The Marquee Volume 29 Issue 2

MARQUEE THE

Volume 29 • Issue 2 • Nov. 7, 2014

Domestic Abuse 6

School administrators plan for shrinking class sizes.

11

Senior diver travels to Russia to represent USA.

25

The Marquee reviews casual and upscale sushi restaurants.

Edward S. Marcus High School • 5707 Morris Road, Flower Mound, TX 75077

COVER PHOTO/PHOTO WI LLI AM LEG RO N E

The Marquee Staff

Cheerleaders raise a team banner before the annual Midnight Madness on Oct. 29. Players performed in relay races and a dunk contest at the preseason event.

CONTENTS

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News

ONLINE OPTIONS Counselors promote ways to take courses outside school.

Feature REMEMBERING KIERSTIN

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Freshman girls adjust to high school without best friend.

20

Sports

EYE ON THE PRIZE

Senior overcomes eye injury to earn football scholarship.

Games SHOWTIME

22

Discover which hit fall TV series best describes your personality.

23

Entertainment

FALL RECIPES Explore healthy desserts to prepare during this autumn season.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Austin Rickerson MANAGING EDITOR William Legrone DESIGN EDITOR Molly Webber PHOTO EDITOR William Legrone ONLINE EDITOR Alyssa Schmidt COPY EDITOR Alex Helm BUSINESS MANAGER Molly Webber NEWS EDITOR Victoria Price FEATURE EDITOR Alex Helm ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Rachel Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR Darci Walton OPINION EDITOR Jaime Hardison REPORTERS Cara Crocker, Sanika Sule, Brooke Wyant, Jacob Fontaine PHOTOGRAPHERS AND DESIGNERS Averi Collen, Abby Schlichter, Taryn Welch Anna Kate Hutton, Riley McClure ADVISER LaJuana Hale PRINCIPAL Gary Shafferman The Marquee newsmagazine is a student-generated publication of Marcus High School. It is produced, edited and maintained through the efforts of the school’s advanced journalism class. The Marquee is designed to serve the school and community as a forum for open discussion and student expression.

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

The staff reserves the right to edit all material. Editorials reflect the opinion of the staff, not necessarily that of the administration. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinion of the author. Advertising rates are $70 per 1/8 of a page, with discounts available. For more information call 469-713-5196.

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

NEWS

3

vla.lisd.net

Home

About

Courses

Online Registration

Students offered course options other than traditional classroom setting similar responsibilities to a classroom.

“They may have journals, blackboard The number of students taking classes discussions, quizzes, tests, projects,” online is growing in the district to over Gibson said. “You’re responsible for 50 in each school due to programs like learning the majority of the material on Lewisville’s Virtual Learning Academy your own.” and the Texas Virtual School Network.

VLA and TXVSN classes are not Students will now be able to take classes taken at school, so students have the that won’t fit in their responsibility of using their time at home schedules. to complete the work.

“Students “A lot of our The classes are still are able to take kids will take online an hour and a half virtually any [classes] because they each day but students core class, including want to free up a class can take the classes period for next year,” AP classes [and] foreign whenever they lead counselor Cheryl languages that Marcus choose.

Richey said.

“If they want doesn’t even offer.”

At first VLA to do it at 11:30 at online classes were Kristi Gibson, Counselor night, they can do offered in only a few that,” Richey said. subjects, like art and “If they want to do government. Now there is a wide variety it in the morning, they can do that, as long of classes to choose from, which can help as they stay up with their lessons and they students when they need to take a certain don’t get behind.” course that is not available at school.

Online classes are giving students the “Students are able to take virtually opportunity to start becoming self-aware any core class, including AP classes [and] adults, according to the counselors. Senior foreign languages that Marcus doesn’t Cara Shoemaker, who has taken an online even offer,” counselor Kristi Gibson said. class, said she knows that responsibility With TXVSN, students now have the comes with the freedom to take classes ability to take a course online that isn’t whenever she wants. available in schools or in VLA classes.

“It was interesting trying to teach These classes are given throughout the yourself all of the stuff because it really is state but not necessarily in LISD. just dependent on you,” Shoemaker said. “[Through] TXVSN, you go through “The teacher is always there to help you other school districts,” Richey said. “And but it’s still really independent.” so it will be teachers from those districts Despite the fact that the classes are in Texas.” taken at home, they are still considered This means that a student could be for eligibility in sports. Failing an online taking a class through Irving ISD and the class is like failing a regular class at school. class would still count as a credit.

Although there are similarities, the According to Richey and Gibson, online classes are still different than online classes still have just as much work classes taken at school. One difference is when it comes to learning the material. that students don’t have the same access With either system, students still have to their instructors. With online classes, STORY CARA CROCKER

DESIGN/GRAPHICS ANNA K ATE H UTTO N

Other Class Options Online Classes • Can be taken through VLA or TxVSN. • $150 per nine weeks.

• Counts as a high school credit.

• Can be taken during the school year or over summer.

Night School Classes • Talk to your counselor to see if there are extra spaces in these classes.

• These classes are free of cost.

• Taken only during school year.

• Counts as a high school credit.

Dual Credit Classes • $300-$400 per class and must meet certain GPA requirement.

• Can be taken at the NCTC Flower Mound campus or online.

• Can be taken during the school year or over summer.

• Counts as a high school credit and college credit.

Gibson said that students may not get the same one-on-one attention that a student would in a traditional classroom setting.

“You can contact your teacher, but you don’t get immediate feedback on the spot like you would in a classroom,” Gibson said.

Taking an online class during school is an option, but there is also the option to take it during summer.

“I started [an online class] about a month into summer and I finished it three weeks before school started,” Shoemaker said.

Gibson said online classes could also be a relief from sitting in the classroom for an hour and a half. Taking online classes is not for everyone, though, according to her. She said some students have differing learning abilities.

“Some students do really well in a classroom environment,” Gibson said.

“Some students do much better in an online environment. It is great for the students who are wired that way but for some students it’s not.”

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4 NEWS

Ebola addressed in community STORY SANIK A S ULE

Since Thomas Duncan traveled to Dallas and was diagnosed with Ebola and two nurses subsequently became infected, Ebola has become a major topic of discussion across the country. The presence of this deadly virus in the North Texas community has caused several schools to be temporarily closed, and has forced even those who are at a very low risk into quarantine.

Ebola vs. other viruses While Ebola is the virus making headlines, the flu and enterovirus are also causes of concern. The enterovirus affects the respiratory system and is particularly rampant in children. It is the biggest threat to students who have preexisting respiratory conditions, such as asthma.

On the other hand, according to the Word Health Organization, Ebola has a 50 percent fatality rate. The United States has had four cases and one death. Though the enterovirus and Ebola are seen as the most alarming threats, approximately 36,000 people die of the flu each year.

Nurse Margot Boyd said she believes the biggest danger ultimately isn’t Ebola. “[The most dangerous] is really probably the flu,” Boyd said. “We kind of forget about that in the middle of all this upheaval and the hysteria. That’s really the thing we want to protect against.”

LISD Policy North Texas school districts have taken several measures to prepare schools in the event of a case of Ebola. The Lewisville Independent School District is not considered at risk for Ebola, but nurses have a protocol they must follow. They will screen students for high temperatures, and will ask questions about recent travel and exposure to family members who have traveled. In addition, the district will not offer excused absences to students who M HSMARQUE E.COM

stay home in fear of contracting Ebola.

“All the nurses are going to have at least one set of protective equipment,” Boyd said. “It’s on order right now. So we’ve got at least that at our disposal. We’re [equipped] whether we actually have a case, but are we completely prepared? I’m not sure about that.”

another person for Ebola to infect them.

Contrary to popular belief, Ebola is not an airborne virus and cannot be contracted through coughing or sneezing. Particles of the virus that have been coughed or sneezed and have been suspended in the air are not considered to be threats.

Public Reaction The sense of panic surrounding Ebola has caused several parents throughout North Texas to keep their children home from school. Misinformation about the virus and how it is spread have caused some to mistake common illness symptoms for Ebola. For example, several parents in a Mississippi middle school kept students home upon learning that the principal had traveled to Zambia, an African country not actually affected by Ebola.

Boyd said she recognizes the public’s reaction, but thinks it has gotten out of control.

“I think the panic about Ebola is creating more problems than the actual virus,” Boyd said.

PHOTOS A V E R I C O L L EN “The district has gotten a lot of phone calls about people being Nurse Margot Boyd tends to a patient. She wears protective afraid [and] people wanting to gloves to avoid the spread of germs. take their kids out of school.”

Despite the hysteria caused by the news of Ebola, students such Prevention as sophomore Alexis Stotler remain The main way to prevent being infected unconcerned with the situation. Stotler by any virus is through hand washing. said she is remaining logical.

Boyd said she also stresses the importance “I’m not concerned,” Stotler said. “It is of students staying home when they are hard to catch, and I am extremely careful sick or have a fever. about things like drinking after people.”

“Prevention is really the only way we can manage this,” Boyd said. “I think we How is Ebola spread? have to have a healthy respect for this virus Ebola is spread through the direct because it is dangerous, and it is deadly, contact of bodily fluids. These fluids, but it is certainly not a pandemic. It is such as saliva, mucus, or sweat, must touch certainly not in mass quantities here in the the eyes, mouth, nose, or open wounds of United States.”

DESIGN M O L LY WEBBER

NEWS

5

Feeder schools experience shrinking class sizes STORY J AC O B FO N TAI N E

Student enrollment is expected to decrease in the next few years due to the aging Flower Mound community. Between Lamar and Downing Middle Schools, 104 fewer students than usual will be transitioning to Marcus in 2017, according to attendance calculations done by the school. The shrinking is beginning to be already evident in some elementary schools.

At Bridlewood Elementary, arts and crafts line the walls. The voices and laughter of children eating in the cafeteria can be heard throughout the halls. Kids can be seen swinging on the playground and chasing each other around on the wood chips.

