The Marquee Volume 32 Issue 4

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AP Government teacher holds voter registration drive

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Senior plans on moving to the Big Apple

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like a real Irishman

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

The Marquee Staff EDITOR IN CHIEF Kelly Rowe MANAGING EDITOR Nick Fopiano COPY EDITOR Jackson Bednarczyk DESIGN EDITOR Jolie Mullings Photo Submitted Juniors Sai Ramesh and Nathan Epstein and seniors AJ Petitt and Daniel Kim celebrate moving on to the state Academic Decathlon.

The state competition was held in San Antonio from Feb. 22-25.

GRAPHICS EDITOR Shay Wegele PHOTO EDITOR Sarah Newton NEWS EDITOR

CONTENTS

Chloe White FEATURE EDITOR Skyler Middleton

NEWS

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE DECA and AcDec go to state to compete in competitions

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FEATURE FFA’S NEWEST MEMBER FFA student’s cow gives birth

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OPINION EDITOR Kendall Cooper ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Marc Kidwell SPORTS EDITOR Alex Anderson REPORTERS Aidann Zuniga, Morgan Maxwell, Shayla Sistrunk DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Aeralyn Stinson & Chase Martin

SPORTS DIVISION I BOUND PITCHER Junior baseball player receives athletic scholarship from Texas A&M

ENTERTAINMENT FRESH SPRING BREAK IDEAS Check out plans from staycations to international trips Cover Shay Wegele

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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. Patron ads are available for $100. Online advertisements are also 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.

LISD voter initiative receives Texas government’s attention Story Chloe White & Ava Bush Photo Submitted LISD’s interest in encouraging teachers to vote in the upcoming primary election has brought negative attention from the state. Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a cease and desist demand letter on Feb. 15 to Lewisville ISD and two other school districts for violating Texas law by advocating for a political candidate.

The letter referenced a video posted on the LISD web page encouraging teachers to use their voice and vote for proeducation candidates and states that school districts “may not use state or local funds or other resources to electioneer for or against any candidate, measure or political party.”

Superintendent Kevin Rogers has been visiting all LISD campuses to encourage teachers to vote as part of the initiative for a culture of voting but doesn’t see that action as unlawful.

“In my opinion, I don’t see anywhere in that video that I tell people who to vote for, and I’m not for sure where the Attorney General is saying that I am electioneering,” Rogers said.

The school districts’ have received support from State Senator José Menendez, who issued a letter saying if Paxton did

not retract the “unlawful” cease and desist order, he would take him to court. Another lawmaker, State Senator José Rodriguez, has also come out in defense of these

The state needs to pull their weight; they have not increased funding at the same level that our population has increased.

-Lauran Popp, English

schools’ right to promote voting.

U.S. History teacher Kaitlyn Wilson agrees with Dr. Rogers that voting is crucial right now.

“I think, really this movement is just

#TXTEACHERVOICE

In a video posted on LISD’s website, Superintendent Kevin Rogers encourages parents and educators to vote for pro-education candidates in the upcoming primary elections.

Design Nick Fopiano

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a mobilization by teachers to vote, which, really, everyone should be getting out and voting, not just teachers, but specifically making sure our voices are heard and that we are represented,” Wilson said.

Paxton’s letter also referenced an LISD tweet that read, “We are asking for support from our state Legislature.

We’re not getting it. It’s time for change. #TXTeacherVoice.” The original tweet has since been taken down, and in a statement the district said, “We dispute any characterization of the district’s get out the vote campaign as anything other than an effort to engage the LISD staff and community in their constitutional right to vote and advocate for themselves.”

They also stated that LISD “respectfully disagrees” with Paxton.

Rogers reiterated this and stressed the importance of public education.

“Pro-public education is important to me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have dedicated my life to it,” Rogers said. “So I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying ‘hey, we have to find candidates that support public education.’ And there are people in both parties that support public education, it’s not a partisan thing.”

Public teachers and administrators across the state have expressed concerns about problems they see with public funding of education. Over the past decade, Texas has cut general funding by 16 percent per student. Texas is ranked second in cuts in the nation, behind only Oklahoma.

Last year, the increases in retired teachers insurance have also alarmed both current and retired educators. Those with families have seen their rates increase dramatically, for some half or more of their pension. These changes are driving some retirees back into the workforce.

“It’s troubling that the Texas legislature continues to defund education or decrease the funding,” English teacher Lauran Popp said. “The state needs to pull their weight; they have not increased funding at the same level that our population has increased.”

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AP Government teacher registers 178 new voters this late in the year.”

Registered students can vote as early as the end of February in state and local To prepare students for the 2018 primary elections. In a primary, voters election cycle, AP Government teacher choose the candidates that will eventually Carey Petkoff organized a voter be nominated as the final Democrat and registration drive on Jan. 30. Petkoff, Republican in the general election. with the help of the counselors, registered Because Texas primary polling 18-year-old students and any students numbers are so low, Petkoff says it could at least two months from their 18th only take a handful of votes to tip the birthday. In total, Petkoff registered 178 scales from one candidate to another.

“Primary voting, I argue, is one of the new voters, a turnout that surprised her.

“It went better than I expected because more important elections because you’re I was worried y’all wouldn’t show up,” narrowing down the choices to the two Petkoff said. “I was pleased. I thought it people that are going to face off in the was a pretty decent number, especially for actual election,” Petkoff said. “You can have a lot of power. If you don’t think your vote counts, your vote counts more than anything in a primary election.”

She says people often complain they don’t like the final candidates in an election, but that’s mostly due to the fact few people vote in the primaries. Senior Josh Corzatt is not yet sure if he’ll vote in the primary but says it’s important for citizens to be involved in the democratic process.

Otherwise, elected officials are not held accountable and have the power to do whatever they want.

“School as we know it now, life as we know it now, has been defined by the choices people have AP Government teacher Carey Petkoff collects the finished registration forms. She hand delivered them to made in politics and in government,” Corzatt said. the Denton voting office for students.

“So it’s very, very important Story & Photos Jackson Bednarczyk

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to be informed and to know what’s going on, so that if you’re passionate about something, you can try and get it through.”

He says there are multiple ways to stay involved in government. Students can participate in debate clubs, political clubs or even volunteer for a local campaign.

“So in terms of getting informed... you definitely can,” Corzatt said. “And in terms of making a difference, anybody can make a difference if they put their full effort into it.”

A proponent of public education, state representative Ron Simmons agrees that students should be actively involved in their government through voting, civics classes and contact with elected officials.

In both school and at home, he believes kids should be taught that it’s the people’s duty to participate in elections.

“If you’re going to be governed by people that are elected, then we have a responsibility as a citizen to participate in that,” Simmons said. “Otherwise, you don’t really have any room to complain about things that [you] don’t like...and that doesn’t work in a democracy.”

Both the Democratic and Republican parties in Denton are mainly operated by people age 50 or greater. Simmons says young people must begin to participate in government as millenials are now the biggest voting demographic.

Though a couple years away from voting age, sophomore Caleb Matthews believes it’s important to stay informed on what the government is doing. He says people should take in multiple political opinions, make a decision and “vote [their] conscience.”

“If we can’t assert what we believe in, if we can’t stand up for what we think is Design Aeralyn Stinson

If you’re voting, you should know...

Officials up for re-election: • US Senator Ted Cruz Counselor Lindsay Biggs and the counseling staff helped Petkoff with the registration drive. She and others adminstered registration cards to eligible students.

• US Representative Michael Burgess

right and what we feel, then we’re all just the same,” Matthews said. “If we don’t think for ourselves, then we might as well not think at all.”

Matthews says it’s hard for young

• Governor Greg Abbott

If we can’t assert what we believe in, if we can’t stand up for what we think is right and what we feel, then we’re all just the same. If we don’t think for ourselves, then we might as well not think at all.

