Issue 4 November 22, 2010

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Volume 65

Issue Four

November 22, 2010

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Academic Integrity Challenged by Students ContINUED ON PAGE 2

By Claire Minor

The policy on cheating is stated under the academic integrity section in the student handbook folder handed out at schedule pick up. It states that any student participating in cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or computer misuse should expect to receive a zero for the work and additional disciplinary action.

Some students believe it is worth the risk, however.

“If I was put in the position [to cheat], then I would probably have to,” junior D’Aeron Bables said. “I don’t want to fail.”

What is the position to cheat? Students say unpreparedness and a lack of participation in class can lead a student to this desperate last attempt at a passing grade.

“I see it every day during tests,” senior Claire Chambers said.

“I think they’re lazy and if they do their homework, then they won’t have to cheat.”

The first part of the cheating definition is “acquiring answers for any assigned work or examination from an unauthorized source.”

Secret glances and whispered answers are only two ways of cheating.

Technology has turned cheating into an easy task. Students at the senior high level tend to have several electronic devices, including iPhones, iTouches, mp3s, and cell phones that have access to internet or messaging.

“Texting makes it really easy to cheat,” Chambers said.

“Especially since phones are getting smaller. It’s easy to hide a phone from a teacher.”

Cheating entices not only the lazy, but also the overachievers.

When students in advanced classes get bogged down in homework, they turn to each other to share work. In the student handbook, cheating is defined in five parts, the second part states that “working or collaborating with others on an assignment when paired or group work has not been specifically assigned by the teacher” counts as cheating.

“A lot of people cheat,” Chambers said.

“In AP classes they just cheat on homework, but in regulars they cheat on whatever. In regulars

Early Graduation

to an out-of-state school,” Spinozzi said.

“Somewhere that’s way more influential.

Like New York. The problem is: that can get really expensive, really fast.”

However, if a student decides to attend a college in Texas after they graduate, they are eligible to receive $1,000 in scholarships.

What some students are trying to do is become eligible for in-state tuition in an out-of-state school.

By graduating early, students can move to another state for a year, and then possibly become eligible to pay in-state tuition at a school not located in Texas.

No Shave November Page 5

to do with a

Turkey Page 8

By Amber Robinson

seniors graduating one semester early, or it is juniors graduating an entire year early, they all have some sort of reasoning behind why they want to get out of high school.

“I want to start my education in what I want to do earlier,” senior Erica Spinozzi said. “I love art. And I know that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

So, while some are graduating because of the jump-start they could get in their careers, others are graduating early because of a school’s location.

“Since I want to major in art, I really want to go

Trendy Charities page 3

15 Things

Why some kids feel it is necessary to graduate early

With the expectations of society constantly on the rise, it is becoming more common to find high school students graduating early.

Kids previously thought going to college was going above and beyond.

Then it became expected. Now kids are feeling more pressure than ever to finish high school as soon as possible.

“I’m a very selfdriven person,” junior Stephanie Borg said.

“And I would rather be off at college instead of slaving away in high school, which is why I’m graduating early.”

Whether it is

What’s Inside?

Others are choosing to stay in-state because of the cost, their age, and which colleges are willing to accept them.

“I know I want to go into the medical field,” senior Mirelle Stone said. “And I want to get a head-start on my career as a doctor.

But because I’ll only be 17, I still want to go to a college that’s close to home. Not only that, but some colleges seem kind of hesitant to accept a 17-year-old.”

However, some people have different motives behind wanting to graduate early.

“I hate the pettiness of high school,” Stone said. “So I really just don’t want to be here anymore.”

Some students who are graduating on time believe that when someone graduates early, they miss out on a lot of the school’s events.

“I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything,” Borg said.

“I’m still going to be able to go to prom. I just do everything like I’m a senior instead of a junior.”

There are multiple steps that most students have to take before they can graduate early.

“I had to switch to the minimum graduation plan,” Borg said. “And I had to take summer school and another class over e-school. But in the end, I definitely think that it’s going to

be worth it.”

Borg is happy that she’s graduating early, but overall, people have had different reactions.

“I’ve gotten a wide range of reactions,” Borg said.

“Some people have said that I’m crazy. Others have looked at me like I’m some sort of genius.

And the weird thing is- it’s not that hard to graduate early.”

So, while some are graduating early because they are truly ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives, others just don’t like school.

“Honestly, I just want to get out of high school,” Spinozzi said.

“Why waste another year in high school?”

Fashion Show Page 11

Harry Potter Movie/Book Page 12

news Issue Four

Wildcat Tales Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Taylor Thompson PRINT EDITORS Julie Boyer Aleah Pushaw ONLINE EDITOR Sarah Rosselet COPY EDITOR Anna Vicars LAYOUT EDITOR Jamie Denison BUSINESS MANAGER Abby Rener CARTOONISTS Kelli Manning Ericka Lindsey

STAFF WRITERS Chelsea Allen Stephanye Barnes Meital Boim Haley Bunnell Paul Burnham Whitney Fein Dayna Gettel Alex Gonzalez Laurel Guild Diva Gulati Daniel Hinson Lindsey Kehlmann Madison McDaniel Melissa Meyer Samantha Meyer Claire Minor Elena Nelson Vivian Nguyen Michael Nicholson Meaghan Pulliam Clarissa Reeves Amber Robinson Maelyn Schramm Sapna Sharma Eilie Strecker Sofia Toohey Renee Wysocki 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.

ONLINE VIEWING Additional and daily updates can be found at our website www.wildcattales.com READER INVOLVEMENT Students and faculty are encouraged to send in any questions, comments, concerns or criticisms to be published.

Letters to the editors can be put in the envelope in room B208.

ADVERTISING Contact at planopub@ pisd.edu. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be innapropriate.

WILDCAT TALES IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF PLANO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 2200 INDEPENDENCE PKWY PLANO TX, 75025 469-752-9300

Page Two

November 22, 2010

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Lack of Pledge in Schools

By Eilie Strecker

In classrooms across the nation, the pledge is said every morning, sometimes by a classroom full of excited elementary school kids who chant the pledge wholeheartedly, sometimes however by a mumbling class of high-schoolers who could not care less.

“Students don’t fully understand the true meaning of the pledge,” junior Waley Hua said. “They also don’t understand what it represents to our country.”

The Pledge of Allegiance has been a part of American tradition for a very long time. So why is its importance being questioned? It’s true that the pledge is a symbol of America, but the magnitude of its importance is different to different people.

“I think [saying

the pledge] shows our respect to our nation and the ideas and principles our nation was found in,” Associate Principal of Facilities and Student Activities, Glenn Davis said. “For me it’s a certain amount of pride for a country that has given me so much.”

However, some don’t share the same amount of national pride. So when it comes to the classroom where is the line drawn?

“I think some people are truly proud to be Americans, but for the most part, patriotism isn’t really ‘cool’, so it’s not the thing to do to come to school and say the pledge with a huge smile and tons of emphasis,” junior Zach Van Duyne said. “Not to mention everybody’s pretty much half-asleep in the morning anyway.”

Students are not

necessarily required to say the pledge and though their lack of enthusiasm may be degrading, teachers are still expected to say it.

“It’s a teacher’s obligation to lead the pledge,” junior Kurt Doty said. “But students have the right to be silent.”

It’s true that the pledge is not said every morning by every class, whether this is due to forgetfulness or teachers being rushed to use the full “bell to bell” time. However, being busy and forgetting to say the pledge are not valid excuses when the law comes into play.

“Teachers often say they are too busy but the law says we ‘will’ say the pledge not ‘shall’ or ‘may’,” Davis said.

“I do think teachers forget, but I don’t think teachers purposely refrain from saying

the pledge. I’d say that 99.9% of our teachers are doing it on a daily basis. I would like to believe that.”

It’s somewhat ironic that the right to remain silent is a right given to students by America, and yet they use that right to refrain from respecting that country.

Of course America is not split into people who say the pledge and respect our country, and people who don’t care.

Saying the pledge is not the only way to show respect for our country. “[Another way for Americans to show respect] is voting, making your voice heard and participating in the rights that are somewhat exclusive to American citizens.” Van Duyne said.

However, most high school students are not yet old enough to let their voice be heard

Academic Integrity Challenged by Students continued they cheat on whatever. In regulars the standards are lower; since it’s not a college class the teachers aren’t as vigilant. In AP, the teachers are trying to uphold standards so they try to prevent cheating. ” Unless cheating is being done via a cheat sheet or the internet, it takes two to cheat. There is always the person doing the cheating and then there is always the person who is being cheated off of, whether with their consent or not. If it is with their consent, then that is counted in cheating as “providing the contents or an examination or quiz to another person who will be taking the examination or quiz.”

“People shouldn’t cheat because it’s a bad thing,” Bables said. “If you get caught then you can hurt you and the person you’re cheating off of.”

The administration doesn’t take cheating lightly.