But some classrooms are not being used, piled high with desks but without a teacher or student to use them. “[The staff] has always anticipated our school to shrink,” attendance clerk Deborah Bashiri said. “Bridlewood is an aging community, and that can be seen here.”

In the past years Bridlewood Elementary enrollment has shrunk from nearly 800 students to 467 students. This number is expected to decrease even more next year. And it’s not just Bridlewood that is seeing these changes. Principal Lisa Lingren at Downing Middle School has also seen the increasing trend in smaller class sizes.

“I’ve always seen fluctuations in size, big or small,” Lingren said. “Right now we’re smaller but we’ve always been a small school.”

The fluctuating student body sizes have not only been something administrators have noted either. Downing 8th grader Felipe Arroyave has also begun to notice a change.

“We always have the smallest classes in the school,” Arroyave said. “It kind of stinks because we’re not as athletically Briarhill MS - 298

competitive compared to the other schools.”

The reason for the decrease is evident in the town’s demographics report. According to the official Flower Mound Economic Development Profile from 2014, roughly 23 percent of the town’s population is between the ages of 5 and 18. This has decreased five percent since 2011. However, the city is trying to reverse this trend by constructing new developments, like The River Walk on Morris Road. Developers hope numbers will once again expand due to the condos being built.

With the project scheduled to be finished by 2016, it is still too early to predict whether it will cause younger families to move to the area. For the past several years there have been rumors in the district about realignment to balance middle school enrollment.

Community and school relationships have always discouraged the decision to rezone in the past, but if enrollment drops too low at a school it could be a possibility.

“As of now it’s not on the horizon,” MHS 9 Principal Chantell Upshaw said. “Our parents and community definitely have strong feelings about their kids going to the neighborhood school, although empty desks at one school could cause more discussion.”

While smaller class size leads to the moving of students and teachers, Upshaw said shrinking isn’t a big concern at this time.

LISD will continue to monitor future class sizes and will take action when necessary.

“In any new neighborhood eventually the kids will grow up and go to college and [school zones] end up having families here that don’t have many school-aged children,” Upshaw said.

“That’s just the natural pattern of residency in an area.”

Shrinking class sizes 2014

2017

Lamar MS - 284

Downing MS - 221

DESIGN MOLLY WEB B ER

Briarhill MS - 299

Lamar MS - 241

Marcus 9835

Marcus 9731

Downing MS - 191

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6 FEATURE

Fighting to teach

Teacher undergoes cancer treatment, continues to work STORY R AC HEL R AMI R EZ

Smiling at the doctor, Algebra II teacher Beth Shelton left the treatment room, got in her car and headed to school. Knowing this treatment had been lighter than most, she felt comfortable returning to teach her afternoon classes. Since her doctor had agreed with her decision, she attempted to continue her day as normally as possible. However, when she began teaching, it was clear something was wrong. Instead of receiving nods of recognition from her students, she watched them whisper quietly and compare notes.

"The doctor told me that I would be fine, but I seemed to be very scattered," Shelton said. "I was okay with explaining, but then I would make mistakes."

As she looked back over her work with a frown, she noticed a mistake she made in the problem on the board. Laughing, she shook her head and erased the work while apologizing to her students. Shelton had fallen prey to yet another episode of “chemo brain,” a side effect of her chemotherapy. It’s all part of her journey with breast cancer. ***

Finding a Cure

The Susan G. Komen Foundation was created in 1982 with the goal of ending breast cancer.

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Over million survivors supported through research and community

83% o

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Invested more than $2.5 billion in research.

M HSMARQUE E.COM

The goal of normalcy has been a common theme in her journey even from her initial diagnosis. Despite her recent biopsy in June, she didn't allow the impending results to keep her tied down. Instead, she traveled to New Mexico's highest mountain peak. She did what she loves - mountain climbing.

Wheeler Peak was number 18 in her journey to climb the highest peak in every state. Working her way up to the summit at 13,159 feet was a difficult yet rewarding task, especially with the breast cancer diagnosis on her mind. Yet once she reached the top and was overlooking the desert surrounding her, it became an afterthought.

“Even though I knew I had the lump and I figured it was probably something that I was going to have to have surgery, I was so determined to get to the top of that peak,” Shelton said.

During the car ride back from Wheeler's Peak, Shelton called the doctor and asked about the results. The biopsy revealed she had stage 2B breast cancer. It was a generally treatable form, but it had spread to her lymph nodes. It would require a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. A lumpectomy meant that the surgery would only remove the cancerous tumor and not any other tissue. However, chemotherapy has significant side effects like digestive stress and swelling of the hands and feet that can last for several days.

Days she couldn’t miss at school.

“The cost is really something you think about, and then the time,” Shelton said.

Many questions ran through her mind. Shelton was suddenly faced with the possibility of having to quit her job. Her first chemotherapy session was before teacher inservice started for the new school year. After discovering that her treatment had the potential to be manageable and worked into her teaching schedule, she knew she had to stay.

Continuing teaching while battling cancer may seem daunting to some, but not to Shelton. She said that while many would consider taking some time off to handle cancer in the comfort of their own homes, she prefers being in class with her students.

Working is a distraction that helps her cope with her illness.

“When I'm at home I'm just thinking about myself and my condition,” Shelton said. “When I'm here I can do my job and I don't have to dwell on my little symptoms.”

With the help of her fellow math teachers and her substitute, Bill Norton, Shelton has arranged to miss the least amount of days possible to be there for her students. Since she typically takes five days to recover from a treatment, she schedules them for Wednesdays and also misses Thursday and Friday. By Monday, she’s ready to come back and continue her lessons.

When she can't be there, the students use technology to receive specific help.

DESIGN A BBY SCHL IC HTER

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FEATURE

both had been concerned with issues they now find rather trivial.

Shelton has also found that her husband has stepped up without complaint to take care of tasks she can no longer complete, such as tending their yard, a favorite pastime.

“I couldn’t imagine going through this without him and unfortunately I knew people who were going through breast cancer that were also going through a divorce,” Shelton said.

While she has been met with a lot of support, Shelton has also faced disappointments in her journey. During one appointment, she received a prescription for a wig. That moment seemed to solidify the reality of her diagnosis. No longer was this hypothetical, it was really going to happen.

“Of course one of the first things that blew me away was when I was handed the prescription for a wig,” Shelton said. “I started crying because, I don’t know, it just hits you.”

Prior to her diagnosis, Shelton had one go-to treatment for bad days: food. Particularly chocolate. “Chemo taste” is yet another side effect of the chemotherapy. This alters the taste of food, often deterring Shelton from wanting to eat. However, she makes an effort to maintain a healthy diet, even when it’s not appetizing.

“I do try to cut out added sugar and desserts and fried foods and stuff like that,” Shelton said. “I try to eat even though food PHOTO AV ERI CO L L E N doesn’t taste good to me right now.”

Shelton understands that it’s not easy to remain positive.

Algebra II teacher Beth Shelton teaches her math class. She goes She knows that chemical imbalances in her body and other to chemotherapy Wednesday through Friday. contributing factors sometimes cause her to feel depressed.

“I'll be sitting in the chemo chair answering their questions," While she understands that her prognosis is good, she does have Shelton said. "I'm available for the kids at all hours and I felt like one concern for her future.

I needed to do that because of the times that I wouldn't be here."

“I guess if I had to say I had a fear it would be that [the Through these exchanges, students are able to email questions cancer] would come back,” Shelton said. “I don’t let myself dwell to Shelton when she isn’t present in class. She uses apps on that.” like Notability to work out problems and send copies Chemo is a draining process, but of work back to her students. While her plan has been Shelton aims to make it less so by relatively smooth, it has hit some bumps along the way. intentionally seeking laughter. She When I’m Two unplanned days were needed when her recovery enters the treatment room with a period took longer than anticipated. However, she says here I can do smile and makes sure she's watching she’s grateful for how everyone took initiative on her a funny movie while receiving the my job and I don’t behalf. infusion. Even after her treatment, have to dwell “Everybody just handled it beautifully and I'm just Shelton requires herself to make very thankful,” Shelton said. “I'm very thankful to be laughter a priority in her life. on my little around such support.”

“If I'm at home and I haven't symptoms.

Part of the support she’s received here at the school laughed in a while, I'll get on Beth Shelton, Algebra II has come from her fellow Algebra II teacher Dorothy YouTube and watch funny videos, Houck. Houck said the two of them have become close things to make me laugh,” Shelton friends over the past few years of working next door to said. “I feel like an important part each other. of my treatment for me is that I keep laughing and keep my sense “I knew she had a good support system,” Houck said. “I knew of humor.” she was otherwise a healthy human being, and so I thought she Shelton’s last chemo treatment is Nov. 19. After that, she will had a really good chance to overcome this.” focus on her radiation, which she understands won’t be quite as Financial concerns, taxing treatments and traumatizing health taxing. issues can not only jeopardize health, but also marriages. However, “That’s when my hair starts to grow back, that’s when I lose her husband, Mark Shelton, has been a vital supporter. Shelton the ‘chemo taste’ in my mouth,” Shelton said. “So I’m looking said her diagnosis has actually aided their marriage. Previously, forward to after Thanksgiving when I’ll get Beth back.”

DESIGN ABB Y SCHLICHTER

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FEATURE

Spirited sisterhood Girls dress up for spirit days, make heads turn STORY J AI ME H ARD I S O N

It’s nerd day at school. Glasses.

Headgear. Outdated New Balance tennis shoes. A plaid shirt and a long-sleeved turtleneck. As the two girls walk into school, they see others like them. Others with high socks pulled up to mid-shin, with pigtails piled high on their heads.

Others with braces and baggy pants. But something separates these two from the rest. They are grander. They stand out from the crowd. They do it together.