-CALEB MatTHEWS, 10

people to realize this because they see government as “far off ”—they don’t care to vote because the results don’t directly affect them. Still, he believes students should participate in democracy, and to do so in an educated manner, because the wrong decisions can have serious negative repercussions.

“In a few years, we will be getting Design Aeralyn Stinson

married, and we will be having jobs and kids and stuff,” Matthews said. “And we need to stay in touch with what’s changing around us, what does affect us.”

To students who have a negative perception of government, Simmons encourages learning and reading from multiple information sources to develop informed opinions.

“You need to look at all information you get, politically, with a critical eye. It doesn’t have to be a skeptical eye. Not every single person that’s talking to you about politics is lying to you,” Simmons said. “Most elected officials get into this for exactly the right reasons, and they do their very, very best.”

Petkoff believes it’s “foolish” for young people not to be involved in government as it controls every aspect of life. Right now, lobbyists and interest groups are constantly persuading representatives to do what they want, she says. To counteract this, all people should keep in touch with the government. Not doing so would prohibit citizens from having a voice in what policies are made.

“Just for the love, vote. It is the bare minimum as a citizen of this country that you can do,” Petkoff said. “Just go vote.”

Feb. 27, 2018

• Registered voters can vote at: - Highland Village Municipal Complex - Flower Mound Municipal Complex - Lewisville Municipal Annex - Double Oak Town Hall • The official primary election day is Mar. 6, but early voting is open until Mar. 2 • Search http://votedenton.com to view ballots and to see when polling locations are open

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Newborn calves fill the Ag Barn Story Chloe White Photo Jackson Bednarczyk FLOWER MOUND, 11:05 a.m.— senior Raylee Crawford receives a text from her dad during English class — “I think it’s time.”

Ten minutes into her Advanced Animal Science class, Crawford was on her way to the Agriculture Barn, 20 miles away from campus. When Crawford

normally not attempted until the first hour. Each time he stood up on wobbly legs he fell down, but he soon got the hang of walking.

It wasn’t until the next day that Crawford decided on a name for the new baby calf. Her friends texted her ideas— Gavin, Kevin, Dave, George—until she finally narrowed down the list and decided on the name Gavin Lane.

Gavin Lane is one of two calves

It brings a different atmosphere to the barn also because there’s cute little calves running around.

-ellen baker, Agriculture arrived, Jamily, the heifer she’s had for two years, anxiously walked around the barn. Crawford removed the harness off the silky white charolais cow, hoping she would lay down—and she did.

Crawford stood back and watched to see if anything bad would happen, but the birth ran through with no complications. ”At first I was like ‘oh my gosh that actually happened,’ then I was like ‘wait, is it okay?’” Crawford said.

Cameras in the Ag Barn allowed her friends in Future Farmers of America, FFA, to watch the birth along with her.

As soon as Agriculture teacher Melissa Barnett found out, she rushed into Agriculture teacher Ellen Baker’s room exclaiming, “the cow’s having a baby!”

It’s normal for FFA to have a couple of newborn calves every year, but they’re usually born before or after school.

“It brings a different atmosphere to the barn also because there’s cute little calves running around,” Baker said.

Within the first 15 minutes, the calf was already trying to stand up, something

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recently born, with another on the way, from FFA students’ heifer projects.

“He is just like his mom—stubborn.

He’s going to try and headbutt. He likes to buck around like a little bucking bull. He’s going to have somewhat of a personality like her,” Crawford said. “He’s just got this active personality. He wants to be an active animal.”

Crawford joined FFA as a sophomore, following in the footsteps of her mom.

For her, FFA is almost like a job—she spends anywhere from seven to 21 hours a week taking care of her cow, most days staying at the barn until 6 p.m. She plans on becoming an Agriculture teacher. “[Cows are] a lot of fun. They have a lot of personalities, so you might get one that’s kinda boring. But then you’ll get another one that’s crazy, and it’s like ‘what the heck, where’d that personality come from?’” Crawford said.

Gavin Lane rests in the Ag Barn. He currently weighs 97 pounds, about 10 more pounds than he weighed at birth.

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The newborn calf sees a camera for the first time. Crawford says that he’s active and has a big personality. He started trying to walk before most calves do.

Jamily became pregnant while spending time at Crawford’s grandpa’s ranch in Wills Point.

“It was pretty exciting when we figured it out,” Crawford said.

Crawford says in the months leading up to the birth, Jamily was moodier than usual and ate a lot more. When Jamily stopped eating as much, Crawford’s dad thought that must be a sign. And it was—Jamily gave birth just three days later, earlier than her due date.

In May, Gavin Lane will move from the Ag Barn to Crawford’s grandfather’s farm.

From there, Crawford will be able to watch Gavin Lane grow up.

“It’s really neat to see their 2-year project come full circle,” Barnett said. “To see them work with that calf is a really rewarding experience.”

Jamily and Gavin Lane are charolais cows, a French breed that came to the United States in the 1930s. Charolais cows can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

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AcDec prepares for state competition Story Aidann Zuniga & Chloe White Photos Submitted Academic Decathlon placed second in the regional competition, and is now moving on to compete against 40 other schools at state. They placed second in the district competition and first in an Irving invitational meet.

AcDec has been studying all school year for this competition. In class students study and make plans to study outside of school, on weekends and school holidays. Before the competition, they held an 8-hour study day to prepare for state.

“When it gets this late in the season, it’s just study, study, test, study, study, test,” Calculus and Academic Decathlon teacher Kelly Sudderth said.

AcDec is an organization made to develop and test high school students knowledge in 7 different categories. With 10 areas to compete in, each student has to complete every competition to contribute to their team score.

All decathletes must take knowledge tests, write an essay, interview, prepare a speech and compete in the Super Quiz, a competition where students work with their teammates to solve multiple choice questions in front of a live audience.

Any student can join, but only nine can be on a team. To become a decathlete, a good work ethic and determination can take students far in the AcDec world. Junior Chloe Agis knows this all to well.

“They want to see you constantly improving and working harder,” Agis said. “And ensuring you actually do study at home and you work towards your goal.”

Every year brings a new theme to cover over all subjects, excluding Math, with Africa being the most recent topic. To prepare for the decathlon, each team is given a binder of material that has everything they need to study.

The studying part, however, is left up to

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Super Quiz

Question: SCIENCE

What type of antimicrobial would be used to prevent/treat smallpox? a. antibiotics b. antivirals c. antifungals d. antiparasitics e. antigens

the team.

“We’re nothing without the students,” AP English and Academic Decathlon teacher Karen Loll said. “We can want and give as much as possible, but unless the students want to do it we never get anywhere.”

“We all come together and cooperate and help each other out,” Agis said. “I think those two are the biggest parts of what make the team.”

At the regional compeition, Agis

Graphic Jolie Mullings

won silver in the essay competiton and bronze in the science competition.

AcDec student Sai Ramesh won six gold medals for various competitions including interview, math, and music.

He also ranked first in the scholastic region. The team also won the Super Quiz competition and a team silver medal for second place in the regional competition.

Loll and Sudderth are recruiting for Academic Decathlon for next fall.

Academic Decathlon members Nathan Epstein, Emilia Ferreryra, AJ Petitt, Keldan Seeger, Sai Remesh, Chloe Agis, Daniel Kim and Sonali Patel pose for a photo after their big win.

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DECA wins big at district Story Alex Anderson Photos Submitted Thirty three students won awards during the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) district meet on Jan. 16 in Irving and will be moving on to the state competition. Students competed in multiple competitions including advertising campaign and fashion merchandising promotion planning.

The 33 winners competed in the DECA State Career Development Conference on Feb. 20 in downtown Dallas. Winners will advance to the international competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Anyone can benefit from leadership skills,” Marketing and DECA teacher Kendra Day said. “There’s tons of different skills [that the students develop through competition].”

