Issue 12 May 27, 2011

INSIDE

Volume 65

Issue Twelve

May 27, 2011

Tales

Plano Senior High School

Hats off to Seniors 2011

NEWS WILDCATS ADVERTISERS SENIOR INSERT REVIEW OPINION ADVERTISERS

2-3 4 5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Student Voices Summer Heat Brings Heated Opinions

By Meital Boim

U.S. Drought Monitor

By Eilie Strecker

T

he end of senior year. A landmark accomplishment. For those bounding forward, the worry of leaving is minimal, but for those who are more hesitant, this last step is like realizing that they are done climbing the stairs, ready to begin a new journey, but unsure which way to go as that last step falls short before them.

Regardless of which category they fall into, the students all seem united about how their last moments will feel.

“When I finally realize the end has come, I’ll feel unprepared,” senior Robin Sikes said. “Not in the sense that I can’t go to college - Plano has well prepared me for that, but in the sense that I’m comfortable with high school; I’ve mastered it. And not

getting those daily hugs from long time friends will leave a hole in my day that I’m not ready for. I get butterflies just thinking about the finality of it all.”

For some who are going on to further their education, their gratitude is unforgettable.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better high school to prepare me for the future,” senior Katherine Hyde said.

“I love everything about this school.”

The pride students show has always encompassed the excitement and character of what it means to be a wildcat.

“Plano pride made coming to school every day fun,” Sikes said.

“Even when classes were boring, you could guarantee that something fun was going to happen each day.”

Farewell Mrs. Roe

Fellow students share similar views.

“Going to Plano and having so much pride in my school was a great experience,” senior Kelsey Wolf said. “It has shaped my feeling about school in general because if you really care about a place, you will enjoy all of your time there.”

So what will the 2010-2011 seniors miss the most about their soon to be alma mater?

“Out of everything at Plano, I’ll miss football season the most,” Sikes said. “There’s nothing like the air at Clark field before a Friday night game. It smells sweet, and you can feel the stillness and calmness within it.”

Apart from school pride, others will miss the relationships they have made over their two years.

Contiuned on page 3

By Madison McDaniel

We all have those teachers that make learning worth coming to school for. They are the type of teacher who not only understands the subject he or she teaches, but he or she actually has a passion for it. They are the type of teacher who comes to school looking forward to shaping minds. They are the type of teacher who guides his or her students in more ways than academically. So when these teachers leave, it is better to reflect back on all that they have taught and how much of an impression they have made in their students’ lives over the years rather than be sad about their leaving. They are teachers like Marci Roe. Teaching English for 34 years, Roe has been the Student Council sponsor for 18 years, ever since she was put in charge of one of the first blood drives back in 1993.

“I had already been helping out with the blood drive every year, and I would take the day off from school or take a personal day, and I would work at the blood drive, so I went up to her [Mrs. Casper, the former Student Council sponsor], and I said ‘I’ve been helping with the blood drive, and I would like to help you with that,’ and she said ‘Fine, you’re in charge,’ and I went, ‘No, I said I would just like to help,’ and she said, ‘No, you’re in charge,’ so that got me involved,” Roe said. “And that was back in the fall of 1993 when I got involved in it, and I’ve loved every single minute of it.”

Over the course of her time working as both an English teacher and leading Student Council, Roe has not only impacted the lives of her students but her experiences teaching

Contiuned on page 4

The Texas drought has reached a new record: driest seven month span. Nearly 50% of the state, mostly East and West Texas, has been in “exceptional drought,” one level drier than “extreme,” and some students worry about their summer plans.

“There’s a camp that I go to at Lake Lavon during the summer because I’m a camp counselor out there,” junior Abby Buffington said. “That lake gets really small during the droughts, so sometimes we can’t do water activities, like we can’t go jet skiing.”

Some, however, do not believe that the drought will affect them personally.

“I don’t think it will affect us around here as much because we have a pretty good water system,” junior Jacob Schnitzer said. “It might hurt smaller areas of Texas. If you use your water in a smart way and water your plants in the morning or at night, then it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Each city regulates its own water system. Beginning April 19, Plano has implemented Stage One Water Conservation Measures, enforcing such restrictions as only watering the lawn between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.. Senior Stephanie Borg does not agree with these measures.

“People should conserve water, but I don’t think it is necessary to try to counteract [the effects of the drought],” Borg said. “Nature will do what it wants. We just need to only use what we need. Nature always works itself out.”

Others believe that water conservation is an important way to offset the effects that the drought has had in Texas, such as lower agricultural production.

“We should conserve water and actually make an effort to do it,” junior Cyrus Kashef said. “I take quick showers; I don’t leave the water running when washing my hands, etc. I wish more people would do that, though. On the outside, people are like, ‘We need to conserve water,’ but really inside they don’t care. They don’t do anything about it. People are hypocrites.”

Borg is not optimistic about students’ participation in conserving water and battling the drought.

“In my opinion, the environment doesn’t really concern kids and teenagers,” Borg said. “They will do what they want unless a ton of regulations are put into place.”

Kashef has brighter hopes for the end of the drought.

“If there are 2000 people and every one of those people does three things to save only a gallon of water total – just a gallon – we would have saved 6000 gallons of water,” Kashef said. “If the city of Plano was to do that, instead of a drought, we’d have a flood.”

News Issue Twelve

Wildcat Tales Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Taylor Thompson BABY EDITORS-INCHIEF Eilie Strecker Daniel Hinson

PRINT EDITORS Aleah Pushaw Julie Boyer ONLINE EDITOR Sarah Rosselet

BABY ONLINE EDITORS Diva Gulati Madison McDaniel

COPY EDITOR Anna Vicars

BABY COPY EDITOR Meital Boim

LAYOUT EDITOR Jamie Denison

BABY LAYOUT EDITOR Meaghan Pulliam

BUSINESS MANAGER Abby Rener BABY BUSINESS MANAGER Amber Robinson

BABY EDITORIAL EDITOR Maeylnn Schramm CARTOONISTS Kelli Manning Ericka Lindsey STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER AJ Hill STAFF WRITERS Haley Bunnell Paul Burnham Whitney Fein Dayna Gettel Alex Gonzalez Laurel Guild Lindsey Kehlmann Claire Minor Elena Nelson Michael Nicholson Clarissa Reeves Sapna Sharma Sofia Toohey Jessica Yee ADVISER Terry Quinn

MISSION STATEMENT The Wildcats Tales is a student produced publication that serves to educate, inform and entertain the student body in a professional manner that will provoke thought while upholding the principles of a free press. This publication is a forum for the student of Plano Senior High School. Any opinions expressed in Wildcat Tales is the opinion of the writer and of the writer only.

