THE
marquee
Volume 31 • Issue 1 • Oct. 5, 2016
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
10
Get to know this season’s varsity athletes
22
Local gymnast makes it to Olympics as alternate
27
International travels of students and teachers
Edward S. Marcus High School • 5707 Morriss Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028
The Marquee Staff
The Marquee Staff EDITOR IN CHIEF Sanika Sule MANAGING / PHOTO EDITOR Vanessa Davis COPY / OPINION EDITOR Cara Crocker DESIGN EDITOR COVER & PHOTO VANESSA DAVIS Senior Melissa Jitariu works the shark themed choir booth at the Homecoming Carnival. Many organizations set up tents and fun carnival games to raise money for each individual club.
Nick Fopiano ONlLINE EDITORS Bailey Crocker, Michelle Mullings NEWS EDITOR
CONTENTS
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Bailey Crocker FEATURE EDITOR Michelle Mullings
News
SPORTS EDITOR
KYLE’S PLACE Shelter to open for homeless students seeking emergency housing
Keegan Douglas-Davis ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Brady Pierce REPORTERS
Feature
RUNNING AN EMPIRE Sophomore creates club for students to express their talents
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JP Martin, Morgan Maxwell, Kelly Rowe, Shayla Sistrunk, Aidann Zuniga DESIGNERS Megan Clark, Abbey Clouse, Jolie Mullings
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ADVISER LaJuana Hale
Sports
COWBOYS CUT Marcus alum works towards his dream of playing professional football
Entertainment
ALBUM REVIEWS This summer’s hit albums are broken down and rated
DESIGN NICK FOPIANO
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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.
Marquee News Briefs Story JP Martin
news
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Battle of Aleppo continues raging Recently, the Syrian Army took control of a rebel-held district in the Old City of Aleppo and they plan to continue an operation of repossession of the areas that Syrian rebels have taken control. This mission to take back the city has been accompanied by airstrikes such as barrel bombs, causing thousands of people to evacuate Aleppo. This violent conflict is a small part of The Battle of Aleppo, which is an ongoing military conflict that has claimed many lives along with destroying much of the population’s livelihood.
Parties involved include the Syrian Opposition, which is made up of the Free Syrian Army, Islamic Front, and other Sunni militants who are all partially allied with the Army of Conquest. Their adversaries are the forces of the Syrian government supported by Hezbollah and Shiite militants who are also in cooperation with the People’s Defense Unit. July 19, 2012 marked the beginning of the battle, which was originally a part of the Syrian Civil War. It has escalated to the point of it being coined “Syria’s Stalingrad” and “The mother of all battles.”
West Nile continues in North Texas In September, four new cases of West Nile were found in Denton County. The number of documented cases in the county reached 14 over the past summer, when a Risk Level 4 was placed on West Nile. Statewide, the total number of documented cases tops out at 201. Large cities and counties are where the disease is concentrated. Regular participants in outdoor activities in these areas are urged to take proper precautionary measures. However, West Nile isn’t new to Tex-
as. In 2012, 1,868 cases were reported. Mild symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes, while severe symptoms include stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis. Though the symptoms can be debilitating, it is important to note that most cases of West Nile are mild and go unreported. Experts recommend that people be use bug repellent and protective clothing.
Kroger closing in Highland Village In recent local news, Kroger Grocery Store in Highland Village announced that it will be closing its doors in mid-November due to lack of production and public disinterest. It has been located at the corner of FM 407 and Highland Village Road since 2001. According to the Cross Timbers Gazette, a spokesperson from Kroger said that they have tried to improve the store in the past few years by adding various upgrades and products, but none of these DESIGN BAILEY CROCKER and cara crocker
plans have worked. Other Krogers in Texas have closed as well, in cities like College Station and Lewisville. These stores have reported struggling to make a profit over many years, despite lowering prices for customers. The Highland Village store will remain open until Nov. 18, and will sell the rest of its inventory, including bigger discounts for shoppers.
OCT. 5, 2016
4
news
Sidewalks to s a fe h ave n
First homeless youth shelter to open in Lewisville STORY AIDANN ZUNIGA October 1, Journey to Dream introduced Kyle’s Place. It opened its doors to help provide shelter, medical care, basic necessities and general support for homeless teens. Junior Komal Karumuru, president of the Interact Rotary club, says that an unaccompanied youth community is part of every town and city, but often
goes unnoticed. “I don’t think a lot of students know about that, especially here at Marcus,” Karumuru said. “I know that a lot of us don’t realize how great our families are and the resources that we have. I think that knowing about Kyle’s Place and the care packages that they provide will really help the other LISD students understand.” Kyle’s Place was named in honor of
Kyle Milliman, a senior who attended Hebron High School that spent most his time giving back to his community. In August of 2012, Milliman passed away after a long battle with depression. Kim Hinkle, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Journey to Dream program, started this project to show Milliman’s passion for creating a brighter future for everyone around him and unending love
KYLE'S PLACE
1960 Archer Way, Lewisville, TX 75057 info@journeytodream.com 469.470.2382
MHSMARQUEE.COM
DESIGN Jolie mullings
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for his community. After two months of preparing, raising money, gathering support and buying a house in Lewisville, Hinkle’s idea of creating a safe haven for homeless teens has become a reality. Hinkle searched throughout Denton County for the perfect location to set up the shelter only to be turned down by town councils. “The towns told me they loved the idea of a shelter for the unaccompanied youth,” Hinkle said, “But they didn’t want to ruin their town’s reputation for having one.” Hinkle said this did not deter her determination as she kept her hopes up. When Hinkle finally got to Lewisville, the city council agreed that Kyle’s Place would be beneficial to their youth pHOTOS VANESSA DAVIS and they allowed them to build it in Northwest Lewisville. Journey to Dream members Abigail Parra-Rivesa, Amber Quigly and sponsor Susan It’s the first homeless teen Wilson work their hula hoop stand at the Homecoming Carnival. shelter in Denton County. books and a lot of supplies that will help homeless teens in need of help, Hinkle During the last few years, Hinkle has seen the consequences of out those teens in need,” Kamrumuru said. Karumuru says that because people homelessness in the youth community, said, “and what we’ll do is maybe once are unaware of unaccompanied youths in such as human trafficking, little to no a month we’ll get those care packages their community they aren’t conscious of access to food, medical care, education together, and we’ll go to Kyle’s Place and the problems homeless teens face. “We’re not getting enough help or and financial resources. Hinkle said she drop off the goods for them.” support for this, so Kyle’s Place should then decided to take action. Through really help with that,” Karumuru said. Kyle’s Place, she hopes to serve at least Kyle’s Place has been supported by 100 teenagers its first year. businesses and nearby churches through So far, Kyle’s Place is able to house donations of money and basic necessities. 16 teenagers along with 10-12 members To officially celebrate the grand opening, on staff at all times to help give support, I know that a lot of Journey to Dream held a fundraiser on educational and medical help, and us don’t realize how Oct. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, located individual and family counseling. at 785 Highway 121 in Lewisville, Karumuru said she has high hopes for the great our families are featuring music, food and a silent auction. impact Kyle’s Place will have on those in and the resources Karumuru said that although they can need. that we have are. not visit Kyle’s Place for privacy reasons, “I know that there’s a lot of support there are other ways to contribute to the that’s being given to Kyle’s Place,” cause. Karumuru said. “People that go there -KOMAL karumuru “Not being in that position I can’t will get a lot out of it and they’ll be really really give a strict opinion on it but I do comfortable that there will be people to believe that sometimes people don’t end help them out and friends that they can up in good positions, not because they’re make.” forced into it maybe they grew up with The school’s Journey to Dream and that background or with a family that Interact Rotary clubs are teaming up to send donations and care packages this Whether they were asked to wasn’t able to get the job or the resources semester. The group also hopes to plan leave their homes, escaped a hostile that they wanted because it is hard,” fundraisers for Kyle’s Place at school. environment or simply have nowhere to Karumuru said. “We’re going to help raise gifts and go, Denton County alone has about 400
DESIGN Jolie mullings
oct. 5, 2016
feature
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A call from Washington
Sophomore’s dad works at the White House
to an end. Although he didn’t get to take a picture with him due to the no cell phone Sophomore Ben Padilla stood photography rule, Ben still didn’t take the off to the side as his father held a brief experience for granted. conversation with President Barack “He was so polite,” Ben said. “When Obama. He and his brother Alexander you talk to him he makes you feel were both nervous. important.” Ben watched his father, Roberto Although Ben knew that he was only Padilla, shake the President’s hand before able to tour the White House because of his father introduced him to Ben and his dad’s job, he was still ecstatic because his brother. Ben felt the President’s deep he experienced something that most voice echo throughout the room as they regular kids don’t get to experience. exchanged greetings. His palms became “Moments like these you never forget,” sweaty and his heart began beating fast. Ben said. “It’s a once in a lifetime chance.” Ben’s father has one of the most While his dad knows the President, his prestigious jobs in the law enforcement daily job is the physical protection of the field. He’s a secret service agent, who works Vice President. over 1,300 miles away in Washington, Though at times he even spends all D.C. The life of a Secret Service agent day with the Vice President, Roberto’s requires a great deal of adaptability, such relationship with the him is strictly as being able to relocate to different parts professional. In the course of carrying out of the country and even the world. his responsibilities Roberto spends and being in contact his day following with Joe Biden, he around the Vice has never crossed President, Joe Biden. the line. He will He is required to recognize him every protect the Vice day and occasionally President from ask him how he’s harm, cyber crime doing, but keeps and all types of in mind that the fraud. Additionally, relationship is not at all times has to a friendship. A maintain a high level regular one-on-one of physical fitness -BEN PADILLA100 conversation is not and health. This has very common. The been his job since the conversations are 1990’s, working with short because he former Presidents has to remain alert George W. Bush and to insure the Vice Bill Clinton. President’s safety. After discussing a few topics, Ben’s “We respond politely when engaged meet and greet with the President came in conversation but we never initiate the Story Shayla Sistrunk
It’s extremely important that I speak to my father when I can so we can keep our relationship strong.