Any incidence of cheating or suspected cheating leads to an investigation.

“Students found to have engaged in

academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct,” associate principal for curriculum and instruction Tracy Franco said. “The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students.”

Other than the trouble the students would get into, there is at least one other reason not to cheat. People can’t depend on others to give them the answers to all the questions in life, sometimes they have to be on their own.

“Being an independent person and doing your own thing [is a reason not to cheat],” Bables said. “You want to be able to rely on yourself to do the right thing.”

through voting, but those seniors who are 18 do have the opportunity to actively participate as voting citizens who care about their country. “[By saying the pledge] we are respecting how we get the chance to be here,” junior Shoaib Noorbhai said.

Of course, there are those students who are unable to

vote but appreciate and understand the significance of what the pledge means.

“Saying the pledge is important to remind yourselves, that you are free and blessed to be in America,” Doty said.

Issue Four

5

Page Three

things Going on in the world

By Lindsey Kehlmann

1

Security measures at airports have been increased. Now travelers are required to have either a full body scan or a full body pat down.

There is controversy over the invasive nature of either procedure.

“It’s a little bit more exposure than everybody wants, but I feel like it’s pretty much necessary in today’s society. I did hear something on the radio about them talking about how since they are scanning adults, they also have to scan children, and that’s what a lot of parents are afraid of; people patting down their children and stuff like that. It’s a sad time because people nowadays will still hide bombs on their children. I can see the point where people hate it or don’t like it, but I’m all for safety, so if this needs to be done; it has to be done.”

Aaron Robinson, senior

2

Proposition 19, which encouraged legalizing marijuana in California, loses with 54% voting against it, and 46% voting for it.

“I think it’s a good thing they didn’t legalize it because people would be using it for the wrong reasons, not just for medical reasons. It could be bad for the economy because they can’t [gain money] from taxing it, but it’s probably better for the community.”

Kassidy Hawkins, junior

3

A 10-year-old girl gave birth to a healthy baby girl in Spain. The mother is “very happy” with the situation and doesn’t understand the amount of media attention.

“I think they forced her to get married, and that’s wrong. People should have a choice to do whatever they want. I think it’s so sad that little kids get pregnant so often there. People need to live their lives, and being pregnant is horrible and so painful.”

Rana Madkour, junior

4

After receiving complaints from a concerned parent, PISD planned on replacing a humanities textbook due to images of nude statues. The district reversed this decision after a large outcry by students and parents because the pieces in question were prominent pieces of artwork.

“I think it’s an issue of censorship, and what people think that children are allowed to see depending on their age. When you get to 9th grade or 10th grade you’re old enough to understand that this is part of art and not just inappropriate pictures. Also, when you take humanities it’s more about getting a world view, so if you take out statues that actually exist and are really influential in history then it’s cutting out a really big part of it.”

Amy Wu, senior

5

There will be a ban on Happy Meals in San Francisco because of their unhealthy nature, and because they sell toys with them which encourages kids to buy them.

“The ban on Happy Meals seems a little absurd because we all grew up eating them. Americans should be able to control themselves and control their own kids. They should be to be able to buy whichever foods they want even if they’re unhealthy, and now they have more healthy choices in happy meals, like apples to substitute for fries.

I don’t think it will happen here. We’re Texas and everything’s bigger here, so I’m pretty sure Happy Meals are going to stay.”

Nick Kao, junior

November 22, 2010

By Sapna Sharma

Plano Senior High School

news

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Trendy Charities

I Heart Boobies, To Write Love on Her Arms, and Every Drop Saves; these are all popular organizations that have now become a trend among the teenage demographic.

These organizations spread their awareness through t-shirts and bracelets that now seem like more of a brand and less of what the original means of these items meant to represent.

These items are found almost anywhere a teen is present.

I Heart Boobies is an organization that was created by the Keep A Breast Foundation which aims to raise awareness about breast cancer. They have bracelets that seem to be everywhere. To the organization, it is way beyond a word. Many students participate in the awareness for the purpose of the organization.

“I just believe in that whole thing and

that we need to help people and this is a way to get it out there,” senior Keira Dowd said.

Although many students believe in the cause, where their money is going is still ambiguous to them. The main purpose of these bracelets is to spread awareness but there are many misconceptions about where the money goes. The sole purpose of this organization is to spread the word about breast cancer.

“I actually do not [know] but I’m pretty sure it goes to the cure for cancer,” senior Aaron Robinson said.

Another problem is the misinterpretation as to what the organization helps. “[For] the bracelets, they tell us it goes to the foundation,” Dowd said.

Another major organization that students partake in is To Write Love On Her Arms. This organization has t-shirts that help

By Anna Vicars

spread awareness about the cause. According to the website, this is a “non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.”

This organization’s purpose is to give money to programs, events,

and awareness. A large portion of all proceeds goes to treatment and recovery through various Some organizations.

students support this because of experiences either they or their friends have gone through.

“I have friends who struggle with depression and they need help and they have previously cut and it’s a hard thing to deal with and we need to spread the word about depression,” Dowd said. “It’s from bullying and people telling them they’re worthless. They just don’t get the love attention they need.”

The basis these charities represented are now taking a different meaning within teenagers.

“I think people think it’s trendy just because you see people with it,” Dowd said. “You’ll see the popular kids with it and be like ‘Oh, I want one of those bracelets’ or ‘Oh, I want a shirt that says To Write Love on Her Arms.’”

Some students support these charities for reasons beyond one involving their friends. “[I do it] because my friend’s mom just got diagnosed with breast cancer this year and so I’m supporting them,” Robinson said.

Another major charity that has begun to spring around is Every Drop Saves. Shirts and fliers for this organization seem to pop up more often now than usual.

“Every Drop Saves is like a clean water project for a village in Uganda and you

can donate money to sponsor a child and give [the child] money to get clean water or can donate for them to get clean water systems,” senior Katie Eubanks said.

Despite the trends, the point of these organizations was to get the word out about major topics that would affect the teenage population. Although some students may not take it the way the charities had imagined, many other students are becoming influenced simply because that the message is getting out to a larger populace.

“I think they’re all really great and they can help a lot of people if you’re in it for the right reasons and if you’re not just doing it to look like everyone else,” Dowd said.

TECHNOLOGY TAKING STRIDES IN SCHOOL

In recent years, several major universities and small private colleges have made it a requirement to purchase expensive technological items including: the iPod Touch, iPhone, MacBook, or a laptop with equivalent power and megabytes. Last year, administrators received Apple iPod Touches in order to make it easier to take notes while surveying classrooms.

The Ad Design classroom is just one of the several classes on campus that contains new technology. “[We have] kind of a combination of art and desktop publishing, so we do a lot of Adobe, Illustrator, and we design game day t-shirts that we sell,” Ad Design instructor Wes Pippard said. “We use InDesign to make menus.

Then we also use Photoshop and we edit photographs.”

With all of the technological advances that have been made in recent years, the campus recently added several new pieces to each classroom. These additions could eventually create some new courses that would be available for students to take.

“I know we’re supposed to get new computers next year,” Pippard said. “I think

as far as public schools go we’re probably one of the best making sure they keep the software and the technology updated.”

In future years, Pippard would also like to see some newer technology that would create more classes for students to have the opportunity to take.

“They were looking to add some new courses and I thought that’d be an interesting course, or at least get the software so the kids can have some experience.”

Campus Technology Assistant, Lynn Simmons, is partial to PCs and goes into detail about what kinds of technology the school possesses.

“An equivalent of [Macs] is fine,” Simmons said.

“There’s lots of competition getting ready to come out, and all sorts of technology that’s cheaper. I’m not a Mac person, and the reason I’m not a Mac person is because Macs are very narrow at what they can do.”

Recently, the campus gained some new technology.

Students might have noticed Simmons or, Campus Technology Assistant , Paul Rhodes visiting classrooms and installing new Elmo projectors a few weeks ago.

“We put about 600 new computers,” Simmons said.

“We went all flat screen.

There’s a process now where the old projectors are going to be replaced; they’re old; they’re out of date; they cannot handle a lot of the new technology.”

In the future, Simmons would like to see some newer and different pieces of technology throughout the school.

“One of the things we’re looking at getting is projectors where the projector itself acts as a Smart Board,” Simmons said. “This would be a Smart Board without the Smart Board. We have looked at those and tested those, but we feel they’re not quite ready for primetime.

They’re that new and they haven’t quite worked all the bugs out, but they’re close.”

Students have access to some of the latest technology to use to their advantage. Whether you’re a Mac person or a PC person, you can find exactly what you need on campus.

“The library has Adobe and business classes have them,” Simmons said.