Page Two

May 27, 2011

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Annie Get Your Gun

Texas Legislators Aim to Allow Guns on College Campuses

By Lindsey Kehlmann

On Monday May 9, a bill that would allow students to carry concealed handguns on college campuses passed the Senate, and is currently being passed to the House. Authored

by Senator Jeff Wentworth, SB 354 faced much opposition in the Senate, and only passed on a vote of 19-12 after it was attached to legislation concerning funding for higher education. It is intended to prevent on campus shootings such as those at UT Austin or Virginia Tech by increasing self defense measures for students and professors on campus.

However, many opposing the bill believe that it could diminish safety.

“My brother, Ryan, goes to the University of Texas in Austin,” senior Jordan Connell said. “Last semester when the gun scare happened, it made me wonder, ‘how did this guy even get on campus with a gun?’, and now people can legally get on campus with a gun and it’s even more frightening.

It makes me scared for him.”

Other students share Connell’s qualms regarding SB 354.

“There are always going to be suicides and shootings on college campuses,” junior Spenser Meredith said. “This just makes the means easier to come by.”

Meredith thinks that the campus environment itself could be part of the problem.

“I don’t really think there is a difference between people who carry on campus or off campus,” Meredith said. “There are dangerous people everywhere, but on a campus people are always a lot closer to each other, so it might become more dangerous.”

While Meredith thinks that close living quarters are part of the issue, others think it is the students that are the problem.

“I know that at places like UT they

have a very good safety policy and as a result of this legislation. alert system, but I think if everyone “I think being able to carry a gun was allowed to carry handguns it is a good idea for certain situations, would be a whole lot easier for a but I feel like in school it could be student to just get angry and lose dangerous depending on the people their temper,” Connell said. “If they who have them,” Meredith said. have a gun on them then they could “Obviously police officers and do bad things and harm people.” military personnel are alright to Measures have been taken against have them. They’re there to protect allowing unstable individuals from people.” possessing a Despite the gun. Those who c o n t r ove r s y, wish to carry C o n n e l l “There are always a concealed believes that going to be suicides handgun must some good go through could come and shootings... This an application out of this if just makes them process that the bill passes. easier to come by.” ensures that “I feel like -Spenser Meredith, 11 they are over 21, the positive have no criminal results could record, are sound be that there of mind, and have taken gun training would be greater protection if courses, among other things. something did happen from someone “That doesn’t change my opinion,” who comes in from off campus and Meredith said. “People change. I is a threat to students,” Connell said. mean, they could go through an Connell’s argument for the bill extremely difficult time and that aligns with arguments of the majority psychological evaluation they took of those who support it. SB 354 was before they got the gun wouldn’t proposed only months after the UT mean anything at that point.” gun scare last September, and was Students who want to do harm proposed heavily in response to it, with guns are not the only concern. though the opposition feels it could “If the police come into a situation hurt more than help. they don’t want several people with “Things like what happened at guns firing wildly,” government Virginia Tech and UT are very rare teacher Scott Fenney said. “People and isolated,” Fenney said. “But if who are carrying aren’t trained like you have suddenly a bunch of people the law enforcement are, so their with guns I think you would end up reactions may not actually improve creating more deadly incidences than the situation, they could actually make you could solve by having the one it a lot worse. A law enforcement random legal carrier of a gun actually officer could shoot an innocent stopping a shooting.” citizen because they come into the Even those with good intentions room and see someone with a gun.” may not be able to do the right thing Even those fully supportive of the in the heat of the moment. second amendment have misgivings “I don’t think these scenarios play about the problems that could arise out they way a lot of people fantasize

they will,” Fenney said. “If it really happened would you have the safety off ? Would you react quickly enough?

When people go to war they find out that you don’t really know how you’re going to react in an emergency situation. You can think it through a thousand times, but you don’t really know what you’re going to do or how it’s going to work when it actually happens.”

Some opponents to the bill recognize that in the heat of the moment, sometimes it is hard to make the right decision.

“Even if I could apply for a license on campus, I don’t think I would,” Connell said. “I guess I would never want to feel the need to use it. I wouldn’t want to put myself in a situation where I’d have to shoot.”

The debate over this issue seems to be over-inflated to some.

“I feel like the legislature isn’t even interested in this issue,” Fenney said. “I think they are just interested in supporting the National Rifle Association, and protecting the second amendment right to bear arms is the NRA’s focus. The NRA gives a lot of campaign contributions, and they have a lot of followers. If you get a high score with the NRA that’s going to be good for votes. So I think most of them were motivated by pleasing the NRA, not by safety or any other reason.”

Whether or not SB 354 passes, the issue many are focused on is making sure that students are safe on and off campus.

“I think that we all have the right to bear arms but there are certain places that it might not be a good idea,” Connell said. “There are procedures that we need to go through, to ensure that the people who do bear arms are responsible.”

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WILDCAT TALES IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF PLANO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 2200 INDEPENDENCE PKY PLANO TX, 75075 469-752-9300

Illustration by Kelli Manning

Issue Twelve

Page Three

Honor Cords Absent at Graduation

By Claire Minor Graduation cords are a traditional means of recognition for a student’s achievements.

They distinguish a student from a sea of uniform gowns and caps; they are a reward for dedicated service to the school and community; they are a keepsake cherished for years. However, they will not be present at the graduation ceremony on June 7.

“No groups are wearing cords at PSHS graduation,” principal Sarah Watkins said.