DESIGN JOLIE MULLINGS
Ben and Roberto Padilla visit the Red Room of the White House on July 23, 2015. photo submitted
conversation,” Roberto said. Roberto is obligated to be wherever the Vice President is at all times, traveling all over the globe. This does mean his kids don’t see him as much, but Ben enjoys hearing different stories about his dad’s adventures. He’s taken a exclusive rooftop tour of the Familia Sagrada cathedral in Barcelona, gone on a memorable safari in South Africa, toured the Sydney Opera in Australia and examined the priceless artifacts of Rome. His career gives him the opportunity to have the experience of a lifetime. In addition, he’s had the chance to meet countless Heads of State, politicians, celebrities and different people from all walks of life.
DESIGN JOLIE MULLINGS
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most incredibly smart, funny and talented people in some unbelievable locations around the world,” Roberto said. Even though Ben is the son of someone who holds such a distinguished job, he doesn’t brag about it. He says he has always been a quiet kid, requiring multiple encounters with someone for him to open up. Ben only confides in certain friends, telling them things he wouldn’t tell others. The main person he tells everything to is his father. Ben opens up and becomes a different person when talking to his dad. When the n a m e “Dad” appears in big white letters on the screen of his phone, Ben will quickly answer, excited to talk to him. “It’s extremely important that I speak to my dad when I can, so we keep our relationship strong,” Ben said. When special occasions come up, Roberto will come back home to visit. This past June, he came home for his oldest son Alexander’s high school graduation.
On June 8, the graduating class of 2016 walked the stage to receive their diplomas. Alexander couldn’t have been more excited to have his father there on his special day. Among 856 other Marcus graduates, Alexander felt like he was the most important.
His whole family watched and cheered as he made his way down the platform, diploma in hand. The family felt complete that evening at the UNT Coliseum with all five family members together. Simple things that others might take for granted are the the things Ben keeps close to his heart. Most importantly, he treasures every phone call with his dad. “My dad is my biggest inspiration,” Ben said. “He’s always there when I need him.”
oct. 5, 2016
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feature
Empire's golden leader Sophomore creates entertainment club as creative outlet Story cara crocker photography vanessa Davis
Sophomore Dominique Stoner has always had music in his life. When he was five, he remembers a night when he led his four-year-old sister to their room. Dominique hopped on his Superman bed sheets and laid back as he watched his favorite PBS Kids shows. That night, their father, Carlos Goodspeed, instructed the children to stay in their rooms while they had guests in their house. Later, Dominique went downstairs to get a bite to eat. As he headed to the kitchen, he forgot his father’s orders and peered into the living room. On the couch sat his father and a man he had previously seen at a concert with his dad. What Dominique didn’t realize at that time was that this man, under the stage name Lil Wayne, would become one of the most prominent
MHSMARQUEE.COM
hip-hop figures in just a few years. Dominique observed his father interacting with Lil Wayne, noticing that Goodspeed led the conversation, rather than the artist. Dominique’s dad was helping Lil Wayne book a venue and rather than letting Lil Wayne pick everything he wanted, most of it was already set out for him by Goodspeed. Already at his young age, Dominique was witnessing the music industry in his daily life, whether it be him experimenting with writing when he was bored, or his father inviting artists to his house. As he saw his father build a career in this industry, Dominique decided that he wanted to be able to follow in the footsteps of his father and other family members. Creating his club, Empire, helped Dominique do just that. • • • Dominique created Empire as a place for him and other students to dive deeper into the music industry and experiment with aspects beyond just singing. In the club, he helps the members practice their performances with music and acting. He even ventures into the political arena when he can. Dominique says that watching the current presidential campaign has made him more aware of the level of entertainment
DESIGN Abbey Clouse
that can come with the race. “When you think entertainment, people usually don’t think politics or politicians,” Dominique said. “I believe politics are pretty interesting on an entertainment level.” For Dominique, Empire’s many elements are what set the club apart from others in the school. Titles for a typical group’s officers include president, vice president and secretary. But for Dominique, this didn’t fit the atmosphere he was trying to present. Dominique calls himself High Emperor, his vice president Emperor, and the lower officers King/ Queen and Prince/Princess. He hopes to reflect his group as a kingdom, so rather than positions in the group, everyone is ranked by their dedication. “There is no distinctive demographic that is not accepted in the Empire,” Dominique said. “When you think of a kingdom, you think everything [it] has is different elements. So we are combining those elements that make us.” Although Dominique’s sister, freshman Dejah Stoner, isn’t an officer in the club, she is a performer. She also helps with the other club members that may be struggling or have to find their voice. “I help make sure people have their stuff together,” Dejah said. “I make sure they have the music ready and they know what song they’re singing. I help people by constructive criticism.” At the beginning of a meeting, Dominique addresses all of the singers, making sure they have a song prepared and are ready to perform. He then meets with his Emperor and together they set up a screen for the singers to perform in front of. When a female artist sings, the screen shows the words “Golden Girls,” and when a male artist sings, the screen shows “Golden Guys.” The golden glow of the screen frames the artists as they sing at the front of the room, facing the rest of the group. After each performance, the club together critiques each individual on their strong points and what they need to work on for the next meeting. Dominique believes that this critiquing allows the artists to get a much better grasp on how to develop their individual style. “I do believe in working together, but one of the things I feel people forget is their own personal capabilities,” Dominique said. “If you work with someone
DESIGN Abbey Clouse
else you don’t always get that chance to express your potential because you have to learn to collaborate. I’m trying to help these people individually, not all together.” The sponsor of the group, MHS9 Biology teacher Jennifer Wind, has never sponsored a group before, and she has enjoyed her experience with Empire so far. She hopes that everyone in this group can go further after they graduate, with Empire as a good starting point. “I think everybody needs a place where they can belong,” Wind said. “Hopefully some of them develop their talent and go on and have careers in this area.” Dominique hopes this club can help him with his future goals. He believes that being used to a leadership position
FEATURE
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even having the future goal of running for the presidential election in 2040. But he also would like to leave high school and keep with his music career, hoping Empire will help get him there. And while Dominique has an ambitious outlook for his future, he also knows to stay realistic in his goals. “Even though that route might be fun now, I feel like when I get older it’s not going to be as fun as it is now,” he said. “I’m not going to be looked at the same way. If I’m 50 years old teaching and talking and rapping the same way I am now that means I didn’t learn anything in between.”
