panelling. They offer nine unique types of tacos -- not the traditional beef, chicken and pork-- and one can choose any three types plus two sides for about $10. My personal favorites are the chicken tinga and the Dos Equis barbacoa. The taco meat is pleasingly flavorful and juicy. This is not a place for Tex-Mex, the owner stressed, and staples like sour cream and guacamole are abandoned in favor of lima crema, a creamy avocado dressing and salsa.

Fuzzy’s was a Ft. Worth lone-man operation in 2003 when it was bought by two restaurant entrepreneurs who transformed it into a cross-country company with 55 shops in 11 states. Tacos are served Baja-style, uniquely topped with feta cheese and savory garlic sauce.

An order of three tacos will fill a hungry stomach. Ask for their street tacos and add guacamole for an off-menu adventurous experience.

Tacos can be hard or soft and filled with shrimp, beef, pork, chicken or vegetables. Tempura shrimp tacos with extra garlic sauce is a personal favorite. The restaurant has a fun, colorful vibe but is small and crowded most of the time. rating:

rating:

rating guide design/graphics | amanda collen

check please

lacking

worth a try

enjoyable

masterpiece may 11, 2012 | the marquee

entertainment 15

Fun in the sun

With summer nearing, The Marquee takes a look at some fun activities to do in the area during June and July. Whether you want to stay inside or hangout outside, these activities are inexpensive and easy to get to. compiled | alex mcginnis

Movies to see: The Dark Knight Rises July 20, 2012 If you’re going to wait in line at midnight for anything, it might as well be the Dark Knight Rises.

It’s been four years since fans were left wondering what would come of Batman, after the superhero sacrificed his reputation for the dignity of his friend, Harvey Dent. Now the story continues as Batman is called into action when Gotham City is threatened to be destroyed. Christian Bale will return as the Batman, and Liam Neeson will be returning as a villain from the past.

Snow White and the Huntsman June 1, 2012 If you’re looking for a classic story with an intense twist, see Snow White and the Huntsman. Kristen Stewart stars as Snow White, who is envied by the evil queen. A huntsman, played by Chris Hemsworth, is sent by the queen to kill Snow White.

However, things don’t go as planned, and Snow White finds herself training to overthrow the kingdom. This fairytale-turned-drama promises suspense, action, romance and a lively cast.

Festivals to attend: Red White and Blue Festival. June 2, 2012 Highland Village hosts a summer festival that caters to a variety of ages. The events begin at 7:00 a.m. with a 5k at Unity Park and finish with a firework show later that night at Copperas Branch Park. In between, the festival offers food from local restaurants in the area, live concerts, hot air balloon rides and plenty of time and space to hang out with friends and family. If you plan on going, parking is limited and shuttle lines get backed up fast, so carpool or take the scenic route and walk to the parks.

Vans Warped Tour July 3, 2012 Gexa Energy Pavilion Over 100 bands will be featured at the Vans Warped Tour, such as Rise Against, The Used and All Time Low. Tour officials are encouraging those interested to buy tickets before the day of the concert and not to be fooled by people selling counterfeit backstage passes. Food and drink vendors have lowered prices this year to ensure that everyone stays hydrated and full, and the pavilion will provide misters and shaded areas for fans to beat the heat.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

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16 entertainment

Secrets of ‘The Yaya Sisterhood’

Pl ylist

As you or your friends graduate, The Marquee shares a collection of songs to help you say goodbye. compiled by | andrea boyd

“Do I Make You Proud?”

Taylor Hicks

“Moment Like This” Kelly Clarkson photo |amanda collen

Group of English teachers find friendship spending time during both humorous times, hardships story | andrea boyd

laughing,” Madden said.

The teachers say that the funniest time among the group Sometimes students imagine their teachers living at the had to be when Sample split her pants. school and having no life besides grading papers. They “I got in Mrs. Johnson’s car, and I could just feel it rip forget that teachers also have friends and know how to from one side to another,” Sample said. “And I said, ‘you all laugh. There is one group of teachers who proves these have to take me home!’ But Mrs. Johnson said ‘Oh, that’s students wrong and takes joy to a whole new level, sharing the style nowadays.’” laughs that will never be forgotten.