“The only unique item anyone wears is the honor stole for students with a 3.6 [GPA] or above. That’s it.”

For many other schools, cords are given to honor societies because they have service hour and good grades requirements.

“I think National Honor Society deserves them because we are the largest student organization on campus, and the hours that everyone puts in to help the community and school is a ridiculous amount - over a thousand hours,” senior NHS officer Janice Kim said. “I think it’s just a way to reward students because a lot of people when they join NHS don’t feel like they get anything back from it. By rewarding them by giving them a cord, they’ll be able to know how much everyone appreciates their help.

Andrea [Tan] and I set up an appointment with Mrs. Watkins and we wrote a proposal and signed it.”

The request was denied this year, but Kim hopes next year’s officers will persevere.

“I definitely think that we should be able to have cords, but I’m not sure if the administration would be willing to budge on it,” Kim said. “Their reasoning was they don’t want it to be a competition. They want everyone to graduate as Wildcats, not for their achievements. I hope they do try again because that’s something I’d love to see the members be able to have.”

A newer honor society on campus also sought out special recognition for its members.

“National Art Honor Society is an honor society - you have to have good grades to get into it, you have to have made good grades in your art class to get into it, and we require a lot of hours to participate,” National Art Honor Society sponsor Laci Garza said. “It’s just unfair. I feel like we’re not being viewed as very important. It is, I think, our first year. We haven’t had a National Art Honor Society in a while, so we’re a little invisible. But we’ve done a lot of things for the community. We painted this fire station mural, and we did the Hope t-shirts and raised $700 to $800 for Japan.

We just do it with an artistic flair; it’s still an honor society, and we still do community service, so I think that deserves cords.”

Members of National Art Honor Society are searching for a better explanation for not getting the cords.

“It’s like working towards a goal, and when you got there it was taken away,” senior National Art Honor Society member Janani Jeganathan said. “I want to know the reason behind it.”

Garza wants her students to feel the same pride she had on her graduation day.

“When I was in high school, it was a huge thing to work for, to wear cords at graduation,” Garza said. “I think that anything that you do should be able to be recognized at graduation, any society or club that you’ve been in. The more stuff you got to wear to look like a Christmas tree, the more accomplished you felt on that last day of high school.”

May 27, 2011

Plano Senior High School

News

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Hats off to Seniors 2011

By Eilie Strecker

“Something that I will miss the most are, of course, my parents but also the friends that I am leaving behind,” Wolf said. “I have lots of friends that are juniors and I don’t know what I will do without them.”

For the juniors who have close friends who are seniors the idea of saying goodbye is tough to think about.

“It’s really sad because a lot of my best friends are seniors,” junior Laura Gammon said. “It will be hard to not see them every day. With Facebook and texting, it is easier to stay in touch, but I won’t be able to really see them until breaks. On that last day, I know there is going to be a lot of crying, and having all

Contiuned on page 3 the seniors leave is going to be really hard.”

Plano is the whole that consists of all the people and parts going the extra mile. The faculty, staff and students make sure that it is the best it can be, proving that it will not be easily forgotten.

“First of all, thank you to all of the Plano staff; administrators, teachers, cafeteria workers, librarians, and janitorial staff,” Sikes said. “It’s obvious that you all go above and beyond to keep Plano unique. We’re lucky to have each one of you, and you all have a big impact on the Plano legacy. Second, I’d like to give a shout out to the Plano football family.

That is the single thing I’ll miss most about

Plano. Coaches, players, and parents: you have enriched my life for the past two years. I wouldn’t have met most of you if it weren’t for my time on the Training Staff, so thank you for embracing me and being grateful for my hard work. I’m definitely grateful for yours. Don’t forget me, and I promise to come back and visit.”

So as this year’s seniors move forward into their new lives, they can look back and remember what it was like to a part of the 2010-2011 senior class.

“I am sad that I am leaving, but I am excited to go to college,” Hyde said. “But I know I can always come back because Plano will always be my home.”

Exemption Determination Seniors come to school despite sickness to remain exempt from final exams

By Daniel Hinson

At the end of the school year, many things are on the mind of high school seniors: summer plans, college preparation, and hanging out with friends. Due to PISD’s policy for exemptions on final exams, some students could be in jeopardy of having to take final exams, because of the number of absences that he or she might have acquired.

Some students are not willing to take that risk, so they come to school sick or injured.

May 12, senior Jordon Wetherbee had double knee surgery and is now walking around campus on crutches with both knees in casts. She has been at school despite her injury.

“My friends are surprised that I am still here, saying ‘I would have stayed at home,’” Wetherbee said. “But I want to be exempt.”

For Wetherbee, exemptions are very important.

“I’ve worked so hard this year,” Wetherbee said. “I don’t want something silly to be in the way of being able to not take my finals. We are not really doing anything at

the end of the year. We stopped learning lessons, and I don’t want to have to review everything for my finals.”

Like Wetherbee, senior Katie Fuoss is a fan of senior exemptions. She has also come to school sick a few times.

“If you can be at school, I feel like you should be at school, and exemptions are a good motivation to be here,” Fuoss said.

“So if a student isn’t that sick, then you should be at school.”

With Fuoss’ sickness, she would have been out for at least a week and had to complete a lot of make up work.

“I’m one of those people that doesn’t get really sick, so I can tough it out,” Fuoss said. “I told my mom that I needed to go [to] school because I wanted to be exempt.”

Fuoss and Wetherbee received both positive and negative support from their friends and parents. Wetherbee’s friends were not surprised that she came to school but had a different opinion.

“My friends thought it sucked that I

came to school sick,” Fuoss said. “We were in clinicals at that time, and we were in rotation, so they thought I should probably have stayed home.”

Other students agree that staying under the absence limit is not a good idea.

“I don’t think students should have to come to school if they’re sick,” junior David Hernandez said. “Exemptions shouldn’t require a student to put others at risk.”

Hernandez does not believe in enduring sickness to avoid exams.

“I would apologize that our education system is so flawed that they think they have to come to school sick,” Hernandez said. “At a certain point, it’s not worth it. I mean just come to school and take the two hour exam.”