“If you work with someone else you don’t always get that chance to express your potential because you have to learn to collaborate. I’m trying to help these people individually, not altogether”
-dominique, 10 will help him in whatever career he can go into. “People were listening to my music, people were listening to my teachings,” Dominique said. “I’m helping people come out of their shells. It’s nice to see a team build based off of me.” Dominique hopes the members of his club will continue in the music industry path, whether as singers or producers. He hopes they will be able to become more recognized and begin having their own songs and venues. “Even if that doesn’t happen for them, I don’t want them to walk away from here and forget about this,” Dominique said. “I want them to know and walk away and say ‘I started from Empire.’ ” Dominique has many future career paths planned out for himself. He is adamant on going into the political field,
Sophomore Rhawsee Holyfield sings a cover of Alicia Keys in front of the members of Empire.
oct. 5, 2016
10 SPORTS
MEET THE MARAUDERS Story Kelly RoWe PHOTOS VANESSA DAVIS The fall sports season is upon us. Energetic Friday nights, thrilling tennis matches, nail-biting volleyball games and suspenseful golf tournaments are becoming a part of student’s weekly schedules. But these sports would be impossible without the athletes that make up these winning teams. Here are some of this year’s star players.
What inspired you to join your sport?
Marquette
Varsity Football
Olivia Baxter, 12
Justin Dinka, 10
“I love dancing and how it can put me in a great mood.”
“Watching college players”
If you weren't in this sport, what other sport would you be in?
Track
Track
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
“Me and my best friend on Marquettes do a handshake before every performance for good luck.”
“Watching football highlights before a game”
Jarrett North Olivia Baxter
or
MHSMARQUEE.COM
this or that? Audrey Pace Justin Dinka Josh Domergue
Justin Dinka Jarrett North Olivia Baxter
Audrey Pace Josh Domergue
or
DESIGN Cara crocker, Megan Clark
SPORTS
Varsity Volleyball
Varsity Tennis
Audrey Pace, 11
Jarrett North, 12
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Golf First Team Josh Domergue, 12
“My parents met playing volleyball in college. I was like “I want to, I want to!” Like a little kid trying to impress their mom.”
“I was bored with baseball and I had friends that started to play [tennis] for fun.”
“Well I started playing golf in middle school after I fractured my skull, and that took me out of all other contact sports and I just fell in love with [golf ].”
Athletic Trainer
Ultimate Frisbee
Soccer
“The guys sway back and forth in a circle. We go around to everyone and say ‘Let’s go Marcus’ as loud as we can.”
“[I] have a “pump up” jam session with my favorite music before all my tournaments to get myself going and excited to do well.”
“We do a lot of cheers in the hallways, and every doorway we run through we have to touch the top of it.”
Olivia Baxter
or
this or that? Audrey Pace Justin Dinka Jarrett North Josh Domergue
Design Cara crocker, Megan Clark
Audrey Pace Josh Domergue Olivia Baxter
Jarrett North
or
oct. 5, 2016
o t d e d a he
12 sports
y e n r u o j s ’ Alum otball o f o r to p
Marauder football - Started in seventh grade
STORY MORGAN MAXWELL
- Switched from quarterback to the defensive lineman junior year - Won the 2010 district 8-5A defensive player of the year - Earned consensus first team All District 6-5A honors
UTSA football - Had a full ride athletic scholarship to the University of Texas at San Antonio - Tore his ACL in his right knee, ending his junior season - Broke his career record of tackles and sacks - Given a medical redshirt
Growing up in Dallas, many young football players dream of one day playing with The Dallas Cowboys. They dream of playing on the same team that Deion Sanders once played on, in the billion dollar stadium built by Jerry Jones. Over the summer, former Marauder Jason Neill had the chance to to live out this dream. Jason’s voice was filled with excitement when he called his dad in May. As Jason told his father Jeff Neill that he would soon be a Dallas Cowboy, he was flooded with emotion. Jeff said he was both proud and overjoyed for his son. “I sat there and yelled ‘Praise God. Hallelujah,’” Jeff said. On NFL draft day Jason waited. He waited through all seven long rounds. Waiting for a call, waiting for his childhood dream to come true. The announcer called the last name to be drafted and Jason realized his name had not been mentioned. Instead of giving up, he tried the home team. Jason found out the Dallas Cowboys were having a rookie minicamp so scouts could take a closer look at the players who weren’t drafted. Practices with the Cowboys were harder than Jason had thought they would be. It moved at a fast pace because everyone wanted to prove that they deserved a spot on the team. Spending days in the Texas heat was also brutal. Jason said it was like working a 9-5 job outdoors. “You wake up in the morning, you do what you’re told, go home, wake up the next day and repeat it,” Jason said. During the workouts, Jason was surprised by how many of the players he didn’t recognize. He watched football all the time growing up, but when he saw players only three lockers down he had no clue who was who. Seeing the professionals up close made the NFL slowly become a reality. “At first it was weird being around all the professional players. But after a couple of days they became real people not just celebrities,” Jason said. Being around veteran players not only taught Jason what to do when playing, but what to do when he isn’t playing. They taught all the rookies that if they want to stay in the NFL they have to be responsible for their actions on the field as well as off the field.
DESIGN ABBEY CLOUSE
e h t
p o t
he can play to. I am so proud of him,”
David said. But soon his So Jason went back to working out experience with them and staying in shape to be ready for the would come to an end. next call. Jason was sat down In August, his in Dallas Cowboys agent called and Coach Jason Garrett’s told him to pack office before practice a bag because and received the news he was boarding he wouldn’t be a Dallas a plane to Cowboy after all. After Cleveland at 5 his talk with the coach, p.m. His dream Jason packed all his My first thought was ‘Wow, was still alive. stuff up and went home, is this really it? Is it all over Jason would conflicted about what now?’ have a chance his next move would be. to play with the “My first thought was Browns. ‘Wow is this really it? Is But again, it all over now?’” Jason there would be said. a fight to earn His family was hoping to get the a position on this team. For him the phone call saying they would be watching Browns were what felt like his last chance him play in a Dallas jersey with his name to play football, so he was willing to again on the back, but instead they received the learn a new position.While trying phone call that broke their hearts. to keep up with the “It was devastating and as a father, other players, he my instinct was to protect him, but there felt unsure about wasn’t anything I could do but encourage what the future held. him,” Jeff said. After four weeks His brother, David Neill, was also practicing with the disappointed. David was a Marauder Browns, he was let football player and went on play college go again. His father, football at Texas Tech. He is currently Jeff said that he was the strength and conditioning coach devastated when Jason at UT and has been a support to his was dropped. brother. David had no doubt that Jason In early September, would get back up on his feet. He spent Jason came back to work time working out with Jason to keep him with the Marauder motivated and focused on his dream. “I want him to play to his best potential that I know
‘‘
-Jason Neill, alum
irst their f ears d e y a ey pl team colleg itted l l s i a h b t g m n oo e duri ners f os sub d Run fore a gam ster. Phot a o R ht) Be e) The am po (Abov 2011. (Rig ll signs a te i in game , Jason Ne A S T U at
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football team. Not only did he help the boys, he also worked out with them to keep in shape. During his time here he began to consider becoming a football coach or a strength and conditioning coach like his brother. Although Jason’s dream seemed like it was over, on Sept. 21 Jason got another call from his agent. They were trying to figure out what to do about his career,and the topic of playing football in Canada came up. After putting some thought into it and with the support of his family Jason made his decision. He would be leaving for Canada to play for the Calgary Stampeders. In 71 years as a team, The Stampeders have won seven grey cups, or the equivalent to seven Super Bowls. “It’s weird to think about living in a new country, but I’d go anywhere to keep playing,” Jason said.