During football season, a number of spirit days are scheduled and students can defy fashion laws. While most students participating change a few aspects of themselves, like a misplaced clothing item or outlandish hair, seniors Bridget Tobias and Kayla Blackmon desired to create a more dramatic effect.

“We just try to do fun things,” Tobias said. “We look at the spirit days and decide on something different that we could do.”

At the beginning of their junior years last fall, Tobias and Blackmon first began dressing up together. Although they might have been creative last year, their handiwork this year has reflected that they are wardrobe veterans and have no lack of school spirit.

“We decided it would be fun if we were ridiculously-dressed,” Tobias said.

“And we have done it ever since.”

After recognizing the creativity in one another last year, the pair planned carefully for each spirit day. The trips to the nearest Thrift City have been frequent.

Whether the occasion calls for frat shorts M HSMARQUE E.COM

Teachers also get a good laugh from the spectacle.

“It’s always a treat to see what they’re going to come up with,” government and psychology teacher Emily Worland said.

“You can kind of see their evolution of sorts.”

Although the general reaction to the girls’ creativity is usually positive,

and a polo or some new hair curlers, the girls make sure they don’t miss a single detail in their outfits.

Often, they dressed as boys, like when they imitated Disney Channel’s Zack and Cody on twin day. Despite the difference in gender, the duo managed to stay completely in character. Later on, their frat appearances complete with khaki shorts and Sperry shoes got plenty of head turns in the hallways, too. But Tobias and Blackmon were used to it.

On neon day, their green and purple crazy hairstyles complemented their green scrub pants and rainbow socks.

Although last year these outrageous clothing choices were met with funny looks, this year their unusual moves are supported by fellow students.

They have even developed a social media following on Twitter and Instagram.

“Most everyone is like ‘Dude nice!’ and they love our Seniors Bridget Tobias (left) and Kayla Blackmon (right) funny outfits,” attempt to appear more scholarly for their nerdy personas.

Blackmon said.

DESIGN/GRAPHICS J A I M E HA R D ISO N

FEATURE

some outfits were a bit too freaky. On blackout day, the two seniors donned complete black costumes from head to toe, including long cloaks with hoods and black face paint. As they entered the dark gym for the annual blackout pep rally, they were nearly invisible among the other students in the stands. Although it worked great for the pep rally, some teachers saw it as a blatant violation of dress code.

Whether their outfits have been met with criticism, astonishment or praise, Tobias and Blackmon have ultimately become closer friends through their

outrageous attire. The laughter from other students and teachers in response to their increasingly crazy outfits was just an added bonus to the true reward that they received. Each other.

“We kind of became friends from dressing up,” Blackmon said. “And it was kind of random too.”

Through plaid shirts and boyish updos, face paint and colored hair, the girls have created a friendship through creativity.

The flimsy wire is bent around her head, creating the perfect mouth brace.

9

The jean shorts are pulled up past the belly button, and an old lunchbox rests in her hand. Low ponytails and high pigtails give their hair a disheveled look as they ready themselves for their second spirited nerd day. A year after the beginning of their spirited sisterhood, they still strive to make heads turn.

And as nerd day comes to a close, they pull their baggy pants up and head home.

Tomorrow’s outfit will be different, but people will still stare. The giant black Afros that they plan on wearing for sports day will surely be another eye-catcher.

The first three pictures are compiled from Twitter.

PHOTO A V E R I CO L L E N DESIGN/GRAPHICS J AIM E H ARD I S O N

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10 F E A T U R E

Splash into success

Senior competes internationally in Russia, commits to Duke STORY S AN I K A S ULE

The hours of preparation boil down to the few moments at the top of the diving board. As she approaches her dive in her red, white and blue swimsuit, a sense of exhilaration and excitement overtake her nerves. Though senior Mackenzie Willborn is in Russia, 6,065 miles from Flower Mound, it’s on the diving board where she feels at home.

Mackenzie is no stranger to competition. Beginning her athletic endeavors as a gymnast, Mackenzie transitioned into diving at the beginning of her freshman year. She began to spend endless hours practicing in the pool. Her determination to develop herself into a diver contributed to her win at the 2014 Junior National Championships in Tennessee, where she and her partner, Lauren Crown, placed first with their synchronized routine. Mackenzie’s triumph qualified her to compete in the 20th Annual FINA Junior World Diving Championships in Penza, Russia, where she would dive against competitors from all over the world.

“It’s always cool when you are picked out of a select few people,” Mackenzie said. “It also makes you feel important because there are a lot of really good divers in the U.S. It was cool to be selected because a lot of divers look up to the kids that get selected to go to these international competitions.”

Mackenzie and her partner began working tirelessly to prepare for Russia. Their efforts were soon halted when Crown injured her wrist. With her partner injured and unable to compete, Mackenzie was paired with a new partner, Emily Grund. The two only had one month to prepare for the international stage in Russia.

Upon arriving in Russia, Mackenzie encountered a completely different culture than she was used to back in Texas. Having never traveled that far before, Mackenzie was forced to adjust to their cultural norms. She found all aspects of daily life to be unlike that of the United States. She found the setting to be stark and unwelcoming and the food to be even more so. Because of the language barrier, Mackenzie was unable to identify what she was eating, causing her to live off of a diet of French fries and rice.

“They are so different over there,” Mackenzie said. “The people, the way they act, and the way they dress, the way the town was set up, it was all really different. It changes your perspective on the culture here. It was definitely a big learning experience just going over there, for more than diving, for everything.”

The competitions spanned over two weeks. Despite their lack of time to prepare, Mackenzie and her partner took eighth place in synchronized three-meter diving. Mackenzie’s mother, Shelby Willborn, was able to see her dive through a live stream on YouTube. Shelby said she remembers the sense of pride she M HSMARQUE E.COM

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION W I L L I A M L EG R O NE

Mackenzie performs a dive called a 205C on a three- meter springboard. The 205C is one of the hardest dives she performs.

DESIGN T A R Y N WEL C H

FEATURE

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championships placing had while watching second as a sophomore, Mackenzie succeed. and first as a junior.

“It was so cool Because of her success, to see her name she has been recruited to on the screen with dive for Duke University.

U.S.A. next to her Mackenzie said she did name and U.S.A. not consider Duke as on her swimming a top contender in her suit,” Shelby said. college search, but upon “It was so strange touring the campus to see Australians, immediately knew it Canadians, Russians was the best fit for her and my daughter and promptly canceled diving together.” her other recruiting Competing in trips. Shelby said she Russia not only served remembers the pressure as an important of choosing a college, experience for her as but knows that Duke a diver, changed her was the best choice for cultural perspective.

Mackenzie.

Although there was a PHOTO SU BM I T T E D “The recruiting significant language process for any sport is barrier, Mackenzie Mackenzie performs a dive called a 105B on a seven and a half-meter platform. Mackenzie stressful and daunting,” was able to bond with performed this dive in 2013 during her zone championship in Moultrie, Georgia.

Shelby said. “Academically, divers from all over the Duke was our first choice. world. Even outside the pool, the divers came together to participate in activities such as The fact that Duke also has a very motivated and talented dive ping pong to learn about one anothers’ cultures. Mackenzie even coach was another big factor. I was so excited for her.”

Mackenzie’s experience as a diver has transcended both state traded some of her team U.S.A. apparel with competitors from and national borders. She said she aims to be a role model for other countries, taking part of another culture home with her.

“It’s weird because we have certain stereotypes from all these young divers, and wants her past and future achievements to different countries,” Mackenzie said. “You go and meet these reflect her love for the country she calls home. Whether it’s in people, and they fit your stereotypes, but at the same time they Texas, at Duke or across the globe, Mackenzie wants to represent herself and the United States well. are nothing like you imagined them to be.”

“It really makes you feel important because you are Mackenzie’s quick rise to success in diving since she began her freshman year has led not only to international competitions, representing your country, and you’re giving people an image of but also more local success. She has gone to back-to-back state how everyone in your country behaves,” Mackenzie said.

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12 F E A T U R E

Remembering Kierstin Eaddy

Girl Scout troop remembers friend during transition to high school STORY ALEX H ELM

A group of freshmen Girl Scouts all stand by the pool at a summer birthday party. The blue water shimmers beneath them on the hot Saturday in July. The girls laugh and try to push each other in

PHOTO S UB MI TTED

Kierstin Eaddy was a dedicated Girl Scout and volunteered at Spirit Horse for two years.

the pool, seemingly running in place to keep their feet off the hot concrete.

They jump in together. They play pool games and launch water balloons at each other for hours. Later the girls eat red velvet cupcakes and open presents. As the evening approaches, they lay together in the living room. Blankets are thrown haphazardly around them, all eyes glued to Burlesque playing on the TV screen.

Phones are stashed away as they enjoy time together. As they leave, they all exchange hugs.

What the girls didn’t know was that this was the last time they would ever hug MH SM ARQUE E.COM

Kierstin Eaddy.

The next day, July 20, Kierstin headed out with her family to Texas Motor Speedway to compete in a go-kart race at a Sports Car Club of America automotive event. She raced almost every Sunday, and this seemed like just another competition.

But during the race, she lost control of her go kart and crashed into a low cable barrier. Her helmet flew off and she sustained severe head injuries. Kierstin was airlifted to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth where she passed away shortly after. *** Freshman Camryn Rogers was sitting at her desk in class, trying to focus on her work. Next to her, kids were talking loudly.

“I’d rather die than do that,” one of them said.

Her mind immediately goes to the death of Kierstin. After all, she was her best friend.

“That really gets on my nerves,” Camryn said. “That’s not funny. Whenever people make fun of death it's the first thing that comes to mind.”

Freshman Nikki Johnson, another one of Kierstin’s friends, said she feels the same way. She finds herself thinking about Kierstin a lot, too.

“Someone will say something, and I’ll think, 'Oh, Kierstin would’ve said that or she would've laughed at that,'” Nikki said. “It just brings up a memory.”