Summer School Enrollment Begins

By Alex Gonzalez

It’s that time of year again: summer. The three months of Sugar Mountain, beaches, camp, and best of all, no school. However, some students opt to spend a month or two knocking a course out in summer school.

“I’m taking P.E. this summer,” junior Courtney Mayden said. “I think it’s easier because it saves a lot of time. They take a whole semester and compress it down to three weeks.”

While some take summer courses to save time, there are other reasons.

“I took Health and Communication Applications last summer,” junior Hunter Seis said. “It was definitely easier than it would’ve been taking it during school.

Summer school makes it easier to get some classes out of the way. Next year, I’m a maroon guard, plus I’m in Student Congress, so I’m glad I made room in my

schedule.”

Summer school is a great way to make room for more activities. However, some choose to do summer school to have more free time during the year.

“I’ve taken Government and Communication Applications in summer school,” junior Vivian Nguyen said. “I now have three free spaces on my senior year schedule, so next year I’m taking easy electives and my senior release.”

For those looking to enrich themselves, and still have summer fun, the summer school schedule works conveniently around those of most teens.

“I don’t think summer school gets in the way of free time,” Nguyen said. “It starts at 8 [a.m.] and ends at 1:30 [p.m.], which is when most teenagers wake up anyway.”

Another benefit of summer school is

that by getting basic classes out of the way, students have more opportunities for a higher GPA throughout the regular school year.

“Since Health and Communication Applications are regular classes, you can only get 4.0 grade points,” junior Roger Bui said. “If you get credit for those classes in summer school, you’ll have more time to take AP classes, worth more grade points.”

No matter the reason, students can get a head start on classes.

“I might be taking Economics and Government this summer because I want to get them over with,” junior Kasi Wheel said. “I don’t want to have to take them during my senior year, plus, it’ll give me something to do over the summer.”

Wildcats Issue Twelve

Page Four

May 27, 2011

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Huge Fish Caught in Pond

By Sofia Toohey and Daniel Hinson

Students have been fishing at Plano ever since the pond’s beginnings. Known as a fun recreational activity, many even stay after school and come on weekends to enjoy fishing and catching the ponds wonders. One can expect to catch a fish or two, but it takes hard work and patience.

Earlier this month, junior Reece Hawkes caught the largest fish in the pond.

Hawkes started fishing here while in Outdoor Education, a class ran by coach Diane Davey. On the day that Hawkes caught the fish, he spotted it during first period class.

“When I caught the fish it didn’t surprise me,” Hawkes said. “It wasn’t an accident. I was trying to catch the fish.”

For Hawkes catching the fish was the easy part, but reeling it in was more difficult. His friend junior Zane Colaric had to help him.

“While I was trying to catch the fish a bunch of girls were trying to get my picture,” Hawkes said. “People from D building were watching me too.”

Davey recalls that the pond has been used for a very long time, making Hawkes’ catch even more valuable.

“Outdoor Education has been fishing in the pond for many years,” Davey said.

“There are bass, crappie, blue gill, carp, buffalo fish, koi, and catfish. If you look

“When I caught the fish it didn’t surprise me. It wasn’t an accident. I was trying to catch the fish,” junior Reece Haweks said.

long enough you can see the fish come to the surface to get air.”

Some students didn’t know the wide range of fish in the pond, making the catch even more of a surprise. Jeremy Temme, an avid fisherman himself, found himself in this position.

“I’ve fished in that pond before and found luck,” junior Jeremy Temme said.

“But I’ve never quite caught anything like that and sure didn’t know it was even in there.”

Whether one knew it was possible or not, one thing is for sure: Reece Hawkes

newfound fame has made its mark on campus.

“I’m really happy for him,” Temme said.

“That’s awesome, and now I’d kinda like to take a shot at catching one.”

Davey agrees and, having Hawkes as her own student, is very pleased with his success.

“A catch of thirty four pounds is a great fishing day,” Davey said. “I know he was very proud of his catch and having his picture made has made him a famous fisherman at Plano.”

Davey wants students to know that the pond is a catch and release fishing haven. If a student would like to try to follow Hawkes footsteps, another catch is possible. As long as the pond is used responsibly, this fish can be caught over and over again “He has a great passion for fishing and is a patient fisherman,” Davey said. “He understands the fish eating habits and patterns related to the weather.”

Hawkes is found fishing almost everyday at the pond. He has actually caught the fish a second time, which he said was just as difficult the second time around.

“If students want to catch this fish, just don’t give up,” Hawkes said.

Farewell Mrs. Roe

By Madison McDaniel

have

Contiuned on page 4

affected her life as well.

“First, it’s made me a better teacher because I have let go of things in the classroom that are not important, that at one point in my life probably were important,” Roe said. “I’ve come up with more creative ways of doing things that I didn’t have before, and it’s from learning to work with the Student Council kids and giving them a lot of autonomy- trying to give more autonomy to students in a classroom as I do in a leadership class.”

While Roe has fond memories of her students, Student Council also holds memories of her close to their hearts.

“As Student Congress president this year, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to spend time with Mrs. Roe and my favorite [memories] were always the ones outside of Student Congress activities when we would go out to lunch or we would just sit down and chat because you really got to know her as a person and really just understand how she cares about students,” senior Jeremy Hintz said.

Being involved in Student Council has shown Roe how to become more aware of her teaching styles, as well as her personal life.

“Personally, outside of the classroom, [Student Council has] given me an outlet for doing a lot of community service, and even if I didn’t do it, by helping the kids do it, [it’s] what I wouldn’t have time to do for myself.”

One of the most lasting memories Roe will carry on with her is the extreme impact she has made in the lives of several of her students during her teaching career. “[They told me] that I gave them a lot of confidence to go off and do things that were out of their comfort zone,” Roe said. “I had a student write back to me this year. He ran for an office in his

college, he didn’t get elected, but he said he would have never had the confidence to do that… I know that in some way I have made a difference in their lives.”

Just as Mrs. Roe has shared her cherished stories of her teaching days, her students reflect back on the lessons she has taught them.