As well as having a great time when around one another, The Yayas, as they call themselves, are a group of six the teachers have also shared many unforgettable times and teachers who enjoy their time together. Sharon Madden, hardships. Consistently there for one another, they know that Jane Johnson, Cheryl Crawford, Mindy Sample, Chery they will always have each other’s back. This past summer, Rayome and Marcie Cooley are the tragedy struck in Rayome’s family.

When we’re together, it’s just Her mother died, so the Yayas members of this fun-filled group.

They all became friends while traveled to Jasper, Texas to be her a time to let our hair down. teaching in the English department at support system. school and have been inseparable ever “I said ‘Hey, we’ve got to go to Mrs. Madden, English since.

Jasper, we’ve got to be there for “I wouldn’t have known any of Chery,’” Cooley said. “So we jumped in my Jeep and went these ladies if it wasn’t for teaching,” Johnson said. for the services.”

Over ten years ago, the Yayas united and have continued When seeing the Yayas walking into the church, Rayome to remain close. Though Crawford and Rayome have retired, said that she was overjoyed and truly touched that they the group still continues to stay in touch. traveled all that way to be with her. At the funeral, they Together, the six teachers play Bunco, which is a adopted the name the Yayas. After the service, Rayome’s mindless dice game, at each other’s houses. Also, they see oldest son Carson told them they were just like the group of movies like “The Help” and “Mamma Mia,” and once a friends from the book and the movie, Divine Secrets of the week, they all try to go out to eat.

Yaya Sisterhood.

“We just get together and laugh,” Cooley said. “It is just Though retirement is in the minds of the teachers, the a time that we can just relax.” plans they make together will not change.

Like any group of close friends, the Yayas have various “As we each retire, we’re still going to be in touch and do inside jokes that are unexplainable to others. When together, things together,” Cooley said. they can relax and have good time.

The friendship built between the Yayas is a strong one “When we’re together, it’s just a time to let our hair that has impacted every member with memorable moments, down,” Madden said. which will last a lifetime.

The Yayas have such a close relationship that they have “True friends are people with whom one can share life’s developed the ability to communicate nonverbally. ups, downs and celebrations,” Rayome said. “And we Yayas “All we have to do is look at each other and we just die have that true friendship.” design/graphics | courtney clubb

“So Hard To Say Goodbye” Boyz II Men

“Letter To Me” Brad Paisley

“Graduation” Vitamin C

“Happy Ending” Mika

“With Arms Wide Open” Creed

albulm covers from: Itunes may 11, 2012 | the marquee

sports 17

Recognizing rugby

Senior uses foreign sport as outlet, hopes to open opportunities for game on campus story | andrea boyd

him to overcome some of the anger in his life.

As the youngest in the league, senior Byron Anderson “I had a lot of anger built up,” Anderson plays the sport he has grown to love with the Frisco Griffins said. “So it’s a great outlet for kids who feel Rugby Team. To Anderson, rugby is not only a sport, but they have no way out.” what made him who he is today. With long hours practicing He uses rugby to relieve some of the in the Colony, Anderson enjoys this unique sport and feels stress in his life. The anger is wiped away that it should get more attention. while playing rugby, and Anderson said The game of rugby consists of many rules. Each rugby that is what he enjoys about the sport. match lasts for 80 minutes and consist of two periods of 40 “It’s like a venting tool,” Anderson said. minutes each. The object of the game is to score the most “It allows me to be happy with myself.” points. The way to earn points is by either scoring a goal or In the past, Anderson faced anger a try. A try, the most valuable method of scoring, is when a problems due to his parents’ separation, but player takes the ball across the goal line. To score a goal, a rugby was his outlet. When playing rugby, player must kick the ball between the goal post and above the Anderson focuses only on the sport and crossbar. Rugby can be played on a football field but the field puts his problems behind him. is used in a different way.

“I wasn’t able to find myself until “It’s really fundamental,” Anderson said. “It’s just a very rugby,” Anderson said. straight forward game.”

From birth, Anderson’s parents have The gear they wear for rugby is very limited but there are been separated, which caused him some optional equipment pieces the players can wear. Players do heartache. Because of this, he has always not wear pads and have a small amount of protective gear. tried to find ways to make his parents proud photo | sarah sauer Some of the protective gear they can wear are Underarmor of him.