“Some of the software will be updated next summer.”

wildcats Issue Four

Page Four

November 22, 2010

Plano Senior High School

Unsung Heroes

By Diva Gulati

Carlos the Custodian

When students come to school every morning, they are immersed in a clean, healthy environment. Although most students don’t stop and think about it, preparing the school for the next day is an important job. Night janitors like Carlos Armendariz are faced with this job every night. Although his shift is from 4:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m, Armendariz sometimes stays for longer, making sure everything is in its place.

“I work extra because I make sure the school’s ready for the next day,” Armendariz said. “It’s very, very important for me that the kids receive the school ready.”

In addition to working at night during the school year, Armendariz also works here during the summer.

“During the summer, I work triple,” Armendariz said. “We clean up to down. We shampoo carpets. I disinfect tables because I don’t want people sick. This is why I work hard.”

Armendariz makes sure everything gets done properly.

Even if kids forget something at school, Armendariz makes sure it stays safe until the next day.

“I love to help,” Armendariz said. “If somebody’s in trouble or if they forget keys, wallets, backpacks, I save it.”

Armendariz, who has been working here for over three years now, is very dedicated to the school and loves the school very much.

“I feel special here in this place,” Armendariz said.

“When somebody’s happy, I’m happy too. It’s like when

we have a game in the gym and we lost, I told the girls ‘If you lost, we lost together because when you win, we win together.’”

Although Armendariz has his own family, he feels like he is a part of a large family here as well.

“I have my kids in my house,” Armendariz said. “But I have over 3,000 kids over here.”

Armendariz calls the school his family for many reasons.

“Each person, we’re not different,” Armendariz said.

“A black person, his blood is red. In a white person, the blood is red too. And my skin is brown but my blood is red. We’re the same person. We have the same heart.

The color is not important. This is why I call everybody here my brother.”

When students see Armendariz around the campus, he is never tired or sad. He is always smiling and always happy.

“I look strong and I’m never tired because I love people,” Armendariz said. “It feels horrible when the kids are not here and I work by myself. It feels quiet. It feels bad. It looks bad.”

Armendariz is very thankful to be working here. He enjoys meeting the students and getting to know them as well as making sure they are in a good environment whenever they come to school.

“I feel my second house, my second family here.”

Armendariz said. “I love this place.”

More than Just Mom and Dad Parents as School Faculty

By Haley Bunnell

TV shows and movies like Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls, exemplify how some teenagers don’t want to be in public with their parents. Teenagers seem to be spending less and less time around their parents and choose to hang out with friends instead. Having a boyfriend, shopping for the new fads, and jamming out to bands are more appealing to some students than sitting around at home with Mom and Dad. For a few students, however, time away from parents is not that easy because their parents are their teachers, too.

“Sometimes it’s awkward when my mom gives me hugs in front of my friends,” senior Francie Johnson said. “Other than that, I like having her here because I don’t always have to pay for stuff.”

Regarding some students like the principal’s daughter, senior Eleanor Watkins, rumors spread concerning unfair treatment.

“Some people think my mom lets my dress code slide,” Watkins said. “If anything, she makes it harder on me. She doesn’t really let me get away with much.”

Watkins explained that her mom doesn’t have much say in rules like dress code.

Those rules are made by PISD as a whole, and she just has to enforce it.

“People ask me what is going on within the schools, but I really don’t know,” junior Connor Shanklin said. “My dad is on the school board, [and] people think I know everything because of that.”

For many students their social life is mostly at school. Francie sometimes gets visits from her mom during her classes, which can be awkward.

“In social life, some kids freak out when they come to my house, not knowing what to do or say,” Watkins said.

A lot of students face obstacles in almost every environment they go to. For those students whose parents are teachers, home life can have its own challenges.

“Home life is sometimes difficult because I sometimes don’t know what to say or how to approach the situation and sometimes neither does she,” Watkins said. “I don’t know if I can talk to her as my mom, or as my principal.”

Students who are actually taught by their parents are sometimes treated differently, or have to act different in front of their parents.

“I call him sir, never daddy,” junior Caitlyn Rhoden said. “He is also definitely stricter on me than any other student.”

Rhoden’s dad is her ROTC teacher, so for her this doesn’t have negative effects on their relationship. Even though, the situation may make things difficult, there are advantages in this situation.

“He is there if I am having trouble in a class, and lets me get out of studying for that class,” Rhoden said. “So it is definitely a good thing. I enjoy having him here.”

The media often exaggerates similar situations. The mom showing naked baby pictures to their child’s date, telling embarrassing stories or even worse, leaving a red lipstick stain on their cheek. Shanklin, Johnson, Watkins and Rhoden, however, have been in this environment for the majority of their life, so for them it is not a very big deal considering what’s shown on the big screen.

“I am happy for my mom, that she is the new principal and she has wanted this a long time,” Watkins said. “It doesn’t really bother me because she was at Vines High School with me before this. So I am just proud of her.”

Although having a mom or dad as a teacher has complications, the students love and care for them in the same way.

“He is great as a teacher and dad,” Rhoden said. “And I love him.”

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Issue Four

N O V E M B E R

Page Five

November 22, 2010

wildcats 2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Plano Senior High School

By Daniel Hinson

It’s that time of year again.

Yes it is the time to honor pilgrims, eat turkey and rake leaves. But more specifically it is the one month where guys don’t have to shave and can get away with it. It’s that month where razors everywhere sit on the bathroom counter for 30 days and longingly watch their owner’s beard grow.

“My friend Amit Kudtarkar likes to think of this month as a male holy month,” junior Kurt Doty said. “It helps all the men on campus, including me, determine how fast our facial hair can grow and how much we can grow in one month.”

But what is No Shave November all about? Although it has become an homage to facial hair, the “event” is actually to raise awareness for testicular cancer. Like October, where the pink ribbons represent awareness to breast cancer, the beard has become a symbol to testicular cancer awareness.

Even though the history of No Shave November is slightly unknown, it originated

in Australia and New Zealand.

It was called Movember, where men would not shave their mustaches to raise awareness for cancer. Later this trend caught on in the United States, but the Americans decided that they would not shave their entire face. Across the nation, Facebook events are popping up at high schools, colleges, and universities. Friends are encouraging friends to not shave and the trend is really taking off.

“Although I am one of the founding fathers of this chapter of No Shave November, I realized that there are a lot of people at this school who can grow more gnarly facial hair than I.” Doty said. “I’m participating because it’s just an excuse to not shave for a while.

Everyone likes facial hair, at least guys do.”

Most guys on campus enjoy this month but girls on the other hand find it disgusting and revolting.

“I think it is up to the guy,” senior Jenifer Beckett said.

“I’m not a fan of it personally

but it is their choice to not shave if they don’t want to.

A little scruff is ok, but they should shave a couple times. If they can catch food in it, it is probably time to shave.”

“I think they do it to make a statement of how much facial hair they can grow,” junior Bonnie Dennis said.

Competitions often arise to see whose beards can grow the biggest.

“Amit and I are having a little friendly competition to see whose beard will be the biggest,” Doty said. “I don’t think he knows what’s in store for him.”

No Shave November is an opportunity for guys to be lazy though.

“It’s a good time. There are other excused one can make through out the year No Shave November is just the beginning,” Doty said. “Next is Don’t Shave December, Just Don’t Shave January, Forgot To Shave February, Mustache March, and About Time To Shave April.”

SCHOOLS

By Elena Nelson

In Uganda, schools were used as bases for armies, and because of this many schools were destroyed. Uganda doesn’t have the money to rebuild their schools themselves, which is leaving the children without a place to get an education. Schools for Schools gives back to schools in Uganda that were destroyed in their recent battles.

“Our main goal is to rebuild schools in Uganda,” junior Tori Roberson said.

“Whichever school raises the most money gets their club president sent to Uganda.”

Schools for Schools is a fairly new club, with mostly all new members.

Before Plano’s chapter was founded, this club was at other schools in the area as well.

“I started this club about a month ago,” Roberson said. “We had it at Vines so I figured I’d try and carry it over to Plano.”

This club gives students the opportunity to get involved in helping others, not only in local cities, but in other countries as well.

“There are clubs at Plano that do a lot for our school,” junior Becca Rigby said. “But Schools for Schools reaches across the world to help unfortunate kids.”

Clubs get their money from having fund raisers, and in that aspect Schools for Schools isn’t much different. The only difference is in the type of fundraisers that they have.

“The belly-laugh line is where you have one person lay down and have another person put their head on that person’s stomach and laugh,” Roberson said.

“It’s a domino affect.”

The belly-laugh line is a different type of fund raiser. It will cost about $2 a person and

SCHOOLS will be hosted in the gym in mid-December.

The club members are hoping it will be featured in the Universal World Records.

“Laughing isn’t what really matters,” Roberson said. “It’s how many people are in the line laughing at once.”

Aside from the bellylaugh line, Schools for Schools does other fundraisers to support their cause. These fundraisers are what most people would consider ordinary.

“We sell maroon t-shirts for anyone to buy that say our club name on them,” Rigby said. “Also we collect newer text books to donate to other underprivileged children.