“She has definitely taught me how to treat people and how to be a better leader and how to go about making people feel like they are a part of a team and part of an organization.” Hintz said.

As the end of the year draws close, Roe reflects back on the memories that she has experienced throughout her years of teaching.

“I had a student one time and his mom called me, and this kid hated to read,” Roe said. “‘I don’t know what you’ve done to him but he is actually talking about Macbeth at dinner.’ Go figure. Every now and then something like that will happen and it totally catches me off guard.”

Not only has Roe acquired her fair share of teaching memories, but she has also reflected back on her memories involved in Student Congress.

“I’m just passionate about the blood drives,” Roe said. “I’ve watched the blood drives grow from- like the first one that we had at Plano Senior High, I think they got like 25 units of blood and then last year we got over a thousand, and over the years I’ve just watched it grow and from the time I took over we got 400 and something units and every year we’ve just built on that and I’m very proud of that.”

Roe leaves nothing but the best of luck and thoughtful hopes for the continuing Student Council next year.

“I hope that what we’ve done over the years and the legacies and the traditions we have in Student Congress will continue,” Roe said. “I know things will change, I just hope they change for the better. Things can always get better; I know that. But I think a lot of the projects that we do that are beneficial to the school and the

community- the kids continue to do those.”

Like a mother letting go of her children as they diverge on their own journies, Roe continues her own path and leaves Plano full of cherished memories, and a Plano paw printed on her heart.

“I don’t ever say goodbye,” Roe said.

“Until our paths cross again…”

Issue Twelve

Page Five

May 30, 2011

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Review Issue Twelve

Page Eight

May 27, 2011

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Dirty, Rotten, Rum-Soaked Pirates

By Sapna Sharma

Darkness, footsteps, an intense beginning fight scene: these are all the components of the introduction of the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean that debuted this weekend. This story deals with Jack Sparrow running into a blast from the past, enter Penelope Cruz. Cruz or Angelica is a woman that is in love with Sparrow, and he is not sure if he loves her or if she is using him to get to the Fountain of Youth.

Somehow, he ends up on Blackbeard’s ship and discovers himself on a journey he was not quite ready for.

Although lacking Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom, this movie is one of my favorites out of the series. Johnny Depp carried this whole movie on his own and made up for the lack of the two leading characters.

Angelica, Sparrow’s old flame, is a little firecracker who is enjoyable to watch. The chemistry between Depp and Cruz is a feisty one that keeps the audience hooked and wanting

more, yet this was not the best romance. Enter clergyman Philip who Angelica brings along so he can salvage what is left of her father’s soul.

Philip meets a mermaid while passing through Mermaid Waters, that he later names Serena.

Mermaids are meant to kill people and he is meant to capture Serena.

Serena goes against everything she knows and saves him, and Philip, realizing there is good in all of God’s creatures, saves Serena. When they both show their sense of humanity and save each other from the jaws of death, a beautiful romance flourishes throughout the movie.

I honestly went into this movie with no expectations what-soever. Series that have three or even four movies that come after it usually don’t end up as a huge, raging success. That being said, this movie showed all those other movies who’s boss. There were a lot of dramatic scenes and, of course, everything was interrupted by witty

Portugal The Man

By Elena Nelson

remarks from Sparrow.

There were also crazy amounts of action. It’s pretty much a crowd pleaser with its contents being: romance, action, pirates. Everything from the story line to the costumes to the acting was flawless. Angelica

and Sparrow have such a great history and chemistry that I found myself in awe of their relationship. I didn’t even find myself missing Orlando or Keira.

Their music video is playing on the screen that covers the front of the stage. At this point if you haven’t found a place close to the stage to stand, then you’re sharing air with the person beside you.

As the music silences and the screen goes up, the audience becomes an ocean of noise.

Voices emerge through the fog on stage, and it feels like the lead singer, John Baldwin, is singing directly to me. His voice murmurs, “Through crooked teeth,” as if this is his first gig in weeks. I can feel the electric vibe in his voice all the way down to my toes.

If they’re ever in town; go out of your way to see them perform. PMT, better known as Portugal The Man, is worth every dollar and cent sign in the price of a ticket.

Their most recent show at the

Grenada Theater on Friday, May 20 was worth getting lost in Dallas and I’d do it all over again any day if it meant seeing these guys play.

PMT isn’t your typical indie rock band. The first time you listen to them you’ll think, “Meh, they’re nothing special,” but when you take a second listen you’ll soon come to find that they’re much more than ‘nothing special’. When I heard the music displayed live, it was almost like hearing music for the first time. Their music goes from calm and serene, and then almost out of nowhere can erupt into a violent guitar solo.

All in all, this show was beyond my expectations, and one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. If you’re seeking a new artist that isn’t like the rest, Portugal is your man.

By Paul Burnham

There is no denying the work ethic of Lady Gaga. In less than five years, she’s taken herself from the New York Club scene to the top of music charts around the world. Not to mention the fanbase she refers to as her “little monsters,” which is a mere 34 million strong, five Grammy awards and her position atop the Forbes 100 Celebrity list which includes the wealthiest and most influential people worldwide. The hype over her third album, Born This Way¸ released last Monday, started nine months ago when she announced its creation at the MTV Music Video Awards. After the title track was released just before Valentine’s Day and held its debut position at No. 1 for 7 weeks, I was curious as to whether or not the album would be equally as successful.

As for the 14 track album (17 if you purchase the two disc Special Edition), which is loaded with the entertainer’s signature upbeat pop sound,

the lyrics are noticeably more serious than the album’s predecessor The Fame Monster, which, after two years, is still doing substantially well in the commercial market. While The Fame Monster and her first album The Fame make references to dreamy boys and champagne stained clubs, Born This Way combines a message of love and self respect with dark Euro style beats and a somewhat dark and dangerous flare. Stepping out of the pop boundaries consisting of over synthesized voices and an 808 drum, Gaga includes names like Clarence Clemons of The E Street Band on saxophone and Brian May from Queen on the electric guitar.