Since kindergarten, both Camryn and Nikki had been in the same Girl Scout troop with Kierstin.

The troop progressed through the years, with the girls earning patches and transitioning from Daisies to Brownies to Juniors and finally to Cadettes together. Now, as they transition into high school, the troop members face not only the beginning of their journeys to adulthood. They

do so without one of their closest friends.

“It’s different now,” Camryn said. “It’s like one less person and it’s not as fun.”

Although it’s been difficult for the girls to cope with the loss of their friend, they try to remember the good times they had with Kierstin.

Something Camryn remembers most is a sunny afternoon in third grade when the girls were outside on a Girl Scout camping trip.

“Scorpion!” one of the scouts yelled.

Immediately Kierstin panicked and started running away. She wasn’t watching where she was going and was so focused on getting away from the bug that she ran into a set of stairs. All of the girls started laughing as they escaped from the small pest.

Later, the girls were having some down time at the campsite. Kierstin got the other girls to pretend to be horses with her. She’d plow the dirt with her shoe and whinny like a horse does when it’s excited.

The girls galloped around outside. Their make-believe horse-world was their new reality.

“I miss how happy she was,” Nikki said. “She made everyone happy around her.”

Aside from all the good times she had with her friends and family, Kierstin’s

I miss how happy she was. She made everyone happy around her.

Nikki Johnson, 9

DESIGN M O L L Y WEBBER

FEATURE

PHOTO SU BM I T T E D

The girls celebrate a birthday at a summer swim party. Top (Left to Right): Kaitlin Collins, Savannah Stacci, Kierstin Eaddy, Camryn Rogers, Harley Simpson, Carly Helm.

legacy revolves around how much she loved to help people, despite her own struggles. *** The smell of hay and dust fills the air.

Horses munch on oats, tails swishing back and forth. Kierstin stands in the barn. But she’s not riding horses today. Instead, she’s helping kids who are unable to ride by themselves at Spirit Horse, a therapeutic riding center that counsels people with learning or physical disabilities.

Kierstin first got involved with the program when she was 12. She was trying to earn her Silver Award for Girl Scouts, and part of that was volunteering at Spirit Horse. But according to her father, Todd Eaddy, after just one day there she was hooked. She would help clean and care for the horses at the barn and she developed relationships very quickly with the people in the program. Soon she became a sidewalker, someone who walks alongside riders who have trouble sitting up on the horse.

“One of the things that Kierstin learned while volunteering was that she got more back out of her volunteering in many cases DESIGN MOLLY W EB B ER

than the work that she did,” Todd said. “It was gratifying to see the kids but when you came home you realized how much of an impact those kids and those families had on you.”

Some of the people she had an impact on were the students from her school.

During seventh grade, Kierstin transferred from Downing Middle School to the Shelton School in Dallas because of her dyslexia. Shelton helps kids with learning differences by teaching in ways that are unique to their students’ learning styles.

Todd said Shelton was one of the places that had a positive effect on his daughter and fostered her love of giving back.

“If you visit, you’d have to agree with her once you met some of the people there,” Todd said. “It really is a life changing experience.”

If Kierstin’s father could describe her in a few words, he said she was someone who was always a friend to others.

“It was unique to find a young person who smiled virtually all the time. Life was an adventure,” Todd said. “Ironically, if you were to read most of the papers where

13

people wrote something about her, they simply wrote she was an angel.

She was one of those people that we all aspire to be.”

For the girls in her troop, they all remember her as selfless.

“If someone wanted something their way, even if it didn’t work for her, she would switch with them,” Camryn said. “She was really caring and she would put other people before her.”

Although losing a friend has been hard, Camryn said it’s made her realize to never take friendships for granted. She said that every time the girls depart from a meeting or a gettogether, they always hug each other, no matter what. Through Kierstin, Nikki has also learned to spend more time with the people she loves.

“You just have to smile and just continue on because [Kierstin] wouldn't want us to stop everything we were doing,” Nikki said.

Caring for Kierstin's Legacy A family event will be held on Nov. 8 at 4:30 pm to benefit a memorial fund. Proceeds will go to Spirit Horse and the Shelton School.

Where: Texas Motor

Speedway

$20: Drive-in movie $30: Drive 3 laps

around the track $40: Both N O V . 7, 201 4

14 I N - D E P T H

Domestic violence: ANy physical or verbal act by a family member or signifcant other that injures another person.

Jan. 1, 2008 - Yaser Said and his two daughters, Amina and Sarah, get inside the car. They were supposed to go out to eat. Tensions had been running high since Sarah met a boy at work. Her strict father declared dating was out of the question. The police believe he pulled into the Omni Mandalay Hotel parking lot in Las Colinas and shot both daughters. Yaser fled the scene, never to be found by police.

April 28, 2010 - A postal worker made his daily rounds in a Lewisville neighborhood. He went to open the mailbox, but instead came across the decapitated body of Maria Corona.

A trail of blood led him up to the one-story brick home. Two chainsaws, covered in blood, sat in a pickup truck, one still running. The suspect, husband Jose Fernando Corona, was long gone by the time police arrived. To this day, he has not been found.

Sept. 25, 2014 - Due to appear in divorce court the next day, Daniel Fink confessed to entering into his estranged wife, Aide Fink’s, house. He fired several shots. Their 16-yearold son ran down the stairs to find his mother bleeding. He called 911 and his mother was rushed to Lewisville Medical Center, where she later died. Daniel was found and arrested for her murder.

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DESIGN R I L E Y MC C L U RE

detectives work with Family Abuse victims

IN-DEPTH

15

STORY ALYS S A S C H MI D T & B RO O K E WY ANT

These three cases are ones that stick in the minds of Detectives Austin and Collins of the Lewisville Police Department. Collectively, they allow herself to A lot of times see over 300 family violence cases a year. betreated that These are some of the ones that ended way, and there’s a good they’re thinking in homicide. chance that the male child is Austin has been the family violence that they shouldn’t going to treat his girlfriend or wife the detective for 11 years. He works as the same way. ” main investigator in cases of abuse in have called the Collins works directly with the victims relationships and families. Collins is the after the police report is taken. She helps crime victim detective and works mainpolice. them find refuge in the Denton Friends ly as an advocate for the victims. During of the Family shelter and gives them grief their times at the department they’ve disDet. Collins, Lewisville PD counseling. covered that abuse can happen to anyone.

“A lot of times they’re thinking that “It doesn’t care who you are,” Austin they shouldn’t have called the police,” Colsaid. “It doesn’t care if you’re white, black lins said.

“They want to downplay it. I do or hispanic. It doesn’t care what religion you are. It doesn’t care have some that will reach out and be happy to receive the help.” what gender you are. It doesn’t care what sexuality you are. It’s Victims who try to try to downplay an incident will often unbiased.” try to drop the charges.

Their abusers can convince them to One commonality the detectives have observed is the cycle change their minds through threats.

Victims can also be depenof abuse. This occurs when children witness abuse taking place dent on the abusers financially.

The state of Texas noticed this between their parents and follow the same path. pattern and stepped in to essentially save victims from them“As long as the kids are living in the house and they see selves, according to Austin. that they have toys and cars then they are going to think that “The state was noticing that a lot of these women were behavior is normal,” Austin said. “There’s a very good chance calling and dropping charges,” Austin said. “We would find out that when those children grow up, that female child is going to later when we got a call. We were finding that same couple. But now these beatings are worse. The girl could be in the hospital or even dead.”

Domestic violence has become a prominent topic nationally as well. Over the summer, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was accused of injuring his fiancee. A video of him hitting her in an elevator and then dragging her unconscious body was leaked to the public. Rice was subsequently suspended from the NFL indefinitely and is currently appealing his ban. Ever since the Ray Rice incident, there have been three times as many calls reporting domestic violence, according to the Domestic Abuse Hotline. Detective Collins said that she’s also had victims citing the scandal as incentive to seek help.

“There are other people in society that aren’t as high proDomestic violence calls constitute file and they have people thinking, if someone like Mrs. Rice brought that to the attention of law enforcement then maybe approximately half of all violent they could too,” Austin said.

crime calls to police departments.

DESIGN R IL EY MC C L U R E

N OV . 7, 201 4

16 I N - D E P T H

A TORTURED CHILDHOOD

Senior adjusts to new life after abuse

you have the papers.”

Marlena’s boss at the restaurant could not find some Beatings were a common part of Elizabeth Pool’s childimportant papers. She told Marlena that if she didn’t hood. When she was 6 her parents divorced, then the beatings find them, she would be fired. Elizabeth, only 6 years old, became daily. Her mother, Marlena, would come home from did not know what she was talking about. Yet, she could the restaurant where she waitressed, drunk or high. When intell that this was going to be unlike anything before. Her toxicated, Marlena never seemed to care about anything. Not mother was frantic, with a wild look in her eyes. Fearing which type of drugs she used, not which brand of booze she that she would upset her more, Elizabeth said she took drank, not which of her children she beat, them.

Her mother seemed appeased for the time not which weapon she beat them with.

I being.

She began to search the house, but found Elizabeth, her mother and her older nothing. brother Arturo lived in a small, one-bedwas terrified The next morning, Elizabeth went to the room house, connected to Marlena’s restaurant to eat breakfast. Her mother folworkplace, just outside Mexico City. Evthat if I told lowed, carrying two bottles of rubbing alcohol, ery day she came home after work, unand took a swig.

Elizabeth knew that something der the influence of whatever she could anyone that she was about to go horribly wrong. get her hands on, and picked her victim. would kill me.

“I want the papers right now,” Marlena said, When she came for Elizabeth, Arturo slapping Elizabeth across the face. would dive in front of her and cover her Behind Marlena was a box of matchsticks.

Elizabeth Pool, 12 with his body. He would smile and tell She grabbed the box, took out a single match, his sister to look him the eyes, insisting struck it and threw it on Elizabeth.