By now you’re probably wondering where exactly the money goes. A lot of organizations get told what cause their money goes to but they leave out how exactly it gets

there.

“The money goes to the Schools for Schools headquarters in California,” Rigby said.

“Our teacher, who is also our sponsor, sends the money through the internet and the money is spent on text books and materials needed to rebuild a school.”

If you’re interested in joining this club or even just seeing what it’s about, this club has meeting times that are sure to accommodate any on going schedule.

Schools for Schools meets Mondays after school in room B205A from 4:15-4:30, and also on Tuesday afternoons from 8:30-9:00.

“I think of everything I have, and I see these kids in Uganda, and I feel like it’s my responsibility to give back,” Rigby said.

sports Issue Four

Page Six

base

November 22, 2010

Plano Senior High School

toBase

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Softball team receives a thank you from soldiers

By Julie Boyer

Photo by: Julie Boyer

Photo by: Julie Boyer

Photo by: Julie Boyer

A couple gloves, some bats, and a few old softballs made the day for staff sergeant John Sanders’s security force squad. Sanders is in charge of a 33 person security force squad stationed in the Ghazni Province, south central, Afghanistan.

“Our job is to protect the people who help the Afghani and get them home safely,” Sanders said. “It’s amazing how many hard times can be eased by just throwing a couple softballs around.”

Last semester, the softball team was approached by the Campus Technology Assistant, Paul Rhodes, who asked them about what equipment a new team would need to get started.

“My son knew someone over there that had a platoon,” Rhodes said. “His friend sent him an email saying they would love to have softball stuff. They wanted to outfit a team.”

The softball team usually does several acts of community service throughout the year. As one of the girls’ annual community service projects, they reached out to the soldiers, collecting old softballs, gloves and bats during the fall semester of last year. They were able to send everything off in the spring.

“We saw what [equipment] the girls already had,” softball coach Cynthia Zea said. “We gave [the soldiers] bases, balls, and bats.

For the supplies that we couldn’t provide them with, we gave them a gift certificate to Play It Again Sports so they could purchase the remaining equipment.”

Rhodes and his son went and purchased the rest of the gear that was needed for the team to play, using the gift certificate. The team shipped them overseas last semester and has just gotten to see the effect they had on the soldiers.

Sanders presented the team with one of the donated bats, signed by the entire platoon.

“It was amazing,” Zea said. “It was nice to see who you’re helping; it really helps bring it closer to home.”

Sanders had a personal connection with the sport.

“My grandpa was a minor league baseball coach,” Sanders said. “He had his picture taken with players like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.

[Baseball] runs in my family.”

Sanders said the soldiers were happy in receiving the equipment.

At first, the soldiers were not able to play ball a whole lot. Eventually the squad was able to play every two or three days.

“It was amazing to see how many people actually liked baseball,” Sanders said. “There is never a way to say thank you.”

Runner’s Personal Record Cross country competitor succeeds through her high school years

Photo Submitted by Rachel Johnson

While most are still in bed, senior Rachel Johnson is up and running. With five years’ worth of competing, she has made a name for herself throughout her running career. Johnson still remembers why she started running.

“When I was in elementary school, we did this thing called walk-jog-run,” Johnson said. “It was a time when you could walk, jog, or run, and I always ran. The coach saw I liked running. He encouraged me to do track in middle school and cross country in high school. I didn’t run races in elementary school, but that’s when I found out I like to run.”

Running daily, Johnson has a training routine in which she utilizes different workouts. This helps her prepare for meets and other UIL and club competitions.

“I usually run 50 or 55 miles a week,” Johnson said. “My club coach and the coach here at school both work with me on different training. We do things

like run up hills, interval workouts and tempo runs (where you run five or six miles really hard). I practice with my club team once a week on Tuesdays after school. We have rest days usually on Fridays.

That’s the day that we go to the course, and I jog two miles.”

After the state meet on Nov. 6, Johnson feels that her work has paid off. She came home with the state champion title, her second in running but first in cross country.

“I got a bad start at the starting line but I was able to get out and go,” Johnson said.

“I’ve worked really hard all four years of high school, and it feels good to know that I’ve accomplished something. There were teams from 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and individuals and a ton of people. It’s fun to watch the other races and run in mine.”

Johnson gets support for running from many people in her life, including her family, coaches, and friends.

“Some of my friends made shirts for me on

Friday that said ‘Run, Rachel’ or ‘Win State,’” Johnson said. “It was really sweet. The coach here has been really supportive. He’s new this year and he’s done a good job, coming in and helping me since I train with my club team also, working with me to make sure I can do what he wants me to do and what my club coach wants me to do at the same time. That can be hard. My family is always at races and my team [is] also. I love them. They’re always supporting me and cheering me on.”

With Nationals just around the corner, Johnson recalls her memories of the two races, last year.

“My favorite races ever were probably when I ran in Footlocker Nationals and Nike Nationals,” Johnson said. “Those were both really fun races because there are people from all over. The Nike one was in Portland, and Footlocker was in California.”

After graduating in June, Johnson will end her four year high

By Meital Boim

school running career, and will pick it back up next year at college.

“I’m going to run for Baylor,” Johnson said. “It feels good to have it all done with.

I committed a few weeks ago. I’ll sign in February.”

Despite the role that running plays in her life, Johnson occupies her time in other ways, as well. She maintains a balance between school, friends and various activities.

“I like running, but I always want to make sure that I have something else in my life so that if I get injured, I’m not totally done, and I don’t have anything else to live for,” Johnson said. “I run in the mornings, except for Tuesdays, but then in the afternoon I can do whatever I want to, I don’t have to focus on running. I’m really involved in my church.

PALs is the other big thing that I’m involved in at school. Running isn’t my whole life.”

Issue Four

Page Seven

T

here is one day this year that four senior swimmers will remember forever when they think back on their high school days. It was Nov 10, National Signing Day. That Wednesday morning seniors Marissa Konicke, Deanna Marks, Natalie Sanchez, and Seth Russell all committed to different swim teams at different schools across the country.

“It was really exciting that all of this is happening but I am sad that this is my final year on the Plano Senior swim team,”

November 22, 2010 Konicke said.

Before the swimmers head off to college there is some unfinished business to attend to winning state.

“We are definitely looking forward to state this year, it is a huge goal for our team,” Marks said. “There are a couple of steps that we need to take to get there.”

The steps include working together as a team, with little to no separation, remaining focused, and getting as many swimmers to regionals as possible.

“I think we definitely have a huge shot

Plano Senior High School

sports

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

this year at winning state,” Marks said. “It would be great to go out my senior year right before going to college with a state title. It would be fun getting the giant patch on the back of my lettermen jacket.”

The team has taught them some important skills and lessons.

“We all have to work together,” Sanchez said. “It helps you become a lot more disciplined. It also helps you with your grades and it prepares you for the college team if you pursue swimming there.”

“Being on the high school team, it has

really taught me how to deal with others and how to be a leader,” Konicke said. “It has been fun being a part of a really good team atmosphere” The swimming season is halfway over and before these seniors know it, it will be the end of the year and the end of their high school years.

“It has been a great experience the past four years,” Russell said. “I really have had awesome opportunities being on such a great team. [The team] has a tradition of winning, I mean this is Plano.”

By Daniel Hinson

Marissa Konicke

Natalie Sanchez

Konicke chose to sign with Rice University.

“I started first looking at it because it is an exceptional school, and they have a division one swim team which is whated,” Konicke said. “I want to major in engineering and it is an exceptional engineering school.”

When Konicke took her first official trip to the school she was really impressed with the brand new pool.

“There were a lot of aspects that I really liked,” she said. “I wanted to stay close to home. I really like the coaches and the campus is gorgeous. After being in Alaska for eight years I kind of got sick of the cold, so being in the south was a huge factor. ” Konicke has two older sisters who are also swimmers. The oldest, Genny, swims for SMU and her other sister, Kelsey, swims for New Mexico State University. She will be swimming in the same conference as her sister Genny, Conference USA. “I got into swimming because my sisters were on it,” said Konicke. “We were all really close when we were younger. Then as we grew older, we all went to different schools but we all had swimming as our main similarity. The rivalry is fun, even if we beat one another.”

Swimming has shaped Konicke’s life. She spends about four hours a day in the pool practicing and training.

“I wouldn’t have half the friends that I do today,” Konicke said. “It has taught me endurance and how to be dedicated to something. It has definitely changed my life a lot.”

Sanchez chose to sign with University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

“I chose to go to [UNLV] because the area was good for my major,” Sanchez said.

“I also liked the team a lot and the coaching staff was at a high national level.”

Other schools Sanchez was interested in included Drexel University and the University of Miami and San Diego State University. She wants to major in criminal justice and pursue a career in the FBI. When Sanchez took a trip to UNLV, the swim team there impressed her.