While songs like “Born This Way” and “Hair” possess bubbly messages of love and acceptance with their upbeat tempos and lyrics like “I want my friends to think I’m dynamite” and “I’m as free as my hair,” the album offers a song for a whole range of musical experiences. “Yoü and I,” a love song about her rockstar lover from Nebraska, was produced by her and Robert Lange, whose résumé includes albums for AC/DC, Queen and The Rolling Stones. The song features Gaga on the piano, a talent that is not well known amongst the general market, but blends a really sick rock n’ roll twist to it (courtesy of Brian May) and lyrics about her “cool Nebraska guy.”

I purchased the album on its release date after avoiding the internet leak two days before, and I stayed up until 2:45 in the morning listening to every song. At first listen, I didn’t know how to absorb the tympani of sounds that my ears had just heard. Although after two days worth of listening,

I can say that the album is certainly worth the 40 weeks we had to wait for it. Each song represents the maturity and artistic ambition of Gaga, a full display of her range and abilities as a vocalist, and her bold sense of style. As a fan, I am proud of the work that she has done, but from an objective standpoint, the quality of the music is what will really allow you to appreciate it for all its worth.

Although the album is huge for a third album, there is not a doubt in my mind that she will only go up. The album is certainly more than expected, but then again, what can you expect with the most recognizable popstar in the entertainment industry? I rate this five out of five for all of the said reasons. I recommend everyone to pick up a copy (it is quite literally available anywhere you can buy something) and give it a listen because it’s completely different from what people are used to hearing from her.

Issue Twelve

Page Nine

May 27, 2011

Plano Senior High School

Reviews 2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Mooyah BURGERS & Fries

By Whitney Fein

Tasty burgers, crispy fries, and sweet milkshakes. The second you walk into Mooyah, the amazing smells over take your senses, and you cannot wait to try some of their famous dishes. When you walk in, there are white slips of paper, where you select what type of burger you want and everything you want on it. I love this way of ordering, because you can ensure they will not get your order wrong, and you do not have to compromise your taste buds to fit a menu item. A burger, fries, and a drink runs for about $5.50.

The burger is made like any normal burger but custom to your order. I recommend the special Mooyah sauce. I can’t tell what is in it, but it is much better then the In-N-Out Thousand Island dressing they claim to be

their secret sauce.

Even though it is not fast food, the service is so fast you would think they had it prepared before you got there, but they do not. Mooyah custom makes every order super fast and delivers it to the customer just as hot as it was when it came off the grill.

Not only is the food awesome, but the entire atmosphere of Mooyah makes you feel so welcome. From the second you walk in and they yell “Welcome to Mooyah” at you, to the minute you leave and they say “Bye, see you soon,” you know that they really do value you as a customer.

Between Mooyah and In-N-Out, I would definitely eat at Mooyah for an all-around great burger experience.

In-N-Out Burger

By Whitney Fein

After 30 minutes of standing outside in line, the hype about In-N-Out Burger starts to die down. Many people will wait for hours just to get their hands on one of these “delicacies,” but I don’t think it’s worth the wait.

A burger is a burger, and after trying so many different ones, they all start to blend together and taste the same. I would characterize In-N-Out as a really good fast food burger, but not much more then that. The burgers are fresher, of course, because all of their food is brought in on trucks daily, and not stuck in a freezer for weeks. Although this makes the burger taste better, it isn’t something I would wait half an hour for in a drive-thru. The only true difference between a McDonald’s Big Mac and an In-N-Out Burger is the “secret sauce” they use, also known as Thousand Island dressing.

I got a cheeseburger, fries and a drink for about $6.00. The burger was just okay, but the fries were awful. I honestly don’t know how you can mess up french fries.

Then I found out that they make their fries fresh by cutting the potatoes and frying them but they didn’t taste very good at all. They were cold and soggy by the time they were put in my to-go bag, as well. I guess you have to eat your fries immediately after your food is handed to you to have them taste decent.

In-N-Out has been known as “the best burger ever” for so long, but the hype that has been building up about the burgers coming to the Lonestar State was unnecessary. It is more of a tourist attraction, and I believe that people like the idea of In-N-Out more then they like the actual food.

Fuddruckers’s

By Amber Robinson There are very few sit-down burger joints, but for the few that do exist, Fuddruckers beats them all. There are so many options to choose from, whether it be size, type, or even toppings, that anyone can find something they’ll enjoy.

With four different sizes, it doesn’t matter whether you’re starving or just a little hungry, there’s a option to curb your appetite.

Not only does Fuddruckers have your basic hamburger, but they have what are called Fudd’s Exotics as well. These burgers are made with different exotic animals, including buffalo, elk, wild boar, and ostrich. So, for those who want something a little more “exotic,” Fuddruckers has something for you.

The best part about Fuddruckers’s burgers is that they give you the option to put whatever toppings you want on them. It includes, but is not limited to mushrooms, avocados, four different kinds of cheeses, and the basic lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, etc.

Their burgers are delicious, and their potato wedges and appetizers are something worth writing home about. Their potato wedges are lightly dusted with seasonings that truly make them something to die for.

It took me years to gather up enough courage to try their fried pickles. The idea of them sounded more than repulsive; however, they are fantastic. There are two dipping sauces - a mild ranch and a spicy ranch both of which are perfect.

So, should you take the time to head to Fuddruckers, you can’t go wrong with their burgers, potato wedges, and fried pickles. Some of their food may seem odd, but that’s part of the experience of eating a Fuddruckers burger.

Opinion Issue Twelve

Page Ten

May 27, 2011

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Staff Editorial TEACHING STYLES

By Maelyn Schramm

Once budget cuts came around, parents, teachers and students became more aware of how controversial the education system was. Some kids were crossing their fingers that their overbearing, difficult, “bad,” teachers would lose their jobs. After the cuts were revealed, many students felt it was unfair that some of their favorite teachers were let go, even if they were very influential through their relaxed, at ease teaching methods.

This started to make students question: what exactly makes a “good teacher?” Do they have to be young and clueless? Or maybe the older, more experienced teachers are better instructors? There are many different factors that contribute to effective teaching. Either way, a teacher’s primary goal should be to educate his or her students and prepare them for their adult life.