She ripped that everything was going to be okay. off her sweater as it caught fire and ran into the kitchen, And most of the time, it was. Elizabeth had Arturo to screaming for her mother to stop.

She begged the cook for protect her and school to keep her busy. She was smart and help.

Elizabeth moved to the other side of the table, away pretty, popular amongst her peers. Every day she hid the real from her hysterical mother and the cook. The cook tried to truth behind the bruises that covered her body. calm Marlena but instead she only seemed to grow angrier.

“I was terrified that if I told anyone that she would kill Marlena pushed the table and knocked Elizabeth onto the me,” Elizabeth said. hot stoves behind her.

One night, Marlena almost did.

Elizabeth’s face, neck and chest were all burned by *** the heat of the stoves. Screaming, she searched for an es“What have you done with them,” Marlena said. “I know STORY ALY S S A S C H MI D T

On average, a woman will leave an abusive relationship seven times before she leaves forgood.

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Survivors of domesitc violence face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional distress.

DESIGN R I LE Y MC C L U RE

IN-DEPTH

17

15%

cape, but found all of the doors were closed.

She noticed the back door, made of glass, 85% of domestic and ran toward it.

As she made conviolence victims tact with it, the glass are women. shattered, cutting her entire body. For moment, everything 85% went black. Then, she felt Marlena grab her hair and shout for her to wake up.

She was taken to the hospital with third degree burns.

She lost too much blood and needed a transfusion. The only available donor, her father. He stayed long enough for Elizabeth to receive the blood and then left. It would be the last time she would see her father.

Because the hospital was not well-equipped, the doctors could not transfer her for fear her skin would become infected.

Yet, both they and the nurses marveled at Elizabeth’s fight to stay alive.

“There’s something in this life that you have to do because you’re so strong,” they told her.

After she spent a year in the hospital, 7 year old Elizabeth went back to live with her mother. For a while things were okay. Marlena would cry and apologize to Elizabeth every day, begging her for forgiveness. But while Elizabeth fully healed, Arturo began to take the brunt of the beatings. After he got into a fight with a neighbor and almost died, Marlena decided she could no longer care for him. She made arrangements to take him to an orphanage.

Marlena told Elizabeth of her plan but kept it a secret from Arturo. She told him that he was going on a trip. He wouldn’t be allowed to leave the orphanage until he turned 18. Marlena allowed Elizabeth to sleep in Arturo’s bed the last night he was home. She didn’t think she would ever see her brother again.

“I hugged him so much because I knew that it was going to be the last time,” Elizabeth said. “He needed to be in another place, without my mom.”

The next morning, as he began to leave, he turned around.

“I love you and I’ll see you later,” Arturo said.

Now alone with her mother, Elizabeth began to deal with the residual trauma of her accident. When they saw the burns on her face, the children at school would call her a monster and run away. She was confused. She used to be so popular. But her mother had broken all of the mirrors in the house so she never saw the scars. The scars her mother made.

Then one day, her mom told her that they were going to a party. Marlena dressed her up in a yellow lace dress and curled her hair in thick ringlets. As Marlena primped Elizabeth, she drank. Once Elizabeth was done, Marlena demanded Elizabeth DESIGN R IL EY MC C L U R E

PHOTO SU BM I TTED

Elizabeth Pool (front, middle) with her adopted father, Ken Pool (left), her mother, Sarah Pool (back, middle), and her sister, Cara Pool (right) at a football game. The Pools adopted Elizabeth two years ago from Casa Hogar in Mexico.

start her shower. To have hot water, they had to boil a pot of water and mix it with cold water in a tank.

Elizabeth looked at the pot. It was almost as big as her 8-year-old self. She told her mother that she couldn’t. She was too small. But Marlena told her if she didn’t do it, they wouldn’t go to the party. Devastated, Elizabeth attempted to lift the pot.

Her fingers got stuck and the pot dumped on her. It burned her skin. Marlena grabbed her by the front of the dress and yanked.

The dress stuck to her skin, ripping it off of her body.

Chest red and sizzling, Elizabeth was taken to the hospital again. This time, she stayed for four months. But after she returned, her mother was not as apologetic as before.

“She says, ‘Do you know why no one likes you anymore?’”

Elizabeth said. “‘Because you are so ugly.’ It was the first time someone who loved me 79% called me ugly.”

Finally fed Domestic up with it all, violence Elizabeth snuck out and sought accounted for refuge with 21% of all her mom’s best violent friend. She told crimes. her everything and cried in her 21% arms. The friend took her to Mexico’s NO V . 7, 201 4

18 I N - D E P T H Child Protective Services, and they told her she needed to be and Melissa’s younger brother, Justin, became inseparable. When somewhere her mother would not find her. They took her to an the Pools returned home, Justin begged his parents to let Elizaorphanage, almost like Arturo’s. But they abused her, too. Eliza- beth be his sister. beth went back to CPS. This time they took her to Casa Hogar, The adoption process took about two years, but Elizabeth a girls’ home in Santa Julia. finally found the family she always dreamed of. *** *** A nun sat beside Elizabeth. Deep-set wrinkles lined her face Now a senior, Elizabeth poses and flashes a smile. The phoand silver, curly hair rested beneath a coif. She smiled and asked tographer tells her to turn her head this way and that way. The if Elizabeth wanted a cookie. She took one. Before, she couldn’t shutter captures her in a red cap and gown, just like the one she have afforded such a delicacy. The simple cookie was unlike will graduate in. She doesn’t think about the now subtle scars anything she had tasted before. The nun told Elizabeth that her that remain on her body. Today, she feels like a princess. name was Madré Chuy and welcomed her to her new home.

Since leaving Mexico, Elizabeth has been able to locate ArtuMadré Chuy led her on a tour of the house. Elizabeth was ro. He’s now in college in Mexico studying business. in awe. Over 40 girls and several nuns lived Whether through phone calls or in the home. All with stories similar to hers. texts, they talk every day. Although a They were playing and dancing and doing sensitive topic, Marlena occasionally homework. She would have her own bed, all comes up. He told her she remarried to the clothes she wanted and three meals a day. a devout Catholic and is very involved “It was like heaven,” Elizabeth said. in the church. She thinks that Elizabeth For six years, Elizabeth lived in Casa died a decade ago. She cries every time Hogar. During that time, she always feared Elizabeth is mentioned. the abuse would start again. One night, after Arturo still hasn’t told Marlena her hug was rejected, Madré Chuy kneeled about Elizabeth’s adoption. Elizabeth beside her bed and prayed. isn’t quite ready to speak with her “Don’t ever run from love,” she whismother. But she has made some peace pered in her ear. with her past.

The next morning, Elizabeth walked “She had too many opportunities up to Madré Chuy, and wrapped her arms to take my life,” Elizabeth said. “Even 20 people per minute are around her. after how bad she was, there was still victims of physical violence by a “We’re your mothers now,” Madré some love inside of her.” partner in the United States Chuy said. “We would never hurt you.”

Although the physical scars are Madré Chuy’s wisdom stuck with fading, Elizabeth will never forget how Elizabeth as she became close with one of the volunteers. Her they got there. But, the love and support of the Pools and Madré name was Melissa Pool and she was visiting from the United Chuy’s wisdom to never run from love, have put her on a path States. Her blonde hair fascinated Elizabeth. She cried when Me- of healing. lissa left at the end of the summer.

“Now I really love myself,” Elizabeth said. “I have made myBut Melissa returned the next year with her family. Elizabeth self strong and [my scars] are a symbol that I have to keep going.”

Football team takes stand against violence STORY BR O O K E W Y A N T

Head football coach Gerry Stanford has also used the Ray Rice incident as a way to teach players about character, attitude and life after football.

The team’s domestic violence program covers many different subtopics, such as domestic abuse and what a good husband looks like. Due to its prominence in the media in recent months, domestic violence has been one of the main issues covered this year.

If anything, Stanford said he hopes his players will walk away with the knowledge of how to conduct themselves in adulthood.

“They have responded really well to it,” Stanford said. “As much as anything, you just hope they walk away with some character lessons that [help them] understand that life after football MH SM ARQUEE.COM

is a lot more important.”

The team and coaches have also donated to childrens’ hospitals, and local domestic violence shelters. They donated roughly 12,000 diapers to the Friends of the Family Domestic Violence Home for Women in Denton. About 4,000 women die each year due to domestic violence, according to the National Domestic Abuse Shelter, and Marcus football is trying to take a stand against that through this program. Junior Jonny Boodee, a defensive end on the varsity football team, said he has attended some of the meetings and has been impacted positively by them.

“The football program has made me a better man,” Bodee said.

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Clowns, hands down, clowns.

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4. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

I’m going to be judged for anything I say here, but I would say Hermione. I would want to be her because she is awesome sauce. She’s magic and she’s cool.

5. What would you name the autobiography of your life?

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20 S P O R T S

Senior overcomes eye injury, receives scholarship to top football program STORY J AC O B FO N TAI N E

Nighttime creeps over the baseball field. Two fifth graders play toss along the right-field line to warm up. The white ball sails back and forth through the air between current senior Keaton Sutherland and his teammate. As his partner throws it, the red laces come spinning towards him. Yet, halfway there the ball disappears from Keaton’s sight in the dark. Before he relocates it, the five-ounce ball collides full-speed with his eye socket.

Keaton can’t see out of his left eye. Blood and tears run down his face as he sits in the back seat of his mom’s car. His mother, Christine Sutherland, comforts him from the front seat as she drives him to the emergency room. The car ride seems like forever as Keaton’s pain increases. There the doctor tells them that it was a freak accident but that Keaton will likely never play a contact sport again.

Christine looks back on that dark February night as one of the most significant moments in Keaton’s childhood.

“He appreciates what he’s given and doesn’t take anything for granted,” Christine said. “He knows it can be taken away at any moment.”