“They are a huge team, and they work together,” Sanchez said. “Also the team lets you specialize in what you want to swim.”

For Sanchez swimming started off as a hobby, but as she moved to higher and higher levels it got more serious for her.

Sanchez wants to be known as a college swimmer.

“To be honest, I don’t want to grow up at all,” Sanchez said. “Seeing other people go through it helps. Starting my life [away from my parents] will feel different but I’ve been brought up to know how to deal with this.”

Some of the things that she will miss are her friends here in Plano and the atmosphere of not having to depend on herself, but she is excited about going off to college.

“My parents are really excited too but they are sad that I am going to leave,” Sanchez said. “But I have younger siblings at home so it won’t be that bad.”

Deanna Marks

Seth Russell

Marks choose to sign with Kansas University. Other schools Marks was looking at included Purdue University, Dartmouth College, and Rice University.

“I really enjoyed the coaches,” Marks said. The campus was really pretty, which is surprising because it’s Kansas. I really wanted to be in a conference that was competitive like the Big 12, and I wanted opportunities to grow as a swimmer, as well as a great team to train with whom I think can make me better, faster, and stronger.”

Looking even farther into her future, Marks wants to major in engineering.

“I’m not sure what kind yet, I’m thinking civil engineering,” Marks said. “We’ll see if my major changes depending on college courses, I’ll probably minor in business.”

Marks has mixed feelings about going off to college.

“I think it is more I’m nervous than excited,” she said. “I’m definitely excited about the new and different things and having a change from Plano.”

Even though Marks is looking forward to going off to college she realizes there are things that she will miss here in Plano.

“I’m definitely going to miss a lot of the girls on the team; they really are my family,” she said. “I’ve grown up with some of the girls since I was like four, like some of the juniors Shannon Rogers and Dayna Gettel, which is over a decade of my life that I’ve spent with them.

“I’m going to miss Plano in general, just because it’s Plano and I’m in love with it.”

Marks said.

Russell chose to sign with Brigham Young University. BYU and the Air Force Academy were his final two schools.

“I started looking at it because my brother went there,” Russell said. “Also they have a great business program and I plan to go into business.”

Another factor that Russell took into consideration was the fact that BYU is mainly a Mormon school, and because he is Mormon, it was a perfect match for him.

“When I went to visit the campus, the people there treated me really well,” Russell said. “The environment and the campus was really cool, it is right in the mountains.”

Even though Russell is the only one from the guys team who signed with a school, it doesn’t phase him at all. “[Being the only guy who signed] doesn’t change how I train or swim,” Russell said.

“It really doesn’t make a big difference. I swim with these guys on club and I swim with them on the high school swim team and it really doesn’t matter to them” Swimming has been part of Russell’s life for a great deal of time.

“Swimming has pretty much shaped my entire life,” he said. “I’ve been swimming since I was like eight competitively, my whole life has been revolved around that and school.”

Women’s Basketball

By Dayna Gettel

The excitement and energy of basketball occurs four quarters of every game, through triumphs and losses.

The Lady Wildcats are greatly looking forward to the new season, with many goals in mind for this year’s team.

“Our team goals are to have more chemistry on the court and to have a winning season,” junior Gabi Kane said.

The team had several accomplishments last year, and also greatly hopes to build up to having the depth of the

past team.

“We were a pretty good team,” senior Jordan Griffith said.

“We lost some of our seniors, the main scorers for the team, but we’re rebuilding this year.”

During the summer, the team played in a summer league to strengthen their skills, scout their opponents, and become better as a team.

“We did pretty well in summer league,” junior Kylie Harper said. “We played a lot of tough

teams, but we really played as a team and worked well together.”

This season, the girls are ready everyday to try their best at practices and develop new strategies. Also, unlike past years the girls have a major advantageous quality that will make success much less difficult, work ethic.

“Our girls are ready each day to get better for this season,” Kane said.

“Practices are longer so we get more time to work on shooting.

We have several

experienced players that will contribute a lot of great ideas for winning, also.”

Several of the girls that have been on the team since freshman year now know what it is like to be the upperclassmen and leaders.

The underclassmen are occasionally picked on, but they bring many good qualities to the team.

“They [underclassmen] bring a lot of spirit and desire to work hard,” Kane

said. “It helps having younger ones around to encourage everyone.”

The girls basketball season began on November 9 at Rowlett, which was both a success and loss.

“Junior varsity won and varsity lost by only five [points],” Kane said.

In order to become stronger as a team, on and off the court, friendships are created with one another by spending time together.

The team even has team bonding time to

develop this closeness.

“We actually have a retreat this weekend where we go to group dynamics and the whole team is together,” Harper said.

Although the team is technically split into a varsity squad and a junior varsity squad, they still stay close together.

“We all practice and scrimmage together, along with trying out new players,” Harper said. “We’re all pretty much one big team.”

review Issue Four

Page Ten

November 22, 2010

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

By Samantha Meyer

The epic conclusion to a story that has captured viewers imaginations for years, there was a lot of hype for part one of the long awaited finale to the Harry Potter series. The good news is this movie does not disappoint.

It totally lived up to my expectations, and even exceeded them in some ways. This thrilling finale was a roller coaster ride of action, humor, tragedy, and romance. I was sucked back into the world of Harry Potter right from the beginning.

The acting was amazing; I am always impressed by the remarkable casting for the Harry Potter movies. There just isn’t a bad actor in the bunch.

From beginning to end, the movie was heart pounding. Even though I had read the books, and knew what was going to happen, I still felt this heavy suspense while watching it. The action sequences were chaotic and exhilarating, and sometimes a little scary. I’ll admit, I jumped and yelped every time a snake popped out. Yes, our generation’s reptilian nightmare is back with a vengeance in this movie, and scarier than ever.

I saw the film in IMAX and to be honest, I was pretty sure that snake was going to eat me.

While I’m sure many viewers will be disappointed that some minor parts of the book

were left out of the movie, I feel that all the major things I wanted to see from the book were in the movie. I even thought that when certain scenes were dramatized onscreen, it became more intense then it was in the book. While the movies will still never be as good the books, this movie defiantly qualifies as an excellent adaption of a great book, that won’t give fans of the books much reason to complain.

There were a few parts of the film that really stuck out to me. The first being the scene where everyone is trying to get Harry to the safe house.

This aerial fight sequence was one part of the book I remembered really vividly, and I couldn’t be happier with how it was translated to film. Viewers will not be disappointed when they see the Potter doppelgangers take flight, only to be confronted with a lightning storm of spells cast by their enemies. Sparks fly (literally) and by the time our heroes reached the safe house, I was of breath.

One sequence that is sure to get people talking is the one in which the story of the Deathly Hallows is told. Emma Watson narrates the tale, and it’s illustrated onscreen by an edgy animation sequence.

The almost Tim Burton-esque silhouettes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but to me, it was a brilliant

way to show the story.

Overall, if there was anything that viewers will dislike about the movie is the fact that we have to wait 8 months for part two. Who knew that a two and a half hour movie could end so abruptly?

Overall, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows stays true to the seventh book, and will leave viewers shouting for more.

5 House Cups

ReSpekt for Regina Spektor

By Maelyn Schramm

Born into a family with a mother as a music professor and father as a violinist, Regina Spektor was bound to be musically gifted. After developing a deep love for the piano, there was no holding her back: she was determined to write and play music for the rest of her life. She has won various types of music awards, and music-lovers from all over the world listen to her.

Regina Spektor has a different singersongwriter edge to her music. You can tell she’s very passionate about what she’s singing and puts a lot of thought into her lyrics. Her lyrics are not just words to her, but stories, memories, and beliefs.

With mostly piano accompaniment, her music flows very well, while her voice compliments the piano.

Although a majority of her songs are piano based, they do not fall under the classical style.

Her songs have a more alternative feel to it, fast-paced and fun to listen to. Spektor’s music definitely is not for country or R&B lovers.

It’s more geared toward artsy, singer-songwriter, and alternative listeners.

Over the years, she has succeeded in producing her own, individual sound. Her music is a mix of all different types of genres, like punk, rock, classical, and Russian, and unique only to her.

Because of her one-ofa-kind sound, her CDs

are very interesting and enjoyable to listen to.

Some of her most popular and wellliked songs are “Us,” and “Fidelity.” These songs reveal her impressive vocal range, and extraordinary songwriting skills.

Songs like these are good “girl” music, mostly about love and romance. Her witty lyrics easily relate to her listeners, they’re the kind of songs that you can’t help but sing along to.

Her music includes different sounds and languages.

Although they’re mostly sung in English, some words are in her native Russian, or French and Latin. Notorious for making different beatbox-type noises

with her lips, these features contribute to her different, new sound.

Through sincere lyrics and catchy tunes, Spektor’s music has inspired others: musicians, listeners, students, adults, etc.

In this case, change is a good thing. Good for dancing, listening, singing along to or watching, her music does not disappoint.