Senior Byron Anderson stands on the Marcus field after playing a game of rugby. He says he loves sliders. For extra protection, some “So it’s players wear a protective padding cap It’s like a venting tool. It allows always been the game and hopes to pursue it in the future. but other than those items, no other like, how do I please them, how me to be happy with myself. gear is used. do I make them proud of me?” hopes of making it an activity for the football team during For Anderson, rugby has helped Anderson said. “And ...I finally their off season. him develop various skills such as “It would be something to have the Battle of the Mound found it.”

Byron Anderson, 12 discipline.

In high school football, football and the Battle of the Mound Rugby,” Anderson said.

“One thing rugby has really helped Anderson was granted the ability to train with professional Anderson never got playing time, me with is my confidence,” Anderson said. “I really don’t which frustrated him. rugby players from the Welsh International League. Those care what people think of me.”

“You put in all this time after school, but you don’t get to professionals are men who have been playing at the The sport has developed into more than just a game for see the fruits of your labor,” he said. professional level for a while, and Anderson said he felt him. It has allowed him to have something to enjoy.

Anderson said he hopes that the rest of the country will lucky to be able to have that experience. Anderson said he “It has given me something to be proud of,” Anderson see the value in rugby. is thankful for the game of rugby and cannot imagine where said.

“We’re so caught up in our baseball, football and soccer he would be without it.

Rugby, which originated in the United Kingdom, is not that nobody wants to open up to new sports,” Anderson said.

“Rugby has opened up so many doors for me,” Anderson recognized very often in the United States. But Anderson He hopes that rugby will become a part of the athletic said. “And helped me realize that what other say about me says it should be more well known because the sport helped program at the school. He has talked to various coaches in doesn’t matter.”

Guidelines

2.

Any player on offense must be behind the ball in order to play in the game.

Game

3.

An offensive player between the ball and the goal is offsides and cannot interfere with play.

6.

The ball can only be kicked forward, not passed.

7.

of the

1.

In order to take possession of the ball from your opponent, a player must grab hold of their opponent and bring them to the ground.

the marquee | may 11, 2012

4.

5.

A try is when the team brings the ball across the opponent’s goal line into the end zone. This move is worth five points.

Each team consists of 15 players.

Unlike a football, a rugby ball does not have laces, though they are similarly shaped. design | courtney clubb

18

sports

Returning to rink

Junior ice skating instructor considers participating in sport story | molly spain

didn’t want to do. They always made sure that I was doing Singer Josh Groban’s soaring voice resonates over the ice it because I wanted to do it.” as junior Gabrielle Mower glides around the rink to “You Gabrielle said her parents were probably relieved when Raise Me Up.” The air rushes past her, and Gabrielle moves she quit because the sport was expensive. On average, Rob with the music, no jumps or spins required, just skating to said he spent $600 every month, excluding skates which how she feels. Gabrielle, a former ice skater, said she misses can cost up to $600 alone. But Rob said he was glad his this feeling of accomplishment and artistic skating while on daughter competed. the ice.

“It’s a tough sport,” Rob said. “It takes a lot of practice, it Though Gabrielle quit before her freshman year, she is takes a lot of coaching, and it’s very competitive. Gabrielle’s contemplating competing in ice skating again this summer. competitive but not super competitive, not aggressive.”

“When your body is changing, it’s a lot harder to keep Both Gabrielle and her dad are still actively involved with everything consistent,” Gabrielle said. “I was getting really the sport. Gabrielle now works at the Polar Ice House where frustrated with myself, so I decided my best option was to she practiced, and since they are friends with the president of probably quit the Dallas Figure Skating Club (DFSC), they both I just really found myself volunteer at the club. The DFSC is an organization skating.”

Gabrielle first promotes figure skating and helps individual enjoying it and liking the that became interested skaters to meet their goals. challenge, the rush it gave me Gabrielle occasionally runs auction tables at in ice skating when she went competitions and even judges for younger age Gabrielle Mower, 11 with a friend. She group competitions, while her father helps set enjoyed it so much that her mom enrolled her in classes at up and break down before and after competitions. When a local ice rink. When she was seven-year-old, Gabrielle Gabrielle was a member of the club, Rob was a treasurer on entered in her first competition, where she won first place. the Board of Directors for two years. However, Rob doesn’t Gabrielle participated in about 20 competitions over the years, actually skate himself. all of them as an individual skater. She said she was never “She laughs at me every time I get on ice skates,” Rob interested in pair skating because some of the lifts scared her. said. “I was glad that we did it and that she enjoyed it. We “Once I started competing, I just really found myself made some great friends.” enjoying it and liking the challenge, the rush it gave me,” Gabrielle said she misses not being a part of the sport, Gabrielle said. and that once she starts skating again, she’ll want to start Throughout middle school, Gabrielle’s dad, Rob Mower, competing again. would take her to the Polar Ice Rink in Grapevine at 5:45 a.m.