Despite the doctor’s prognosis, Keaton’s vision actually began to improve over the next several months. But a year later, as a sixth grader, he was diagnosed with a retinal detachment in the same eye, a condition where a critical layer of tissue pulls away from the layer of blood vessels behind the eye. He lost vision in his left eye for good.

The loss of sight in one eye causes problems with depth perception. It also meant Keaton was now legally blind in one eye. However, his doctor said he could continue to play sports and recomended he wear goggles to protect his one good eye.

“I never really wrapped my mind around not being able to play,” Sutherland said. “But I was excited when they said I could play again.”

Not being able to continue with football was never an option for Keaton. As the third son in his family of four boys, all of whom play the sport, he had an athletic reputation to uphold. Starting football when he was 5 years old and tackle football when he turned 7, Keaton had already decided he wanted to pursue sports through middle and high school.

Maybe even college if he was lucky.

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SPORTS

Once he was cleared to continue playing football, Keaton’s brothers, Kyle and Connor, were more excited than anyone else about his future in the sport. Kyle and Connor, both students at University of Arkansas, always wanted the best for Keaton.

Kyle would critique the recorded films of Keaton playing, pointing out areas of possible improvement. Though this frustrated Keaton at the time, the advice he received would help shape him into the player he is today and bring the three brothers closer than ever.

“Keaton and Connor always fought like cats and dogs,” Christine said. “But when Keaton went to high school and Connor had to take him to practices, they got really close, and

21

now they are best friends. Football is the common bond in our family.”

Watching his brothers’ games also helped him develop as a player. Often times he would spend every night of the week at his own practices or his brothers. Weekends were also entirely occupied by football games. After watching his brothers and spending so much time with them, their work ethics and selflessness stuck with Keaton even after they left home for college. According to Christine, he never once complained about going to practice.

“He really has a heart for the sport and that’s something you can’t teach,” Christine said.

While sitting in his media room at the end of his sophomore year, he noticed that his phone began to vibrate. As he read the name across the iPhone screen his heart begin to race. It was his head coach, Bryan Erwin.

The conversation was a blur to Keaton. Texas Christian University. His first scholarship offer.

The recruiter saw him as one of the best in the state.

He does remember one thing though. His mom and dad cried and embraced him. Their expressions conveyed happiness that words couldn’t. Five years after his gruesome eye injury, tears once again rolled down Keaton’s face. But this time they were tears of joy.

“Honestly I didn’t even think about it until it happened,” Keaton said. “I didn’t think it was possible at all.”

Originally his parents were afraid his eye might affect potential scholarships, but the recruiters didn’t seem to mind since it didn’t affect his play. The call from TCU would be the first of many. Some notable universities that offered scholarships throughout his sophomore and junior year include Arkansas, Baylor and Oklahoma State. He had a big decision in front of him.

With both brothers attending Arkansas it seemed likely that he would follow in their footsteps. However he was impressed with the Texas A&M football program, coaches and facilities.

After he received a late offer from the college, he committed and will begin practice with the team in the spring. Despite the loss of vision in his left eye Keaton has landed a spot on a team in the SEC West, arguably the most difficult conference in college football.

“I attribute all my success to my family and coaches,” Keaton said. “They alone have taught me to work my absolute hardest.”

PHOTO A V E R I C O L L EN DESIGN TARYN W ELCH

N O V . 7, 201 4

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

What fall TV show are you?

COMPILED CA R A CR O CK E R

Which meal is most desirable?

Anything with meat.

Tea and biscuits.

Which of these is your favorite class?

Which outfit would you wear?

A trench coat with boots.

Anything with a bow tie.

What’s your ideal afternoon activity?

Where would you like to live?

A small mysterious town.

American Horror Story: You enjoy scary movies and stories. You love to hang out with your friends but don’t mind alone time. Your life is constantly changing so you have to keep up with the pace.

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World Geography.

Psychology.

A big city.

Sherlock: You’re intelligent and like to figure out problems quickly. You’re aware of the news around you.

Although you stress when put under pressure, the stress is relieved quickly when you relax.

Sitting in front of a bonfire.

Doctor Who: You let your life take you into any direction it goes. You like adventure and don’t mind taking risks. To get what you want you may have to make sacrifices but it usually proves to work out in the end.

Hunting in the woods.

The Walking Dead: You’re very protective of your loved ones and won’t let anything hurt them. You face your problems head-on. Being athletic gives you the mindset to conquer every obstacle thrown at you.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Falling for seasonal sweets

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STORY DARCI WALTON

With cooler temperatures coming our way and new fall flavors becoming more prominent The Marquee found two recipes for fall treats that will satisfy any fall lover’s palate.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies and Vanilla Caramel Frosting Wet cookie ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon of vanilla 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin

Dry cookie ingredients: Frosting ingredients: 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon cinnamon

6 tablespoons butter ½ cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar 2 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla DARC PHOTO

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and set aside. Beat together the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until creamy. Then add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.

With a spatula or spoon, stir in the can of pumpkin into the wet ingredients. After the pumpkin is evenly distributed throughout the batter, stir in the combined dry ingredients.

Drop the newly-made dough using a teaspoon onto a cookie

T I WAL

ON

sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until cooked to preference.

While the cookies are baking, in a medium sauce pan, heat the butter, brown sugar and heavy cream until it boils to make the icing.

When the mixture reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat and let it completely cool. Add in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and stir until smooth. Once the cookies are done, top them with the icing and enjoy!

Vegan Cinnamon Apple Chunk Muffins For the apples: 1 ½ cups of the apple of your choice diced 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon

PHO

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease the muffin pan or place muffin liners in the pan. In a medium bowl, toss together the apples, flour and cinnamon to prevent the apple from sinking to the bottom while baking. Set bowl aside.

In a medium bowl, mash the banana with a fork until it is smooth. Add the sugar, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg and either stir or whisk until all the ingredients are combined. Do not use an electronic mixer. Next add the flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and stir again. Make sure you DESIGN VICTORIA PRICE

For the batter: 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk at room temperature 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder pinch of salt

don’t overmix. If the batter seems too thick, add an additional splash of milk. Gently fold in the apples that you tossed with the flour and cinnamon earlier with a spatula.

Fill each space in the muffin tin until it is about ¾ of the way full. If you want to add a more aesthetic touch feel free to add more apples or cinnamon on top of the batter. Bake for 17-18 minutes. To see if the muffins are done, stick a toothpick into the center and pull it out. If it comes out clean, without any batter stuck to it, the muffins are done.

N O V . 7, 201 4

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

That’s the way it r lls STORY & PHOTOS A U ST I N R I CK E R SO N

In recent years the culinary concept of raw fish has become more widely accepted in American society. With the addition of more affordable sushi destinations, radical rolls and flavorful fish have become more of an attraction to high school students as well.The Marquee dives into three local sushi hubs, in both casual and formal dining locals.

Sushi Yaa

Although there is no sushi at Sushi Yaa, there is a variety of rolls and cooked items.

Tempura crabstick is one cooked option available.

Rating Scale:

M HSMARQUEE.COM

avaca-no

smells fishy

This restaurant on 407 offers a more affordable meal for students. For a $10 buffet, an unlimited amount of freshly made food is available. This setup is perfect for any growing teen or hungry jock after a workout. However, with lower price comes a lower quality product. The quality of the fish is nowhere near what it would be at an actual Japanese restaurant and most of the rolls contain a majority of rice, not fish and other ingredients. Another downfall is that there are only rolls available, not sushi (which includes a piece of fish and rice) or sashimi (a larger piece of fish without rice) like at an upscale sushi bar. On the other hand, though, there is a wide variety of rolls offered, like the Alaskan Roll with delicious ingredients such as fresh salmon and crab meat. Overall, Sushi Yaa is a good option if cost is the main deciding factor.

on a roll

jammin’ salmon

winning wasabi

DESIGN/GRAPHICS A N N A K A TE HU TTO N

Sushi Fugu

The Miami Roll is a nontraditional roll, meaning it has no rice. It includes three types of fish and crabmeat, wrapped in freshly peeled cucumber and topped with ponzu sauce.

Edohana

The Tower Park Roll is one of the most popular items at Edohana. It consists of spicy tuna, avocado, crabmeat, black caviar, rice and three sauces.

DESIGN/GRAPHICS ANNA K ATE H UTTO N

ENTERTAINMENT

25

The decor of this modern Japanese restaurant is immediately appealing. The sleek light fixtures and soft jazz music provide a luxurious atmosphere.

However, it is soon apparent that the quality is not up to par with the ambiance. Although it was more expensive than Edohana, the fish was not as a high of a grade, rendering some of it chewy. It was higher quality than Sushi Yaa but is not equitable for a high-end restaurant. It seems that the elevated prices are due to the location in Highland Village, not because of superior cuisine.

In addition, there were only two waiters for the entire restaurant, which was quite busy, and no hostess or manager visible. The saving grace for Sushi Fugu was the Miami Roll, which consisted of a colorful assortment of fish wrapped in freshly peeled cucumber. Although some of the food was exquisite, the experience at Sushi Fugu was a letdown, given steep prices and lackluster service.

Located at the intersection of 2499 and 3040, Edohana is the most authentic and high quality of the sushi restaurants reviewed. The dark lighting and granite tables and countertops create an elegant atmosphere while the knowledgeable sushi chefs cut pristine slices of fresh fish. The quality is evident in the extreme tenderness of the fish.

One of the most popular and tasty dishes is the Temptation Roll. With the tempura shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese and three different sauces, it’s no wonder it’s an irresistible enticement. For more adventurous or experienced sushi eaters, the fresh water eel and white tuna are also superb. Edohana is a great place to impress on a first date or to celebrate a special occasion. If you sit at the sushi bar, the chefs will typically give out extra rolls on-the-house. Although the bill might hurt your wallet, at $12 or $13 per roll, the higher cost is completely worth it.