Teachers must have a strong desire to educate young minds and influence their lives. A good teacher should find that his or her purpose in the occupation is to leave his or her students craving to learn more each and every day, and find that once graduation comes around, his or her kids are fully prepared for the real world just around the

corner.

By understanding their purpose in their jobs, teachers should be more driven to teach their material well. Those educators who do not realize their significance stick out like sore thumbs; they tend to be the ones that sit in their class texting. They seem like they cannot wait to get their kids out of the classroom soon enough, pushing them out the door. Having a strong purpose is the basic building block to being a good teacher; it fuels educators to be better instructors and mentors to their students.

Where a teacher lectures is nearly as important as how the teacher educates his or her students. Recent studies have proven that colors are very effective when students are learning. If a student writes his or her notes in different, fun-colored markers, he or she is more likely to want to study those notes because of their aesthetic appeal, and even do better on the test than another kid who wrote with the plain-old pencil.

The same method works with the learning environment.

Kids are more likely to want to be in a room with bright-colored posters on the wall rather than sit in a room with grey walls,

This Is The Story of a Girl

brown and white speckled ceilings, and drab-colored desks. The students receive a first impression of what the school year will be like once they enter the classroom, they picture themselves sitting in that room thinking, “Is this room really where I want to spend fifty minutes a day?”

Teachers should try and make their rooms welcoming to teenagers, whether that means hanging fun posters, having a more open desk layout, or even going outside during class to work occasionally.

In a sense, teachers have a parental role in their students’ lives. Their job is to guide them along the right path until graduation, when they will be released to fend for themselves in the real world. Nobody likes an overbearing, over protective parent, so teachers should not act the same.

It seems as if the best teachers are the ones who 1) know their material, 2) maintain authority, and 3) relate to their students. Educators can deliver their material in the most effective way if they actually know what they are talking about, whether that means they have a major in the area they are teaching, or if they previously did in depth studies on the subject. By fully

comprehending what they are teaching, it is easier for them to help their students understand the material more.

We have all had those classes where the teachers are never in control, some students are literally running around the room, screaming and dancing, or being completely disrespectful. Learning is difficult when distractions like these are going on, so teachers must realize how important it is to maintain authority and keep their students focused on studying.

Lastly, teachers and students always have better relationships when they can bond on different levels. It is always nice when a kid can have a full on conversation with his teacher without feeling judged or looked down upon.

Every student has that one class they look forward to. They may like that teacher because he or she is nice, funny, or just has an extreme passion for what he or she does. Just sitting in a classroom and grading papers does not make a teacher good at his or her job; what makes a good teacher is how influential he or she is in his or her students’ lives.

SILLY BANDS ARE OUT

By Clarissa Reeves

By Madison McDaniel

273 days and counting; the start of my beginning.

It seems that every school year is the same. The first couple of weeks are rough, you ease your way into a routine, and then by the time you know it you are already signing your friends’ yearbooks and promising to hang out with friends that you won’t even see over the summer. Although, finishing this year has turned out to be the exact opposite, time has still flown by, and we were faced with challenges like before, but now it’s- it’s just different. With only a year left to go in high school, I’ve reached the point of realization; I’ve figured out why this year has been so unlike all of the others.

I replay memories from the past year over and over in my head like a movie reel stuck on repeat. Most of all, I focus on the moments that truly changed me the most.

I think back to my first week of school as I scurried from class to class, afraid that I would be late; my backpack already loaded and bouncing off my back as I weaved through the mass of students in the hallways. It was only months ago that the campus seemed like a maze: vast and never ending. However, now, like the rest of the school, I have become more aware of my surroundings and who I am.

For me, junior year was the year of changes. I had entered a whole new ball game as soon as I walked through those doors on my first day. As if a bee hive had been threatened, a swarm of new experiences flew straight at me. Homework bogged me down into the early morning, I landed my first job, got my first car, relationships weakened and friendships strengthened.

Life as I had grown accustomed to had completely turned a 180 as everything began to change.

Getting ready for my senior year, I think back to all of the previous years.

Flash back to fifth grade. For me, graduation seemed like the end of time as I knew it. I was leaving behind my ‘safe haven’ of parties for every holiday imaginable and trips to the library. I remember crying my eyes out with my best friend as Green Day’s ‘Time of Your Life’ played in the background of our slideshow at the ceremony. As we said our final goodbyes to our teachers, who had moved beyond the point of tears and into relief for the summer, I thought about how much I was going to miss the days of elementary school.

Flash back to eighth grade. I stand signing yearbooks on the last day of school, hugging my friends good-bye, and making pacts to keep in touch over the summer.

After another three years in middle school, my fifth grade self would have hardly believed the difference from elementary to a world without recess. I felt older. Taking seven classes a day and using a locker gave me a sense of maturity and I scoffed at the timid elementary kids across the street. I was nervous for high school but anxious to grow up.

Flash back to tenth grade. As I shuffle out of my seventh period exam, I cling to my best friends as we shoot out the doors and make our quick good-byes while starting our summer plans, which we intend to follow through with this time. After two years of high school, I don’t feel all that different. Since middle school, I had made more friends and learned new stuff, but I hadn’t really been phased by anything.

It is present day and now, I sit thinking about this year as a whole. I’ve gained more confidence, made friendships to last, and found my niche. I’m not in a hurry to grow up this time, but I know that adulthood is drawing closer and closer. I plan on savoring this last year up until graduation and making the most of the year before I embark on the life ahead of me.

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Issue Twelve

May 27, 2011

Page Eleven

Plano Senior High School

Opinion 2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

DANiEL HiNSON Print Editor-in-Chief My first year on Wildcat Tales was a very exciting year. I really loved the editors, the staff members, and the memories I made.

I wrote stories and the paper we produced looked amazing. I joined the staff my junior year because I love to write, but most importantly I love to talk to people and learn their stories.

Next year I am really excited to be the newspaper co-editor-in-

chief with Eilie Strecker.

She is incredibly talented writer and an awesome person to work with.

