May 2014 Shattered Foundation

MARQUEE THE

Volume 28 | Issue 7 | May 9, 2014 | mhsmarquee.com

Shattered foundation

MARCUS HIGH SCHOOL | 5707 MORRISS ROAD. FLOWER MOUND, TX 75028

]4]

Administration makes preparations for new B-hall student lounge

]7]

Staff donates money to head custodian to fund a return home to Vietnam

]17]

Senior sports managers reflect on careers and involvement with team

Table of Contents

cover photo/illustration William Legrone

The Marquee [newsmagazine] Editor in Chief Marisa Charpentier

Managing Editor Amanda Collen

Design Editor Hailey Painter

News & Feature Editor Madison Ermenio

Asst. News & Feature Editor Miranda Chiechi

In-depth Editor Marisa Charpentier

photo Amanda Collen

Entertainment Editor Anna Middleton

Sports

Opinion Editor Madi Schwem

Sports Editor

[18] BASEBALL BEASTS Junior standout players lead the way for district-champion baseball team.

Austin Rickerson

Photo Editor Kady Kohankie

story Rachel Ramirez

Asst. Photo Editor William Legrone

Business Manager

News

Hailey Painter

Social Media Editors

Patricia Qualls, Samantha King

[5] DIVERSE HISTORY New textbooks to be offered for minority ethnic studies in coming school years. story Madison Ermenio

Online Editors

Alyssa Schmidt, Ben Horton

Reporters

Jaime Hardison, Victoria Price, Allie Loder, Megan O’Hearn, Alex Helm, Rachel Ramirez, Darci Walton

photo Amanda Collen

Designers

Feature

Tori Allmendinger, Jacqueline Higgins, Lyndsay Hilton, William Legrone, Molly Webber

[9] WACKY WORDS Lamar student prepares to compete in national spelling bee. story Alex Helm

Photographers

Luisa Diaz, Jaqueline Higgins

Adviser

LaJuana Hale

Principal

photo Ron Baselice/The Dallas Morning News

Gary Shafferman

Entertainment [16] BRINGING BACK RECORDS The Marquee reviews trendy music stores in the Metroplex. story Alyssa Schmidt photo Ben Horton

The Marquee newsmagazine is a student-generated publication of Marcus High School. It is produced, edited and maintained through the efforts of the school’s advanced journalism class.

The Marquee is designed to serve the school and community as a forum for open discussion and student expression.

The Marquee encourages letters to the editor as part of its mission to educate, inform and provide an open forum for debate.

All submissions must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit all material. Editorials reflect the opinion of the staff, not necessarily that of the administration. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinion of the author.

Advertising rates are $70 per 1/8 of a page, with discounts available. For more information call 469-713-5196.

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

Investigating effects of gas drilling

NEWS 3

University of Texas professor explores possible links between drilling, local cancer Sharon Wilson, Organizer of the Earthworks Oil and Gas Accountability Project said representatives of Flower A study in early 2014 by a professor at the University of Mound confirmed two cases of brain tumors, 10 cases of Texas is reviving concerns about a cancer cluster in Flower breast cancer and 12 cases of childhood leukemia all within Mound. In 2010 state health officials dismissed these the area of Liberty Elementary. concerns, saying cancer levels were normal. Recently, the “More research needs to be done to find if this is causing findings of a study by Rachael Rawlins, professor of Law cancer,” Collins said. “The people being affected are more in Community and Regional Planning at UT, are that these important than business.” concerns are valid.

Projects like Earthworks Oil and Gas Accountability Rawlins says that the increased occurrences of childhood Project have been set up to try to explain and expose the leukemia and lymphoma may have to do with local drilling dangers of drilling. and fracking, a process that cuts into rocks in the ground to “[Companies] use toxic and carcinogenic chemicals at allow more oil to flow out. According to her study, the state every stage and those chemicals are winding up in our air, officials didn’t have enough evidence to dismiss the claims water and soil,” Wilson said. “What rational person thinks in 2010. Due to complaints from Flower Mound citizens, that exposure to carcinogens won’t cause cancer?” she questioned the conclusion that carcinogens, chemicals In 2010, WFAA News conducted a survey in Flower related to causing cancer, found around drilling sites aren’t Mound and found a majority of families with sick children connected to rising cancer rates. believed it was a result of drilling.

“This is not a question of science,” Rawlins said. “It is a The study conducted by the state used information question of public policy.” from as far back as 1998. According Texas state officials relied on to Rawlins, that is too early to begin statistics that did not account because drilling began in 2004.

“I think it’s careless to do for an error that rejects proven “The timing and locations of these hypotheses. According to Rawlins, drilling sites has a strong correlation something such as drilling regulatory agencies protecting the with the time and location of the without knowing the full public should be more concerned study,” Rawlins said. with an error that, if corrected, consequences.”

Carrie Williams, a speaker for the could save lives.

Texas Department of State Health “We must ask whether we want Services, said in an official release error on the side of protecting that the state chose to study cancer public health,” Rawlins said. from 1998-2010.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has “We use ten years of data when we evaluate cancer not denied nor confirmed findings that rates of childhood concerns in a community because it provides stable results,” leukemia and lymphoma in Flower Mound were significantly Williams said in the release. higher than normal.

Williams also states that in a matter as serious as cancer, Senior Justin Collins, resident of Flower Mound, was higher probability is needed in research studies. Also, the diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his lymph nodes study conducted by the state only looked at whether cancer when he was in 3rd grade around the time that oil was drilled. cases in Flower Mound were higher than normal. The study Although he was in remission for some time, he found out did not evaluate whether environmental factors played a years later that the cancer had returned. role in cancer cases. Rawlins article however, looked at “Getting cancer when I was so young was hard for me,” environmental causes.

Collins said. “I don’t think any kid should have to go through “Texas regulators are more interested in protecting what I did.” and promoting industry than in protecting public health,” According to Rawlins, concerns from the community were Wilson said. pushed to the side simply because science could not verify Rawlins study recommends that the state allow more with 99% certainty that the cancers weren’t random. local regulatory authority over planning the drilling sites Collins said that although he is unsure of the cause of his and the regulation of air pollutants. But according to cancer, he said he thinks research is necessary to prevent Wilson, the few changes that have been made more cases in the future. aren’t enough.

“Cancer isn’t something I would wish on anyone,” Collins According to Wilson, Texas has said. “I think it’s careless to do something such as drilling, known about the need to track without knowing the full consequences, and how it will affect public health in relation people.” to drilling story Victoria Price

Justin Collins, 12

The Marquee May 9, 2014

exposure, but health officials do not have a systematic method for tracking the effects of drilling yet.

“At one time I thought fracking-enabled drilling would be okay if it were properly regulated,” Wilson said. “Now I’ve learned that there are not enough regulations or people to enforce them to make this process okay.”

Cancerous Cases In the area of Liberty Elementary: 2 cases of brain tumors 10 cases of breast cancer 12 cases of childhood leukemia

*from BlueDaze blog

According to Rawlins study there is only a 1 in 20 chance that cancer cases in Flower Mound are unrelated to drilling.

design/graphic William Legrone

4 NEWS

A new place to plug in

New lounge set to open next year gives students a place to focus story Patricia Qualls

4 bistro tables and stools 3-piece couch A coffee table Chairs Ottomans End tables with electrical plugs

e tabl

senior-in can find a quiet spot to work on something before school.”

However, the placement of the lounge has caused some debate. Even with the ninth graders attending the freshman center this fall, according to sophomore Aditya Murthy, the lounge may cause mild flow problems in the lounge.

“Depending on its size, it could cause a traffic problem,” Murthy said. “But I think if we have some rules in place then it won’t be as bad as people think.”

Another fear students have with the lounge is that some might abuse it. According to Nacier, in the principal’s advisory meeting, it was brought up that students might deface the lounge which could result in its removal.

“Students might write vulgar things on the furniture and mess up the appearance in the next few years,” Nacier said.

Currently, administration is not planning on prohibiting food or having assistant principals and teachers monitor the lounge.

According to Clark, she wants to make the atmosphere as inviting and relaxed as possible.

“We trust kids to do the right things,” Clark said. “We want students to take a little bit of ownership over where they learn. We want it to be a place where students feel comfortable using it, and we don’t want it to be a place where it has to be regulated and reserved.”

With the new additions to the school this year, such as the café and the lounge, the school is becoming more modern. In the future, administration hopes to add more areas like the lounge across campus. They feel that opening up warmer environments for students to learn and relax will allow for education to flow freely through the school.

In the future the lounge might contain: More areas similar to the lounge placed around the school A television to be used for presentations* Standing charging stations* *These details have not been finalized by administration

table

The lounge will contain:

Couches, tables and a bistro table will be arriving at school over the summer. By next fall, administration will be revealing a new student lounge. The lounge will be a place for students to study and relax.

“We’re looking at ways to bring flexible spaces into the school,” Assistant Principal Rebecca Clark said. “We are creating some areas that are less traditional where students can study, collaborate and learn.”

Administration announced the lounge during the first of April principal’s advisory meeting, where students gave their opinions on certain changes in the school. Students were also able to give feedback on what the lounge should have and how it should cater to students. Junior Catherine Nacier, who is on the principal’s advisory board, believes the lounge will offer a more tranquil environment.

“We wanted it to feel like a little secluded from all the stress of the hall and its loudness,” Nacier said. “We wanted it to have more room and have a lot of area.”

The furniture was chosen with functionality in mind, according to Clark.

“It’s pretty flexible furniture that can be moved around to suit whatever purpose the students have for the lounge at that moment,” Clark said.

Clark wants the lounge to be an educational sanctuary where students can continue their education outside of the classroom. She also wants it to be a peaceful escape for students who just need a place to relax.

“I see it as a place where students are just sitting and hanging out,” Clark said. “It can also be a space where a small group can go and work with the permission of their teacher.

It can even be a space where someone with

Library table

table

C Hall

table

ottoman

design/graphics Jacqueline Higgins

B Hall

table

table

chair

chair

table

ottoman

May 9, 2014 The Marquee

Offering a diverse selection

NEWS 5

Texas Board of Education votes to create ethnic studies textbooks

topics history electives currently offered include Street Law and The World Since WWII, but there are presently no courses offered specifically for minority studies. The mandatory credits for social studies are World Geography or Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Economics.

“Our curriculum is pretty American-based and European,” sophomore Lyndie Ho said. “[Other cultures] are covered sufficiently for you to have the information for the AP test, but definitely not as much as American and European cultures.”

Ho said the growing diversity in the state calls for curriculum that highlights Mexican-American, Asian-American, NativeAmerican and African-American studies. She said there is a need for textbooks that do not cover majority ethnicity studies at the expense of minority races.

“As a minority, I don’t see much representation of people like me in textbooks,” Ho said. “I think it’s definitely good to have that representation in the media. Textbooks mostly photo Amanda Collen Freshman Angelina Galarza reads her history textbook in the hallway. include the majority and tend to exclude the minority.”