At every competition, students must

DECA,” Junior Anusha Hegde said. “It’s also opened up a lot of opportunities, and it’s made me realize what I like about marketing.”

Conventions include multiple different types of competitions to accommodate the various different types of marketing.

Competitions can include a written essay, a research paper, a spoken presentation or role-play with a professional judge.

Students must show their thorough knowledge on their subject and convey that to the judges.

The face to face communication between the student and the judge is unique to the DECA competitions.

DECA awards over $300,000 in scholarships to high school and college students. Internships are also sometimes awarded from DECA’s corporate associates to students who showcase their expansive knowledge.

They have advanced to the state

Seniors Manov Jain and Marianna Miller won for their franchise presentation.

Seniors Dalton Cooley and Owen Hill show off their award for their Sports, Entertainment, and Marketing presentation.

Out of DECA’s over 100 members, 54 students participated in the district meet.

present in front of a judge. Judges consist of professional business men and women who volunteer to participate in the competitions. This personal interaction helps the DECA students developed their presentation skills, which will help them become better communicators in their daily life.

“I’ve made a lot of friends through Design Sarah Newton

competition every year for the past 20 years. All but one of those years, they have also moved onto the international competition.

“I hope that we continue on the path that we’ve been on,” Day said. “ I hope that we continue to grow...so that it’s touching more people that have a group that they can be a part of and connect with.”

Feb. 27, 2018

Sophomores Joshua Meyer and Ronit Yawalkar converse after their winning Accounting Presentation.

(Small town girl ) with

big dreams S e ni o r p l an s n e w l ife in New Y o rk City Story Marc Kidwell Photos Submitted

Senior Nashla Beltran Benitez longs to see the bright LED lights that shine with advertisements in Time Square, to hear the yellow taxi cab horn on 43rd

street that blares at the busy construction workers, to walk on Broadway and to take in the city. Moving to New York City will make her dream to live in the Big Apple become a reality.

“New York is so special to me,” Beltran Benitez said. “I feel like I have so much to offer.”

••• Beltran Benitez is focused on her dream of moving cross country.

To study for her classes, she goes to the library during lunch. While students make their way through the double doors and into cafeteria, Beltran Benitez cuts away from the crowd. Pulling on the wooden library door, her warm hand meets the cold steel handle. The library is silent, and she takes a seat at the

Beltran Benitez waits in the Marquette stand for her teams queue to go on the field and perform.

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first row of tables and chairs. Beltran Benitez takes out her Macbook laptop covered in stickers and scatters her third period homework all over the white table top.

The bell rings and Beltran Benitez walks down the hallway to her fourth period. Drill team Director Alice Dack greets her with a warm smile as she walks in to the gym behind her fellow Marquettes. Dack says Beltran Benitez is a hardworking and caring student. She’s impressed with her constant dedication to go above and beyond. Working three jobs while also being a Marquette puts into perspective for Dack how mature Beltran Benitez is for her age.

“She is already living in this adult world where she is taking care of herself,” Dack said. “She has already moved beyond all of us in maturity and in life experience.”

••• School is over and Beltran Benitez heads home to prepare to work her shift at Zumiez—one of her three jobs. Beltran Benitez also works at Bay 34th Street Pizzeria and a bakery in Addison. She hopes to make enough money to live in New York City and pursue her dreams of becoming a broadcast journalist.

“What I want to do and what I want to achieve in my life, it’s not going to happen in Texas,” Beltran On a sunny day Beltran Benitez spend her time Benitez said. “I know I’ll lakeside before she goes to one of her three jobs.

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feel so much more comfortable being in New York.”

Later at work, Beltran Benitez finds herself in a constant climbing motion as she climbs up a steel ladder in the Zumiez skate shop. She cradles a brown Vans shoe box containing a brand new pair of baby blue Vans. Carefully, she places the box on the top shelf and takes a glance around the shop as she starts to day dream. Closing her eyes, Beltran Benitez imagines the smell of the New York air. She can hear the rustle of busy New York shoppers passing by her on the street, and when she returns back to her present surroundings, a wide smile stretches across her face.

••• Beltran Benitez is just a senior, but she is determined to live in the big city. She has flown to New York every year to visit her aunt Darcie Burgos and other relatives since she was four years old. Her aunt has been her only support system 1300 miles away.

Beltran Benitez plans to live with her aunt and take a gap year after high school, so she can work full time and support herself in New York.

Last year while visiting family, she filled out an application for a position at Zumiez on 15 West and 34 Street. A few days later, she went to her interview.

Walking confidently into the skate shop, Beltran Benitez’ pulse thumps in her ears, and nervousness washes over her. The district manager greets her at the front of the store. She sits down at

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Graphics Aeralyn Stinson

the conference room table and answers interview questions—each more intricate than the last. Beltran Benitez feels like the world has been lifted off her shoulders when she’s told that the new assistant manager position is hers.

With bags packed and job offers waiting, she’s ready to forge a new path to success. Beltran Benitez looks forward to the journey ahead.

“New York right now is the beginning of my life,” Beltran Benitez said “It’s [going to be] the starting of my career.”

New York right now is the beginning of my life, it’s [going to be] the starting of my career.

-Nashla Beltran Benitez, 12

Feb. 27, 2018

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new places around town Eateries open around Flower Mound Story Marc Kidwell Photos Chase Martin

MAZZOLA’S ITALIAN PIZZERIA

1913 Justin Rd, Flower Mound, Texas 75028

Mazzola’s Italian Pizzeria plans to open late February. Mazzola’s originated just outside of Boston as Mazzola Brother’s Bakery in the early 1900’s. They will open everyday with freshly grinded and roasted coffee and baked goods from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Their menu spans from salads to pastas to signature pizzas like their “Carne” with green bell peppers, pepperoni, sausage and bacon. Wood finishings and a glass paned window viewing into the kitchen give off a modern atmosphere. Mazzola’s is within walking distance from Marcus, allowing students an option for a quick bite after school.

TACO CIELO

3090 FM 407 Suite 330A, Highland Village, TX 75077

Taco Cielo, originally known as Taco Hut, opened its first location in Lewisville during the spring of 2006. Taco Cielo has two total locations, one in Grand Prairie and another opening in late March or early April in Highland Village. They serve breakfast tacos, burritos and a breakfast platter from 6-11 a.m. For lunch and dinner, they offer combo options such as three any style taco with a 32 oz. drink for $6.50. Compared to other local taco shops, Taco Cielo gives an extra taco for less money. Production has been going on for over a month and will open soon.

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THE FLOUR SHOP BAKERY

6100 Long Prairie Road, Suite 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028

The Flour Shop Bakery has been located at the Shops in Highland Village since 2011 but recently they have moved to Long Prairie Road in mid December. The bakery is open Tuesday through Sunday with freshly made cake balls, cupcakes and pies. Cinnamon Rolls and croissants are going to be on the new breakfast menu coming soon. Custom orders can be made for birthdays or any celebration by going to the store and making an order, or emailing the bakery on their website, http://theflour.shop/.

ROCK’N ICE HOUSE 3195 FM 407, Flower Mound, TX 75028 The Rock’n Ice House, the first rolled ice cream shop in Flower Mound opened their doors on Dec. 19, 2017. Rolled ice cream surfaced onto social media in 2016. The ice cream videos started on Insider, an online media company. The media company filmed the videos in Thailand where it originated. This ice cream style consists of pouring milk onto a frozen pan, mixing well until spread flat and then rolling with a spatula. At Rock’n Ice House an order of ice cream comes with five rolls for $5.99 with an assortment of free toppings ranging from strawberry slices to marshmallows.

Ice House also makes “snowflakes,” their version of a slushie, for $2.99. Mango and mocha are just two out of 12 unique flavors. Stop by between noon and 10 p.m. for a taste of the Ice House.