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A NATION DIVIDED JULY 7, 2016 DALLAS, TX
PHOTO Vanessa Davis
Five police officers were killed and 11 were injured, including two civilians, during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in downtown. Micah Xavier Johnson, a 25-year-old African American male, shot at police in response to the officerinvolved shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Dallas Morning News breaking news reporter, Caleb Downs, was one of the many journalists who covered the incident. When the shooting began, Downs left the newsroom to begin reporting from the scene. “I was walking down the street and everyone was running in the opposite direction,” he said. “At first I had a deer in the headlights moment and I panicked.” Downs stayed on the scene for most of the night, tweeting as he followed the mayhem. “At one point someone yelled ‘He’s shooting! He’s shooting!’ and everyone freaked out,” Downs said. “[One] woman just started running, screaming and praying.” Downs then moved to El Centro College, where the Dallas officers and Johnson were negotiating in the parking garage. Around 2:30 a.m., the shooter was killed by a bomb robot that was detonated by authorities. The funerals of the five officers, Sr. Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol, Officer Patrick Zamarripa, Sgt. Michael J. Smith and Officer Brent Thompson, were held the following week.
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in-depth
SUMMER STIRS R
Controversies spark over police story bailey crocker & JP Martin
JULY 5
BATON ROUGE, LA
‘‘
You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it. -malcolm x
African-American male, Alton Sterling, 37, was fatally shot after being held on the ground by two Baton Rouge police officers. Officers Howie Lake II and Blane Salamoni responded to a call about an armed man who was selling CDs outside of a convenience store. In videos recorded by bystanders, Sterling was pinned to the ground by the offiers, when they shot him in the chest. The police officers were placed on paid administrative leave when the U.S. Department of Justice took over the investigation.
JULY 6
FALCON HEIGHTS, MN
African-American male, Philando Castile, 32, was shot by officer Jeronimo Yanez after being pulled over for an alleged broken taillight in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Castile’s girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, broadcasted the after-math of the shooting live on Facebook as she talked with Yanez. She tells the camera that Castile informed Yanez that he was licensed to carry and that he had a gun on him. When Castile reached for his license in his pocket Yanez mistook it as him reaching for his gun and shot Castile. Later, at Hennepin County Medical Center, Castile was confirmed dead. The following Thursday, thousands of people gathered to commemorate Castile at his funeral. Officer Yanez was placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.
aug. 26
SAN FRANCISCO, CA Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for San Francisco 49ers, sparked a controversy when he kneeled instead of stood for the national anthem in a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. He told NFL media that he is not going to have pride in a country that “oppresses black people and people of color.” Since then, many other athletes, including Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster and Seattle Reign FC midfielder Megan Rapinoe, have followed in his footsteps by taking a knee during the anthem.
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DESIGN NICK FOPIANO
RACIAL TENSIONS
e shootings of African-Americans Others, like Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters, have held up a clenched fist, while some, like the Seattle Seahawks team, have linked arms. It has even reached local teams, like the girls’ volleyball team in DeSoto High School and UNT. Kaepernick claims that he will continue to kneel until there is a change in the country’s racial oppression, even after he received death threats. To further his cause, in the next 10 months he said he will be donating $100,000 every month to charities and program. The money will be able to be tracked on a website by fans so they can see exactly how it is used.
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SEPT. 16
TULSA, OK
African American male, Terence Crutcher, 40, was shot and killed by an officer of the Tulsa Police Department. Officer Betty Shelby was responding to another call when she spotted Crutcher. He was walking next to his vehicle, which was stopped in the middle of the road. Officers reported that Crutcher was unresponsive to her and mumbling to himself with his hands in his pockets. The situation escalated and a helicopter cam provided a bird’s eye view of Crutcher being shot by Officer Shelby. Controversy has been amplified because of the video’s audio — a man in the helicopter stating that Crutcher “looks like a bad dude.” Officer Shelby has been charged with first degree manslaughter, which could bring her 4-years to life in prison.
SEPT. 20
CHARLOTTE, NC African-American male, Keith Scott, 43, was shot and killed by an African-American Charlotte police officer, Brently Vinson. In a cell phone video released by Scott’s wife she is heard yelling at Keith to comply with the officers while also pleading to the officers not to shoot him. Videos released are unable to provide enough evidence and context for exactly what happened, however, officers can be heard demanding Scott to drop a gun. There was a gun confirmed as Scott’s on the scene, but whether he was actually holding the gun has yet to be released by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Officer Vinson was placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.
DESIGN NICK FOPIANO
Sources: Dallas Morning News, New York Times and CNN
oct. 5, 2016
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Photo vanessa davis
Local officer and pastor Maurice Floyd preaches every Wednesday and Sunday at Grace Missionary Baptist Church.
black and blue
I have decided to Pastor also serves his community as law enforcement officer stick with story Michelle Mullings love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. -MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
MHSMARQUEE.COM
Every Sunday, senior Destiny McNeil worships at Grace Missionary Baptist Church. Her stepfather, Pastor Maurice Floyd, stands tall behind his podium onstage. Warm morning light floods through the stained glass windows behind him as he addresses the congregation. Piano rings throughout the church, harmoniously in tune with Floyd’s bellowing of prayer. Today is one of the many days he speaks on racial tensions in the nation. “I know it looks bad in North Carolina,” Floyd said. “I know it looks bad in a lot of places. But if God allows it to happen, he has a purpose.” His voice fills the room, booming through the pews. “God is able,” Floyd said. “And he will fix it in due time.” Before she goes to bed, McNeil
thinks of her stepfather. He’s heading to the night shift at his job as a local law enforcement officer. And nights are so much scarier. As she lays under the sheets in the pitch black darkness of her room, McNeil takes a breath. When she thinks of her stepfather before she falls asleep, she prays her stepdad has a good night. She prays she sees him the next morning. “I ask God to cover him,” McNeil said. “Keep him safe, keep him alert, and not let any harm come towards him. Then I can rest easy knowing God has him.” After the Dallas shooting of multiple police officers this summer, Floyd knows his family fears for his safety more than ever. “When I leave at night, they really don’t know if I’m coming home,” Floyd said. And with everything law enforcement officers go through in the line of duty,
DESIGN NICK FOPIANO
Floyd says, society has an incomplete view of police. Serving as an officer, he encounters difficult life or death situations every day. “I believe when people are informed about what it’s really like inside the world of a police officer, I don’t think they’ll go and make the decisions... that they make,” Floyd said. “I’m in that world now. I have nothing but respect.” When racial tensions seemed far away, it was easier to not think about. But once Dallas officers were targeted, McNeil was shocked. It could have just as easily been her stepdad. “It became more real when it was in Dallas because it was closer to home,” McNeil said. • • • Even before he entered law enforcement, as a pastor, Floyd had connections with police. As a chaplain for a local department, he was involved with some of the most difficult parts of the job, including providing death notices to families and comforting people after the tragic loss of a loved one. This became his push to serve as an officer himself. “That link became the driving source,” Floyd said. “It was again helping people and... being a public servant.” In 2012, he decided to attend a police academy. With the support of McNeil and the rest of his family, he reached his goal of becoming a law enforcement officer. “It’s something he’s always wanted to do,” McNeil said. “So I was proud of him.” The whole family was excited at first. But after the nation’s outrage regarding Ferguson and police brutality, and with Floyd being a black male himself, the danger associated with his new career became a constant worry. “Being a police officer, now especially, you kind of have a target on your back,” McNeil said. “That’s when I started praying for him.” Though McNeil does fear for her stepfather from time to time, she says she appreciates how he can help people in their most trying times. “I wouldn’t trade his job for anything else,” McNeil said. Floyd acknowledges that his two careers may seem contradictory. But for him, doing both allows him to reach people on a deeper level. “With me being a pastor, I know how to de-escalate individuals,” Floyd
said. “I can identify the pain and the hurt. The crime is just a consequence, an after effect—but it’s not the root cause.” From the church to the streets, Floyd said he always felt a calling to serve people. “To me, it’s a ministry,” Floyd said. • • • It was 1974 in Stanley, North Carolina. Fifteen-year-old Floyd had always wanted to be a preacher, spreading the word of God throughout his community. He said he felt a calling to change people’s lives
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Being a police officer, now especially, you kind of have a target on your back.