Freshman Angelina Galarza said although creating a class She said she would be interested in taking a cultural class if offered. is a viable and interesting option for students, there are also some unfavorable aspects of the idea. story Madison Ermenio “I think a good majority of people would take a class, but I don’t think they’d take classes that are outside their own The Texas Board of Education will offer ethnic studies ethnicity,” Galarza said. “There’d only be a handful of people textbooks to public high schools by the 2016-2017 school that would take a class about a culture that wasn’t their own.” year. This is the first step towards creating minority studies According to school board member Cortez, 51 percent classes that will be available as optional electives for all of students in Texas public high schools are Hispanic, districts across the state. rendering the need for a Mexican-American studies class.

U.S. History teacher Kaitlyn Wilson said access to this However, board members like David Bradley of Beaumont curriculum will introduce a new way for students to learn have questioned the productivity of creating an elective for about world cultures. minority studies. Bradley voted against the measure and “We don’t have textbooks that are specifically designated argued that focusing on one ethnicity only would further the for those topics, so I think it will just open up a world of divisions between cultures. knowledge that [students] Senior Carter Hayes said didn’t even know,” Wilson said. he agrees that the class could “I think that since culture is become discrimination against the “It’s important to realize that the world constantly evolving, our access to majority. information needs to as well.”

“In a way, it is reverse racism is so much bigger than this, and there State board member Ruben if you’re only concentrating on are things that matter so much more Cortez of Brownsville originally the minorities,” Hayes said. “It proposed that all public Texas shouldn’t be just about minorities than just Marcus High School.” high schools offer a Mexicanor the majority. It should be about American studies class. Advocates everyone and how they impacted of the class have been pushing for America.” the board to vote in its favor since Hayes said creating one class November. However, when the debate concerning the subject each for the study of every minority group is not the most intensified, the board instead decided to vote on creating effective solution. Rather, he said offering a year-long World the instructional materials now in preparation for possible History course that covers in-depth minority studies would minority studies classes in the future. The board voted 11-3 in be a more well-rounded option, or creating one class that favor of creating the textbooks. combines the study of all ethnic groups and cultures.

LISD will be able to choose whether they will offer ethnic “If they were going to do a class about ethnic groups, I studies courses. Executive Director for Learning Design and think it shouldn’t be about one,” Hayes said. “It should be Support Lori Rapp said LISD would be interested in providing about multiple. [Students] would get the whole picture, not this class for its high schools across the district in the future. just part of it.”

“We are always interested in trying to figure out ways to Ho said that since anyone can enroll in the class regardless offer innovative courses to students,” Rapp said. “If students of ethnicity, the class is fair to all students. express an interest in a certain area, we want to do a good job “If the class isn’t closed to only the minority and it’s open to of being able to offer courses to give a wide variety of things.” everyone, it’s not excluding anyone, so I don’t think it would Although the content of the courses and the number of be racist,” Ho said. “Including one class about minority culture credits students will receive for the class will be discussed at a wouldn’t seem to exclude white culture.” future date, Rapp said that the course would likely be a special According to Wilson, the class would be helpful because topics social studies elective if approved. This kind of elective there is not always sufficient time to go in-depth about other is an optional, nine-week history class that further expands cultures in her U.S. History class. For this reason, adding an on curriculum discussed in core history classes. The special optional elective would be an effective solution to prepare

Lyndie Ho, 10

The Marquee May 9, 2014

students for future endeavors. Students attending college may be required to take historical and cultural courses, many of which focus on other nations and ethnic groups.

Some common college majors and minors include AfricanAmerican studies, Jewish studies, Ancient Greek studies, East Asian studies, Latin American studies and modern European studies.

“It’s really important for people’s futures outside of Flower Mound,” Ho said. “It’s important to realize that the world is so much bigger than this and there are things that matter so much more than just Marcus High School.”

Wilson said that whether the class is offered or not, learning about other cultures is vital for students’ futures.

“To understand yourself and to understand the people around you, you need to have awareness and respect for the cultures you’re going to encounter and the way that it shapes you,” Wilson said.

Native American Studies

Mexican American Studies

Asian American Studies

African American Studies design/graphics Jacqueline Higgins

90

OVER

Heart pumping cardio, mega muscle work. Real Results.

Strike Fusion

Strength 60

Core

days for dollars*

*with 12-month auto-payment; or 90 days for $149 (no auto-payment) 2400 Nelson Parkway Suite 4 Highland Village, TX 75077 (located in The Center) Email: c3kb@aol.com

jazzercise.com

3,300

people will see this ad

if you would like to advertise with us call: (972)-977-4352 or email us at: marcusmarqueeads@gmail.com

214-697-4769

Cindy Helm

Personal Fitness Coach 1 on 1 Coaching Teammates Training 2-4 Members Adult Fitness Classes 6-8 Members Training consists of a combination of speed, strength, agility, core conditioning, flexibility and resistance circuit training.

Cindy@stronglikehelm.com

Cndy_helm@yahoo.com

6109 Kings Rd. Double Oak, TX 75077

214.718.8975

www.stronglikehelm.com

www.stronglikehelm.com

May 9, 2014 The Marquee

FEATURE 7

A long road home

Faculty gathers funds for custodian’s Vietnam trip

story Marisa Charpentier

by buying proper documentation and ship passage. Others, however, left secretly on flimsy boats, choosing to face the Next to an array of open waters and the unknown and leave the hardships in the trash cans and mops in newly socialist nation behind.

So just as nearly two million other Vietnamese people B106 hang photographs of head custodian Kim Tran’s did at the time, Tran got on a boat and fled elsewhere. Tran, family. Photos of her recently her two siblings, husband and two young children were able married son. Photos of her only to make it to Thailand. But when they got there, bad news daughter. Photos of the son she almost died was waiting. Thailand was no longer accepting refugees. The giving birth to in Thailand. These photos are all of a family family was detained for almost two years in a camp, living in a building with 700 other people and receiving $50 a month in whom she believes Marcus saved.

When Tran got a job as a custodian at the school in 1985, aid from the French.

To further complicate the situation, Tran was also pregnant she took it without hesitation, despite the fact that she didn’t know much English. She needed it to provide for loved ones - with her third child. She gave birth in the crowded refugee her younger brother and sister, her deaf husband and her three camp. Nothing but a thin straw mattress separated her from the ground. children, all of whom escaped Shortly after, Tran was interviewed Vietnam with her as refugees. as a possible candidate to come to the Since she took the job over 29 “She is a big part of what Marcus U.S. But their journey wasn’t over yet. years ago, Tran has taken on task is. She loves this school a lot and After two years in Thailand, the family after task. Whether it’s waxing was then sent to another foreign place the floors of the entire school or this school loves her.” the Philippines - to learn English before cleaning up after a sick student, coming to the U.S. Preoccupied with she is happy to work for a school Todd Knowles, caring for her newborn and family, Tran she loves.

Assistant Principal had little time to learn a new language.

And in March, the school After seven months in the showed they love her back.

After discovering Tran’s plans to return to Vietnam to visit Philippines, they finally got their chance. The day arrived family, the faculty joined together to help pay for her trip. The when the U.S. was simply a plane ride away. After they got staff secretly collected money just days before she was set to to Texas, St. Phillips Apostle Church in Lewisville helped the leave. Then, unexpectedly, Tran was called into Principal Gary family get back on their feet.

Tran’s husband started working at a dry cleaning business.

Shafferman’s office. Standing alongside other administrators, he presented Tran with an envelope of money that nearly The family was then living on $3.75 an hour, which was minimum wage at the time. When St. Phillips helped Tran brought her to tears.

“I was very happy,” Tran said. “I felt wonderful because get a job at the school, she took it, despite the fact that she had only lived in the country for a few months. But she was everyone helped me to see [my mom].”

After a 16-hour flight, Tran arrived in Vietnam. She visited grateful she could provide for her family.

“She is one of the most thankful people in the world,” with her 88-year-old mother, whom she hadn’t seen in nearly seven years. And more happy occasions were just around the Assistant Principal Todd Knowles said.

Despite the language barrier, Tran was a standout employee corner. Her oldest son, Billy, moved his wedding to April so that his mother could attend it while she was in the country. from the start. She took on every job she was given, and by Even though Billy lives in the U.S., he planned to have his 1996, she was made head custodian. In 2013, she was named Custodian of the Year for the entire district. Knowles, who has wedding in Vietnam where his fianceé lives.

The three weeks spent in Vietnam were filled with family, worked with Tran for over 20 years, said that what he admires friends and new beginnings. But life in Vietnam wasn’t always most about Tran is her dedication to perfection. this way for the Trans. *** It’s 1981. Waves hit the side of the ship. Along with over 40 other people, Tran and her family rock back and forth on the South China sea. They’re hungry and seasick. It’s been three days of sparse food, little sleep and fear. The cramped boat could succumb to pirate raids or violent storms at any moment. But they keep going. They’re fortunate to have gotten out of Vietnam, to have reached a new life.

“After 1975, nobody really wanted to stay there,” Tran said.

“Everybody was upset. They worked too much and took home little. If you were lucky, you got on a boat...But if they found you on a boat, you would go to jail.”

After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the country fell to communism. The country was in a state of economic chaos as inflation increased and reconstruction efforts progressed Head custodian Kim Tran (middle) is photographed with her husband, slowly. Many who wanted to leave the nation had to do so two siblings, son and daughter. The family left Vietnam in 1981.

The Marquee May 9, 2014

“She wants the floors to shine and she wants everybody’s room to be as clean as possible,” Knowles said. “She just wants to make sure that if there’s anything she can do to help the school run better, she’ll get it done.”

Photography teacher Kathy Toews has also known Tran for several years. She said she too has noticed Tran’s dedication.

“I’ve never seen her turn a job down,” Toews said.

“Whatever she’s asked, she’ll be right there doing it.”

Tran’s giving nature has not gone unnoticed in her own family either. After years of working to provide for her family, Tran got another unexpected gift. On her recent birthday, all of her kids brought her outside her home and surprised her with a brand new car. In front of her sat a 2007 white Acura SUV. They told her she wouldn’t have to pay for any of it.

“They told me, ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘You work very hard,’” Tran said.

Whether she’s cleaning the floors or tidying up a classroom, Tran comes to the school every day ready to work. According to Knowles, she represents the school well.

“She is a big part of what Marcus is,” Knowles said. “She loves this school a lot and this school loves her.”

Tran said she wants the faculty to know she is thankful for the help they have given her over the years and on her trip.

“God will pay them back,” Tran said.

photos submitted Tran stands near her mother at her son’s wedding. Faculty contributed money to help pay for her recent trip to Vietnam. design William Legrone

8 FEATURE

Computer Conqueror

Junior makes gaming into occupation

Junior Greyson Gilmer sits in front of his computer for practice at home.

story Madi Schwem

what started him on the road to professional gaming.

Assassin LeBlanc the Deceiver grips her “He’s always been quite a bit of a magical scepter, a crystal shining on the computer nerd,” his mother Julie Gilmer end of it. With it, she can cast every spell said. “He’s always been obsessed with video at her disposal, using them to vanquish her games.” enemies. Orianna, the Lady of the Clockwork, In the beginning, Greyson’s mother said smites her foes with electric pulses and she did not yet understand how big a deal shockwaves. Both women are powerful mages becoming a pro-gamer was, much less the who can strike down their enemies if given terminology used by them. the opportunity.