“I just miss the feeling of being good at something,” every morning. Gabrielle would practice off-ice workouts Gabrielle said. “I think I just miss that sense of and skating for about two and a half hours. Then, her mom accomplishment. I love skating, and I was definitely really would pick her up and she would go to school. in shape. I always felt good about myself. The rush of “My parents were always really supportive of me,” being on ice whenever you’re competing, I can’t find that Gabrielle said. “They never forced me to do anything that I anywhere else.”

How to perform the perfect axel Approaching the jump, the skater lifts his leg to build momentum before entering the air.

1 design/graphics | preston smith

In the air, the skater spins 540 degrees and which is a turn and a half.

2

photo | submitted Junior Gabrielle Mower stands with two of her ice skating students. Mower is an instructor at the Polar Ice rink.

Working with children, Gabrielle teaches her students how to ice skate and perform with elegance. She sat down with The Marquee and explained a move step by step.

Landing, the skater is facing the opposite direction and continues on to another move.

3 may 11, 2012 | the marquee

sports 19

Sprinting to semi-finals

Ultimate team, named Airborne, placed third in state last weekend

Top left: After playing a game, the team joins in a spirit circle with the other team, the Woodlands. During district play, the team won 14 games and lost two.

Top right: Senior Bryce Haase throws the disk to a teammate as a player on the other team attempts to make a foot block.

Middle left: Junior Kevin Lambert throws the disk to a teammate in a game against Highland Park.

Middle right: Senior Keaton Day leaps for the disk in the in zone against Lasa (Sam Trejo).

Catching it gave the ultimate team another point.

Bottom left: Seniors Keaton Day and Doug Fenderson give each other a hug during a timeout in one of the final games of the tournament.

Bottom Middle: Sophomore Tyler Miles holds up the disk as a victory pose after scoring a point for the team.

Bottom right: On the sideline, Airborne lined up and held pinkies with each other as the players pulled the disk to the other team, like a football kick off.

the marquee | may 11, 2012

design | amanda collen

opinion

BOOMBAS [things we like]

20

Summer fever

A+ for grading

Dance the night away

With summer break coming sooner than last year, a lot of students are getting excited. It gives us something to look forward to when summer doesn’t start in the middle of June.

When teachers manage to get things graded quickly, especially important tests and quizzes, it always reassures students that teachers are on top of things and really care.

This year Marcus has a prom week all to itself.

With no other schools to deal with, students will have the best restaurants and after-prom hangouts all to themselves.

Put the bunny back in the box

Ryan McDearmont

Pop culture and you

It’s not rare that, every so often, I hear someone complaining about the kind of music that’s being released. “These lyrics are stupid!” they say. “I can’t believe he made another album!” And in some rare cases, “Who is this Skillet guy anyway? And what’s with his hair?”

It isn’t just music, either. I’ve heard similar comments made about movies, and even books. What I don’t understand is why there has to be such a war between people over pop culture of all things.

I’m not saying that I don’t hate certain movies or books or music. I’m not saying that I like the Transformers series, or think that country music is okay. I probably have the most dubious taste of anyone when it comes to such things. I’m the guy that thinks some of the best music is instrumental and that Nicolas Cage is a great actor. Am I serious? You tell me. But that doesn’t mean I don’t know anything about pop culture. What I am saying is that I simply can’t comprehend why people get worked up so much about opinions when it comes to entertainment.

Take for example, Harry Potter versus the Twilight series.

Ah yes, the infinite debate. One is about a boy wizard and the importance of friends, while the other is about a cardboard character in her quest to gain the love of a bad teenage Dracula.

By that sentence, you may be able to guess which one I prefer.