Design Nick Fopiano & Jolie Mullings

Feb. 27, 2018

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60 Seconds What’s your spirit animal?

A dolphin because water always brings me a kind of peace and calming sense of nature.

If you could be best friends with a T.V. show character who would it be?

Joey Tribbiani from the TV show Friends because he always brings something new.

If you could mix two foods together which foods would you mix?

French toast and waffles because who has time to eat waffles and french toast? They’re too good to keep separated.

What is your favorite disney movie?

austin norrell

Pocahontas because of the artwork and music in the movie.

senior

Who’s your favorite music artist?

Compiled Marc Kidwell

Gorillaz because Damon Albarn has always had a unique style of aspect to music. He always brings a new artist for every song and there’s never the same song on every album.

“ADS DON’T WORK.” THEY JUST DID.

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Over

3,500 people

$5.50 Special

will see this ad.

1940 FM 407 # 112 Highland Village, TX 75028

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If you are interested in advertising or becoming a patron, contact themarcusmarquee@gmail.com.

#metoo After an encouraging tweet from American actress and activist Alyssa Milano, the #MeToo movement grew and has been tweeted approximately 7.1 million times. One after another, every day more people share their experiences with sexual harassment.

Cover Shay Wegele

#TimesUp

Jan. 21, 2017

Women’s March

The day after President Trump’s inauguration, people across the country marched to protest the unfair treatment of women in society. Worldwide, over five million people marched to combat the power imbalance between men and women.

Jan. 1, 2018 Time’s Up movement

Upon dawn of the new year, 300 Hollywood celebrities created the Time’s Up movement in response to the many Weinstein allegations and the #MeToo movement. The published letter of solidarity states, “We are grateful to the many individuals — survivors and allies — who are speaking out and forcing the conversation about sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender bias out of the shadows and into the spotlight.”

Nov. 29, 2017

Matt Lauer fired from the “Today” show

NBC fired “Today” show cohost Matt Lauer after receiving an anonymous complaint from a female employee about sexual harassment from Lauer. It is reported that Lauer had a button under his desk that would lock his office door and allow him to initiate inappropriate contact without fear of anyone walking in on the act. In Lauer’s apology, he expressed “sorrow and regret for the pain [he has] caused.”

Jan. 7, 2018

Golden Globes black dress protest

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Following the Time’s Up movement, Hollywood actors and actresses chose to wear black to the Golden Globes in honor of the millions of sexual assault survivors that have been silenced. During her acceptance speech for the Cecil B. de Mille lifetime achievement award, Oprah Winfrey said, “For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up.”

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Oct. 16, 2017

Oct. 5, 2017

Launch of the #MeToo movement

First accusations of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual harassment

Founder Tarana Burke coined the phrase “Me Too” in 2006 to empower women who are survivors of sexual assault. In Oct. 2017, actress Alyssa Milano prompted the hashtag after tweeting, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”

Her tweet has since received over 68 thousand replies, including responses from actors, such as Viola Davis and Terry Crews.

Last October, New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey exposed three decades of sexual harassment from big-time Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein.

This sparked dozens of women to come forward with their own personal accounts of harassment from Weinstein.

Today, over 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.

Oct. 29, 2017

ages 12-18 have reported being asked to send explicit photos.

over 2/3 of girls

Kevin Spacey allegations and firing from “House of Cards”

source: https://news.northwestern.edu

In the aftermath of #MeToo, actor Anthony Rapp came forward and accused fellow actor Kevin Spacey of sexual harassment in 1986, when Rapp was 14 years old. Following the allegations, Netflix fired Spacey from their show “House of Cards” and announced that the upcoming season will be the last. Fifteen people have since come forward with allegations against Spacey.

Feb. 12, 2018

Feb. 5, 2018

Larry Nassar sentencing

During the #MeToo movement, multiple U.S. competitive gymnasts, shared their story of sexual harassment and assault by team doctor Larry Nassar.

Today, over 250 women have accused Nassar of a range of sexual allegations. On Feb. 5, Lassar was sentenced to 40 to 125 years in state prison on top of the 175 he had already been sentenced to for previous charges.

Design Shay Wegele

Rob Porter’s domestic abuse allegations Former White House staff secretary, Rob Porter, was accused by his two ex wives of domestic abuse.

Following the allegations, Porter resigned from his position. He is the first of Trump’s administration to leave their position due to abuse allegations made against them. After his resignation, white house official David Sorensen also resigned due to domestic abuse allegations.

Feb. 27, 2018

In-depth

17

The abuse of power Two seniors reflect on multiple encounters with sexual harassment Story Kendall Cooper & Kelly Rowe

The summer between conversation was oddly sexual, one-sided and her freshman and sophomore uncomfortable. year, 14-year-old Ashley* Her phone lit up with another notification. excitedly checked her phone Ashley’s fingers trembled as she opened the when she found out the message, and her eyes grew wide. The unsolicited, class schedules had been inappropriate picture burned into her memory, released. She compared and Ashley immediately tapped the image to with her friends to see make it disappear. Shock lingered in her frozen if they had any classes posture. She wasn’t sure how to react. together, including James*, “It felt dirty,” Ashley said. “I never asked for an old friend of hers from him to send it. That was never middle school.

Back then, Ashley and James unexpectedly bonded over their shared taste in music and love of the same TV shows. From Ashley’s perspective, James was funny, well liked and an all around

A study published by good person. She saw him as Northwestern University in attractive, but never developed December found that teen girls feelings for him like so many of feel an “intense pressure” to send exher peers had. Their relationship had plicit photos to men. Of the over 60 always been platonic and innocent. percent of girls asked, an estimated After finding out they didn’t share any classes, James and Ashley 15-25 percent send the photos. decided to catch up. Then, he shifted “They struggle to say no,” study authe conversation. James asked if she thor Sara Thomas said. was dating anyone, and seemingly Research shows that teen girls feel harmless flirting ensued. “overwhelmed, confused, tired and “You’re like a five out of 10,” bombarded” as a result. EmbarrassJames messaged. “I wouldn’t date ment and the fear of an adult’s

you, but I’d definitely hook up with

response, in addition to you.”

The backhanded compliment caught her potential legal consequence, completely off guard, and she didn’t quite makes these girls know how to comprehend it. A part of hesitant to seek help her wanted to only focus on being called from an adult. pretty in such a twisted way. Another part of her was deeply hurt by being called half attractive. In retrospect, Ashley realizes how objectifying his comment really was.

She didn’t know it then, but that message would stay with her for years.

By that point, Ashley was intimidated and scared. The

Overwhelmed, confused, tired and bombarded

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Design Shay Wegele

something I’d wanted to see.”

James asked her to send something back, using “graphic” language. She never sent him anything in return.

Instead, Ashley tried to brush him off, but James responded by telling her she was a tease and that he’d message her if he ever wanted to hook up in person.

She didn’t directly tell him to leave her alone because she didn’t know how he would react to “no.” She feared that James would use his social standing to lie and say Ashley had sent him something in return, and no one would believe her.

“I had a lot of friends tell me that my fear was irrational,” Ashley said. “But I wasn’t on the same level as him. People would’ve believed him over me without a doubt in my mind.”

If she told someone of authority, she thought they’d either dismiss it because she didn’t technically say no or she’d get in some kind of legal trouble.

She picked her phone up and called her friend, Emily*. She asked Emily how she dealt with boys asking for pictures regularly, and she began to wonder if boys expect girls to be only for their pleasure.

“It was an abuse of power,” Ashley said.

Emily comforted Ashley the best she could by telling her that she wasn’t a five out of ten. Emily also pointed out that it was for the best that Ashley didn’t send anything because he could’ve saved it or shown it to someone else. Eventually, Emily’s words calmed Ashley enough that her tears dried and she was able to fall asleep.