“Back when he first told me he would However, none of what they do so well be competing, he was jumping up and could be accomplished without the help of down,” his mother said. “Before I was able the gamer sitting in front of his computer to become more informed, there was a lot of and keyboard. But in the same way that they gibberish coming out of his mouth.” need him to move the controller or mouse, Greyson also used to be on the football these League of Legends Champions are what team his freshman, sophomore and part of competitive gamer, junior Greyson Gilmer, his junior year. However, he quit to focus on needs to dominate every competition. his gaming. He can still “Most of my free draw parallels between time goes into it,” the hobbies. Just like in “You would be surprised at Greyson said. “I focus football, he has his own on competing more position on the gaming how cutthroat competitive than anything else.” team. gaming is sometimes.”

Though it isn’t “It’s just like football a traditional sport, Julie Gilmer, parent was,” Greyson said. “You gaming is teamcan’t ask to switch out. oriented and has Everyone has their own defined seasons. Greyson spends almost every part on the team.” day in competition season practicing with his Julie shows her encouragement for gaming team, which consists of both personal Greyson’s gaming by bringing him food friends and online ones. On weekdays after while he’s practicing and buying him clothes school, Greyson comes straight home to his for when he travels to Los Angeles for his computer for practice. Though he has to wake competitions, like the hoodie his team wears up and go to school, oftentimes he stays up when they compete. She also makes an effort until 1:00 a.m. practicing his gaming skills. to follow gaming updates on Twitter and Among other games, Greyson plays League of Twitch, a website dedicated to the streaming Legends, which is his priority in competitions. of gaming competitions.

It’s the game where Greyson got his taste for “Even though sometimes I am still a little competitive gaming. fuzzy on what I understand, I follow several “It’s a lot of really hard work,” Greyson gamers on Twitter,” Julie said. “I try very said. “I play best when I’m just not nervous hard to learn more about the game.” at all.”

Though an XBox was originally his Since he was 4 years old, video games console of choice, Greyson moved on to have been a central part of Greyson’s life. computer gaming. Many games on regular His fascination with his first Sega, a dusty consoles such as XBox and PlaysIt became old game system no longer sold in stores, is his favorite medium for gaming, the place he

photo Kady Kohankie believes the best gameplay and graphics are displayed. League of Legends, a multiplayer online battle arena video game, was a favorite.

“There’s a lot of creativity,” Greyson said.

“You can do a lot of things in the game.”

In the game, players have a wide variety of characters, called “Champions,” from which to choose their persona. Dropped into the arena, the player is assigned a team. The object of the game is to then gain levels from killing the opposing team’s Champions and minions that spawn into the arena.

“What makes it great is that it’s really competitive, and I enjoy that,” Greyson said.

When Greyson first began competing, he was only on a semi-pro team, as opposed to a standard pro-team. Originally, he was making money off of streaming, as many gamers do on YouTube. The gamer plays the game, and hundreds of people can watch and be tuned into the gameplay as if it were a television show. Since becoming competitive, Greyson has the opportunity to make up to $200,000 a year in competitions.

When Greyson joined the League team, he learned that competing together is very different from just playing a simple game for the entertainment of viewers. Each player has a position on the team, leaving them unable to switch out if they dislike it.

“We’re all dependent on one another,”

Greyson said.

Soon he was able to join a full pro-circuit, replacing an old member who previously left.

Greyson competes in the North American Circuit. His team was able to place third in the North American Challenger Series, a large amateur tournament.

“It was really exciting for us,” Greyson said. “It’s one of our bigger achievements.”

The competitions may take place at a large event, such as the ones Greyson attends, or simply housed on the Internet and viewed with streams. Either way, competitions bring thousands of viewers.

“Before, I didn’t think video games were such a big deal,” Julie said. “I just thought it was something fun for him to do. You would be surprised at how cutthroat competitive gaming is sometimes.”

Though he has considered doing something involving gaming in college, Greyson plans to focus more on his love for math.

“I’ll probably do competitive until it burns out,” Greyson said. “Then I’d really like to work to become an engineer. The money I’ve made from gaming will get me into a good college.”

However, Julie says that she knows gaming is deep within Greyson’s heart. And when Season 3 for the League competitions begins, Greyson will be ready.

www.esrb.org

67% of U.S. households own video games design Amanda Collen

25% of gamers are under 18

The average gamer spends 8 hours a day playing video games May 9, 2014 The Marquee

60 seconds

A way with words

FEATURE 9

Eighth grader wins state spelling bee, advances to nationals story Alex Helm

Austin Kinley @monsieurginger compiled Samantha King photo Jackie Higgins

If you were invincible for 24 hours (free from the laws of justice and the laws of life) what would you do?

“I would hold up a Starbucks, for sure. Get a lot of Starbucks. And then drive really fast.”

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

“Rupert Grint who plays Ron Weasley. Obviously.”

If you could mix any two animals, which would you mix and what would your creation be called?

“A giraffe and an elephant. I would call it Big and Tall.”

If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?

“Assuming they let me choose, I would probably choose McDonalds. I love McDonalds.”

What is your strategy in the event of an apocalypse?

“Probably just stay at home and watch as much Netflix as I can before my house is overtaken and I die.”

If you were in a comic book, what would your catchphrase be?

“Kapow! That’s science!” And then throw chemicals on them and they would melt.”

The Marquee May 9, 2014

reach the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the most prestigious spelling contest in the nation. He will now compete in the bee He sits at one of the wooden tables in the Lamar Middle held at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, D.C. “She’s the one who coached me when I started to [study School library, surrounded by novels on low shelves and colorful art that hangs from the ceiling. His eyes focus on for the] Scripps National Spelling Bee,” he said. “She’s what a large red book in front of him: Merriam Webster’s New got me here today.”

After advancing past the class, district and county spelling World Dictionary. bees, Nagineni went on to compete in the The Dallas Morning “This isn’t the fun one,” he says to himself.

He gets up, pushes in his chair, and walks to the corner News Regional Spelling Bee, the statewide competition. of the library to go get the dictionary he prefers. He returns He won in the 14th round by correctly spelling the word with a much larger gray dictionary full of medical terms and mastoiditis, which is an infection of the skull behind the ear. other jargon that wouldn’t interest the average teenager. He He has participated in the same event the previous three sits down with it in his lap, flipping through the hundreds years, each time finishing runner-up. But this year, he finally of thin pages, a look of concentration on his face. This is his broke through and took home the first place trophy.

“At that moment, I didn’t really comprehend [that I won],” definition of enjoyment. This dictionary is what he uses to memorize the spellings of words. After all, he is the state Nagineni said. “It didn’t register until five minutes afterward when they gave me the trophy.” spelling bee champion.

Lamar principal Leigh Ann Lewis accompanied Nagineni *** Lokesh Nagineni, an eighth grader at Lamar, has always to the state spelling bee. She will also attend the national bee had a passion for words. He started spelling competitively to watch Nagineni compete.

“It is very nerve-wracking to be there when he was in first grade. He was in an watching the bee,” Lewis said. “It’s also extracurricular math course outside of amazing to see all of these students spell school, and it offered a spelling bee for such difficult and sometimes obscure words. talented kids in North Texas.

When he won, I was so excited for him and “I’ve always liked words,” Nagineni his family and also relieved because I knew said. “The spelling bee seemed to be a this was his last opportunity to travel to good thing to broaden my horizons on D.C.” words.”

After this year, Nagineni will not be Although he lost in round one of his able to participate in the Scripps National first spelling bee, he came back the next Spelling Bee again since it isn’t offered year and won the contest. From there, his to students past eighth grade. With achievements skyrocketed. He has been Washington finally in sight, Nagineni said successful in every spelling bee at his that his parents and friends are proud that school since first grade. Today he is one he has the chance to compete. of the best spellers in the nation.

“Everybody’s really excited for me,” Spelling comes naturally to Nagineni.

Nagineni said. “My friends and I were Even though words that are given in joking that they were going to hitchhike on spelling bees are often rooted in other the airplane and were going to come with languages, Nagineni, who speaks English me and stay at the hotel and watch me.” as well as several Indian languages, Nagineni said that he too is excited for enjoys learning the derivatives of all the chance to compete in “Bee Week 2014,” kinds of words. It’s what he loves to talk photo Miranda Chiechi which will take place May 25 - 31, and will about. be broadcast on ESPN. “You really want to look at [other] “Nationals is just about where every languages, their patterns and the English Lokesh Nagineni is an eighth grader at language,” Nagineni said. “If you know Lamar Middle School. He qualified for speller wants to go,” he said. “You get to spell these amazingly weird words that nobody’s those languages... it can help but it can the Scripps National Spelling Bee. ever seen before, much less heard about or also hinder you. For example, you could be used in an actual sentence.” using rules that in Spanish may seem correct, but when [the Despite the fact that he may have to spell some unusual word] got Anglicized, the rules don’t make sense anymore.” words, he said that he’s not nervous. He likes standing on Some languages’ rules are harder to learn than others, stage, anticipating the next word. The challenge of being asked according to Nagineni. He said that languages like Irish to spell unfamiliar words is exciting for him. To Nagineni, the Gaelic, Yiddish, and Hebrew have seemingly random rules, only competition is between himself and the dictionary. don’t follow a particular pattern and can sometimes change “I’ve studied a lot of words so it’s nothing really to be when translated to English. stressed out about,” Nagineni said. “But it’s also nothing to “Once they get Anglicized, I don’t know whether it’s get a swelled head about either.” completely Anglicized, halfway there or the native spelling,” Lewis said that as an educator, it’s a pleasure to work with Nagineni said. such a driven and dedicated student like Nagineni.

For example, a cc sound in Italian makes the ch sound “I’m excited to be a part of the whole experience while in English. In the Italian word cacciatore, the cci sound supporting one of my students achieving something he has makes the ch noise because it absorbs the letter I inside it. always dreamed about and worked very hard for,” Lewis said.

The I is silent, which can make spelling the word difficult.

Nagineni, only one out of 281 contestants, will be But it’s perfecting these kinds of spelling rules that interests competing against some of the best spellers in the nation. But Nagineni the most. no matter what happens, Nagineni keeps one simple task in To master his spelling skills, Nagineni works with spelling mind. coach Sujana Palluri, who’s been studying with him since he “I just have to spell the word,” Nagineni said. “If I know was in fourth grade. The duo spend hours poring over rules and spelling hints so Nagineni knows what rules to follow and the word, I know it, and if I don’t know it, I’m just gonna give use as competition strategies. Palluri helped him be able to it my best bet.” design/graphics Amanda Collen

10 IN-DEPTH

transforming the family tree

With more than 30 percent of students having divorced parents, The Marquee takes an in-depth look at divorce and its effects on teens.

May 9, 2014 The Marquee

photo William Legrone

Coping with complications

IN-DEPTH 11

Students reflect on impact of parents’ divorce in their everyday lives story Jaime Hardison

Kennedy Sartor, 11

Allison Schwartz, 10 At 7 years old, most kids are trying to make new friends. They enjoy playing with their stuffed animals.