With six albums released and more to come, she has progressed in the music business. She has fans from all over the world, from places like England and Finland. Each fan, no matter their accent or appearance, share one thing in common: their addiction to her different, unique sound.

Her songs can be found on various soundtracks, like 500 Days of Summer, and easily accessed from online or iTunes. The second you hear just one of her songs, you’ll develop

great “ReSpekt” for Regina Spektor.

Spektor’s music leaves you wanting more. And with Spektor, more is available! Her website (reginaspektor.com) reveals tour dates,

music videos, pictures, and more. With all of this at the touch of your fingertips, it’s hard not to go crazy for Regina!

Issue Four

Page Eleven

November 22, 2010

review

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Thanksgiving Pies

Wal-Mart Old Fashioned Mini Cherry Pie

By Vivian Nguyen

This pie only costs about a dollar, and the quality was lacking. The cherries were sour, not sweet, the crust was soft, mushy and not crispy at all. The pie, in general, was very bland and had nearly no taste. The only way I found that this pie could taste alright was when eaten with vanilla ice cream. This pie did not impress me at all, and I would not recommend this for a Thanksgiving Dinner. ☺

The Purple Cow’s Homemade Warm Apple Pie

I firmly believe that you can never go wrong with apple pie. This place, was no exception. This pie when first served, had that fresh out of the oven warmness, and the wafting scent of sweet apples already made your mouth water. The pie itself was very good. It was sweet, while still retaining that zesty apple taste. The crust, as well, was flaky and crumbled easily in your mouth, adding to the great apple pie experience. ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

Costco’s Pumpkin Pie

This traditional Thanksgiving staple was lacking the classic sweet, cinnamon flavor, though it was loaded with authentic pumpkin taste. The pie, in my opinion, was pretty bland, and only tasted sugary when eaten with loads of whipped cream. If you don’t like sweets but prefer a more natural pumpkin taste, this pie is for you. ☺ ☺ ☺

Sam’s Club Pecan Pie

Fall Fashion

This pie was really sweet. Seasoned with an abundance of syrup and chunks of pecans, this pie is sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving dinner. The gooey syrup gives an interesting contrast to the crunchy chunks of pecans and has a sweet vanilla taste. You can eat this pie with whipped cream, however, even eaten alone, this pie was still delicious. ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

illustration by Ericka Lindsey

By Sofia Toohey

I’m afraid it’s that time. Toss out your short shorts, flip flops, rompers, and tanks because autumn is finally here. I know we all miss summer, but there is good news.

Although, we now have seven hours of school and homework each day, at least we can look good while doing it.

One might not even have to exceed their budget for a whole new wardrobe to make the summer-to-fall transformation this year. Summer dresses can easily be carried from season to season with the addition of

layers. This season’s optimal addition?

Light cardigans in all colors imaginable.

Embroidery isn’t just for your grandma anymore. If you want to liven up a plain dress with more than just a different solid color, opt for an interesting embroidered pattern or crocheted sleeves.

As the temperature drops, begin to move toward French coats in beige, black, or brown. The bigger the buttons the better.

Florals this fall remain to be an untouchable style with an endless bohemian

vibe. To add a feminine air to the look, flowers will always do. However, moving into the year, avoid the summer neons and hot pinks and move toward more neutral warm colors including soft oranges, navys, reds, blush pink, military green, and gold. If you still want your ‘wow’ color, be sure to pair it with a calmer color partner to even out the outfit.

High-waisted skirts also remain timeless and an all around flattering look. To get your waist down to its tiniest point and to make a statement, turn

to an assortment of belts, as seen at places like Nordstrom or even Target. Whether thick or thin, the point is to define your figure. Also with the high-waisted skirts, or even dresses, be sure to pair them up with tights of all different colors and patterns. Why stick to boring solid blacks when you can mix it up with a crazy design? Go bold and use it as a tool to show off your legs.

Now I know some of you have those days where all you want to feel is comfortable. The billowy one-shoulder sweatshirt from the

80’s has come full circle and can be seen around campus today. Pair it with sweats or even leggings and manage to look good while feeling great. It’s perfect for the occasional comfort day, or just when you need to save a couple minutes of your time.

Speaking of saving time, another tip that relates to this season’s look involves your hair. Skip out on the damaging straightener or curling iron and let your natural waves thrive. This is complimented by the natural autumn hues and will freshen up your

look. So, be sure to skip out on that extra hour of primping and instead catch some sleep.

As far as shoes go, you have a wide variety of choices to complete your look.

Ditch your sandals for flats, accessorizing them with a cute bow or buckle, or maybe even a fun print. If you can work heels, they are always good and lengthen your legs. The new Urban Outfitter lace-up booties are a hit and will definitely be seen in fashion this fall. Save Uggs only for the bitterest cold days and instead go

for more practical and stylish boots ranging from cowboy (Taylor Swift look) to suede or worker boots. When worn with tights, boots can be a nice touch.

As you can see, you have lots of different paths to choose this fall. But a direction I would make sure to follow? Whatever look you go with, make it you, because the best accessory you can find is always your individuality.

fine arts Issue Four

Page Twelve

November 22, 2010

Plano Senior High School

Le Olde Medieval Times

Madrigal Dinner kicks off holiday season

By Chelsea Allen

Hear ye, hear ye, citizens, and gather to witness the wonders and delights of the annual Madrigal Dinner! An evening of music, performance, humor, and delicious food awaits the one who is lucky enough to procure a seat at this event.

“The show got sold out extremely fast,” senior and play director Melanie Notinger said. “the first night it was almost completely sold out. It’s very anticipated.”

A tradition among the choral singers, ‘tis a well sought after event indeed, prepared and choreographed carefully by those who are experienced in the arts of performance. After only two nights, the crowds called for more seats, and heeding to their demands, a matinee show was born. The annual Madrigal Dinner is three separate affairs all combined into an evening that’s foolish to miss.

“It’s a performance where we dress up in medieval costumes,” senior and choir student Kaitlyn Lagow said. “There’s a king and a queen and a jester, and we perform different songs from the time period.

It’s a big dinner and show.”

The angelic voices of the choral singers are a feat revered all around the lands, and many can’t wait to give audience to their hymns.

“It’s kind of a first holiday event people get to celebrate,” Notinger said. “They get the whole experience with music and theatre and dance all in one, and they also get a feast and apple cider.”

The play portion is carefully cast, making sure each role is rehearsed and performed by those suitable.

By Alex Gonzalez

in

Sw

g

Da n e

c

T

he holiday season is right around the corner, and each fine arts elective always kicks it off with something special. Theatre has the musical, choir has the Madrigal Dinner, and Jazz Ensemble has the swing dance. This dance will be held in the

cafeteria on Nov. 23, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

The Swing Dance consists of music from Big Band era.

“We play music from artists such as Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Duke Ellington,” band director Jeremy Kondrat said.

This event has a

“The queen is our choir president,” Forrest Hayes, the king of Madrigal Dinner, said. “Mr. Brookins told me he wanted me to be [the king] because I have a good personality and I’m big, so why not?”

Le olde script has been passed down for generations, alternating every year so no person performs the same play.

“It’s all in Old-English kind of madrigal style, and what I do is make the script, direct the show , do blocking, help with accents, and help with acting,” Notinger said. “A lot of them aren’t normally actors.”

But do not fret, for no evening is complete without dancing, and choral students deliver.

“We’re doing a medieval dance like one you would see in ‘A Knight’s Tale,’” senior and director of the dance portion Victoria Davis said. “It’s upbeat and fun, and we’re trying to stay true to the time period as much as possible.”

But one may be wondering; how does such an event come to be?

“This is the 34th year for Madrigal Dinner,” director Derrick Brookins said. “It’s a large city tradition, not just for Plano Senior High. It’s grown bigger than us, which is wonderful. We hear numerous times from several people they use this event to kick off the holiday season.”

So hear ye again, citizens, for now you know the marvels and elements that are the Madrigal Dinner, hosted on the evenings of Dec. 3-5.

“Everybody’s really excited about it,” Brookins said. “It’s going to be a fun show.”

large turnout every year.

“We usually have about 1,000 people show up,” Kondrat said. “People of all ages come and dance and a lot of senior citizens come as well, because it’s music from their time.”

The swing dance is unlike any school dance that students are used to.

“It’s not a normal dance,” junior Hailey Bell said. “They don’t play songs that kids really know, and you have to know how to swing dance before it starts.”

However, if a person attending the dance does not know how to swing dance, this is not a problem.

“We offer free swing dance lessons in the cafeteria about an hour before the show starts,” Kondrat said.

The members of the Jazz Ensemble decorate the cafeteria to give it an old-fashioned jazz feel.

“It’s like going to a Jazz club,” senior and lead trumpet player Gabe Trotta said. “The cafeteria is all decked out with big, flashy lights.”