Afterwards, Ashley didn’t quite know how to interact with boys, and feelings of fear and insecurity followed her. As the school year approached, Ashley had no idea how she would react if she saw James in the hallways.

Although she made it through her sophomore year only passing James once or twice, the interaction still lingered in her mind. She had come to terms with what happened and improved her self esteem, but the underlying effects of his words caused her to suppress pieces of herself.

She purposefully didn’t have a relationship for a very long time. She never wanted to put herself in a position where she felt as though she had to expose herself to someone to like her.

“I supressed my own sexuality because I was so scared,” Ashley said.

••• As the votes were counted for the 2016 presidential election, Noah*, a college boy that followed Ashley on Twitter, now in her junior year, direct messaged her. He began seemingly harmless small talk about politics through memes and friendly language, and Ashley found him to be a funny guy. But she was still apprehensive because they were complete strangers.

After a few days of casual conversation, he tried to get more personal information out of her. She was very reluctant to give him anything.

Her interaction with James years prior helped Ashley

‘‘

identify many of the red flags. When he started to ask if Ashley wanted to come over to his place or meet up, she started to feel “violently uncomfortable.” She was fearful everyday when her phone would light up, because she didn’t want it to be a message from him.

The conversations became abruptly sexual as he repeatedly asked Ashley to send him naked pictures of herself. He used the fact that he had been nice to her to try to manipulate her into sending pictures.

Ashley began constantly dodging his requests, Noah amping up his anger with every “no” Ashley sent him. When he got angry, she felt guilty, and then scared.

Because he was older, Ashley felt he could do much worse than James could have. A major fear of Ashley’s was that if he found her, he would physically harm her.

“I didn’t know his intentions and I didn’t know what he was capable of,” Ashley said. “I was very scared of him.”

She began to message him less and less in an attempt to end their interactions. He asked her why she was leaving and told her he “loved her” in a desperate attempt to get her to keep talking to him. The situation was taking a detrimental toll on her mental health and causing her to miss school because of the anxiety. She knew she had to remove him from her life.

She briefly expressed to him how she was living in fear and in a state of distorted reality. Then, without a proper goodbye, she blocked his number and social media accounts and never spoke to him again.

••• Another senior, Bethany*, was pressured similarly to Ashley. She felt many of the same things Ashley did after her experience including guilt. Bethany dealt with what she went through by avoiding boys as much as she could. She was “repulsed” by them.

At the time, Bethany felt like her experience didn’t warrant an authority figure’s attention.

“They’re not going to do anything about it, so why would we do anything?” Bethany said.

••• After experiencing sexual harassment multiple times, Ashley she says has become much stronger and can better handle those type of situations. She says she isn’t afraid of men anymore, but it took her a very long time to learn how to trust again. She had to rebuild her sense of confidence and self.

The situations she endured caused her to be highly passionate about women’s rights. She wants those who are going through the same thing to know that they are worth more than just their bodies.

“I shouldn’t have been put in that position of ‘you will be known as a sexual object and it’s your responsibility to grow past that’,” Ashley said. “No one should ever have to feel that way.”

I never asked for him to send it.

-Ashley, 12

Design Shay Wegele

* Names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.

Feb. 27, 2018

In-depth

19

“

? u o y e r a n a x e t How story Alex Anderson

What would you call a can of Dr. pepper?

Texans share a strong sense of state pride. We carry our spirit across state and even country lines. From having our own state pledge to our special slang, there are many things that make Texans unique. Take the quiz to see how Texan you are!

a. Soda b. Coke c. Pop

What do you color with?

A. Colored pencils B. Map pencils C. Pencil crayons

What is your opinion on pickup trucks? a. Eh...they’re alright b. They’re a part of my culture c. I would never own one

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Entertainment

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Graphics Jolie Mullings & Nick Fopiano

What s your go to roadtrip stop?

Which of these phrases do you say often?

A. Walmart B. Buc-ee’s C. Starbucks

a. “Ya’ll” B. “Bless your heart” C. “Ya’Betcha”

What are your thoughts on country music? a. There are some songs I like b. I live at the Rascal Flatts concert c. Carrie Underwood’s cool?

Have you ever been to a NASCAR race or a rodeo? a. I’ve been once or twice b. I go every year c. They’re too loud and dirty

Mostly A

Mostly b

Mostly c

You’re on your way to

Howdy cowboy! You’re deep into the Texas culture.

You live and breathe Texas.

People have made fun of how you say things or how you walk, but you’re still proud of where you come from. No matter where life carries you, you will always call yourself a Texan.

You must be from the North because you don’t identify with Texas at all.

While you don’t completely shun the Texas lifestyle, it’s just not the life you live.

You’d rather be walking the city streets of the East Coast or soaking in the sandy beaches of the West Coast.

becoming a Texan! You already have many of the characteristics down, but you’re missing the true spirit of Texas. You may have just moved here, or you’re just starting to embrace your inner Texan. Keep up the good work!

Design Nick Fopiano

Feb. 27, 2018

Entertainment

21

The childhood dream

Junior accepts A&M baseball scholarship Story Morgan Maxwell Photos Submitted From a little kid giggling on a baseball diamond to staring down a batter at the plate, junior Blake Mayfield’s passion for his sport has not altered. When he began pitching at age nine, his dream started to form—his dream to go to college for baseball and hopefully one day play professionally. Many little kids dream about making it far in the sport they love, but Mayfield’s determination has brought him one step closer.

After watching many of his teammates from his select team receive offers to play college baseball, junior Blake Mayfield felt as if his chances to live out his childhood dream were slipping away. He feared he was too small or didn’t throw hard enough. But as he played in bigger tournaments with his select team, his crowd of college recruits grew.

“They weren’t there to see me at first. But when recruiters came to see my teammates, they

saw me too, and that got my name out there,” Mayfield said.

During the summer after his freshman year, Texas A&M invited Mayfield to their baseball camp. He thought it would be just another chance to grow as an athlete, but he had no idea what the A&M coaches had in store.

“It seemed just like any other college camp I had been to,” Mayfield said.

When the camp was over, Mayfield assumed he would continue to wait for a scholarship to play division one college baseball. From the beginning, he knew this was his dream but wasn’t sure if it would come true. However, Mayfield’s hard work and head coach Jeffrey Sherman were on his side.

Sherman knows the assistant coach at Texas A&M and had been sharing Mayfield’s accomplishments with him. His recommendations helped the coaches to remain interested in Mayfield, and so much so, that the Aggies decided to send him an offer—a full ride.

Junior Blake Mayfield stares down the batter at home plate preparing himself for his next pitch.

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Sports

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Design Sarah Newton

The 2018 Marcus varsity baseball team began playing Feb. 23 in the Lake Cities Classic tournament.

When he got the notice, Mayfield felt like his life was starting to fall into place, and his dream became possible.

“He hadn’t even played a varsity game, and they thought he was good for them,” Sherman said.

Sherman has known Mayfield since he was in seventh grade and has watched him develop as an athlete and teammate. After winning nine games and losing two as a pitcher in his sophomore season, Sherman had high hopes for Mayfield.

“I wasn’t too sure about going at first, but once I met the coaches and team, I was sure I wanted to go,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield has gone down to College Station to see some football and baseball games. Along with watching games, he’s even been able to work out with the team and participate in intersquad scrimmages. Though Mayfield finds comfort in his secure path after graduation, he also acknowledges he must put hard work into

It’s not a given. I still need to work hard and prove myself.

-Blake Mayfield, 11 He expects the young pitcher to play just as well, maybe even better, this season.

“I don’t think Blake is even close to where he’s going to be,” Sherman said.