They are learning to color in-between the lines. They are dependent on the guidance of their parents to learn basic skills. For junior Allie Schwartz, this guidance no longer came from under one roof.

“My parents got divorced and my dad moved to Denton,” Schwartz said. “It made me have to mature faster than other people.”

At a young age, Schwartz said she realized that some love doesn’t last and some families fall apart. After her father’s move, she made the commute every week between the two houses. After time, both parents remarried and settled into a more comfortable routine.

For Schwartz, developing responsibility was the most positive aspect of the split.

“I think because I had to take care of my sister, because she took it harder than me, I had to become more mature,” Schwartz said.

All in all, the divorce proved to be a growing experience for Schwartz, one in which she was able to find the positives.

“Now I have more family around and I get to grow in ways that other people don’t,” Schwartz said.

The Marquee May 9, 2014

Brennon King, 10 A mother is pregnant, but the marriage is in disarray. A young boy sits alone in his room crying. Despite his dad’s infidelity, he tells himself his parents will get back together.

“I think it would’ve been easier for my parents to be together growing up because it was hard to explain to kids what divorce was in elementary school,” sophomore Brennon King said.

Before his birth, King’s father left his mother. While his father wasn’t aware that he had a son on the way, King’s mother desperately tried to find a way to support both King and his older sister.

“My mother was single for a really long time, and just focused on caring for us,” King said. “She did a really great job and she was always there.”

As a child, King said he struggled to understand his place in the world without a secure family and felt separated from other kids whose parents were still together.

As the years passed by, King’s father moved through another marriage and his mother married her neighbor. Through this turmoil and the various changes in the past, King realizes that he has become someone different.

“For me, life has always been this way so I’m used to it,” King said. “But it has affected me because I’ll never know what it’s like to have my actual parents together.”

After the divorce, her life was spread out on opposite sides of the country. Her time with her parents was balanced between summers with her dad in Maryland and school years spent in Florida. Ever since her parents split, her family had been spread 949 miles apart.

“When I was younger, I was really depressed because I was a daddy’s girl and when I didn’t have my dad, it was hard,” junior Kennedy Sartor said.

Although her family all ended up in Texas by the end of her freshman year, her parents’ divorce has still affected different aspects of Sartor’s life. With the addition of step-parents, her life became even more complicated.

“You have to make sure it’s okay with all four parents instead of only one,” Sartor said.

Although it can create difficulties in her life, Sartor says that her life would have been different if her parents hadn’t separated. She said she would most likely still be living in Florida.

“I wouldn’t have gathered new experiences here,” Sartor said.

design Molly Webber

12 IN-DEPTH

Separation through the ages

Statistics reveal age of child alters effects of divorce compiled Anna Middleton

Newborn-6 months old: When a child begins developing, one of the key tasks is to learn how to trust. A consistent environment of attention and admiration is best for them. More specifically, they need attention from both parents. Without this, babies may exhibit changes in their sleeping and eating patterns and may grow up with trust issues. Mostly, they do not understand the divorce and grow up with a sense of normalcy.

1.5-3 years old:

3-5 years old:

At this age, children begin to test their limits and gradually become more independent. When they learn new developmental tasks, they need to be constantly reassured of their parents’ love. If not, they can exhibit heightened fears of being abandoned. A separated family also creates concerns about who will care for them and their security.

They do not understand the divorce, so it may create abandonment issues due to a continual change in surroundings.

This age is when children begin to find their own identity and start using their imagination. In the midst of divorce, their fears and fantasies reveal their insecurities about being lovable. Many times they blame themselves for their parents’ divorce and feel that the parent that left home did so because of them. Their imaginations can create a fantasy of their parents’ reconciliation or heighten fear of abandonment.

6-8 years old:

9-12 years old:

Children begin to form bonds with others and learn about friendship.

When their parents divorce, they usually yearn strongly for the absent parent. The biggest fear is that they will lose their relationship with one of their parents, or that they lose other important things in their life, like their personal possessions. As a reaction to the divorce, they can exhibit deep sadness, withdrawal, and even physical manifestation like headaches and stomachaches.

Identity crisis is a major consequence of divorce at this stage. The child’s identity is tied to what is secure. The divorce interferes with everything they depend on - home, family and school. Their academics, athletics and gender identity can become threatened. Shame can become a factor, and they can feel powerless in their own life. Anger is usually how they cope and normally is directed at the parent who is seen to be at fault. They can pick sides or shut one of the parents out completely.

Teenagers 13-18: Information from: thedivorcehelpclinic.com design/graphics Molly Webber

Parent-adolescent relationships are normally tense, but divorce can increase this. While teens try to develop their own individuality, the divorce severely interferes with this. Some teens take on responsibilities of the parent that left and alienate one or both parents. Emotionally, teens feel insecure about their personal relationships and fear they can never have a secure marriage.

May 9, 2014 The Marquee

IN-DEPTH 13

Struggling to def ine family story Megan O’Hearn He swore if he saw one more magical wand he would lose it. Yet, here he was, sitting on yet another therapists’ couch, with a woman waving a stick right in front of his face. He cringed as he waited for her to ask the same impending question again.

“Jordan, this is a magic wand. If you could make one wish, what would it be?”

Twelve-year-old Jordan Attaway had been going to therapy for three years now. But no matter how old he got or how many counselors he went to, he was always asked that same question, with that same obnoxious stick. And yet, he never once made a wish.

After that failed, his counselor got out paper and colors.

Jordan knew what was coming next.

“Here you go, can you draw your house for me?”

This activity was always particularly bothersome to Jordan.

“Well, which house do you want me to draw?” he asked.

He never knew what house to draw. He never knew what to wish for. All he knew was that he did not want to be there. He did not want to tell anybody about his parents’ divorce. *** Andrew, Matthew, Sophie, Preston, Averie, Maddie, Jenn, Shawn, and Kerri: the names of all the people that are in Jordan’s immediate family. Howe, McKinney, Gunter, Whitesboro, Aubrey and Marcus: the names of all the schools Jordan has attended. And it all started with one divorce.

When Jordan was 2 years old, his parents, Jenn and Shawn, split up. When Jordan was 5, both of his parents got remarried. Both had children with their new spouses, giving Jordan two half siblings. However, shortly after his moms’ second marriage, she got another divorce.

In elementary school, Jordan moved four times. The longest he ever stayed at one school was two years. These constant moves between schools, houses and towns were a result of Jordan switching between parents. When Jenn would ask Jordan if he wanted to live with her, he would say yes. When Shawn would ask Jordan if he wanted to live with him he would say yes.

“I would always tell everyone yes,” Jordan said. “I never wanted to say no or disappoint them, so then they would all fight about it.”

Divorce in the school

*of those divorced (over 300 students surveyed)

The Marquee May 9, 2014

When Jordan was 9 and living with his dad, his mom was fighting for custody over him.

“I wanted to live with my dad,” Jordan said. “But I never wanted to tell her.”

His parents went back to court to dispute the divorce decree but the court ruled that Jordan would continue to live with his father.

During this second custody battle, Jordan’s parents were worried about him. They were afraid that he was bottling everything inside. Since he never talked about what he was feeling, they insisted that he start seeing a counselor. So for every week for the next three years of Jordan’s life, he went to therapy.

“Because I went to so many different [counselors], I knew how it went, so I went in with a closed mind,” Jordan said.

“They all tell you the same thing and it just gets annoying. I never really told them anything.”

Jordan stopped going to therapy about the time he started middle school in Whitesboro. There, things finally started looking up for him.

At school, Jordan played basketball and ran track.

Life was good for him.

“Kind of like how everyone knew who Marcus Smart was, I was that,” Jordan said.

“Everybody knew who I was.”

However, when Jordan was in the seventh grade, his years at Whitesboro began to spiral downhill.

One day, Jordan’s dad and step mom sat him down and told him they were going to get a divorce. Jordan did not need them to comfort him. He did not cry. He did not need them to explain it to him. He had dealt with this before. He had grown immune to divorce.

“They threatened it all the time but I didn’t think they would actually take that step so I was surprised,” Jordan said.

“But at the same time I was kind of glad because they finally did it.”

Since Whitesboro was such a small town, everyone knew about the divorce, everyone talked about it, and everyone chose sides. After that, everything in Whitesboro became weird and awkward for Jordan.

Although Jordan stayed for his eighth grade year, Shawn was tired of all the gossip and drama and he wanted out of there. When Jordan figured out they were leaving, he quit talking to everyone. And when Jordan moved to Aubrey his

freshman year, no one seemed to notice.

“It was really hard because I thought they all liked me,” Jordan said. “I wanted them to miss me or something but they didn’t really seem to care.”

Once Jordan started going to Aubrey High School, the boy who was used to being at the top of the food chain, suddenly fell to the bottom. He never had to start conversation because people would come up to him. He never had to introduce himself because people knew who he was. He never had to worry about playing time because he was a starter. But here it was different.

“It was so cliquish, they wouldn’t let me in,” Jordan said.

After just one year, Jordan ended up leaving Aubrey. Now, he and his dad were on their way to Marcus.

When Jordan came to the school his sophomore year, it was a shock. He was used to small town and small schools and all of the sudden, he was thrown into a huge, 5A school.

“I had never experienced anything this big,” Jordan said.

“It was really kind of scary. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know where to go.”

Not only did Jordan have to adapt to a different school environment, but also to a new step mom. At the beginning of Jordan’s sophomore year, his dad got remarried again to a woman who had three children. Now, Jordan lives with them and three step siblings.

Throughout the years, Jordan has learned how to keep his feeling and emotions hidden, even from his own family.

“I think I put on a pretty good show, I can fake happiness really well,” Jordan said. “Nobody really saw that I was just hating my life.”

Although Jordan is at peace with his family now, he wishes people took marriage more seriously.

“Marriage is such a loose thing now that it doesn’t really mean as much anymore,” Jordan said. “Everybody’s vows are through sickness and health and through better and worse, but obviously some people don’t really mean it.”

Jordan has been through a lot because of divorce, but even still, he would not want to change anything about his family.

He believes it has changed him for the better.

“I think I’ve learned to deal with adversity well,” Jordan said. “I’ve learned to not just be some depressed kid. I’ve learned that it is okay to talk to people and need help.”

Maybe Jordan finally knows what to wish for. He wishes to be a great father. He wishes to be a great husband. He wishes to have a stable and unified family of his own.

Disruptiveness of the divorce* 13%

17% 18%

5 1

25%

Student age during parents’ divorce*

4

2

13%

3

25%

1 year or 1 and a half younger to 3 13 to 18

9 to 12 6 to 8

32% 1-not disruptive 3-somewhat disruptive 5-severely disruptive

16%

12% 19%

3 to 5

10%

design/graphics Molly Webber

14 ENTERTAINMENT

Cheap

fun, free sun

story Austin Rickerson

Whether you have a special someone, a group of friends or prefer to go solo, you’ll be wanting plenty of fun places to visit this summer that don’t empty your wallet. Although you may have to do some digging, there are plenty of inexpensive and free entertainment options in Dallas and the surrounding area. The Marquee has broken ground with a few places you may want to explore.