Spoiler: it’s not Twilight. However, that doesn’t mean I go around decrying Twilight as an awful series. Unless someone asks, of course. It calls to mind an incident in which a Twilight fan assaulted someone who didn’t like the series with a hardcover copy of one of the books, sending him to the hospital.

While that’s certainly an extreme case, it exemplifies the point I’m trying to make. There doesn’t need to be so much hate when it comes to culture opinions. If someone asks you your opinion on something and you happen to not like it, then that’s one thing.

But if you go around ruining people’s day because they like some album you don’t, then that’s another thing entirely. There’s a special place reserved for people like that, the name of which my editor says I can’t use in a column.

Another thing about hating a movie or a book or an album is that sometimes the person who doesn’t like it has never even seen/read/listened to it. To hate something on principle is bad.

For example, saying you don’t like horror films when you’ve never seen one is awful. I don’t think people should be allowed to talk about hating something before trying it. You never know what you’ll end up liking until you’ve tried it.

Anyway, it’s time to wrap this up. I just feel as if most of the hate towards pop culture is unnecessary. Yes, you are entitled to your opinion. Yes, you are allowed to not like something. No, you are not allowed to rain on people’s parades because you don’t like what they do. No, don’t knock it until you try it because you may just find something you like. Overall, the entertainment industry is a wonderful thing. It insists we consumers take the good with the bad and roll with the punches, in a way. There will be things you like and things you don’t like, but when it comes down to it, we’re all in the same pop culture boat. So please, don’t rock it too much. design | joe rau

I’ll be the mockingjay

Sydney Sund

Lessons on life

Before my freshman year, I had never met anyone who was addicted drugs. I’d never seen anyone who did drugs. Heck, I had never even heard of somebody in Flower Mound who knew someone who did drugs. Even though I hate to admit it now, I used to be a bit afraid of addicts.

I am an only child from a conservative Christian family. I grew up learning that drugs are wrong, cussing is wrong, tattoos are wrong and bad people are people I shouldn’t be around. Try as they might, my parents can’t shelter me from the world. To combat this horrid fact of life, my parents have sent me to Laity Lodge Youth Camp in Leakey, Texas every summer since I was eight.

Laity Lodge is where I met my best friend Matt who is emotionally dependant on marijuana. Ironically, Laity Lodge is a Christian camp. Seemingly, it’s a place where there would be nothing “anti-Christian.” Just looking at that sentence makes me laugh. Matt scared me at first. Drugs, of course, weren’t allowed at camp so he was going through a sort of relapse.

He was unpredictable, moody at times, and slightly crazy.

After a couple of days, he calmed down. I started talking to him and really started to understand him on a deeper level. It didn’t

?

What is your

BULLYING compiled | emily aijkens photos | kady kohankie

take long for me to realize exactly how great a person he was.

Now, almost three years later, I can honestly say he is one of the best friends I’ve ever had.

One night, after an intense sermon focusing on sin, I asked Matt why he smoked. He said it made all of his problems go away for a while. He said it made him calm and able to actually deal with life.

I lectured him, giving him every reason I knew why marijuana was unsafe to use. I told him how it was a gateway drug, how it can cause lung problems and every other possible reason I could think of. But it was a wasted effort. Marijuana is his emotional crutch. He was, and still is, convinced smoking it is okay.

Because he lives in Corpus Christi, my phone and Facebook are my only connections to his world. I’m forced to sit and watch from a distance as marijuana is becoming his top priority.

Matt’s passion is surfing, and he’s extremely talented. In the eighth grade, he made it all the way to state. Now, he spends so much time smoking he barely surfs at all.

Over the course of our friendship, he went from smoking a couple times a week to smoking several times a day. If he doesn’t smoke, he gets depressed. Sometimes, he gets himself so high he can’t form a complete, sane thought. He has recently started smoking marijuana laced with cocaine. This has caused him to turn to alternative methods to get his drug money.

I try to text him every day, just to make sure he knows I’m there for him. I do the best I can to be there for him, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s more I can do.

Every day, I wonder if there was something I could have said to him to make him stop on that day he told me why he smoked.

In my heart, I know I have done, and am doing, everything I possibly can for him. The fact of the matter is that Matt is ruining his life by getting involved with drugs.