Though other schools have recruited Mayfield, he is choosing to stay committed to Texas A&M. When he first received his offer, Mayfield wasn’t sure if he would commit. But because of the coaching staff and the amount of opportunities for academics and athletics, he decided to accept the Aggies’ offer.

Design Sarah Newton

every pitch he throws.

“It’s not a given, I still need to work hard and prove myself,” Mayfield said.

As Mayfield’s junior season is ramping up, he’ll be playing his second year at the varsity level. He looks forward to a great season with his friends and coaches. After making it to the fourth round of playoffs last season, he has high hopes for his team this year.

“I love playing here,” Mayfield said. “Being on the team is one big brotherhood.”

Feb. 27, 2018

Sports

23

spring Break vacay ideas After the stressful beginning of the new semester, pring break is a much needed week of relief. While the break is great, sometimes it can get boring to sit at home and just lounge around. This is your guide to having an amazing, fun-filled week.

Story Kendall Cooper

staycation •

You’re guaranteed to have a great time at Pinstack, a huge entertainment center in Plano. Pinstack has a snazzy bowling alley, chef-inspired laneside cuisine an exclusive, private VIP bowling area for when you’re feeling high class. If bowling isn’t your thing, you can unleash your adventurous side with Pinstack’s highropes course that’s suspended 20 feet in the air and a rock climbing wall. Still not interested? Below the ropes course, there are plenty of the newest video games and simulators, along with a two-level laser tag area to unleash your competitive streak. Need even more convincing? They have bumper cars. Enough said.

INS

•

ULI

N

If you’re a cat person, the Cat Cafe located in the Music City Mall is the place for you. This multi-roomed

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Entertainment

store is home to many cats, all of which are up for adoption. You can play with the cats or take one home if you feel like expanding your family.

Unfortunately, you can’t buy food at the cat cafe, but the food court isn’t too far away.

•

If you’re willing to spend a little extra for an adrenaline rush, Six Flags is always an action packed trip. Pile into a car with your besties, family, significant other or all of the above and make a mini road trip out of the drive to Arlington. The rollercoasters there will have your breath taken and your heart racing in no time. If roller coasters just aren’t your thing, there’s always the Mine Train.

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Design Jolie Mullings

austin, tx •

•

If you want to stay in state but still get the vacation feel, Austin is a great destination for you. It’s only 3.5 hours away from Flower Mound driving, or about an hour flight. A quirky and lively place to go to in Austin is Dart Bowl, a cafe with a twist. Not only does Dart Bowl have amazing food, it has a bowling alley. The menu has array of foods from burgers to Mexican food that only Texans can pull off.

of Lake Austin and the city itself is breathtaking and a must-see. If sitting still and staring at water isn’t really your thing, there’s trails to hike up and around the mountain.

•

The view from Mount Bonnell overlooking the water

Dart Bowl

5700 Grover Ave, Austin, TX 78756

Check out Waterloo Records, a record store with a vintage feel. The store is filled to the brim with a seemly never ending amount of new and old records. You’ll be picking out albums left and right and feeling retro vibes in no time.

Mount Bonnell 3800 Mt Bonnell Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Waterloo Records 600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

roadtrip •

To kick off your quirky adventure, visiting some of the oddest tourist attractions on the highway, start at the Corpus Christi shoreline, where a statue of Jesus in a boat overlooks the water.

•

Next, you’re off to Shreveport, LA to visit a very large rooster statue sitting in front of an empty lot. It’s reportedly under the protection of the police station across the street.

•

Head south to New Orleans to see the pyramidal tomb Nicolas Cage built for himself in one of the city’s most famous cemeteries.

•

Then, tap into your inner spelunker and visit the Cosmic Cavern in Berryville, AR. The cavern features “bottomless” lakes and plenty of rock formations to ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ over.

•

And last but not least, stop by Tulsa, OK to see the house the Curtis boys lived in from the 1983 film, “The Outsiders.”

•

The beach is never far away from any point in the resort. If you want to get away from the high energy of the main part of the resort, the beach is perfect for you.

•

For those with an adventurous side, fly down the Leap of Faith, a slide with a nearly straight drop through a hole in a shark tank. Slides like these are open to you if you purchase waterpark passes or an all-inclusive package.

international •

•

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas is the tropical paradise you’ve always dreamt of. Palm trees, sunshine and beautiful waters await you. The resort has multiple luxurious pools that are never far away from conveniently located snack huts.

The resort features a teen club, Crush, that is not as lame as it sounds. There’s lots of music and it’s an all around good time.

Design Jolie Mullings

Feb. 27, 2018

Entertainment

25

s ’ k c i N n a m h s i r I

} o t e d i u g { y a D ’s y t t a St. P

Story Nick Fopiano Spend five minutes with me and you’ll know I’m Irish. I fit the stereotypes perfectly — a hot-head who belts Celtic music — just minus the red hair. One holiday I hold close to my heart is none other than St. Patrick's Day. Spending an extensive amount of time in Boston, St. Patty’s Day has always been a special celebration of my family’s culture — from my nana’s boiled cabbage to doing the jig to cringy Irish music. Let an authentic Irishman educate you on how to hit the pot of gold with your St. Patrick's day get-together.

[ About St. Patrick] The son of Calpurnius, St. Patrick was actually born in Roman Britain, not Ireland. At the age of 16, St. Patrick was captured and sold as a slave, ending up as a shepherd in Ireland. As a shepherd, Patrick began to practice Christianity, eventually converting and spreading his teachings across Ireland. Several fables surround St. Patrick, including stories of his staff growing to a tree or how he used the shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity. The most widely known myth surrounding St. Patrick is a fable explaining the absence of snakes on the island. As the story goes, snakes — viewed as an evil symbol to Catholics — were attacking holy figures in Ireland. Bravely, St. Patrick is said to have liberated Ireland by chasing the snakes into the sea.

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Design Shay Wegele

[Fun Facts] [Recipes] You’re as mad as a leprechaun if you think you can pull off a St. Patty’s Day party without a feast! Straight from my family’s cookbook, here's some Irish eats to satisfy your guests.

[Irishman’s Shepherds Pie]

Makes 6 servings 1 hour

•40 pounds of dye is used every year to turn the Chicago River green •New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade began in 1762 •The shamrock is depicted on this holiday because of its 3 leaves resembling the Holy Trinity •From 1999 to 2007 the small village of Dripsey, Ireland boasted the shortest St. Patrick's Day parade: the parade ran a full 26 yards between two pubs •There are more people with Irish ancestry in the

INGREDIEN TS

United States (34 Million) than there are people in

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped 1 pound ground lamb (or substitute half with another ground meat) 1 cup beef of broth 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or dry rosemary 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 cup frozen peas 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup milk Salt to taste

•St. Patrick's Day wasn't a national holiday in

Ireland (4.2 Million)

PREPAR ATION

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil, then add the onion, carrot and meat. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until browned.

3. Drain the fat and add the broth, tomato paste and herbs. Simmer for about 10 minutes, then add the peas.

4. Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, then set aside.

5. Meanwhile, bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook for approximately 20 minutes until crisp, then drain 6. Mash the potatoes with the mixture of butter, milk and salt.

7. Spread the potatoes over the meat mixture, then crosshatch the top with a fork.

8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden.

Feb. 27, 2018

Ireland until 1903 •The Catholic Church lifts drinking restrictions for Lent on St. Patty’s Day Sorce: History.com

[Music] Everyone needs a little music to set the mood for a party. Anyone can choose some random playlist on Spotify, but here's an exclusive list of authentic Celtic music (old and new!) hand-picked by your fellow Irishman.

Foggy Dew - The Young Dubliners Rocky Road to Dublin - The High Kings Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys Whiskey in the Jar - The Dubliners The Wild Rover - The High Kings Devils Dance Floor- Flogging Molly Drunkin’ Sailor - Irish Rovers The State of Massachusetts -Dropkick Murphys All for me Grog - The Dubliners

Entertainment

27

Learning to live Aeralyn Stinson

I was 11 and about to finish my sixth grade year when I got the news that changed my life forever.