-destiny mcneil, 12 and show them God’s love. As a teen, he got this opportunity. Floyd got his first job at a local grocery store in town. The owner of the store, he said, was the community’s head KKK member.
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“[The owner] always said, ‘With your black hands, you’ll never touch the meat in this grocery store,’” Floyd said. Every single day, the man put Floyd in the warehouse to rack bottles. Drenched in sweat, Floyd would labor in the 100 degree room for hours. “He placed me in [the] warehouse room... with the hopes of breaking my will to work for him because I was a black young man,” Floyd said. “He did everything in the world to break my spirit.” His boss even joked about it to others. “Here’s one n----- I can’t break,” Floyd would hear him say. But even through unfair treatment, Floyd wasn’t going to give up. “You can’t beat me with that spirit of hatred,” he said. Though everyone in town said Floyd was crazy for working for this man, he said he was determined to make a change. “I said, ‘I can work around his issues, and show him the love of God,’” Floyd said. “And that’s what I did.” Floyd worked with the man for years. Over time, the man gave him the nickname “Mo.” When Floyd graduated high school, the owner of the store even helped support him when he was entering college.
(Continued on pg. 20)
Senior Destiny McNeil’s stepfather is both a local officer and pastor.
Photo Keegan douglas davis
20 in-depth
Students’ opinions on race issues Is racism a bigger problem now or is it more publicized in the media?
Bigger Problem-20% More Publicized-31%
Neither-49%
Are recent police shootings more of a police problem or societal issue?
police-23%
both-31%
societal-46%
The Marquee polled 300 random people.
Black and Blue (Continued from pg. 19) “Before he died, I basically became his best friend,” Floyd said. “He would call my mother and ask, ‘Where’s Mo?’” Floyd says through his determination and love, he was able to change not only the man’s thinking, but others who were like him. Even other Klan members came to call him “Mo.” “This man died without hatred in his heart,” Floyd said. “That’s not the way it began.” Because he kept a persistent and positive attitude rather than negative hostility, Floyd says, he reached the man. “I’ve seen it work, that’s why I preach it,” Floyd said. “I’ve seen it work and it never fails. And to this day as a black law enforcement officer, that’s what I use when I go into homes where I know they’ll basically say, we don’t want you here. The power of love is stronger than anything people will ever imagine.”
In regards to the Black Lives Matter movement, Floyd has the same ideology. He says instead of coming at each other with “vented frustration,” prejudice must be handled with understanding and patience. “Black males are going to be treated differently until something changes on both sides,” Floyd said. “I think a lot of black males are going to have to turn around and show that we ain’t about trouble. And then I think the people on the opposing side have to [realize], maybe we need to back up and look at them differently.” He remembers it was a Monday morning. Floyd and his partner sat in their car outside a youth pastor’s home. They had a search warrant to seize that man’s laptop. They sat, waiting. Inside, a family was preparing for the day, unknowing. They stormed the house and searched everything. The rest of the officers burst into the house before the man had any chance to wipe the computer of evidence. While the house was searched, Floyd approached the handcuffed youth pastor, who was under arrest for downloading child pornography. This was his chance
to use his religious training to help save a life. “You’re a pastor,” Floyd said to him, “I know what you want to do. I know you want to commit suicide.” The man hung his head in shame. “I really do,” he said. “Don’t do that, Floyd said. “You’re going to have to work through this issue. But please don’t go out like that.” Floyd decided to speak to the man through scripture. He gave him a character out of the Bible who he said, “made great mistakes and fell from grace”— King David. “Suicide is not the way out,” Floyd said. “It may be the way out to spare yourself of embarrassment. But to be quite frank... the way out is to work through your shame.” The man looked up at Floyd. “Thank God you’re here,” he said. “Because we both know the Bible, know those who have fallen, and... what pathways they took to be reformed. Thank you for reminding me of that.” The man is still alive today. “So when people tell me being a pastor and being a cop doesn’t link, I beg to differ,” Floyd said. “I beg to differ.”
in-depth
Is there racism in the U.S.A?
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In terms of the Black Lives Matter Movement, do protests help or hurt their cause?
NO 22%
HELP 48%
HURT 52%
YES 78%
Do police officers racially profile? Is there racism in Flower Mound? NO 50%
YES 50%
NO 41% YES 59%
The Marquee polled 300 random people.
A simple action Vanessa Davis
@sessadavis
I open my Twitter feed for the 36th time that day. As I browse through the past seven hours of posts, I find nothing out of the ordinary--a few birthday wishes, the latest sports updates and another news report that an unarmed black man has been gunned down by police--nothing too unusual. I have reached the point where I am no longer caught off guard when I hear news like this. I have become numb to this neverending cycle of prejudice against African-Americans. It recently occurred to me that if I no longer feel outraged about the innocent black lives who have been lost due to discrimination in this country, than I am a part of the problem. Then I scroll past a picture of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem. At first I was unsure of what to
think. While many famous athletes have protested in the past, Kaepernick’s is one of the biggest to occur in my lifetime. I didn’t know whether to praise him or detest him. People have criticized his recent actions for many reasons. One of those is because he is a biracial man fighting on the side of African-Americans. Growing up with a white mother and a black father myself, I’ve learned how important it is to put myself in other people’s shoes before I jump to conclusions. Sometimes I imagine what it would be like to have family from both my moms and dads side together in public. Would people view my father’s family differently and with more suspicion because of their skin color? Unfortunately society has decided that African-Americans are more susceptible to be found guilty of criminal activity which means we should view them as dangerous and take precautionary measures when they’re around. Though I have never been racially profiled or prejudicially incarcerated, I still worry for my family members who may face this harsh reality in their towns. I worry for my aunts and uncles,
my cousins and my father who could easily become a statistic overlooked by so many people -- people who don’t find this subject relevant. A statistic that came to be all because someone assumed they were up to no good while playing at a park, wearing a hoodie or even using public transportation. It’s easy for people to view actions and quickly assume that he is insensitive. That his thoughtless method of objection is both taking place at the wrong time and ineffective. The truth is that it never seems like the right time for protest, especially during the national anthem. But when people start to allow the love for a patriotic song to overrule the love for other humans, protest becomes a necessity. “I agree with his message but not with his actions” has become a popular phrase thrown into the discussion by those who fear tension. His protests have stirred discomfort with those who are committed to order rather than justice and have realized that their authority has now been challenged. (Continued on pg. 30)
22 sports
Road to Rio
Local gymnast earns Olympic alternate spot Story Sanika sule Lewisville resident Ragan Smith held her breath as she waited for her score. After months of training and two days of competition, her fate was boiled down to a 15 minute waiting period. As she sat among the nation’s most talented gymnasts, only one thought went through each of their minds: who will represent the United States in Rio de Janeiro. The country’s most elite gymnasts had gathered in San Jose, California to compete in the women’s gymnastics Olympic trials. For 16-year-old Ragan,
this was the opportunity to prove that she belonged on the podium, representing the United States. While she waited to hear if she made the team, tears streamed down her face. Although the competition was over, Ragan’s nerves remained on edge. All she could do was hope her performance was good enough to secure her a spot. As the door opened, the gymnasts knew that the judges had made their decision. Ragan listened intently for her name and place. Fifth. Her heart sank. Despite being named fifth all around, Ragan had not made
Gymnast Ragan Smith trains at Texas Dream gym in Coppell. She practices for over six hours every day.