Matt has taught me many things since I met him. Matt taught me that while marijuana is not the worst drug, it’s still dangerous and not to dismiss it as “no big deal”. Casual smoking can lead to addictions to harder drugs and health problems.Through him, I’ve learned that addiction is a big, fat problem that shouldn’t be ignored.

“When people are mean to other people and profile them for what they may or may not be.”

Nico Adame, 9

“I define bullying as bringing down somebody to feel better about yourself.”

Jacy Butcher, 10

may 11, 2012 | the marquee

HEYS [things we don’t like]

opinion Turning up dry One of the most important parts about the restroom is being able to wash your hands. However, the sinks don’t stay on long enough to wash both hands at once, which is frustrating.

Testing their patience It’s a little harsh to make freshmen take both the EOC and the STAAR tests.

Neither of these tests are easy, and the last thing freshmen need is more stress.

Have you heard?

The rumor mill keeps on turning, and it’s not a good thing. A ban on yoga pants? Prom is being held at the Gaylord? Really, where are these ideas even coming from?

Eat more chicken

Bitter-sweet

Courtney Clubb

Dog-zilla I think that my parents spend more on my dog’s medical bills than they do on me, but she is definitely worth it. I own a 100 pound terrorizer of fluff named Lucy, a seemingly innocent, big, brown-eyed yellow lab. Although she seems like nothing more than a harmless, sweet lap dog, she is a complete hellion with a black hole stomach, who is prone to ear infections, mysterious diseases, other health issues and is a multiple time user of “The Cone of Shame.”

Walls, wooden stairs, carpet, stuffed animals, butter, extension cords, sprinkler heads, fence posts and towels are her favorite dishes to devour. Basically anything lying within the path of this 4-year-old puppy is fair game, even if it’s on top of the car or table. After her stage of simply ripping and destroying different items to shreds, she went through a stage of eating and trying to digest inedible objects.

First came socks. The number one rule in the house is to keep your socks away and hidden at all times. When we have family or friends come stay at the house, within the first 24 hours they learn by missing socks to keep all their belongings away from Lucy. Next came the attempt to eat rocks. After eating many of the rocks around the backyard, the landscape had to be replaced

with mulch. I later found that it is actually quite common for Labradors to try to eat rocks. She continued to eat tissues and Barbie shoes as well.

Normally when she is fed, she ingests her food like a vacuumimmediately, not chewing, just inhaling. But last summer, Lucy quit eating entirely. She would rarely move, and eventually it got to the point where she needed medical attention. After x-rays upon x-rays, the vet explained she would need surgery because they found something in her stomach. However, they were unsure of what it was and if it was stuck. The day before the surgery, she was on an IV diet, and luckily, the surgery wasn’t needed because they found she had eaten a rope.

The rope incident only marked the beginning of her numerous health issues. Lucy has reoccurring ear infections that alternate ears, and two weeks ago she was given “The Cone of Shame” to wear for the third time due to another infection. She started off cautiously, walking around any objects she could not pass by due to her cone, but now pushes through anything and everything in her way, be it person or door or glass table. Lucy has also left bruises on everyone she tries to excitedly greet.

After the last visit to the vet, they found that she has a yeast infection in both of her ears, and soon after that, giant bumps were found across her nose and face. At first, we thought it was hives, but after three visits to the vet, one visit to the doggy skin dermatologist, three biopsies, seven stitches, four weeks of antibiotics and one box of adult Benadryl, we have found that they simply were not hives. Several thousands of dollars later, her mysterious bumps remained undiagnosed for almost a month. We knew finding the answers to helping her would cost a lot of time and money, but we were willing to do anything for her in order to cease the pain she was having from the reaction on her face. Recently, results came in that confirmed she did have a skin disease that would require constant medication.

Although some people don’t understand why we would spend that much time and money to help our dog instead of getting rid of her, it is simple. We wouldn’t get rid of a family member who requires medical attention or medication. Our dogs are a huge part of family life and are worth every penny.

MARQUEE REMARKS “Making fun of someone. Punching someone in the face.”

“People who pick on others to make themselves feel better about themselves, basically Regina George.”

“Simply when people are hurtful and ugly to others or make people feel uncomfortable in order to gain satisfaction from seeing that they hurt others.”