A soft voice woke me that morning.

It was my grandma. I got out of my white and pink floral bed, and saw that my family was all waiting in the living room. My dad was at the kitchen counter. I asked him in a whisper “what’s going on?” He just looked at me grimly. My grandma started to weep silently, and my grandpa told me four words that I will never forget, “Your mother has died.”

My heartbeat suddenly increased.

I excused myself from the living room and ran to my room crying. My grandma came after me to comfort me and told me that everything was going to be okay. We sat together on my bed for a few minutes and she then walked out. It was May 21, 2013.

When I was about one or two years

@noodles721 old, my mother was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis — a chronic bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. She has had too many surgeries and hospital visits to be counted. There were times when she was sent to the hospital and all of us had to stop what we were doing and go visit her. I always prayed for my mother during our prayer time at the little private Christian school so she could get better and not be in the hospital anymore. My mother wanted me to be a nurse when I was younger because she thought I was caring and that I loved to help people. She noticed that in me when I took care of her.

••• My mother was a kind soul and she loved all of the little things in life. I remember the moments when she wasn’t very ill, and she was able to pick me and my brother up from school in her little red Volkswagen Jetta. She would put in a cd with some of her favorite Lady Gaga, Owl City and old 80’s jams. She would sing and dance in the car. I smiled because I knew she was happy and that she wasn’t feeling any pain.

My mother also loved children, and she did everything she could to make me and my brother happy. Whether it was decorating the house on the holidays or

getting prizes for me and brother when we did well in school. She wanted us to have a good childhood. Even when she wasn’t feeling well, she would get out of her bed and she would pick out costumes for me and my brother for Spirit Day at school because she wanted us to win.

She always wanted a little girl of her own, so she dressed me up like I was her little doll. We would go get our nails and hair done every so often and we always had fun doing it together.

She would always call me her little “mini me” because we looked so much alike. We both had natural blonde hair, porcelain skin, and bright blue eyes.

People looked at us everywhere we went and asked if our hair was “natural.”

She was a very brave woman and and she tried to be positive throughout all of the pain and stress she had. She was a true example of a warrior and I really admire that about her. I believe that you should cherish your loved ones who are still around today because you never know when they will leave your life. I never got to tell my mother goodbye.

You should give your loved one a hug or an old friend a call because you never know what your last words will be to someone. The loss of my mother has taught me to cherish the people around me today.

Boom Bahs — Things we like Taste of soul

Everyone’s seen the bake sales and the car wash fundraisers, but Taste of Soul stands out among them all. For only $5, students can support a scholarship for seniors and get a plate of amazing soul food. If you missed out this year, definitely make plans to go next year for Black History club’s annual fundraiser.

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Opinion

Voter registration

Many millennials and high schoolers don’t realize the importance of their voice in elections, so it’s good to see our peers registering and voting in elections, local and nationwide. With the school offering students to be able to register during school, it’s even easier to get our voices heard.

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Book blind date

Didn’t have a real date for Valentine’s day? Stop by the library and go on a blind date with a book. The librarians will hook you up with a random book, which you’ll get to keep for longer than most high school relationships last. Venture through a labyrinth with Percy Jackson or take a ride on a broomstick with Hermione Granger.

Maybe even kill some tributes with Katniss Everdeen.

Design Jolie Mullings

#LetChloePee Chloe White

When I was in eighth grade, I always looked forward to the annual STAAR tests. Not the test itself, but to the hour or two left over when we could read. The state testing in Florida never let us do this, so when I moved to Texas, I appreciated the freedom.

After everyone finished the test, we were dismissed for lunch. After lunch, we had to return to the room we tested in, even though testing was over. I didn’t have any complaints though—more time to read.

About ten minutes or so until I realized I had a problem—I had to go to the bathroom.

At the time, going to the bathroom didn’t seem like an issue—we were allowed to use the restroom during testing.

So I asked the teacher if I could go, to which I received a flat out no. “Nobody can use the restroom for the next hour.”

Now I began to panic. I sat back down

@thechloediaries and opened my book. Maybe if I focused on reading, the hour would pass by quicker.

I could barely focus, so I considered my options. If I wanted to follow the rules, there really only was one option—wait.

That was out of the picture for me, unless I wanted to be known as the girl who peed her pants after the STAAR test.

I silently stood up and left the class to go to the bathroom. The distance between my desk in the middle of the room and the door seemed like miles. My heart was racing as I opened the door and sprinted down the hall. I half expected the teacher to try and stop me or chase me into the halls, but no one followed.

Returning to the classroom, part of me hoped maybe the teacher would just ignore what had happened—that’s what I would have done.

I quickly sat back down and opened my book. Maybe my hopes had come true.

I was wrong.

“Take your things and go to ISS,” the teacher said.

I suddenly felt a surge of anxiety. I silently gathered my things, shrugged my backpack on and followed the teacher down the hallway. I’m not the kind of kid to go to ISS. I had no idea where ISS even was. Until today, I’ve always been a strict rule follower, the “goody two shoes.”

“What do kids even do in ISS?” I asked myself.

The classroom door began to close, I heard the entire room burst into noise behind me. As if matters weren’t already bad, now people were probably making fun of me. I wasn’t the most popular kid in school, and now I was about to lose the few friends I had.

Once I arrived at the ISS room, I sat down and nervously explained my situation to two older ladies. They both understood and told me stories of similar students. To my relief, I wasn’t in trouble.

I stayed there until 7th period started, and secretly, I wanted to stay there for the rest of the day. I dreaded going back to class where people would probably not talk to me. I was embarrassed—I had no idea what to even expect. Upon my return, kids greeted me with the most baffling response.

“LET CHLOE PEE!” One of the girls shouted when she saw me.

In the matter of a few hours, I had become a hashtag. Some of the most popular kids in school were tweeting #LetChloePee. Everyone in class was suddenly intrigued to hear my side of the story. I didn’t think my actions were out of the ordinary. I’ve always been well aware that I’m a quiet and timid person, but if something is wrong or unfair, I don’t let it hold me back. But I guess I finally earned my 15 minutes of middle school fame…

Just because I had to pee really bad.

Heys — Things we don’t like Lack of Macs

Many projects and activities require internet access or a specific program.

Phones and iPads are somewhat helpful but laptops are usually the best option. Though our school has purchased carts of laptops, they always seem to be unavailable when you ask to check one out. A system allowing some carts to be checked out to teachers while also saving laptops for individual student use could solve this problem.

Design Jolie Mullings

Marauder market

Hey, our school has a spirit store, cool!

But is it really? The prices on some items are a little much. A lanyard costs $3, while a water bottle only costs $1. The market is also open only on Wednesdays—what if someone needs to buy a lanyard on Tuesday? If the market could display more reasonable prices and be open at least three times a week, more students would stop by this hidden Marauder gem.

Feb. 27, 2018

Woodshop woes

While a phenomenal woodworking class is available at the Dale Jackson career center, there’s not even a basic class available on campus. Woodworking is a useful life skill, but many students don’t have the room in their schedule for two periods at the career center. We already have the facilities and equipment for basic woodworking — there’s no reason we can’t have woodshop on campus.

Opinion

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More than a football player Morgan Maxwell Morgan Maxwell

During his first freshman year game, I watched my brother Xavier make his first pass as a high school quarterback. It seems like it was only yesterday in my eyes — with high hopes and a future in football. I heard another player’s mom say he could ‘‘throw a country mile long, but doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing.’’ But she was wrong about Xavier. He could throw far and strong, but he also knew the game better than anyone, sometimes better than coaches.

He has always been so much more than just a football player—he’s my role model.