Among all the dancing and performances, food

will be provided as well.

“I liked the food last year,” senior Sara Ping said, “because they had, like, a bajillion desserts.”

As far as this year’s food goes, the band parents have been planning great things.

“The parents have been working hard to get vendors,” senior and lead alto saxophone player Kendall Demarest said. “They want to get restaurants and local bakeries to set up booths and tables.

The food’s going to be really good this year.”

If someone cannot make it to the upcoming winter swing dance, there is a swing dance next semester as well.

“I went to both the fall and the spring dance last year, and had a really great time,” Bell said.

“It’s really fun, and it’s a great way to raise money for the Jazz Ensemble.”

Other adults, as well as students, have the opportunity to display their talents at the swing dance.

“Some of the private lesson teachers do solos,” senior Ryan Blankenbaker said. “last year, there were professional trumpet players too.”

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Issue Four

Page Thirteen

November 22, 2010

fine arts

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Get Your Fash-On Fall fashion show hits the runway

By Anna Vicars and Abby Rener

Eliza Roderer, 11 & Caitlin Avalos, 12

Priyal Patel , 12

Kyana Shamloo, 12

Kelsey Wolf, 12

Cassandra McCutcheon , 12

Tahiara Clayton, 12 Photos by Allison Gaughan

If Only Money Grew on Trees Fundraising for the Arts

By Whitney Fein

Everything our school does revolves around money. From the field trips the departments take to the performances, money is needed for everything. But how exactly do you make all this money? Do you have to sing on a street corner for spare change? Or act out a scene or two for extra cash? These could be potential good ideas, but instead they go a classier route for making money: through school fundraisers. But what is the best way to make money? Who should you try and sell to? And do students actually want to buy these things?

Around the holidays, most departments start selling some sort of seasonal item. The choir department is selling poinsettias and butter braids for their fundraiser.

“Nobody really wants to buy a $10 flower that’ll die in a week,” junior Emily Reas said.

“But the butter braids I hear are good and probably will sell.”

With fundraisers like these, it seems that the target buyers are faculty and parents, rather than students. It seems a lot of fundraisers are targeted more for parents, faculty and family members.

The theater department is selling something a little more unusual; pasta.

“Mainly parents and teachers have bought things from us,” junior Joe Heike said. “But we have sold to some students. You also have to pay up front, which is difficult for some teens.”

It seems that with the economy these days, money is tight for everyone, including the school. These fundraisers will help raise money for field trips they go on, such as UIL and other competitions. Although the money is for everyone in the department, as well as the students paying their own

way for trips, not everyone has to sell something. Since there are some students who are transfers, they cannot participate in UIL competitions for the first year at their new school.

“I haven’t sold any and I don’t plan to,” Reas said. “All of the proceeds for things I would sell would go to my trip to Branson, Missouri. Since I am not eligible for UIL, I can’t go, thus I don’t have to sell anything.”

Rather than target the adults in the community, the departments could also try something else, maybe something that teens would want to buy or participate in.

“I think if we could sell a different food item like desserts,” Reas said. “The butter braids you have to cook and all that. No one wants the hassle of having to wait to cook it. They just want something to grab and go.”

“Fall into Fashion” is the newest addition that’s breaking tradition.

Girls of all sizes come together to create a line of individualistic clothing that represents who they are. In a few short weeks these designers came up with an entire collection consisting of dresses, mini skirts, and the ultimate outfit.

“All these girls have been working really hard,” vice president of Fashion Club, senior Elle Sanders said. “Coming before and after school and sewing through lunch and there were a couple days where I actually stayed until 6:45.”

A big part of getting their designs out to the student body, is needing the right model to flaunt it. Instead of making the clothes to fit a model, they find a model to fit the clothes.

It’s a trying process, but in the end, the models rocked the outfits.

“A lot of girls just picked their friends,” Sanders said. “Like me for example, a lot of my friends asked me to model. Also we sent out an email to NHS asking what size and height we needed and if they emailed us back then they received NHS credit. We put up huge signs in the bathrooms saying “Models Needed come to Room B209, so girls would

just show up in the classroom.”

A lot of preparation goes into this show. Most designers start at a young age; sewing, alterations, and designing.

“A lot of the girls last year learned how to sew in Fashion 1,” Sanders said. “That’s a prerequisite for this advanced fashion class.

For myself, I learned when I was 5 or 6 how to hand stitch, and for my fifth grade graduation, my mom got me a sewing machine, and after that I started making better bags and skirts and things.”

Although this is the first year for a fall show, there was a positive outcome and there will be more to come.

“Spring Show will be the same thing with a bunch of models walking but it will have a theme,” Sanders said. “For example last year the theme was movies and each girl picked a movie and made outfits that go with each character. This year we haven’t decided on one yet but that’s a class decision and what we’re looking at right now, it’s not for sure yet, a day theme where everyone does a different outfit for a different part of the day so like pajamas, school outfit, and evening wear.”

opinion Issue Four

Page Fourteen

November 22, 2010

Non- Zero Hour W

vs.

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Zero Hour

By Meital Boim

hile the concept of an hour long beautification before any outing, including school, may sound foreign to most, many girls know exactly what I’m talking about. The primping, the makeup, the hair products and the careful application of mascara construct the perfectly meticulous art of getting ready for school.

Many are stunned to find then that a surprising number of students attend a zero hour class regularly.

I chose regular arrival, a personal choice that may reflect on my workload management and morning routine, but ultimately, the choice is yours. The fact is that some students who participate in afternoon activities prefer to have a jump start on their day. An off period gives them an hour to do work or relax. Those of us who are not morning people, however, can hardly stand the thought of hearing that alarm go off 60 minutes early, nor can we function throughout the day after waking up that early. Besides, most afternoon activities do not start until 4:15, giving students of both early and regular arrival the opportunity to participate. This makes zero hour unnecessary.

In the case of after school jobs, early release is sometimes essential.

Unless you’re a senior, it is nearly impossible to incorporate early release into one’s schedule without early arrival. This solves the dilemma for students lucky enough to be able to balance school and work but only applies to a minority of students.

Now, we all know about our extensive network of buses, which drive hundreds of students to and from school every day. The unfortunate reality is that early arrival students miss out on the privilege of contributing to the “Go Green” campaign that has spread to our city. While owning a vehicle is a tempting benefit of early arrival, considering the recent global warming theory, the idea is flawed.

In actuality, you don’t have to be an organized and timely, overachieving vehicle owner or a sleepy, environmental, carpool supporter to make a knowledgeable decision.

I, in fact, am not fond of my dependence on

College Loyality

By Sarah Rosselet

T

here are 2618 accredited universities and colleges in America.

I have to choose one.

If there’s any thought that keeps me up at night, that’s it. Academics, extracurriculars campus life, sports, location, dorms and more all factor into the crazy

By Meaghan Pulliam

the

Z

a bus, do I hit after ring

n o r snooze the first of my alarm clock.

I do have a strictly timed morning routine, however, and I can’t function on less than five hours of sleep, and starting school at 9 a.m. every morning is the best decision I could have made. decision to pick a place to spend the next four years of my life. In a tremendous effort to be understanding, I try to respect everyone’s college decision, but there’s one thing that really irks me. Loyalty is powerful, I understand!

It can make people dive for their best friends under a bus, take a bullet for someone, and apparently, it can make or break a college decision. If I had a quarter for every time I heard someone say they “bleed (insert college color here)!” I would

e r o hour is a subject of debate for many students. Sure, there are benefits and consequences of signing up for it but many kids don’t know if it’s worth it or not.

For me, zero hour was a risky decision because I’m not particularly

be a millionaire. I just feel like there are more things that should go into a college decision than loyalty.

Families (much as they love you) seem to be one of the biggest sources of pressure. It’s tradition to go to University X and have a rivalry with College Y, and you grow up knowing your college future. I know firsthand that it can be considered a let down if finally tell your family that you might not want to go to University X. What

if you want to major in aerospace engineering and that school doesn’t even have a science department? Loyalty to a school is one thing, but logical fit is another thing entirely. It can be one of the hardest decisions to step away from your family and look at your future.

As much as loyalty can annoy me, personal loyalty with regards to college can be the driving force in getting what you want. Working for four years to get the grades, the test scores

perkiest person in the mor nings.

However, I decided that there was more pros than cons, took a leap of faith, and signed up for zero hour. Thankfully, my teacher is forgiving for my class because it is so very early, and m o s t of our class is only half awake by the time the eight ‘o clock bell rings.

In my opinion, one of the greatest parts of zero hour is the parking. I never have to worry about getting a spot out in the back forty. I almost always have one in the first column in front of the gym. Another great thing about zero hour is the extra time I have when I get home for homework (a huge plus for students with jobs). Sure, I might be a bit cranky and have to go to sleep a bit sooner, but zero hour is a great way for me to manage my time well.

Although taking zero hour helps me and activities because you desperately want to go to the university of your dreams is true determination.