MHSMARQUEE.COM
the Olympic team. She knew she had given her best performance, yet it wasn’t enough. She said was disappointed that she would not compete with the team, but was excited that she was allowed to represent team USA as an alternate. “The energy was there and the nerves were there,” Ragan said. “It was an incredible experience just to go out there and hit my routines and do the best I could. Even though I got fifth all around, I’m just happy and proud of what I did.” Since she was two years old, Ragan has been devoted to the world of gymnastics. Although she began the sport to follow in her mother’s footsteps, she has developed a brand of her own. As she began refining her skills, Ragan knew that her gymnastic career could lead her to international competitions. Ragan’s mom, Kerry, said that as a former college gymnast, she understands the kind of dedication it takes to excel. “It’s very special,” Kerry said. “I kind of know what she goes through and how hard the work is and the injuries. I get it.” Ragan and her family decided to move from their home of 13 years in Georgia to Lewisville to be closer to Texas’ elite gyms. She was excited to begin training at Texas Dreams gym in Coppell under former Olympian Kim Zmeskal. While this move meant that she would have to leave her friends behind, Ragan knew that her gym in Georgia could only take her so far. “[My family] sacrificed that for me and I sacrificed that for myself,” Ragan said. “Here, I like it a lot. The gym is better here and the coaches are better. That’s how I got this far.” Ragan’s move was a strategic step towards the Olympics. While Ragan’s fifth place at the Olympic trials meant she would not compete on the team, she would still have the opportunity to travel to Brazil and train just like the other Olympians. After six months of continuous training, Ragan was headed for Rio. While her years of practicing made her more than prepared as a gymnast, not much could have prepped her for the new DESIGN Megan Clark
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Smith's Gymnastics Awards 2016 City of Jesolo trophy team champion 2015 Junior U.S. national beam and floor champion 2012 Junior Olympic National Qualifier 2013 Junior U.S. National beam and floor silver medalist culture. As soon as she stepped off of the plane, she noted the towering Brazilian slums and widespread poverty. Ragan said that her previous international travels to countries like Italy helped in adjusting and understanding the new country. “It was heartbreaking to see how poor the country was,” Ragan said. “It was just a different atmosphere and different surroundings.” Upon arrival, Ragan began training almost immediately. She was shocked at the state of the training centers. She said the dated facilities and rundown equipment were hard to get used to. She spent most of her days continuously working her body. Although she was an alternate, she spent more time in the gym than the other girls on the team. While the preparation was tiring, Ragan said it prepared her to compete at a moment’s notice in case one of the other girls became injured. “[I wish] we didn’t have to pound our bodies as much but I definitely think it was worth it in the long run,” Ragan said. “They pushed us so hard, and that’s why we’re on the top and not just intermediate.” Although she and the other alternates stayed at the alternate village, separate from the other Olympians, she had the opportunity to meet several members of the U.S. delegation. While she was at the training complex, she met basketball players Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan. Ragan was starstruck when Jordan approached her and struck up a conversation. The two took a picture which quickly circulated throughout the internet. The image highlighted the stark difference between 4 ft.6 in. gymnast and the 6 ft.11in. basketball player. DESIGN Megan Clark
“When it went viral I was like ‘wow, he’s that much taller than me,’” Ragan said. “It was just really intimidating whenever we were on the court with them. It was just a crazy height difference.” In addition to meeting Jordan, Ragan was able to get to know her fellow gymnasts. Although she did not have many opportunities to mingle with her teammates due to their rigorous training schedule, one day they talked for hours. Ragan said that whenever she saw one of the girls on the podium, she felt great pride and knew she was truly part of the team. “It just feels amazing whenever someone’s up there on the podium,” Ragan said. “Whether you’re an alternate for the team, no matter what, you’re the best in the world.” Towards the end of her stay in Rio de Janeiro, Ragan was able to relax and explore the city. As she walked along the beaches, she felt the cool ocean water touch her toes. She went through gift shops buying handfuls of key chains and t-shirts for friends to celebrate her time in Brazil. Ragan enjoyed her last moments in Rio that marked the beginning of her Olympic career. While Ragan knew she could have done well, and possibly medaled, as a member of the Olympic team, she said she learned a lot from experience as an alternate. Ragan is continuing her training, and knows that her time in Brazil has prepared her for the next Olympics. “I knew I always dreamed of going to the Olympics, I never knew I could come this far and just have my dream come true,” Ragan said.
Gymnast Ragan Smith met LA Clipper’s player DeAndre Jordan at the 2016 Olympics. Their height difference made this photo go viral this summer.
oct. 5, 2016
Summer a first day I went to a “The mountainous area, and
the third day we went to a boat house and we spent the night there. The first two days when we went to the mountains, the view was amazing and waterfalls were there. We also went to a tea estate and we got to see the process of [making] tea.
MUNNAR, KERALA, INDIA
“
-NIKITHA MAKAM, 12
were there for two “ We weeks and we started
in Edinburgh. We went through the Highlands and we ended in Edinburgh again. We just stopped in different towns on the coast and inland, and the main reason we went was [to see] the town where my great-great grandfather came from.
“
-EMILY HAAS, 11
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, UK DESIGN NICK FOPIANO
d v e n t u r es Compiled Cara Crocker
Over the summer, students and teachers traveled across the globe. The Marquee highlights some of the vacations taken outside of the United States. went there for two “ Iweeks to run an
international sports camp for kids in 3rd grade to senior year. I stayed on the island of Grand Canaria and I went to Tenerife by ferry to see the volcano.
“
-COACH ROGERS
LOS PALMAS, GRAND CANARIA, SPAIN
went to Xiamen, “ We China to visit my
grandpa. We stayed there for a month. We did a little bit of sightseeing and touring temples. We did a lot of shopping because there are lots of malls. I really liked the food.
“
-CHLOE AGIS, 10
“ XIAMEN, FUJIAN, CHINA
26 entertainment
on the record STORY JP MARTIN
BIRDS IN THE TRAP SING MCKNIGHT TRAVIS SCOTT Following the commercial and underground success of his 2015 offering “Rodeo,” Travis Scott comes back with an experimental and dark record consisting of fitting instrumental and good feature artists (Kid Cudi, Andre 3000, Kendrick Lamar, and more). Some tracks that stand out are
societal
the opening track “ The Ends” featuring former O utkast member Andre 3000, “Goosebumps” featuring Kendrick Lamar, and “ Way Back.” Riding off the “Rodeo” hype train and placing atop the Billboard top 100 chart, “Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight ” is a solid addition to Scott ’s discography.
BLonde
40%
FRANK OCEAN
BEST PIZZA IN TEXAS 2 YEARS IN A ROW 972-899-9989 Dine In
Carry Out
972-899-4378 Delivery
Catering
900 Parker Square, Suite 990 Flower Mound 75028
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Almost half a decade after releasing his debut album “Channel Orange,” California-born crooner Frank Ocean returns with a brand new full length album, “Blonde.” In its entirety, the record consists of 17 tracks with a run time of 60 minutes, and if you break it down to specifics, “Blonde” is a well thought out artistic masterpiece. Heavily sought after
singer/songwriter/rapper Andre 3000 finds his way onto the record for a solo feature. Though this track only runs one minute and 19 seconds, its effect is felt heavily by the listener. Other tracks that stand out include “Nights” with a fantastic R&B outro, “White Ferrari”, and “Seigfried”. This is a bonafide classic in the realms of Pop and R&B.