I’ve watched him overcome a multitude of people not believing in him. Not believing he could become a great player, not believing he could go from a fourth string quarterback to the starter on varsity his senior year. They didn’t believe he could play college football because he was too slow or too small.

Sometimes he didn’t believe in himself, and that was what broke my heart. I saw him grow through teammates and ignorant coaches. Every morning in the summer for four years he went to Performance Course

@morganmaxwell_ (a work out program for athletes), pushed through the sweltering days and somehow still managed to be dedicated to a sport that sometimes drove him mad. I looked up to that passion he had for the game.

When he began his junior football season, I saw a change in him. He faced another competition with more obstacles ahead. The difference was that he finally believed in himself—he was confident in his abilities as an athlete, football player and leader. He had teammates to hold him up. Still, he was told he could never play college football. He was too small. He wasn’t fast enough. He wasn’t strong enough. But his naysayers didn’t know his inner strength, not the way I had since I was a little girl. In my eyes, Xavier’s ability to pull through the worst situations is what made him the best player. Seeing him pull himself and his teammates up when they’re on the ground feeling defeated is what kept me constantly looking up to him.

Though his senior season was rough and somewhat less than ideal, Xavier made it through and found more strength. He found more motivation. He is not a perfect quarterback, for all athletes have their flaws and mistakes. But each time he was knocked down, he got back up ready for whatever came next.

In January, his dream since he was a child came true.The day he left for his overnight visit, he smiled at me and walked to the car.

I felt like I was watching the guy who played school with me grow up all over again.

When I got home from another long day at work the next afternoon on the counter

Overheard “Do cheerleaders have positions?

Like goalie or side chick?“ (Upstairs B Hall)

“I’m in a constant state of shook.”

(Downstairs A hall)

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Opinion

“In exchange for chocolate I will give you facts about bees.”

(Commons)

at “Was it you who smelled my shoe?”

(Downstairs C hall)

Compiled Aidann Zuniga

was a letter from the head coach at Austin College, giving him an offer to play for them.

My heart filled with joy, and I recalled all the crazy times he had with football through the years. A tear slipped down my face and I knew he was going to be just fine. We all know he’s not going to go play in the NFL, but throughout all his crazy high school years, a part of me always knew he was destined to make it somewhere where he could do what he loves most.

He certainly has not been perfect throughout all four years of high school.

He’s driven me crazy and sometimes caught me off guard with the stupid things he says. But none of that outweighs the numerous times he’s made me laugh when I was crying or when he’d go out of his way to make a bad day good.

Over the past four years, I have watched my role model go through some hard times, but he’s always found a way out.

I’m constantly amazed by his passion for football, to prove people wrong. It was his hard work and determination that has me aspiring to be like him.

I don’t know what I’m going to do without our late night runs to Whataburger. I don’t know what I’m going to do not having someone to constantly rant to over petty things and who is going to laugh at my terrible jokes. However, I know wherever he goes, he’s going to do great things, and I’ll always be his number one fan. Xavier is not just a quarterback— he’s a leader, a fighter and most of all, my big brother.

MHS

“I classify as an attack helicopter.”

(Upstairs W Hall)

“How undank of you.”

(Commons)

Sexual harassment shouldn’t be normalized Staff Editorial One after another, every day more people share their experiences with sexual harassment. The spark that ignited this wildfire caught on last year with the rise of #MeToo. Ten years ago the Me Too movement was founded by Civil rights activist Tarana Burke, but after an encouraging tweet from American actress and activist Alyssa Milano, the movement grew. From Lady Gaga to Gabrielle Union to Terry Crews, #MeToo has been tweeted approximately 7.1 million times.

However, sexual harassment isn’t just a Hollywood problem, and it most certainly isn’t limited to just celebrities.

Sexual harassment is an issue that has been normalized within our society. We need to acknowledge sexual harassment for the problem it is and call it out when it happens.

Many people genuinely don’t understand sexual harassment. It’s defined as unwanted sexual advancements or obscene remarks. Many young adults and students don’t realize how prevalent sexual harassment is in their lives, and they see it as an adult issue. While in reality, sexual harassment is more common than we think. From vulgar comments to being pressured into sexual situations, sexual harassment involves many teen behaviors.

Sexual harassment is not a problem that we can sweep under the rug as a common annoyance. The problems that show up later in life stem from these situations, and many young people grow up to believe that pressuring underage kids to send inappropriate pictures is no big deal.

When in realiry, this act is a crime. Being pressured into sending pictures is violating, devastating and has the power to ruin one’s self esteem. Intimidating people into things they don’t want to do is wrong. Even

Marcus High School Tipline

just receiving an unwanted sexual picture is degrading and profane. It’s dehumanizing to reduce people down to what they can offer others for selfish pleasure. Without understanding that pressuring someone is unacceptable, people continue throughout life thinking they can get away with greater

“

Sexual harassment is not a problem that we can just sweep under the rug as a common annoyance

wrongdoings.

The reason sexual harassment goes unreported is because of how victims are treated when they report. People dismiss these offenses due to the lack of compassion when the public discusses sexual harassment. Because of this lack of empathy, a culture of victim blaming has developed. As a society, we have learned to dismiss inappropriate comments and the pressuring for sexual favors as acceptable and common.

From a young age, society tells women to be polite. They are taught to put a man’s ego ahead of their own comfort. Young men are taught to man up and take harassment as a compliment. At this age, it is essential to learn how to respect others’ boundaries and consider their feelings. Sometimes people are silently uncomfortable or are too nervous to speak up for themselves, so having the compassion to respect other people is crucial. Understanding boundaries is the first step in eliminating

National Sexual Assault Hotline

214-636-7804 800-656-4673 Design Jolie Mullings

Feb. 27, 2018

these serial events of sexual harassment.

To ignore this behavior in high school can lead to having more problems in college. On college campuses, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted. Sexual assault is an umbrella term that includes rape, groping and attempted rape and while sexual assault is different than harassment, the concept is similar. Inappropriate and unsolicited physical contact is illegal and can end with jail time.

While so many people have experienced sexual harassment, it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone’s stories are true. We all know some people in our society lie. The #MeToo movement, which thrives online, has allowed people to share their stories quickly and with millions of people.

However, this movement also allows people to fabricate the truth to hurt others. Even though there is a limit to what the public should automatically believe, this doesn’t mean that victims are not being harassed.

As a society, we need to become more compassionate when discussing sexual harassment. We need to educate people so they understand that yelling sexual profanities towards others on the street is terrifying and cannot be tolerated. Young people need to understand that groping people in the hallways or sending explicit unwarranted pictures, in any circumstance, is illegal and an assault. We must hold people accountable for their actions and teach them to understand boundaries. As soon as middle school we need to teach that if it isn’t a hard yes, then it’s a hard no. If students don’t learn that now, the problem will only continue into adulthood. Don’t be a part of a culture that silences the victims.

It takes speaking out against the “norm” to make a change, to demand one.

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

866-331-9474 Opinion

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Best in their field (Above) Junior Blake Snyder runs vith a PVC practice pole.

In the pole vault, athletes sprint down a track with a carbon fiber pole and plant it into a divot, propelling their bodies over a high bar.

(Left) Junior Brooke Faulkner leaps toward the sand pit. Faulkner also serves as the student body Parlimentarian. This spring, she and the triple jump team try to top alumnus Rachel Apfel’s varsity record.

(Right) Junior Kayleigh Ross receives coaching from coach Brandon Carder. In the triple jump, competitors jump twice from one foot, then once from the other into a sand pit.

Junior Mackenzie Hayward lines up for a practice run. This will be her third year on the track and field team. Last fall, she played middle blocker for varsity volleyball.

Sophomore Maddie Meiner bends over the high jump pole. Besides track and field, Meiner also plays outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team.

Photos & Design Jackson Bednarczyk