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26 O P I N I O N

I don’t eat pals Alyssa Schmidt

@Alyssa_Schmidt7

I’m going to come right out and say it. I’m vegan. I can’t hear your gasps but I know you’re shocked. I understand. Being vegan is a strange lifestyle change. Some people may say I’m a freak, but I still live a relatively normal existence. Before I appall you anymore with my dietary choices, let me give my reasonings.

As long as I can remember, I’ve been an animal lover. I’ve never lived without a pet. I have to fight back tears when I see an ASPCA commercial. I always thought I would be a veterinarian until I found out I didn’t have the stomach for it. But for whatever reason, even though I consider animals my pals, I still couldn’t imagine not eating animal products.

Until I watched something I could never unsee.

While at my grandparents house in Kansas City, the only form of entertainment I had was Netflix. I was on a documentary binge when I decided to watch Vegucated. It was about a vegan woman who found three volunteers to try veganism for six weeks.

At the end of the experiment, there was no commitment to stay

vegan. The whole thing seemed extremely difficult and slightly unnecessary to me at first. That is until the woman conducting the experiment showed them the many reasons why being vegan is not only a moral choice but also has economic, health and environmental benefits. She showed them the China Study, a 20 year research project where scientists studied the diets of people in China and in America. Because a majority of people in China still eat a mostly plant based diet, they had significantly less cases of heart disease and cancer, compared to the United States.

It wasn’t until she showed them footage from the major corporations that own the far from idyllic factory farms that I knew I could never look at meat the same. There, they house and mass slaughter thousands of animals in terrible conditions. I sat in the bedroom, tears streaming down my face. Cows, chickens, pigs and fish all put through inhumane treatment and deaths just so I can indulge myself.

Although I was very distraught, I still wasn’t convinced that I could forsake animal products. I couldn’t imagine giving up things like pizza or Chick-fil-A, but I wanted to try it. The next day, I came back home. I told my mom what I had seen and that I was thinking about going vegan. She laughed at me. See, I’ve never been much of a veggie lover. Of course she would find my veganism a little absurd. But then I showed her the movie. Just like me, the graphic images of inhumanity shocked her. Immediately after it was over, we went to Sprouts. We didn’t immediately stock up. Instead we picked up a few things like milk, cheese and meat substitutes.

I have been vegan ever since. I won’t say that it has been easy, especially since I transitioned completely cold turkey. But for the most part, it hasn’t been that hard. I have a very supportive mother who cooks delicious vegan meals for me. Sometimes I have cravings for things like fried chicken, but that’s to be expected.

People ask all the time whether or not this is a lifetime decision. Honestly, I don’t have the answer to that. I just know that every time I think of that fried chicken, I also think of the inhumanity it took to make it. For now, I don’t eat pals.

Sweet tweets COMPILED J AC O B FO N TAI N E

“If you’re a parent and you still “We all know the hardest part of gossip about kids, maybe you the PSAT was copying down the should consider going back to sentence in cursive” highschool.”

-Michael Leaumont, 10 Sam Zimmerman, 9 @mljeaumont @samzimmmermannn

M HSMARQUE E.COM

“I CAN’T EVEN LIKE THE SAME BOY FOR 2 WEEKS HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE TO ATTEND FOR 4 YEARS”

“There’s no other way a foreign illness can enter the US unless it’s bc of Obama, Jerry Jones or Math Teachers”

-Molly Mattingly, 11 @mollymattinglyy

-Emery Jordan , 11 @emeryjordanxo

DESIGN A BBY SC HL IC TER

OPINION

We’re better Rachel Ramirez

@rdr719

Here we go again. Awkward smile. Frantic hair smoothing.

Small wave. Walk away. Obligatory small talk complete. And yet, in the back of my mind, I know I’ll never be as good as you. How could I? You’re better.

“Rachel,” you say. “I really like your shoes!”

But you must be lying. Your hair is never out of place. Your makeup never smears. You captivate the room with your voice.

You can pull off outfits I could never dream of pulling off.

You’re better.

“You have a really great voice,” you say.

But when you don’t look me in the eyes when we talk, I can hear your thoughts about me. Why are you talking to me? What are you wearing? Why do you try to sing? Why does your hair look like that? Those have to be your thoughts because I can hear you thinking in my mind. And you’re right.

You’re better.

“Ebola may have hit Dallas but gas is only 2.85 so imma stick around for a while”

“No matter how many times I regret taking a nap, I’ll still do it again the next day.”

-James Lake, 12

-Caitlin Robinson, 12 @CaitlinBeatrice

@WetterThanaLake

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27

“You’re really funny,” you say.

But you don’t mean it. You probably can’t think of any other response to my awkward comments. You have to hate me. I must be weird. I must be something unapproachable, unworthy of your sight.

You’re better.

“I can totally relate,” you say.

But I can’t believe that. It’s impossible that your lack of eye contact could be due to shyness. You couldn’t possibly have started singing at the same skill level as me. Your smiling family could never fight. You couldn’t have ever struggled because you are always perfect.

You’re better.

But maybe you’re not.

Maybe you’re incredibly unique.

Maybe I am too.

Maybe all those quirks and talents and disappointments I despise in myself actually make me important. Maybe I need to not look and compare myself to you. Maybe I need to treat everyone including you with respect because there will never be another you. Maybe I need to shake these snap judgements out of my head.

Maybe I need to look in the mirror and say,“You’re better.”

Because when we finally sat on the bottom bunk in the cramped room, when we finally spent quality time together during that church retreat, we both discovered that our outward expression of our insecurities had delayed the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Sure you’re passionate about the difference between coral and tomato nail polish, and I can’t decide what Ron Swanson quote to incorporate into casual conversation, but we share a lot of similar interests. We both like cancelling plans, coffee and Jesus. We get excited about nerdy things and none of this would have come to light if we hadn’t roomed together that weekend.

It’s not that you’re better or I’m better.

Together, we’re better.

“CONFORMITY TASTES REALLY GOOD WHEN IT’S IN THE FORM OF A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE” -Mary Kate Tankard, 12 @mktankk

“Again, the left lane is for PASSING ONLY, and Green means GO! #HateThisDrive” -Emily Strauss, English @TeacherStrauss

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28 O P I N I O N

So many people live in fear everyday that they’re being analyzed by others. They hide what they truly love to do. They think they don’t live up to society’s standards. I see it in my sister’s friends.

They’ll stand in front of her dresser mirror in her little blue bedroom and pick themselves apart like they’re turkey to be carved. My hair is a mess today. Do I look okay? I feel so fat.

This shirt is stupid; why did I wear this?

Let them look Alex Helm

@alex_helm

In the world we live in today we are expected to be perfect at all times. We must fit in and look like our friends. We must talk the same and act the same and go to the same parties. We must get perfect grades, play perfectly during sports and look perfect while doing it. We cannot stand out, because individuality is threatening. People will judge you. People will “look at you.”

Just take a look at my little sister.

She and I were driving in my truck on the way to school talking about music. My sister is really into punk rock bands like Panic! at the Disco, Paramore and Fall Out Boy. Nobody would expect that from her. She wears volleyball t-shirts and leggings most of the time, not band tees from the music she loves. As she told me about some new songs she had listened to, something really stuck out at me.

Marquee Remarks How well does society handle domestic violence?

DESIGN AB B Y SCHLI C H TER PHOTOS AVERI COLL EN

M HSMARQUE E.COM

I see it in my own friends too. I see their smiles that don’t reach their eyes as they laugh at something they don’t actually think is funny. I see their obsessions with a daily work grade, because to them an 86 is absolutely unacceptable. I see how they completely change themselves around a boy. I see how they spend over ten minutes scrutinizing their chins for any stray zits or freckles, quickly smothering them in makeup.

Of course I’ve gone through insecurities myself. I’ve gone from a graphic-tee-wearing, Twilight-obsessed seventh grader to a quiet freshman in marching band dressed in jeans and Converse to a hardcore feminist donning messy hair and lipstick. And at times I wasn’t always secure with who I was.

Now I’m not afraid of the things I love. I drive a brown 1985 GMC Sierra Classic pickup truck. I wear bright sundresses, but I also wear Harry Potter socks and mermaid necklaces. I pride myself for my love of 70s rock, archery and Avatar: The Last Airbender. I walk around school with a How To Train Your Dragon 2 backpack strapped behind me.

As I’ve reached my senior year, I’ve realized that worrying doesn’t amount to anything. Love your thick thighs. Love your thigh gap. Love your anime. Love your Gossip Girl. Love your tan legs. Love your pale face. Love your grades. Love your performances. Love that you tried. Love yourself.

Because at the end of the day, you shouldn’t be afraid that people might look at you. As long as you’re being who you are, it doesn’t matter.

Let them look.

“I think society is still ignorant and comes up with countless excuses to brush it off. I don’t think most people are wholly concerned with it and I don’t think some people truly understand the severity and horror of it.”

“Not very well. A lot of people are scared to talk about it and and when they do some people think they’re looking for attention even if they’re not.”

Mia Beischer, 10

Miranda Wilson, 9 DESIGN A BBY SC HL IC HTER

OPINION

American hustle William Legrone

@WilliamLegrone

I’m lazy. Or so everyone keeps telling me. I don’t finish my work as soon as I get an assignment. I sleep at least three times a day. I’ve been working on my college applications since the summer break started. And I spend a couple hours of my day wandering around the house doing anything that isn’t related to school work.

So it’s true. I can be lazy from time to time.

But I’m only “lazy” when my actions are scrutinized under the American idea that there is always more work to be done. That there’s no time to rest so long as you’re breathing. The society in which we live has no room for breaks. It doesn’t teach us about success beyond tangible gains. It’s as if in all the rush to meet our goals, society has forgotten how to be more than machines.

It’s as if we’ve forgotten how to live.