Friday night lights Summer is a time to hit the local lakes, whether it’s to go fishing, skiing or just swimming. However, Grapevine’s SummerBlast is providing an opportunity to enjoy the lake from the shoreline too. Every Friday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a 12 minute show of fireworks will light up the summer night sky over Grapevine Lake. The dazzling display will begin at 9:30 p.m. and can be best viewed from any of the lakeside parks, to which admission is free, or from the Gaylord Texan hotel. Although fireworks are usually associated with Independence Day, there’s no need to wait for July. Gather together family or friends and get patriotic early this year.

A stroll through the art For those more into the urban scene, Dallas offers artwork that is both beautiful and free. The Dallas public art walk is a self-paced, 3.3-mile route that travels through the heart of downtown past over 30 pieces of art and architecture. Not only will travelers feast their eyes on the best Dallas has to offer, they will get exercise too. The trip includes a variety of attractions, from modern sculptures to Victorian Gothic cathedrals. Though the artwork may be free, remember that the sunscreen and water you’ll need to survive the Texas heat won’t be.

design/graphics Victoria Price

Happy trails If you are looking to enjoy the luscious local landscape, North Texas is home to numerous trails that can be used for hiking, running or biking. Grapevine Lake provides a six mile trail, charging only $5 per car to enter the park. Trails wind along the shoreline and through the adjacent woods, providing plenty of attractive scenery and shade from the sweltering sun.

For those looking to skip town, White Rock Lake in Dallas also boasts many lakeside trails. Though the temperature may be well over 100 degrees, the breeze off the lake and shade from the trees should make the weather more enjoyable.

Riding the rails For a true Texas experience, pull on your cowboy boots and hop on one of two vintage trains that travel from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Although your ultimate destination is the cowgrounds of old town Fort Worth, the nostalgic experience begins on your ride there, complete with wooden benches and reenacted train robberies. The Wild West experience can either be enjoyed with air conditioning or in traditional open air train cars. Although this attraction isn’t free, it is relatively cheap. Round trip tickets for adults can be purchased for just $20, or $10 for any little siblings you are bringing along.

May 9, 2014 The Marquee

ENTERTAINMENT 15

Stargazing An amateur’s guide to John Green’s cinematic sensation story Samantha King

From book to big screen Whether you’ve read the book once, seven times or not at all, there’s no disputing that John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars is sweeping the country. With its sharp wit, thoughtprovoking ideas and tragic love story, TFIOS became a quick success after its release in January 2012. By June that year, it topped the Amazon and Barnes and Noble’s best-seller lists.

The movie, set to release on June 6, stars Divergent costars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters. While the duo played brother and sister in the dystopian story, they will now play two young teenagers who both deal with cancer and struggle to find love

in a limited amount of time.

But TFIOS is so much more than a simple love story.

Green’s refreshing writing style illuminates the dark humor of trying times. Instead of focusing on the terrible aspects of cancer, he focuses on the appreciation of life that is gained through an almost certain ending.

Hazel Grace’s extremely dry sense of humor makes what could have been horrific (and what is still extremely sad) also into one of the funniest books available to young adult-- and adult-readers alike.

Your new best friends Green makes readers fall in love with his characters, which adds a degree of familiarity to these fictional characters.

In reality, TFIOS is not an action-packed book. Not much happens. Instead, Green chooses to focus on the development of the two main characters, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters.The book is about cancer, but instead of being sad because of it, the book is actually quite funny.

Hazel Grace is a fantastic narrator with a dark, dry sense of humor. People can relate to her insecurities, despite the unreal tragedy of her situation.

And then there’s Augustus, the fictional heart-throb of so many teenage girls. There are few characters in young adult literature that are quite like Augustus Waters. He is an optimistic person, who has a great perspective on the brevity of life, especially among cancer patients. Augustus’ outlook on life, including his unique metaphors -- is unlike anything in the current society.

Getting to know Green So what’s the big deal? Why are so many readers obsessed with this book? Perhaps the answer lies in the author. John Green is well known on YouTube for his “Brotherhood 2.0” series, which discusses various things, from the incarceration system of the United States to other more light issues. Many classes here at Marcus watch his CrashCourse series, which reviews everything from U.S. History to literature. He has an established online presence, and his followers reverently call themselves “Nerdfighters” and live by the motto “DFTBA: The Marquee May 9, 2014

don’t forget to be awesome.” Before TFIOS came out, Green was also known for his other books, including An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and Looking for Alaska. Whether it was his followers previous to the TFIOS release that kickstarted the movement, or the witty and lovable characters, no one can dispute the empire that is The Fault In Our Stars.

To get a sneak peak at the film The Fault in Our Stars, scan here.

Student Voice: What are your movie expectations?

“I’m not really for sure. I’m kind of going into it with no expectations. I watched John Green’s YouTube videos, so I’ve seen the behind-the-scenes stuff and he seems really excited about it. So I do have expectations for it to be good because he likes it, but I’m going into it overall with an open mind.”

--Katie Burton, 10

“I’m a little bit worried because I really enjoyed the book. A lot of times the movie doesn’t live up to expectations, but it seems pretty close to the storyline so I’m really excited to see it.”

--Adam Hernandez, 11

“I like the decision to use new, upand-coming actors and director.... Book to film adaptations can be difficult because they’re such different mediums, but there’s a lot of talent going into the making of the movie, so I’m looking forward to it.”

--Sidney Elliott, 12

design/graphics Victoria Price

16 ENTERTAINMENT

Rad records story Alyssa Schmidt

photos Ben Horton Plastic

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Diamond

Up until a few years ago, vinyl was something parents harbored in the attic and only brought down when they wanted to reminisce about “the good old days.” The emergence of digital music caused independent record stores to go out of business. With sales dropping, vinyl connoisseurs needed a way to spark interest in younger generations. They founded Record Store Day in 2007, which occurs every third Sunday in April. On this holiday, hipsters and baby boomers alike flock to record stores, which feature albums that are exclusive to this one day. Because of Record Store Day, vinyl sales have risen 17 percent in the last five years with 67 percent of those records being purchased at indie record stores. Due to this rising trend, The Marquee goes on the record about some of these local indie stores.

Mad World Records

Good Records

Diamond Although it is located all the way in Dallas, Good Records is the perfect place for anyone looking to start a vinyl collection. This large store off of Greenville Avenue features so many CDs and records that it overflows into an upstairs room.

There is everything from Top 40 artists like Justin Timberlake and Adele to classic rock like The Rolling Stones, and 90’s emo like Sunny Day Real Estate to rap like Kanye West. There is also a wide selection of punk and metal from bands like Alkaline Trio, Green Day and Metallica. The aisles of vinyl are clean and extremely well organized so it’s easy to find something specific. They have an even wider selection of CDs and even a few T-shirts. This store has the greatest vinyl selection by far and is great for those new to vinyl and connoisseurs alike.

Platinum

Denton has kept the DIY, hipster spirit alive in the North Texas area. In the trendy Denton Square alone, there are two record stores. Mad World Records, located directly across from the courthouse, is the more contemporary of the two. This small store holds a decent selection of modern indie and folk albums like The Black Keys, and also showcases a small, but a well-selected collection of punk rock releases from bands like Against Me! and classics like Black Flag.

However, this is not the best store for one who is desiring something specific. The best strategy is to go in and browse. And there’s more to Mad World than just vinyl. They also feature discounted DVDs, a varying selection of CDs and a wall of buttons.

There’s a button for almost everything from movies and music to video games and cartoons. This store is great for newcomers to vinyl and old hobbyists.

Recycled Books

Silver

Also, located on Denton Square, Recycled Books is the home to thousands of books. However, most do not know that it also features a small vinyl section as well. This section is located in the back of the store and is only one aisle. If someone is looking for old countrywestern music or obscure classic rock, they might be able to find a gem or two in the limited mix. Some of the highlights were the Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash records, but not much else sparked any interest. One might have more luck finding something familiar at the front of the store in the large CD section. Overall, this store is lacking more recognizable names and would not be a good place for starting a record collection. photo submitted design Jaime Hardison

May 9, 2014 The Marquee

Seniors reflect on managing sports teams They’re the first ones inside the gym. They set up the exact number of folding chairs needed and fill the water jugs with the perfect ice-to-water ratio while the athletes stretch and tie their shoes. They regularly wear shirts with team logos to school and can’t stop talking about their sport. Though they don’t put points on the scoreboard, these students have a special spot on the team. They are the managers. story Darci Walton One shot. It all came down to one shot. The red numbers on the scoreboard glowed 58 for both Hebron and Marcus.

Senior Xavier Adams dribbled the ball, stalling while the clock ticked down to just 23 seconds. Adams faked right, took a few steps, jumped and shot the ball. It hung in the air as time expired. Then it sailed through the net. As the crowd erupted in celebration, so did senior team manager Jeffrey Cooperstein.

“It was just so cool,” Cooperstein said. “The crowd went absolutely crazy, everyone ran onto the court when the game was over. That was definitely my favorite moment this year.”

Cooperstein’s interest in sports, basketball specifically, began at a young age due to the influence of his father, Chuck Cooperstein, who is the radio play-by-play commentator for the Dallas Mavericks.

“I grew up around it so getting involved this year seemed like a good idea,” Cooperstein said.

photo Jacqueline Higgins Senior Rachel Hunt manages the volleyball statistic book while the team practices. Hunt has been a manager for four years.

The Marquee May 9, 2014

SPORTS 17

Head basketball coach Clay Cody was appreciative of Cooperstein’s efforts during the season.

“He did all the things people don’t necessarily think about like washing clothes for the players and making sure the gym was ready,” Cody said. “He really invested himself into the program.”

Although he doesn’t put on a jersey and basketball shoes, Cooperstein still forms a bond with the players. Spending time with the team is one of Cooperstein’s favorite things about being a manager. The brotherhood that comes with the boys basketball team is not exclusive to its players.

“We talk every day and all play XBox together,” Cooperstein said. “They are like my brothers. We are all so close.”

Cooperstein isn’t the only one who acknowledges the close relationship.

Cody says he sees their friendships develop both on and off the court.

“The boys just love to be around him,” Cody said. “His personality and passion for the sport really makes everyone want to spend time with him.”

All the pregame work of sweeping the floors and setting up the gym with folding chairs and water coolers paid off during the games, which were some of the best parts of Cooperstein’s senior year.

“Sitting on the bench as the game is happening is really cool,” Cooperstein said. “You have to pay attention to take stats, which is pretty fun.”

Responsibility is key to being a manager. Cooperstein said that making the games and practices run smoothly for the coaches and players is really what his job is all about.

“Whatever the coaches need is your responsibility, you have to do it as quickly and as best as you can,” Cooperstein said.

Cooperstein’s efforts on the court and dedication to the team earned him the title of Student Assistant of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Though the

season is over and Cooperstein now has senior-out instead of basketball, his devotion to the program and willingness to do any errand asked of him will stick with the coaches and players.