Barrett Brooks, 11

Mackenzie Thornton, 12

Kendra Day, Marketing

the marquee | may 11, 2012

21

Vallery Phillips

I belong in the kitchen Since the beginning of time men have always been in charge of the household, employment line and public social life. As a woman, I believe there is a different spot for us in society. I have never been a feminist and have never had those types of beliefs.

Yes, I have made a sandwich for a guy before. No, it did not make me feel lower in society. Men and women are different people. They were created different, and we have different roles that we must fill. There is a reason a woman bears a child and a man doesn’t. Men are considered the stronghold but, let’s be real, they cannot endure the pain that a woman can.

I have listened to the feminist aspect of things. There are certain circumstances that can be considered unfair when it comes to men and women. But life isn’t fair. It’s time to get over it. There are women who put themselves out there for men to stare at their bodies and use them as a sex symbol. It may seem trashy, but it is their choice. Some local restaurants have strict rules when people apply to work there. If you want to be an employee at this job, you must be a woman and you have to be willing to participate in “ABC” nights, anything but clothes. Females will wear trashg bags, license plates, or any type of “clothing” made from scratch.

Personally, I would not be a participant in an “ABC” night. But for the women who do, more power to you. That is your job choice, I won’t judge (I will only comment on it in my high school paper). It is true that some women are treated as trophies and are carted around by what they look like, but not all.

As an anti-feminist, I find the role of women simple. You are always the helper of the man. I was raised by biblical standards, with the man as the head of the household. What they said was law, and there was no if ands or buts. I am not saying that women should be treated as dogs, but there is a place for a woman and a place for the man. My great grandmother has never worked a day in her life. She stayed home and watched her children while my great grandpa went to work. She cooked, she cleaned and he brought home the income. It was the way things were, though in today’s economy, this is almost impossible.

In today’s society there are plenty of people who believe men and women should be treated the same. This is completely unsettling. Women have rights, and if we didn’t I would be worried. But there is a difference in women being treated as men and women being treated as they should. At the age of 18 every man is forced by law to enlist in the military draft. There is a reason why women aren’t forced to do this. Whether anyone likes it or not there are jobs for women and there are jobs for men. Women today are not allowed to fight on the front lines for a good reason. Men are in charge of society. It is how it always has been.

My views on women in society are quite simple: we are not men. There are things we cannot do no matter how much we try.

I believe the feminist outlook is just another argument that will never be won. A woman should not be president, she should not be head of a church, a woman should not fight on the front lines and a woman should not be treated as a man. There are certain things in society that should not change. Call me old fashioned, but my place in society is following in the footsteps of the man. design | joe rau

22

editorials

Planned freshman center will benefit students, staff

At long last, the new freshman center is underway. Blueprints have been made, architects have been consulted, and by the 2014-2015 school year, freshmen will have their own campus to call home. The new center includes many new features both in the classroom and out, including a heavy emphasis on technology use in tangent with schoolwork. It will be two stories and will replace the soon to be relocated tennis courts and softball field, mere feet away from the original school. The new facility will be linked to Marcus by a hallway near the gyms, as freshmen will need to travel to get to their elective classes. This new addition to the campus will help overcrowding of teachers and students alike and will ultimately be a major benefit to the current learning environment.

First of all, the fact that some of the faculty was involved in the planning of the building is reassuring. At the planning meetings,

architects provided mock-ups of the building, and teachers voted on their favorite features.

Not only that, but “floating teachers” who share rooms will no longer have to do so, as freshmen teachers will be moving to the new center. Also, the school will feature a new principal and will probably gain a handful of new teachers and administrators, thus creating jobs in a troubled economy. In addition, having a moderately sized three year campus will make class sizes smaller and learning environments more intimate, which will definitely benefit students.

However, with a new facility comes construction, and with construction comes two entire school years of waiting for its completion. Both students and staff are going to have to be patient during this time, not to mention having to learn to deal with all of the obstacles this process will create. This usually implies disruption via the sounds of machinery and workmen both inside

and outside of the school. Also, seeing as the new center is going to be right next to the current facility, traffic will be quite the nuisance. There is going to be a hallway built to get from the old school to the new as well, meaning that anywhere around that area will no doubt be a trouble spot.

In addition to the new building, the current Marcus facility is said to be due for several new upgrades once the center is complete.

Minus the parking lot, this may also disrupt business as usual within the three year school.