DESIGN JOLIE MULLINGS
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60 Seconds
P3
PARTYNEXTDOOR Toronto crooner PARTYNEXTDOOR amassed quite the following in previous years with hits like “Recognize” featuring OVO frontman Aubrey “Drake” Graham. With PND being an OVO signee himself, one would expect Drake’s influence to run rampant amid his work, and this record is no exception. However, not everything modeled after Drake’s music turns out as an incredibly appealing record. The 16 tracks encompassing 65 minutes get mildly
repetitive, and the vocals seem forced and at times mundane. There is a good amount of solid tracks though, such as previously released single “Come and See Me” and “Don’t Run.” Not many people expected anything groundbreaking from Drake’s young apprentice, but he still comes through with a satisfying project for late night drives.
brittany HUNT LONG TERM ART SUBSTITUTE If you were a superhero, what would your catch phrase be? Positivity is everything!
Who is the coolest person you know?
My mom. She does everything under the sun like to 110 and beyond. If I could live up to half of that, that would be great.
If you were a fruit flavor, what flavor would you be?
MAC MILLER
The Divine Feminine It is rare in music, and hip-hop in particular, for an artist’s content to get dramatically better as they propel to the mainstream. However, most of Mac Miller’s career has been a testament to this rare occurrence since dropping “KIDS” in 2010. “GO:OD AM” and “Watching Movies with the Sound Off ” are two great examples of his artistic
ability. However, “The Divine Feminine” is a completely different story. Tracks like “God is Fair” along with the previously released single “Dang!” stand out, but other than that, Miller’s 2016 offering is disappointing. He seems out of his element trying to croon his way through a record. The youthful Pittsburgh emcee missed the mark with this one.
If you could make pomegranate not have the seeds up in there, that would be the coolest flavor.
If you were a type of God or Goddess, what would you be?
I’d probably be named Alfieri, which is my adopted family’s name, and be the Goddess of theory and food.
If you were a type of weather, what would you be?
Well my name is Bubbly Brittany, always looking at the bright side of life; so something like during the sunrise or sunset with cool breezes. compiled by Aidann zuniga
DESIGN JOLIE MULLINGS
october 6, 2016
28 in-depth
Get up and go JP Martin
@jackpsm
Everything was ready. I had packed up my things from my room and my bags were in the trunk of my car. I took one last look at the walls that I had spent countless hours within — only this time, it was different. There wasn’t a Cathedral Prep flag draped on the wall overlooking my bed. There wasn’t a desk with my things scattered on top of it, clothes weren’t thrown over the back of the reclining chair, and a pile of shoe boxes didn’t tower beside my window. My room was empty. I felt like I was prepared to leave everything behind. In my short 17 years, I have been to a lot of places and have experienced many different communities, cultures and demographics. I pride myself on being able to adapt to new situations. One thing that I have always been told is “life’s an adventure”. An adventure is
nothing if you aren’t going anywhere. I grew up in the small town of Linesville, PA, and had a flat-world perspective on life. I was ignorant to the world around me for a substantial chunk of time. That is, until it came time to enroll for my first year of high school. That was when my hunger for adventure spiked. Admittedly, I was young and overzealous. However, I had ambition and curiosity that motivated me to make the decision to refuse enrollment at my local high school, choosing instead to attend Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Pennsylvania. This would prove to be one of the most beneficial decisions that I’ve made as a young man. The friends that I made and the memories they gave me are second to none. Any effort that wasn’t shown within the halls of Cathedral Prep is effort that I regret wasting. I would do anything to have it back. Following my enrollment at Prep, the next three years would be quite the ride. I remember my first day as a wide-eyed freshman as vividly as I remember my last day as a confident upperclassman. Upon the end of my junior year, I had every intention of remaining at Cathedral Prep. However, this was a classic case of lack of foresight getting the best of me. I thought about what I wanted, but not how I’d get it. I knew that attending a Southern college was a goal of mine, but I had not taken into account the cost of
out-of-state tuition when it came to Texas colleges and universities. When I sat down and analyzed the situation, it was clear to me: a change was needed. I didn’t make a final decision until summer 2016. I remember going to Texas to visit my aunt and uncle with two of my closest friends. Making the situation permanent was always a thought that was in the back of my mind, and I talked extensively with my parents about what I wanted to do. I arrived back home in Pennsylvania and got everything sorted out. I’d be lying if I said that it was all fun and games. Leaving my brothers from Erie was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and walking the halls of Prep is something I think of every day. However, the situation I’ve put myself in is both exciting and filled with opportunity. As of now, I’m three weeks into my senior year, still making relationships and trying to figure everything out. I still get lost in the halls and it seems as if I’m introducing myself to somebody new every day. I feel like I traded out my senior year for another year as a freshman, but that’s fine. Nothing about this scares me, and I’m ready for whatever the future holds. After all, life can be an adventure— you just need to get up and go.
boom bahs Things we like Paved potholes
Homecoming week
Friday night lights
For anyone who has driven in our parking lot, you know it’s a dangerous game of tight spaces and tricky maneuvers. Over the summer, the potholes were filled making the drive a little smoother. Now we just have to worry about the other student drivers.
Throughout homecoming week, students and staff alike went all out to prep for the big game. The decked out doors and extravagant mums have gotten students excited for the whole season.
The roar of the crowd at a sold out game is what most students live for after a long week. After days of homework, tests and quizzes students can finally go to a football game, hang out with friends and show off their school spirit.
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DESIGN NICK FOPIANO
in-depth
Puzzle pieces Brady Pierce
@bradypierce17
“Let’s just get this over with, ok?” The line echoed through my head, as if it was supposed to be symbolic. Of course it was, but only to me. That one line I had waited the entire first half of the show for, it was my cue. I had been preparing for almost two months for that line to pierce my ears, and I was ready. I walked out onto the stage, away from the safety of the curtained wings. I opened my mouth, and my heart poured out. All high schoolers are different, that’s indisputable. However, all of us still share common experiences. These kinds of things bind us as youth, and can sometimes unravel us as humans. One such experience is the seeming constant barrage of adults asking us our plans. It seems to never end, even now that we’re in high school. Most of expect to have ourselves figured
out by now; as kids we saw high schoolers as the most confident people. However, that’s rarely the case. Granted, by late high school a lot of students have found their way, but there is still a majority whose path is fogged over with no apparent way to clear it. For all of junior high, our futures were the last things on our minds. Nobody knew who they were yet, and I was no exception. It wasn’t just that I had to plan for my future career, I had no career for the future me. The advice I always gave myself was to try everything, and if you don’t like it, just move on to the next thing. I assumed, due to my big-head syndrome, that I’d eventually find something that I was just naturally good at. I had to be a prodigy in something, right? Turns out I was wrong. I tried everything from chess club to football, but nothing felt right. If I was a puzzle piece, then I never fit in any of those places. Halfway through high school, I had nearly given up. That was until my friend dared me to join theatre. I needed a fine arts credit, so I said “Why not?” Within a month of starting the class, I fell in love. I was making new friends, who actually cared about me and what I felt. I was learning a skill that I loved learning, and could actually put into immediate practice. I was done pretending to be somebody else, somebody who I knew wasn’t actually me. It was a gut feeling,
29
that I had found a place. It was like when you’re putting together a puzzle and you have this sort of hot streak where every piece you pick up seems to fit together. That was exactly my reaction to getting into theatre. The class was going awesome, so I figured I might as well try out for a play. Fast forward three months, March of 2016. I had just gotten cast in my first play, Tracers. I was one of the smaller parts, but that didn’t matter to me. I was happy to even be included. Blazing through my mind was the fire to actually try at something, to put effort into a craft. It was a feeling that I’d never felt before. During the rehearsal process, I became a performance junkie. I took such an unfamiliar yet distinct joy from acting that I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. All the puzzle pieces had finally fit together, and my mind felt complete. Now in my junior year, I’ve just been cast as a lead. I know now more than ever that I’ve found my place, but I also know that a lot of people still can’t say that. Not everybody in high school knows who they are yet, and the most important thing at our age is to seek that truth out. Finding a place to belong has changed my life for the infinitely better, and I hope that other people can find that same pleasure.