“Jeffrey is one of the most hard working guys in the program,” Cody said. “One of the best things about this year was getting to have him be a part of what we do.”

For many high school athletes, taking their sports careers to the collegiate level is the ultimate dream. Senior Rachel Hunt will be able to experience that dream. Not as an athlete, but as a manager.

Hunt has been the varsity volleyball manager since her freshman year and has now committed to manage the Midwestern State University volleyball team. Managing will be her work study program, where she will receive money that will go towards her tuition.

“It’s really fun traveling with the team and being on the sidelines with them watching the game,” Hunt said. “I’m excited to be able to have the opportunity to do it in college and get help with my tuition for it.”

Hunt had gotten involved with managing after she did not make the volleyball team in middle school. Even though the sport would have just been for fun, Hunt still wanted to be a part of the team. She gladly accepted the position of manager when asked by the coaches, enjoying the experience so much that she decided to continue managing in high school.

During her freshman year she spent most of her time learning the typical tasks from older managers, such as filming the games for later review.

“I was that shy, awkward, quiet freshman that knew only a few people so I stayed busy with the jobs I had,” Hunt said.

With four years of experience under her belt, Hunt mainly handled the scoring book this season, like Cooperstein. She sat on the sideline, marking stats, scores and substitutions

during the games.

“It’s just really fun being on the sideline and watching the game up close,” Hunt said.

Being a manager requires working closely with the coaches and, according to Hunt, that is not a problem. She said she is happy to help them in any way she can.

“I get a different side of the coaches than the players do,” Hunt said. “I really love them all. They’re all role models for me, and I know that they’ll always be there for me.”

The bond between Hunt and the coaches is mutual according to head coach Jennifer Cron. After spending four years together, Cron trusts Rachel with anything and everything that has to do with volleyball.

“I can’t say enough good things about Rachel,” Cron said.

“She is just so reliable and if I ask her to do something I know it’s going to get done.”

Managing the volleyball team has been a positive and rewarding experience for Hunt. She said that high school wouldn’t be the same without it being a part of her schedule.

“I absolutely recommend [being a manager] for anyone,” Hunt said. “I’ve learned a lot and met people I wouldn’t have if I wasn’t a volleyball manager.”

According to Cron, the volleyball program has benefited greatly from having Rachel for all four years of high school.

She said Hunt will be missed when she graduates.

“She’s a part of the team for sure,” Cron said. “She is so important to us.”

photo Jacqueline Higgins Senior Jeffrey Cooperstein sets the time clock preparing for basketball practice. This is Cooperstein’s first year as a manager.

design Jaime Hardison

18 SPORTS

Diamond dominators

The varsity baseball team is beginning their venture into the postseason. Hopes are high for a deep playoff run. After a 25-6 record during the regular season. With nine of the 11 starters being juniors, the Marquee takes an in-depth look at two juniors who are at the center of the Pack. stories Rachel Ramirez

Jack Cushing It was a close game, but Southlake was in the lead in the playoff match-up. Catcher Matt Bernstein steps up to the white chalk that lines the batter’s box, two strikes on him.

His teammates take their leads from first and second. He adjusts his grip on the bat and concentrates on the ball flying toward him. As he swings, he feels the impact, drops the bat and races toward first.

“I hit a line drive double to the right center gap and it gave us the lead in the game,” Bernstein said.

Even though the Pack eventually lost, that moment is one of Bernstein’s favorites in his long baseball career.

He began catching when he was nine years old and made the school’s varsity team his freshman year. Although the varsity experience was overwhelming at first, being a part of the school’s program for so long is what head coach Jeff Sherman says makes Bernstein a good contribution to the team.

“Having that experience I think has helped him become a better baseball player,” Sherman said.

In addition to experience, Bernstein brings physical abilities to the team. Sherman says that one of Bernstein’s best assets is his arm because teams around the district are reluctant to steal bases on him.

“He’s definitely feared within the district as far as coaches go,” Sherman said. “They think he’s a great player.” design Tori Allmendinger

While his skills may be great, this catcher is not invincible. One of his most embarrassing moments occurred during a playoff game last year. Prior to the game, the area had experienced some rain. Naturally, the ground was slick when the team exchanged handshakes before the game.

“I was running out on the field, and I was hitting their hands going out, and I slipped and fell in front of everybody,” Bernstein said.

While he hopes not to repeat his blunder in this year’s playoffs, a less embarrassing memory for Bernstein involved a trip to the Globe Life Ballpark in Arlington. During his time there, he got to play on the field and go into the locker rooms.

“We got to see our names up on the scoreboard,” Bernstein said. “It felt really cool.”

Regardless of the outcomes of the current postseason, Bernstein said he wants to continue to play after high school.

“I’m hoping to find my way to a D1 college to play baseball,” Bernstein said.

Bernstein says that he has hopes for the team’s next season to be even better than this one. With a majority of the team returning next year, he believes the experience that they gain in the coming weeks will set them up for a strong start to his senior season.

“We’re just going to build off what we do this year and do even better next year,” Bernstein said.

It was the first playoff game at IrvingNimitz. The players were surrounded by an excited crowd, complete with the Nimitz school band. Drumming resonated across the diamond as the game wore on. Junior pitcher Jack Cushing stood on the mound, another playoff start in the making.

“I got to start the first game in all four rounds and that was probably my best experience,” Cushing said.

Although Cushing was the go-to pitcher last year as a sophomore, his work isn’t done when the season ends.

Cushing works year-round to improve his skill set. He attends a strength and conditioning program in Weatherford designed for pitchers and participated in a camp in Houston to help his velocity and other skills.

As a starter, Cushing’s record this year is 7-0. Last year, as a sophomore, he had a 6-1 record. In addition to his natural ability, head coach Jeff Sherman says Cushing brings an approach on the mound that contributes to the team’s success.

“I think his winning attitude, that’s number one,” Sherman said. “Two is he’s a very good pitcher.”

The hard work that Cushing put in off the field has paid off. In the March 7 game versus Plano, he had his best pitching outing this season. Cushing pitched a near no-hitter and

the Pack won the game 4-1.

“I had a no-hitter until the seventh inning with one out,” Cushing said. “Then they ended up with one hit.”

Learning to work together efficiently is a part of any team sport. Cushing says that the large number of juniors may be to the advantage of the team. Many have grown up playing select baseball together too.

“We all know how we click and work together,” Cushing said.

There are also seniors, like pitcher Conner Dotson and shortstop Romero Greer, that are great contributors to the team’s success.

Cushing said that while the seniors will be missed, this is one of the instances in which having a large number of juniors comes in handy.

“I think we have enough juniors and underclassmen to fill those spots next year to do well,” Cushing said.

Like most of the school’s upperclassmen, Cushing is currently weighing his options for college. However, he’s also taking potential schools’ baseball programs into consideration while searching for the best college for him.

He’s hoping to study something he can use when baseball isn’t a part of his life anymore.

“I would like to play the majors, but when I go to college I’m going to get a degree that I want to pursue after college and baseball’s over,” Cushing said.

Matt Bernstein photos Miranda Chiechi

May 9, 2014 The Marquee

SPORTS 19

Judo junkie

Sophomore moves across globe to pursue new sport story Allie Loder

He sits waiting, his brow knitted and heart racing.

His white cotton uniform stretches across his shoulders, which are hunched in anxiety. He looks down at his knees, taking a moment to wipe his damp palms across his drawstring pants. The minutes are ticking away faster than ever. Fifteen minutes. Fourteen. Thirteen minutes until the biggest fight of his career. The fight that matters.

The fight that counts.

“That evening, before we had our fights, my father said, ‘This is you, this is now, this is where you have to do it,’” Matthee said.

Current sophomore Riaan Matthee had just qualified for the South African Judo national team. Judo is a form of competitive martial arts in which opponents try and pin each other to the ground using takedowns with their hands and feet.

After making the team, he placed fifth in the African games, which are South Africa’s version of National Championships. He later placed in the top 30 at the World Championships.

Matthee has been participating in Judo since the third grade. He first discovered the sport while in school in his home country of South Africa. He became mesmerized by the carefully calculated movements and skilled tactics. He decided to try it for himself.

“While I was playing Rugby and cricket at a young age, they came to my school and were doing a demonstration of Judo, so I decided to do it,” Matthee said.

While Matthee sat captivated by this new sport back in the third grade, he never would have guessed that it would eventually lead him halfway around the globe. That it would change his life. *** He stands with his back to the gate, the booming of the airplanes taking off and landing behind him mixing in with the hustle and bustle of the airport. In front of him there’s a sea of people, filled with families reuniting and loved ones saying goodbye. But the only people that he sees is his own family. The loving faces of his parents, and his sister. People that he has spent his entire life with, but has to say goodbye to today. With one last hug, he turns away to head to his gate, turning his back on his past and looking toward his Judo future in an entirely new country.

“I think originally it was about the excitement of coming to America,” Matthee’s aunt, Winnie Bourn, said.

“This is where he wanted to be. Sometimes it’s harder than other times, but he has adapted extremely well.”

After he decided to seriously pursue Judo and did so well in his competitions, it became clear to Matthee that his home country was not going to adequately supply him with the resources needed to further his Judo career.

While he had done well with what he had been given, it wasn’t enough for him. He wanted to be as good as possible.

“In South Africa, Judo’s not such a big sport,” Matthee said. “You’ll have better opportunities going overseas, like in America.”

Matthee knew while still in South Africa that if he wanted to continue improving, something would have to

change. But it wasn’t until he traveled to Miami in 2013 for the World Championships that things started to fall into place.

While competing, Matthee met a coach who took an interest in him. And even though he returned to South Africa and the coach went back to Dallas after the competition ended, the coach kept in contact with Matthee. He decided to move to Double Oak to live with his aunt and further his Judo career.

“Whenever he wanted to come over and stay with me, I said yes,” Bourn said. “He’s such a good kid, so I was willing to give him the opportunity to come to the States.”

Matthee left his home and came to Texas to start his training and began his freshman year at the school. It was a drastic change a new country, a new school and a new schedule. Now, on top of school, he practices Monday through Saturday, either training or working out at the gym.

“I’m very proud of him because it takes a lot of dedication and hard work,” Bourn said.

“It’s long hours but it’s absolutely worth it.”

With so much time spent training in the sport that he loves, much of it is also spent in the company of his coach.

“The main thing is you have to have a good relationship with your coach,” Matthee said. “It’s a close relationship. I see him everyday and he motivates me.”

While training so often, going to school and meeting new people have integrated Matthee into his new American lifestyle, he has still had to adjust to the differing ways of life.

“The big thing about adjusting in America was school,” Matthee said. “When we got breaks in South Africa, we’d go and practice rugby and play around. Here, we just sit around a table and eat lunch.”

Living with his aunt has lessened the effect of the change on Matthee. Having moved from South Africa herself, she has gone through the same process as her nephew.

“I’ve been here for nine years already,” Bourn said. “So, obviously because I’ve been here for so long, it was easy for me to help him adjust to the American lifestyle.”