Sometimes, even more drastic measures are taken. I’ve known people to be so loyal to a school that they pack up everything they know before senior year and move.

For a public university, getting in-state tuition can be a godsend, and living in the state for a year can get just that. It seems crazy to someone who isn’t dead-set on a university,

in many ways, it is difficult sometimes to overlook the burdens.

For instance, I usually don’t remember the beginning of the class, because I’m still in a haze and semi-sleepwalking.

My stomach is usually throwing a fit by the beginning of third period, because my breakfast has already worn off. During pep rally schedule, unlike regular schedule; I can’t sleep in, and miss the pep rally. Tutorials are yet another pitfall with zero hour. I can’t go to tutorials before school because I have class during them, and I have to wait an extra 45 minutes at school to have my questions answered Another thing to consider if you are thinking about zero hour is whether or not you have a car. If you don’t have your own car and need to take the bus, zero hour is not for you. Personally, I love zero hour and suggest it to many students who have time management problems.

but I think its genius. It seems unthinkable to leave behind your last year of high school, but if you can’t picture yourself not going to a university, indecisive students seem like the crazy ones.

To me, an uncertain and indecisive prospective student at a million different schools, college loyalty seems outdated and illogical. To someone who hasn’t known anything but their diehard fan parents or personal loyalty, I’m the one who’s crazy.

opinion Issue Four

November 22, 2010

Page Fifteen

TURKEY TROT

By Madison McDaniel

Oh, joy. The wonderful family gettogethers: surrounded by your loved ones, eating more than the combined body mass of your entire household and of course being able to reminisce about the “good ‘ole times.” Well at least two out of the three are right.

I’m twelve again- you know that awkward age where you feel so “misunderstood.” The year has once again flown by to tell me that Thanksgiving is here; like I didn’t already know by the clearance on paper turkey centerpieces. Of course the mounds of stuffing and pies were great, it’s the long stressful day that did not exactly go as planned.

“Okay everybody, let’s load up the car. Jordan, can you put the dog in the backseat? And Madison, please make sure that all of the doors are locked.”

My mom looks frantically around the kitchen to make sure that she’s not leaving anything behind. “Let’s get a move on or we’re going to be late for grandmas!” My mom makes the finishing touches on her cranberry sauce and shoves the extra tubs of Cool Whip into the car .It’s only ten in the morning and I already know that it’s going to be a long day.

An hour later, my dog’s paws are digging into my leg, making the right side of my body become numb and my mom is “jamming out” to the oldies station. I peek sideways at my brother who is sitting half an inch away from me, wondering how he is possibly surviving the longest car ride of my life. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, becoming claustrophobic as the car takes a sharp turn and my knees jam into the front seat.

“When do you think we will get there? I’m starving, and I’m starting to go crazy listening to KC and the Sunshine Band’s greatest hits.” I heave an exasperated sigh and mumble towards the front seat where the stereo has seemed to grow louder and louder.

Noting a hint of annoyance, my mom turns around and looks back at me.

“We’ll be getting there soon but, you need to drop the attitude so we can enjoy our Thanksgiving.” She said.

When we finally make our way up my grandma’s driveway, I feel as if I could go my whole life without hearing another verse of “Get Down Tonight.” After greeting the rest of my family and going through the “Oh, how you’ve grown” simper from every person over the age of forty, we walk to the dining room where my grandma placed the heated casserole dishes on the table. In awe of all of the food, it’s my five year old cousin who realizes it first.

“So, where’s the turkey?” She looks up at anyone who will listen. We all take turns looking around the room and at one another. A gasp comes from the kitchen as my mom hurries out.

“It’s in the fridge. At home.”

Completely worn out from the hectic morning, the rest of my family sits down and starts to dig in, taking extra helpings of mashed potatoes. Who needs a turkey anyway?

By Eilie Strecker

1

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Cat Quips 7

Pink recently announced that she is “eating for two these days.” Hmmmm maybe the baby will be called Rose…the perfect mix between Pink and White.

2

Nutrition Professor Mark Haub has lost 27 pounds on a Twinkie diet. Warning!: Side effects may also cause: diabetes, cavities, and extreme or excessive thirst.

Harry Potter hit the big screen on Friday. This is seriously fantastic!

Bloody brilliant! Wicked cool!

3 4

There has recently been talk that Bill Clinton is going to be in the next Hangover movie.

I wonder what his former Vice President Al Gore would say about this decision to join the movie biz.

It may be nothing more than an inconvenient truth.

5

Latest invention: a pillow remote control. Never worry about losing your remote control again! Warning: do not wash, step on, fluff, get wet, sleep on, throw, or use in extreme pillow fights.

6

Air ports have recently gotten a lot of negative feedback from the travelers about the full body x-ray scans. So now all the peeping toms in the world get employed, and all travelers get violated ‘for their own safety.’ Right.

How to Suck at

Prince William finally popped the question to his longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton, while they were in Africa. He proposed to her with Princess Diana’s sapphire ring, which he carried around in his backpack for weeks waiting for the right moment.

Is this a joke? He carried a halfmillion dollar ring around in his backpack for WEEKS?!

Bristol Palin and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino are teaming up with the Candies Foundation to raise awareness of preventing teen pregnancy. So in order to PREVENT teen pregnancy Candies decided to get a teen mother and a notorious ladies’ man to work together on the project. Perfect.

8 9

Thanksgiving is just around he corner and many are looking forward to spending time with their family and eating lots of food in this heartwarming American tradition.

Unfortunately, not everyone has always thought of Thanksgiving this way. In fact, Thomas Jefferson thought the concept of thanksgiving was “the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard.”

10

Favorite Facebook Quotes (Feat. Harry

Potter): -“Snape is arguably the best character in the Harry Potter series. FACT.”

By Jessica Yee

lp feed ear I he y y r giving e v “E Thanks s ie il m needy fa d I enjoy that an .” lunches eal itself an the m h t e r o m il osh Bev senior, J

“Two y ea was ou rs ago my d ad t of to w mom f elt like n, so my travelin Europ e. g to the We ended up to Czech going Re and ha d Than public k McDo nald’s.” sgiving at a junior,

“We we nt house f over to my u ncle’s or Tha nk my unc le does sgiving, but n’t so we h ad beef eat turkey, instead .” senior, Tia Kit chens

Alex O

zlowsk

ht on key caug r u t e h “T ry.” d of sto fire. En gs mily Hig junior, E

i

Facebook

By Renee Wysocki

The Gamer – Use every group application available. Constantly send your friends invites and updates. They care. Really they do.

“Want to join my Farmville? I just upgraded my pigs to level 13 Pork Knights*! When they reach levels 14, 15, and 16 and I finally harvest my beets, I’ll post it here!”

The Event Coordinator- Invite every person on your contact list to anything you can think of. Be sad or angry when they say they can’t make it.

“You must come to my cat’s birthday party! You’ve never met my cat, and you barely know me. We met for a few minutes at a party a few years ago. Since then, I’ve moved to Germanotta, Nebrahoma. It’s 2,000 miles away from you, but it’d really mean a lot if you came!”

The Desperate Marketer- Develop a product and “market” it by spamming all of your friends with “become fan of [product]” requests.

“Would you like to become a fan of my new website, Chads-LambchopShop.com? No? What about just becoming a fan of me instead: Chad Chumperson. What about PhotosOf-Chad.com? Still no? How about Chads-Grandma.net? Please become a fan. Anything. Oh god, please…”

The Horrible Photo Tagger- Tag anything, regardless of whether or not it’s something they want their family and friends to see.

“Matt has tagged a photo you.

Matt writes: ‘I snapped this pic last night when you barfed up nachos and peppermints into your mom’s slippers.

LOL!’” The Quiz Taker- Take every single one of those quizzes that tell you “what you are”.

“Christy took the ‘What Kind of Rancid Meat Are You?’ Quiz: I am Rotting Buffalo Carcass.’”

“Christy took the ‘Which Backstreet Boy Thumb Are You?’ Quiz: I am Howie’s Left.’”

The Passive Aggressor- Post wellrehearsed retorts to people without mentioning anyone by name.

“Oh no, you did not just say that to me. I am my own free-spirit individual!

You can’t bring me down!”

“I am SO dramatic and my life is just super exciting! It’s like a reality show, guys!”

The Filterless- Post updates about everything, even when it’s something you know no one wants to know. Ever.

“Hey everybody, I ate a grilled cheese sandwich shaped like a mountain lion!”

The Rash- Follow others around Facebook and comment on everything they do.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA LOL! Good one! You are the funniest person ever!”

“You have nice eyes, has anyone ever told you that? They’re like little peaches!”

“OMG! I totally agree with everything you just said. I’ll agree with anything you say, actually!”

“Where are you going? Don’t log off! Please pay attention to me!”

Page Sixteen

Issue Four

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2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

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