“I don’t think they handle it too well because I’ve heard that people don’t confess to it. It’s usually concealed because the guy in a relationship will threaten again and the girl won’t seek counseling. It probably could be better handled.”

Mason Boyd, 11 DESIGN ABB Y SCHLICHTER

29

And that’s not to say that the American way of life is incorrect. It’s just that we as Americans should take a few pointers from our European neighbors. Throughout much of Europe, workers take a midday break. It takes place around lunch-time and typically lasts for two hours. In that time people are free to spend that time as they see fit. Whether they do errands, eat, get together with friends, or just sleep, the midday break gives people the opportunity to relax. An opportunity to live a little. So the truth is I’m not wholly guilty of being lazy so much as I’m an advocate for a more Europeanized lifestyle.

A lifestyle where there is more room to enjoy the little things. A lifestyle where we can appreciate where we’re at in our lives and reflect upon where we would like to be tomorrow.

In all honesty, I’m just as much an advocate for working hard as the next guy. Without a shadow of a doubt, there is merit to working hard and giving everything you’ve got to reach greater heights. And I’m certainly no stranger to the concept. I became a self-taught photographer through hours upon hours of research and practice. I put in the time to learn how to cook a decent tasting meal, a claim that my friends can vouch for. I trained for well over a year to accomplish my goal of competing in a bicycling race, and then rode 54 miles to cross the finish line and achieve that goal. I’ve even put countless hours of overtime work into this very newspaper to provide a quality product.

While a devotion to hard work will help take you places and has the potential to shift some conditions in your favor sometimes, the reality is that no amount of due diligence can make everything in life work the way we desire. Blame it on me being an optimist, though no one has ever described me as such, but it’s just as important to devote time to laughing, playing and relaxing as it is to put time into work and studies.

It’s important to allow yourself some time to be lazy.

“I think society handles it in a very realistic way where we aren’t very tolerant of it. We do not think that it belongs in a everyday society.

It’s brutal, unnecessary, and unneeded.”

Riley Bitzer, 12

“I do think it’s out of control. But sometimes [the media] wants to focus on celebrities and domestic violence and not always focus on real people and domestic violence. I think there’s a double standard.”

Kendra Day, Teacher

N OV . 7, 201 4

30 E D I T O R I A L S

Students should find good sources about Ebola ST A F F E D I T O R I A L

The outbreak of Ebola has been a major cause of concern and even paranoia since it first appeared in Dallas. There is an ample amount of discussion, but only a portion of it is factual. Although it is important to stay updated on Ebola, students should choose reliable information sources and only pass on correct information.

It is crucial that students keep constantly updated on Ebola. Since it is a breaking news story, there are always new developments. It is important, with all the given circumstances, that the only news being spread around is factual. It only takes one person to start a false rumor and cause widespread panic. Much of the problem with inaccurate information seems to stem from Twitter, whether it be through inappropriate jokes or faulty facts.

Having the correct facts about Ebola and being knowledgeable is vital. Students should not rely so heavily on social media locals for current news but should rely on professional news sources. Even if students get Ebola updates from reliable sources, it is still a good idea to double check the information.

Much of the developments on Ebola are occurring so quickly that news can be misreported or change rapidly. Instead of going along with wrong information that is morbid and insensitive, students should help to correct those misconceptions.

Ebola is no joking matter. Many don’t necessarily know how to deal with such a harsh reality. They think it is okay to joke about it, although doing so is immature and rude.

Case fatality rates have varied from 25 percent to 90 percent in past outbreaks. If it isn’t appropriate to make jokes about cancer because people die from it every day, then it isn’t okay to make jokes about Ebola, either. Joking about such frightening issues shows immaturity and a lack of knowledge. The

next time someone is inclined to make a joke or feels like they should mention Ebola to make light of a situation, they should remember all of the people that have suffered from the disease and the excruciating pain their loved ones felt.

Joking in private is one thing, but joking on social media is simply not appropriate.

In addition, students need to avoid panicking. Ebola has seemed like a foreign disease to many Americans until now.

Americans feel as if they are untouchable and that there is no way they could get infected by this disease. Despite efforts made by hospitals and doctors to contain Ebola, it has infected numerous people.

However, the CDC, hospitals and the government are taking every precaution to make sure it doesn’t spread, so there is no need to panic. Concern is a logical emotion to have in this serious of a situation, but paranoia and hysteria will not help solve anything. They will only cause more confusion and conflict. Although Ebola

is a frightening issue, it can be blown out of proportion. The important thing is to remain calm and not create more worry than is actually necessary.

Ebola is obviously a cause for concern, especially since there are people that have had it in Dallas and there are still a lot of unknowns. It can be hard to stay calm about this disease when there is not a known cure for it. However, the government, hospitals and doctors are working to keep everything under control. The unknowns are not an excuse for being irresponsible and immature.

Staying educated can help to decrease panic. Some may be so scared that they resort to making jokes to make light of this situation. However, there should be a line drawn between making light out of a situation and being disrespectful towards victims and their loved ones. Students should be careful of everything they say regarding Ebola, and take every effort to try to be as informed as possible.

Cynthia

and

Chad

“Facing Ebola”

M HSMARQUE E.COM

Hey Cynthia!

Hi Chad!

What’s up?

By: Victoria Price

I’m really scared that I’m gonna get Ebola if I go outside.

My uncle’s neighbor’s dog’s vet was on the plane with the nurse who had Ebola.

YOU HAVE EBOLA!!!!! GET AWAY FROM ME!!

Whatever, Chad.

DESIGN/GRAPHICS V I CT O R IA PR IC E

EDITORIALS

31

Society should treat all types of domestic violence the same ST A F F E D I T O R I A L

Although numerous NFL players have been suspended or But it’s all still abuse. Someone could be verbally put down and released from their teams due to domestic violence in recent made fun of by a partner which makes them feel worthless just months, it remains a topic that is not fully addressed in society. the same as someone who is being physically hit. Any type of There are many assumptions and misconceptions about domestic domestic abuse requires immediate attention.

Additionally, some abuse may be condoned or pardoned if violence that are not recognized or are simply overlooked. Most people view domestic violence in a close-minded way. However, it is only a onetime occurrence. However, no abuse, recurring or they should realize that domestic abuse can occur in many forms not, should be tolerated. The fact that it happened once means that it could happen again. Whether it was a slap or a punch, and is not acceptable in any of them.

One major problem with domestic violence is that many violence is violence and isn’t acceptable. Some may also say that people assume that a domestic violence situation deals with it can be justifiable in certain scenarios. Yet, no time calls for violence or abuse. Despite whatever someone did or said, the a male abusing a female. other person should always have However, it can be much more the decency and restraint to avoid complex or different than that. fighting back physically or verbally.

There are many situations that If you or someone you know There is no place for a lapse in deal with females abusing judgement when it comes to any males or a person abusing is struggling with domestic sort of abuse. someone of the same gender.

Despite the type or severity of One example of this would violence.... abuse, many victims still don’t get be that domestic violence help. Fear can be a key factor in this. towards males tends to go Hotlines: There’s the fear that the abuser will unnoticed. When someone find out and the wrath will be worse. sees a girl with bruises around National Domestic Violence Hotline There’s the fear that the authorities her face, people panic and 1-800-799-7233 will do nothing and help won’t act quickly. But if someone Adult and Child Abuse Hotline come. There’s the fear that people sees a guy with bruises on his will think it’s for attention and will face, the assumption is made 1-800-252-5400 disregard it all as an act. But help that it’s probably just from Family Violence Legal Line will come and it’s not hard to find. some “manly activity,” like a 1-800-374-HOPE Anonymous help centers are set up sports-related injury. What for people dealing with abuse so a people don’t realize is that few simple taps on the phone can males can deal with domestic Counseling for victims: help save someone from extra days violence, too. The main reason in an unsafe environment. Even people look past male abuse Brighter Tomorrows calling for someone you know that is because it’s presumed that 972-262-8383 is being abused may help save a life. if men are being abused, they City of Dallas Crisis Intervention Regardless of the abuse, physical or can defend themselves. But if 214-670-7766 verbal, it should be addressed by they fight back, they are called society and stopped. the abusers and if they don’t Not only is it important to fight back, it’s just their faults. know about domestic violence, The men being abused in the relationship usually won’t report to authorities because it’s but it is also vital to know its many different forms. Abuse of not believed that a girl could be doing such a thing to her male males and verbal violence are both topics that are not discussed partner. Many also do not consider that males can be abused by as much as female abuse and physical violence. Any topic dealing other males, too. Abusers should ultimately be held accountable with domestic violence is serious and needs to be dealt with the same, swiftly and justly. Overreacting about abuse is better than regardless of the gender or situation.

When the word violence comes to mind, it is usually associated not reacting at all. Each situation needs to be dealt with the with someone being physically hurt. But being verbally abused is same haste and diligence, and this will only happen when people also a part of domestic violence. Verbal abuse can range from become more concerned with the issue. Changing the way people making fun of a partner in a derogatory way to yelling at them think about domestic violence is the first big step to stopping it every day or forcing them to not hang out with their friends. all together.

DESIGN VICTORIA PRICE

N OV . 7, 201 4

32 S P O T L I G H T With the 2014 football season over, the Marauders end with a 5-5 record. Some of the highlights of the first year of 6A competition were the victories in the Battle of the Ax and the Mound Showdown.

Best of

PHOTOS AV ERI C O LL E N

Senior defensive back Ashton Easley and linebacker Trevor Costello celebrate against Mansfield on Aug. 29. The team lost 29-16.

Senior Cade Madere is the first to break through the sign at the Battle of the Ax game on Sept. 12. The team won 28-6.

Junior Stephanie Johnson plays her mellophone during the Battle of the Ax halftime show. The band’s theme this year was Imperial Treasures.

MHSMARQUEE. C OM

The Marquettes line the field as they wait for players to run out of the helmet at the Mound Showdown game. The team won the game 24-14.

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