Although he has made new friends, improved in Judo and made memories during his first year here, there are times where Matthee misses his old home and the people that he loves the most.

“The thing I miss most about South Africa are my friends and family, obviously, and the nature,” Matthee said.

But Matthee says that he loves his sport. One of his favorite perks of Judo is that it grants him the ability to travel. His favorite country that he’s traveled to so far is Japan.

Although he’s gone across the globe, has been immersed in numerous cultures and even lived on different continents, Matthee says that he plans on staying in Texas. He will continue school and keep practicing Judo. After he graduates, he even plans on attending Texas A&M University.

“It’s like a country on it’s own,” Matthee said. “Texas is bigger and better. I really enjoy it here.”

“In South Africa, Judo’s not such a big sport. You’ll have better opportunities going overseas, like in America.”

Riaan Matthee,10

The Marquee May 9, 2014

photos Miranda Chiechi

Sophomore Riaan Matthee goes for an arm bar, a type of takedown in Judo. He is a member of Becerra Judo club in Garland. design Tori Allmendinger

Boombas [things we like]

20 OPINION

@NeonTomahawk

Treasured teachers

Attentive announcements

AP tests can be a stressful time for students, especially when study materials add to the already pricey cost of the tests. Teachers who lend out review books and other study materials at no cost are life and grade savers.

Sometimes the announcements can be too focused on one specific organization, or group but recently there has been an effort to cover more of the school’s clubs and activities. Recognition is always great to hear.

Madi Schwem

Socially silent

I am the poster-child for the word anti-social. Secluded.

Reserved. Isolated.

My age-old version of living it up on a Saturday night consists of me sitting at home in a chair. I relax in the comfort of my own room, enjoying an enormous collection of video games, such as Dragon Age and Cry of Fear. I dominate the multiplayer mode on Assassin’s Creed, Chevelle’s newest single blaring in the background. I prop my socked feet up, one purple and the other a mix of crazy, fluorescent colors.

Snacks include cheese burritos (which are a processed lie because I can never taste the cheese) or delicious, shoestring fries with colby jack cheese melted over them.

I’ll have a conversation with a friend on a Skype call, making jokes until it physically pains us both to laugh. Despite the massive amount of enjoyment I get out of spending free time my way, I’ve had people criticize me for it.

People have said to me before, “Is that all you do?” Yes, I’m a hermit. My people live in solitude and darkness. We shy away from windows and light.

“You don’t have a life outside school, do you?” No, I’m dormant 16 out of 24 hours in the day. Oh wait, I’m actually this particularly common creature called an introvert.

If I had to pick which of my parents I’m most like, it would definitely be my dad. Besides looking more like him, our personalities are also similar to one another. We are both the quiet ones. Both of us find that we learn so much more through paying attention and watching, rather than feeling the need to add in our own two cents every second.

It isn’t that we’re anti-social. We have small, closely-knit groups that can understand us, rather than large masses of friends. When I hang out with friends, I even consider myself to be the hyper one that won’t stop blabbing about my anime or video games. However, I ultimately just prefer solitude.

A large portion of the best writers and artists are introverts.

A large percentage of people are. Just like there need to be the people who are partying on the scene, there are people who need to examine it. To describe it. To recreate it.

Writers are not just people who sit in the darkness and never go outside to see the sunlight. By simply going silent, they can observe each individual cloud in the sky for what it is, or the way the noise of a downpour outside makes them feel in the middle of a day.

By their silence, they can listen. They can look. They can analyze. And because of this analysis, the writer or artist can take what they’ve heard and reproduce their perception of what they’ve learned back on paper or canvas.

I see nothing at all wrong with being the quiet one.

Preferring the quiet environment of my house over a night out at Main Event doesn’t make me any less of a person. Despite what I’ve been told before, there’s nothing wrong with that.

I’m comfortable the way I am. I’m comfortable enjoying a cup of hazelnut coffee by myself in front of my computer, watching Attack on Titan for the fifth time. I’m fine staying at home, entertaining myself with a nice book. I’m observing the world as it changes, day after day.

I am an introvert, and that’s just the way I like it. design Kady Kohankie

@alex_helm

Alex Helm

Playing to the write beat

It’s official. I’ve made my decision.

I have played trombone in band for six years, about a third of my life. My best friends are in band. I found a family within the trombone section. Those boys are my brothers. The few girls are my sisters.

They make me laugh, and they make me cry. I watch over them like a big sister would, even the ones who are older than me. I’ve shouted along with the low-brass chants and have watched my section overtake CiCi’s during “section lunch”, when the whole trombone section eats together. I’ve never had more fun than I have had with the trombones.

When I told them I was thinking about quitting, they all said I was making a mistake. They wrestled the pink senior schedule sheet out of my hands and saw where I had erased the check mark by band. When I turned the sheet in without remarking band, they groaned and teasingly called me a quitter. Especially the sophomores and my two fellow juniors.

We were going to be the three seniors next year, the “Three Aaa-migos”, since our names all start with the letter A. It makes me feel like I’m abandoning my family.

Now that my mind is made up, I think of all I’ve done in band. I’ve played six solos, been part of three first-division rated ensembles and participated in UIL concert band contests where we earned first-division ratings. I’ve marched in two award-winning shows and pushed props in another. I’ve been to every football game of my high school career.

I’ve spent 12 hours every day in August for the past three summers marching outside in sweltering triple-digit temperatures during band camp. For three years in the fall, I’ve practiced for two hours after school. Every weekend in Octo-

How you do

think students

could misuse the new

B Hall lounge? compiled Jaime Hardison photos Kady Kohankie

Marvelous Marquee This March The Marquee won a Gold Crown for outstanding publications. This award is a huge accomplishment for the staff, as it was only given to 11 publications around the country by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

ber and November each year, I’ve marched in competitions.

I’m a 2012 State Champion. I’m a Grammy winner. I’m a 2013 Grand National Finalist.

That feeling after finishing the last note of the closing song at the final performance, knowing that I’ve given the show everything I’ve got, is indescribable. All of the hours spent digging astro-turf out of my shoes. All of the moments when water was all I could think about. All of the days of constantly smelling like band - boy sweat and instrument valve oil - have finally paid off.

The last note rings up to the top of the stadium, I slam my horn down, and tears begin to leak out of my eyes because we did it. We all finally did it. I’ve never felt more accomplished than I have during marching season.

But something changed this year. I found something I loved more.

Writing.

When I was exhausted from a rehearsal in the freezing rain, I’d write. When we were on a crowded bus ride home at 1 a.m. from a two-day long contest, I’d write. When all I wanted to do was rip off my gray and white uniform and throw my trombone off the tower in the band lot, I’d write.

Lately, I’ve come to understand that the only reason I got through this year was because I could write. And I realized something else. Why am I spending my time doing something else when I could be writing to be happy? Telling stories became my passion. Writing about the world and the people in it became my release, and I realized that writing is what I want to do with my life.

Sometimes it takes leaving something you once loved to understand what’s best for your own happiness. Once you find your passion, follow it, even if you’ve spent years doing something else with your time.

There’s a point when you have to make a decision, cut your losses and decide not to worry about what anyone else says or thinks. There comes a point when you have to move on for your own good, not for anybody else.

I’ve come to that decision.

I don’t want to say that I’m quitting band. The word “quit” has such a negative connotation to it. After all, I’ll always be a band kid at heart. But I’m a writer, too.

The point is that sometimes hard decisions must be made.

While good memories still linger, it’s time to make new memories and have new experiences.

Following your dreams may mean leaving old passions behind. It’s difficult to decide which side to take at a crossroads, but once you choose, keep moving forward. It’s where you’re meant to go.

“I think people could turn into something more social and not use it for academics but instead as just another place to hang out.”

Grace Cabuena, 9

“People could try to get out of doing work by going in there.”

Ryan Diaz, 10 May 9, 2014 The Marquee

OPINION 21 Scheduling screw-ups

@rdr719

Many students rely on teacher’s review sessions in preparation for the AP Tests.

But students taking multiple exams often have multiple sessions in one day, namely Wednesday. Teachers should vary the days they offer their sessions.

Rachel Ramirez

Something constant

There’s nothing like a movie night with friends, watching one of those sappy Nicholas Sparks-esque romances. As the exhausting sob-fest is coming to a close, all the girls in the room focus for the climax. The guy turns toward the girl, pulls her uncomfortably close and says, “I promise I’ll never leave you.” Everyone dries their eyes, exchanges hugs and proceeds to snack on the nearest chocolate bar in hopes of eating away their unbearable singleness.

But let’s rewind a bit. Go back to the part where that ridiculously ripped guy tells his unbelievably gorgeous girl those few simple words that make everyone’s hearts melt. “I’ll never leave you.”

The truth of the matter is that people do leave. Frequently.

Death claims the lives of our loved ones. Disagreements result in break ups. Job changes cause people to move. Whatever the case, there are going to be times in your life that those people that you depend on won’t be there.

As a child, I think if you’re blessed enough to have parents or parental figures in your life, their attention and approval becomes really instrumental in the decisions you make. My parents are wonderful people, and I know that they love me, but when I was younger, my parents couldn’t always there. My younger sister was really sick and needed hospital treatments and doctor appointments constantly.

In retrospect, I know my parents really cared for my sister and would have done the same for me. However, it’s hard to

Whether it’s a dress disaster, a friend fall-out, or a transportation travesty, prom night creates a lot of stress for students. But this year, prom was scheduled on the same day as UIL regionals, which take place in Lubbock, forcing participants to choose.

Heys

One of the joys of being a senior is the privilege to sleep in when underclassmen take statewide exams. Or, it used to be. Seniors are no longer allowed to sleep in on STAAR days, and feel snubbed at the opportunity they always wanted but never got.

Prom-a

[things we don’t like]

Sleepy seniors

think logically at 8 years old. I didn’t understand why I had to be babysat so much. I didn’t get why my parents couldn’t come to my performances sometimes. It didn’t make sense to me why the other parents came to the class Valentine’s Day party and mine didn’t.

Only being able to see my side of the story, I felt abandoned. I noticed certain thoughts began playing on repeat in my head. Nobody loves you. They’ve all forgotten about you.

Nobody cares about you. Now, were these rational thoughts?

No. But at the time, I was a lonely 8 year old with a big imagination that produced even bigger insecurities. As time continued to pass, these thoughts seemed to become more prominent.

Yet, something else started to roll around in my mind as well. Growing up in the Metroplex, I had seen the churches on every street corner and I had been exposed to Christianity for a large portion of my life.

I began to wonder what this whole thing was really about.

What I ended up discovering was something that I hadn’t ever felt before. My relationship with Christ became something that was constant in my world that was constantly empty. It gave me a purpose and something to hold on to when everything else was gone.

It also gave me something to stand for. In our school, and even in our world, everyone seems to be striving to be different. Despite this innate desire to be separate from the rest, our methods of differentiation often result in the opposite effect. Fads like the hipster movement produce carbon copies of “individuals” that all seem to look the same. Christianity is different. Because I have seen what Christ has done for me, I do what pleases Him out of gratitude for the way He changed my life.