HEYS
Things we don’t like parking stickers New start time
eportfolios Long lunch lines
Staar Soda sadness
It’sFive a pain to scrape minutes may the not bright seem orange off but your when window like a stickers long time, it ifcomes you don’t have up parking pass yet. to waking a few minutes Maybe they just put a earlier,instead it makes allcould the difference warning under windshield in the slip world. Foryour students who wiper. barely made it on the bus or stumbled into class at the last second, the new start time is just another inconvenience.
Our colleges aren’t going to Lunch. Everyone’s favorite check for eportfolios, so why take time of the day to laugh, vent or time to up create Not only catch withone? a friend. Butthat, how but when everyone the school much time do we in actually get to tries to make wifi eat after waitingthem, in thethe cafeteria crashes. line? If the lines could be more
Despite how easy may After the little bitSTAAR of sleep you be are stillyou annoying. You have getthey because were swamped towith worry over the you temperature homework, feel like of a your assigned room and hoping zombie the next day. The obvious that your stomach doesn’t growl. solution would be caffeine, but
DESIGN NICK FOPIANO
efficient, we would have time to enjoy our meals rather than having to scarf down our food.
now that sodas are removed from the vending machines, we have to look elsewhere for energy.
OCT. 5, 2016
30 opinion
A simple action Vanessa Davis
@sessadavis
(Continued from pg. 19)
Maybe people are more concerned about the disrespect towards their country’s anthem and less conflicted with mistreatment of their fellow Americans. The fact that this Kaepernick saga has not yet ceased with the media signifies that people are paying attention. Sometimes I imagine what it would be like to have family from both my moms and dads side together in public. Would people view my father’s family differently and with more suspicion because of their skin color? Unfortunately society has decided that African-Americans are more susceptible to be found guilty of criminal activity which means we should view them as dangerous and take precautionary measures when they’re around. Though I have never been racially
profiled or prejudicially incarcerated, I still worry for my family members who may face this harsh reality in their towns. I worry for my aunts and uncles, my cousins and my father who could easily become a statistic overlooked by so many people--people who don’t find this subject relevant. A statistic that came to be all because someone assumed they were up to no good while playing at a park, wearing a hoodie or even using public transportation. Living in Flower Mound, I don’t have to worry about police altercations or rioting of any sort because here racism hardly exists. While this seems like a good problem for a community to have, the downside is that many students who have been raised in this community are unaware of the oppression and subjection against black people. The lack of exposure to this real and prevalent problem results in the “quick-to-judge-and-condemn” mindset of many white Americans. Many people just see the controversy in Kaepernick’s actions. I see an American exercising his constitutional right to peacefully protest. He simply kneels because he will not stand for a country that oppresses the black community. Some wonder why he chose to kneel during the Star Spangled Banner. This method of
protest will not go unnoticed and so far, the conversation has not yet ceased but continued to spread. The singing of the national anthem offers players and attendees the opportunity to honor their country for the blessings and liberties we are granted as citizens. Likewise, if a person feels as though their liberties have been corrupted, shouldn’t they be able to refrain from participating? It’s not like he is using this time to continue warming-up, talk with other players or distract people from honoring their country. Change can start with a simple action; whether it’s refusing to move seats on a bus like Rosa Parks or refusing to stand on the field like Colin Kaepernick. No matter if you’re an ordinary citizen or a professional athlete, small actions can bring well-needed attention to injustices happening across the country. Athletes are expected to “shut up and play” and leave their political and societal beliefs at home. It seems that in today’s world, if you choose to go against the norm, then your opinion doesn’t matter. Like Martin Luther King Jr. said, if you are “more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice” then you are a part of the problem.
Overheard at MHS
compiled Bailey crocker
“This flatulence isn't simulated.” “Please put your light saber on my desk or stop killing your peers.”
DESIGN Vanessa Davis
“I poured water on my cat.”
“I’m in my pirate phase right now.” “Was Harambe actually 17?”
31 Racial conflict deeper than cops vs. Black Lives Matter opinion
THE MARQUEE
Although problems between races have always existed in the United States, the recent protesting in Charlotte, NC, indictment of a police officer in Tulsa and the murder of five Dallas police officers have kept racial conflict in our attention since summer. Many people believe that these recent conflicts are simply black people versus police officers. This assumption, however, could not be farther from the truth. This is a problem with no easy solution, and our society wants easy answers. But we prefer to look at a video and make judgements, rather than admit this problem goes beyond simple police policy issues. While this may be complicated to fix as nation, as individuals we need to do what is necessary to solve this issue. In dealing with this matter we can’t ignore the fact that sometimes cops are racist. But the same pattern applies to firefighters, teachers, doctors, business owners or any other profession. There are racist people in every group. It is a problem, whether intended or accidental, that has been instilled into the hearts and minds of people based on the environment they grew up in. This is an issue that begins in the way our society raises children. No part of this problem
m
REMARKS
STAFF EDITORIAL
will be solved by pointing fingers at only police just because they are the most obvious example. We need to take into account that racism is also present in many other areas of our institutions, but because of the recent spotlight placed on cops, these other relevant conflicts are moved to the background of the media--and therefore, our minds. An example is the bias present in our court system. The stereotype of a black man being more dangerous than a white man is one of the reasons that people of color account for 60 percent of those imprisoned, even though African Americans only make up 30 percent of the U.S. population, according to The Center for American Progress. In addition, according to the NAACP, one in three black men will most likely be imprisoned at least once in their lifetime. As Americans we believe in the right to a fair trial, but it doesn’t seem to apply to our black community. This doesn’t even begin to talk about the drastic difference between treatment of students who are different races within school districts. Black children are three times more likely to be suspended and make up 40 percent of all school
expulsions, according to NPR. This is only for levels K-12. At the preschool level, African American children represent only 18 percent of those enrolled, but represent about half of those in out-of-school suspension. These children are not receiving the same opportunities as white children, even though some are younger than 7 years old and have barely been exposed to the world. Just because racism is not evident in Flower Mound, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. We live in a community that judges money before race, but that is not the way of life across the country. Because of this Flower Mound teens think they are excused from worrying about racism. However, just because we do not see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. We must be aware of its presence in our nation, and speak out against it whenever we see it. We need to expose those who believe they are superior to someone based on the amount of pigment in their skin. That movement starts with us. It begins with treating people--all people, any people--with respect, whether they be black or white, teacher or cop. We can only point fingers at cops and demand change if we change ourselves.
Do you think race plays a factor in the relationship between citizens and police? compiled MICHELLE MULLINGS
“I feel like since a lot of people aren’t educated on both sides... there’s a lot of disagreement that happens on things that shouldn’t happen, and there’s also a lot of racism that comes into play on both sides of the spectrum.” -Thomas Mowery, 10 “I really don’t think race plays a factor. I think it’s more people thinking it plays a factor because it just happens to be a white cop with a black person or a black cop with a white person.” -Monica Jones, 11
“Sometimes, occasionally. We pick up on profiles just because of what [others] say and we carry it...then take that on and then have a racial bias.” -Mark Lopez, Algebra I
“Some neighborhoods, like the ones we have in Highland Village for example, there’s better relationships because it’s majority white. If you go to Baltimore or places like that… the police don’t trust black people and the black people don’t trust police because there’s a lot of tension between the two groups.” -Magan Fosso, 12
DESIGN Vanessa davis
FLOWER MOUND FARMERS MARKET
The Flower Mound Farmers Market located in Parker’s Square off Main Street is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors and local farmers bring their products to sell and share
Gwendolyn Benthul packages a bag full of fresh grown tomatoes for a customer. Her business, Organic Heirlooms, grows and sells veggies and fruits.
Business owner Matt Brown passes out fresh samples of his product, cheese made from raw cow milk. His station, Brazos Valley Cheese offers many different handcrafted samples that people can taste and buy.
PHOTO & DESIGN VANESSA DAVIS
At the Four Seasons Local Bakery boothe, shoppers can choose from many different types of bread, including Cranberry Walnut, German Rye and English Rye.
OcT. 5, 2016