We will accomplish a lot together. Along with the team of editors, we hope to produce a paper that looks amazing, and informs the readers.

One of the most important things I want to see next year is greater student involvement in the paper. I think if we know what the student body thinks about our

paper and the stories, we can improve our paper.

We can also write about what the student body wants us to write about.

I would love to see more sports coverage next year, from the bigger sports like football and basketball, to the smaller ones like golf and bowling.

There are a few changes I would like to see next year. One, we need more photos in the paper. Page after page

is filled with text, and I think the pictures should also tell the story. Two, graphics can enhance the story as well. More charts and graphs will make the page more appealing to you. Three, I would like to see a more reader friendly layout. Sometimes the black backgrounds with text on them are hard to read. And lastly, the paper needs catchier headlines. If the headline sounds catchy, then you

might be more inclined to read the story.

I am really sad to see the current editors leave us, and it will be difficult to live up to Taylor’s reputation, but Eilie and I will try our best. As our senior year begins, I want to tell the stories that matter the most to you the reader. It will be and exciting journey and I know that next year I will not let you down.

Print Editor-in-Chief When I first decided to apply for Newspaper sophomore year it was purely on a whim, and I liked writing, so I figured, “Why not give it a shot?” Almost as soon as I got to Newspaper that first day of school, I realized the energy and commitment it really took to put out a paper. The editors’ hard work inspired me to get involved.

Filling Taylor Thompson’s brightly colored shoes is not

DiVA GULATi Online Editor-in-Chief

It is amazing how much can change in one year. It is hard to believe that the Wikileaks scandal, the mining accident in Chile, and the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan all happened fewer than 365 days ago. Somehow, between flashing headlines, we, as individuals, change and grow.

Like myself, wildcattales.com has changed and has grown.

Like myself, wildcattales. com can continue to change and grow. Many

people have already left their mark on the world.

I am simply beginning to carve out my place. My place begins here, with our newspaper’s website.

This past year has opened my eyes to online journalism – a medium I previously had not known much about.

There is something undeniably beautiful about the simplicity of the Internet. It is this simplicity that appeals to me.

This past year has been one full of changes and

going to be easy, but Daniel and I, as well as all the other editors, are going to work very hard to continue the high standard that she has set for the Newspaper.

I couldn’t have asked for a better co-editorin-chief than Daniel to work with over the upcoming year. He has never failed to surprise me with his hard work and amazing writing. I am also honored to work with all the other editors.

I truly believe that we

chances for growth. Next year is an opportunity for even more of this.

I welcome the change.

Who wants to stay the same? I want to improve, to become better. All this improvement will be channeled into the newspaper, both print and online. I want to encourage more communication between our online newspaper and our print newspaper.

They should not be two separate entities, but instead, more like two branches of the same

have a great team that is dedicated to making the paper the best it can be.

Although I love our paper, there is always room for improvement.

As an editor next year, I intend to set our focus on making the paper more professional, with better photography and design, as well as writing stories that are more relevant to the students.

I think the key to having a successful paper is the ability to relate to the readers and write stories

tree.

Our society is becoming more and more modern with every passing second.

Social media plays a huge role in the life of an average teenager.

Print newspapers are slowly becoming much more antiquated.

Students, especially, get the majority of their news from the Internet.

Wildcat Tales is about tradition, but at the same time, it is also about innovation. If we get our news through

Online Editor-in-Chief Ever since I can remember I’ve loved to tell stories. I would come up with my own voices, act out the characters and paint a picture using my words. I’m 17- yearsold and I still love doing this. To me, being able to take my voice and translate it into print has always been fascinating.

Every year, my passion for writing has grown more and I can’t wait to spark that same passion into others who love writing just as much as I do.

When I was in the

first grade I remember writing one of my very first stories in school.

Our teacher assigned us to come up with an original idea about whatever we liked (these were the cherished days before critical thinking prompts and outlined essays.) So, after sitting down to think of everything I enjoyed I came up with the perfect story; a tragedy really.

Later that week my teacher pulled me aside to tell me that I had been chosen to go read my story to any class

EiLiE STRECKER they are interested in. I want the students to pick up the paper and want to read cover to cover.

A school paper needs to be representative of the whole school, not just the groups that are well known. I intend to embody the spirit and tradition of Plano in every aspect. To make this possible, I want to cover everything from the big game to the small individual student profiles.

As so many seniors

have said, senior year goes by in the blink of an eye. I intend to make the most of it and make sure everyone is acknowledged as they should be in the Newspaper.

I am incredibly excited and honored to have been selected for this position, and I promise to you the reader that I will not let you down, and I will do my best to represent you all as the incredible student body that I know you are.

Facebook and through Twitter, it only makes sense for Wildcat Tales to immerse itself further in these platforms.

Tradition and innovation. That is my motto for the next school year. Tradition in the form of our print newspaper: innovation in the form of our online newspaper. This is only the beginning of another year of change and growth for Wildcat Tales. I have my 365 days. I might as well make the most of them.

MADiSON McDANiEL

in the whole school.

Of course, thinking my older brother was the coolest thing since butterfly clips I decided to read my story out loud to his fifth grade class.

That next week I trailed into school ready to read my Pulitzer Prize winning ‘novel.’ When I had finally scrapped enough courage to enter the classroom, I wiped my sweaty palms and made eye contact with only my feet. Sure enough, I tripped over a cord and face-planted in front of an entire room

of people. Although I was mortified, I received a pep talk from my brother and his teacher, and I finally agreed to read my story. I read my first page about a married dog couple who owned a bagel shop and felt instantly at ease.

With one glance at the amused faces of the students I knew that I wanted to evoke those same emotions through my writing for as long as I could.

By being involved in newspaper, I have gained so much from all of my

experiences. I’ve gained confidence through interviewing, acceptance in making mistakes, and teamwork skills among my peers. After every story I write I still feel that same sense of pride I did back in the first grade. In being an editor next year I hope to build a strong team of staff writers and students who will feel confident about their writing as well as ensure to help create a successful paper and an eminent online newspaper.

Advertisers Issue Twelve

Page Twelve

May 27, 2011

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075