These updates will no doubt take several years, but if all goes well, the upperclassmen will enjoy the same perks as their freshmen peers at some point in the future.

The biggest benefit of the new center is that it will relieve overcrowding. The freshmen class is by far the largest at the campus to date, and will most likely continue to grow as the years progress. With that being said, it is most definitely in the school’s

best interest to separate into two facilities.

However, some current upperclassmen get more and more envious after hearing of all the perks their peers will be enjoying after they’ve graduated. It is true that the new center is sounding very college-esque. It begs the question as to why it is not being considered for a senior center. Not only have seniors had a three year adjustment period, but the jump from high school to college is a lot more substantial than from middle school to high school. Among other reasons, it is definitely something to be considered.

Although construction will undoubtedly cause a bit of a rift in normal school life over the next year, the new freshman center will have benefits that far outweigh the not so positive aspects. The school will just have to be patient while the new center is being built. Once it’s up and running in 2014, the trouble spots from the previous year will be long since forgotten.

Bullying should be discouraged, prevented in schools One of many anti-bullying movements started a year ago when a member of Rachel’s Challenge stood in the middle of the gym floor and spoke to a thousand students about Rachel Scott. She was a girl who inspired the chain reaction of kindness after being killed in the Columbine shooting.

Since then, the posters, the club and the passion act as a reminder to stop bullying.

The recent documentary, “Bully,” which follows five kids and their families over the course of a school year, has been getting a lot of praise as it accurately shows the true affects of bullying. Unfortunately, despite a trying effort, the bullying has not ceased in many high schools across the nation. This persistent issue with bullying obviously needs more attention.

Verbal and physical bullying has grown in the past few years and with the increase in the use of technology, cyber bullying is on the rise. Although the recent documentaries are insightful and show the real world of bullying, they have yet to put an end to bullying completely. Students will not be motivated to do anything about bullying unless it happens to them or someone close to them, and by then it may be too late.

Not only is bullying emotionally damaging for teenagers, but in some cases, it can result in death. According to FamilyFirstAid.com, suicide as a result from being bullied accounts for nearly one third of the deaths of young people every year.

With one in six students being regularly bullied each year, students, parents, teachers design | joe rau

and activists have been taking a stand against it, but more efforts are needed.

One of the worst forms of bullying happens when it comes time to elect Homecoming King and Queen.

Many times, students will nominate someone as a joke. These selected students are then made fun of by the entire school. The purpose of having a Homecoming King and Queen is not to just get a good laugh.

To mock somebody in this way is both morally reprehensible and cruel.

This type of bullying can be emotionally scarring and remain with a person for the rest of their life.

Nobody, regardless of how “popular” they are should be put through such a traumatizing type of pain. Before doing such a thing, students should consider the consequences that are sure to follow, and whether the “laughs” they get are worth the harm.

Bullying peers is a crime that should be stopped, but this is easier said than done. Students, and teachers included,

need to do a better job at preventing bullying.

Students should utilize the help hotline that the school offers, instead of just ignoring what is happening. If students see anyone

You

being bullied, they should stand up against the bullies.

Students who are being bullied should talk to a trusted adult about the situation.

are such a

Loser!..... Freak!.... Stupid! ly e a g u e r a ar you you

AC may 11, 2012 | the marquee

sponsors 23

Don’t forget to order the 2012 Marcus High School Yearbook!! $85 Available for sale May 16 in person

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Order now at Balfour.com.

Select yearbook and Marcus High School.

24

spotlight

Musical battlefield Several students compete in Battle of the Bands, hoping for winning title photos | kady kohankie

Top right: The band the Oscillators, which includes senior Conner Brent, freshman Chandler Goen and Tyler Gammon performs at the Larry Sigler Auditorium.

The Oscillators won the Battle of the Bands competition.

Top middle: Blake Barns, Collin Holman, Chad Phelbs and Nick Dudeh make up the band Wreckage.

Wreckage came in third place at Battle of the Bands.

Top left: Senior Courtnie Thomas strums her guitar at Battle of the Bands.

Bottom left: Sophomore Bill Hall plays music with his band Here Lies the City. Even though they did not compete, they closed the show.

design | maria heinonen

Bottom middle: The Oscillators performed on Saturday April 28. This was the last band to compete in the competition for Battle of the Bands.

may 11, 2012 | the marquee