It doesn’t mean I never want to lie or gossip or anything like that. Unfortunately, those are still present in my life when I’m not careful. It does mean that I continually have the joy of The Lord and the peace that passes all understanding to strengthen me to do better.

Since Christianity became a part of my life, I’ve experienced pain. I have been through difficult times and life hasn’t been a walk in the park. However, I now have something I can rely on no matter what. That’s really the only way I am able to get through those hard times. Sure, people leave and relationships end, but I know there is Someone that won’t ever leave me.

MARQUEE REMARKS

“If people were just hanging out with their friends in there when others are trying to get stuff done.”

Regan Williams, 11 The Marquee May 9, 2014

“It all really depends on how the students treat it.

So if they go in there and they want to get a place to socialize, then there won’t be much studying done.

But if they treat it well and as a place to learn and grow, then it could be a really good area.”

“It could be abused if they are not working on what they are supposed to be working on. We are going to have plenty of monitoring so I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”

Joseph Martin, 12

Chris Porter, Social Studies

@VictoriaaPricee

Victoria Price

Can you hear me now?

An airplane flew by and my head jerked up at the noise. I ran my hands along my pants and glanced down at the sound they made as they brushed against the denim. A bug flew by my ear and I flinched at the buzzing. Leaves collided with each other in the wind and the rustle made me jump.

“I didn’t know any of those made noise,” I exclaimed and my mom’s eyes welled up with tears. My mom grabbed me and pulled me into a bear hug. Tears of joy were streaming down her cheeks and a huge smile was plastered on my face. I could finally hear like everyone other 8 year old.

I was 4-years-old when I was first tested for hearing loss.

When my mom would open candy or chips in the car and I didn’t ask for any, she knew something wasn’t right. But, my doctor at the time decided that I was faking it, and could actually hear because I didn’t have any speech problems.

Many tests and doctor changes later, I was told I had hearing loss. I thought the way I heard was normal. Muted sounds and weird tones were my reality. And I was okay with being different.

Being told I needed hearing aids as a third grader only allowed one thought in my head. “I hope I can get the pink ones.” Much to my dismay, my mom made me get the tan ones to match my skin.

The first day of school that I wore the hearing aids, my mom made me explain the new technology on my ears to all the third grade classes. I know that she was doing it to prevent an overwhelming amount of questions, but the whole time my face was lit up bright red.

Kids stared at my ears when I wore my hair up. They would whisper to me and ask if I could hear them. They teased me every time I didn’t understand what someone said. They laughed every time I said, “What?” At the beginning it hurt my feelings and sometimes I would even go home crying. My hearing even used to cause problems with my grades because I couldn’t hear some tones in Spanish.

However, as time went on I began to laugh along with them and I worked around how my hearing affected my schooling.

Instead of getting embarrassed, I would try to explain my disability. Wearing hearing aids is just like wearing glasses. One helps vision and the other helps hearing.

Putting my hearing aids on is now a part of my daily routine, just like putting on deodorant or straightening my hair.

In fact, the vast majority of people don’t know I have a disability. They are shocked when they find out that I’m not like every other teenage girl venturing through high school.

Most people treat me like they would anyone else, yet there have still been quite a few times when people treat me like I need help. Some raise their voices only when speaking to me.

Some jump straight to apologizing. Some just pity me outright.

But I’m fine the way I am.

I’ve embraced what makes me unique.

I know that I’m different than other people. But honestly, I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Being hard of hearing isn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t change myself even if I had the option. I don’t need anyone’s pity or help.

I’m proud to have a hearing loss, especially once I got those pink hearing aids that I have always wanted. I might not be able to hear but I can do anything and everything else. design Kady Kohankie

22 EDITORIALS

Students should be grateful for new B-Hall lounge Staff Editorial A new lounge is opening this fall in the upstairs B-hall.

The lounge is meant to provide students with a technology-friendly and relaxed environment to study during class, according to administration. It will include couches, tables and chairs for students to use.

Although this concept is new to the school, most colleges have comfortable areas for students to study outside of the dorms and classrooms. Since the school is bringing a collegiate vibe to the campus, a college level maturity is expected of students.

The lounge is a luxury and it should be treated as such.

Students need to take responsibility for this privilege. This should be simple. There are only a few things that are necessary to maintain the lounge.

First, don’t turn it into a pig-sty. Keep food near the tables and off of the couches. No one wants to sit on a couch and watch cockroaches fight for Cheez-it crumbs on the next cushion.

Also, try not to spill coffee everywhere. Others will be using iPads or laptops in the lounge and no one wantstheir technology destroyed. That would be expensive, aggravating

and embarrassing and probably end with a prohibition of food in the lounge entirely.

Second, keep it quiet. It’s impossible to study while others have obnoxious conversations a few chairs over. Since the lounge is placed in the upstairs B-hall, it will be surrounded by classrooms. It’s only fair to treat these other classes with respect. It’s fine to have small group conversations about a project, but don’t turn it into a rowdy hang-out.

Third, make sure others in the lounge are following the same rules. Not only do students need to keep themselves in line, they need to hold their peers responsible as well. In college, students make sure their educational sanctuary is respected and treated responsibly. Students here should do the same. Tell those who are goofing off to be quiet. Stick up for the tranquil and quiet atmosphere of the lounge. Also, college students ask others to pick up their trash. No one wants to study in a dirty, insect-infested place.

Normally, students think they deserve these additions without actually taking responsibility for them. But, that’s not how things work outside of school, nor is it how things will work with the student lounge. If students abuse the lounge, it might be removed. The way the students treat the luxuries the school gives them shows that they don’t deserve

them, and therefore should have nothing. But this doesn’t have to be true if students treat the lounge properly.

With the ninth graders going to the freshmen center next year, the lounge should be used by older and more mature students. The school is trying to boost our academic freedom.

Don’t force them to take it back by abusing it. They will do it and they have in the past.

Take the library for example. Mrs. McGinnis and Mrs. Dubarton opened up their library for students to eat in during lunch. It helped diminish the crowding in the commons and the cafeteria.

The librarians had simple rules. Push in your chairs. Don’t talk too loud. Throw away your food. Yet, students weren’t able to follow those guidelines and the privilege was taken away. However, getting rid of the library could have been avoided if students had spoken up and kept the few students who misused the library from continuing with their shenanigans.

Students have lost privileges before and need to avoid doing it again. If students want the lounge to stay, they need to respect it and act responsibly. It will be a nice place to do work and to escape the typical classroom environment. It would be a shame for some to ruin this amenity for everyone else.

Teens must grow from divorce, think positive Staff Editorial Lawyers. Custody Battles. Divorce papers. Step-families.

These terms have become commonplace in modern society.

With 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce, most students have either directly or indirectly been impacted by it. By now, divorce has become so common that people barely even bat an eye at it anymore.

Despite the prevalence of divorce, the situation is no easier for those involved. Often, children that experience divorce are affected in their own personal relationships, emotions and well-being. But instead of allowing the situation to be detrimental, students should try to focus on the positives, despite the undeniably difficult situation.

After a divorce, children can be left wondering what went wrong. A custody battle can make them feel guilty for choosing to live with one parent over the other and put extra stress on them to appease their parents. Kids may wonder if it was their busy schedule, their attitude or somehow their doing that ultimately broke up their parents’ marriage. It’s hard to watch a promise of love between two people dissolve. But no matter what the circumstances of the divorce were, kids of separated parents should never feel like it was their fault that the marriage is over. The end of a marriage is a decision between the two people involved and those two only.

Children and teenagers going through a divorce may place blame on their parents as well. If one parent cheated or contributed to the fallout in another way, teenagers might become estranged from them. While it’s understandable to be angry at the situation, and sometimes even at the parent, kids should try and think through their anger and not let it completely destroy their personal relationships.

A divorce results from a failed relationship between parents. Therefore, when kids see their parents’ marriage end, they should take into account what went wrong in their relationship. Whether there was a lack of communication, indesign Lyndsay Hilton

fidelity or mistreatment of the spouse, those affected should use this information to avoid those mistakes in their own relationships. By learning from the problems that plagued their parents, students can then turn the negative situation into a positive one.

It’s undebatable that divorces can be detrimental to all of

those entangled in them. It’s difficult to see parents ending their relationship and then to have to deal with the aftermath.

It places stress on everyone involved, However, instead of dwelling on past pains and mistakes, teens should grow and learn from the divorce and become a better person because of it.

LH May 9, 2014 The Marquee

The floating koozie

Students: Email wingerfloats2@gmail. com and state your from Marcus High School to receive free shipping. (do not buy via website)

Sweet Tweets compiled Austin Rickerson

When do I not want Chipotle Kameron Atkinson: @ kameronjulia

Maybe crunching my fruit loops will drown out the sound of you smacking your gum Sarah Rains: @thecarrott

With the assistance of friends and family, The Floozie was developed and brought to market by Jerry and Matt from Winger Floats changing the way beverages are consumed while lounging at the pool or relaxing at the lake.

Senior pictures, Graduation, Summer...

Whatever the reason, Tanning Fits!

Tanning, threading & more! $30 Custom airbrush sessions for any color!

call 972-691-1453 for gorgeous skin **Student specials exclusive to Marcus High School

2021 Justin Rd suite 275, Flower Mound, Tx www.tanevolution.com

The Marquee May 9, 2014

There should be an international day where people People thattogether continuously inch just gather and talk forward at stop lights freak me about life. True Communication out never happens anymore. just Nick Wood: @NickyWoodWood

I guess that People I should continuously wear a inch forward at to sombrero stop prom lights now freak me out Luke Lancaster: @LukeLancaster1

I’m a completely different inch People that continuously person first 30 minutes of forwardthe at stop lights freak me being awake out

Diego Espino: @DiegoEspino3

do guysthat not continuously realize that inch People cussing is a major turnoff forward at stop lights freak me orrrrrr out

Brooke Copeland: @copelandbrooke9

kids never break the law while driving defensiveinch Peoplebecause that continuously driving is the equivalent to ame forward at stop lights freak slow and painful death!!!!! out

Sabrina Balboni: @ sabrinabalboni

Tweet us People that @mhsmarquee continuously inch and forward you mayatsee stop your lights tweet freak in the me out issue! next

24 SPOTLIGHT

Circle of Friends

Prom Senior Ryan Davies takes the spotlight as the COF members perform “Respect.”

photos Luisa Diaz

The Circle of Friends club held their annual prom at Circle R Ranch on April 17. The theme this year was “Denim and Diamonds.” Students arrived in limos and the JROTC performed a grand entrance. There was a photo booth and a buffet for all the guests. Club members, their family and friends came dressed in their cowboy boots and hats, ready to dance the night away.

Senior Megan Gray escorts senior Ryan Davies across the dance floor.

Senior Olivia Best (right) enjoys dancing with her sisters in the middle of the dance floor on the night of the prom.

Sophomore Abbie Short and sophomore Cameron Lanford hold hands during a waltz. design Hailey Painter

Dallas Children’s Charities donated a $2,000 check to Circle of Friends club.

Iler Buck two-steps at the country-themed dance with sophomore Mikenna Martz.

The Marquee May 9, 2014