PANTHER PRINTS
SURE AS HEALTH Issue One
Oct. 19, 2018
THE
editors Abby Blasingame//Editor-in-Chief Baysia Herron//Creative Director Saifiyah Zaki//Digital Media Editor Travis Humphrey//Sports Editor Sarah Dolder//Copy Editor Juliette Roberts//Copy Editor Emma Trussell//Photo Editor Mahi Patel//Advertising Manager April Pierdant//Video Editor Abby Cole//Adviser
Letters from the... Editor-in-Chief
One of my main goals for this year is to produce coverage that is relevant to our student body. I’m glad to say we’ve done that with this first issue, covering new classes, highlighting students’ achievements, and focusing our centerspread on an issue that affects everybody. Throughout this production cycle, I’ve been awed by our staff’s ambition in tackling their stories and different storytelling formats. At only 10 weeks into the year, I’m incredibly proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see where we go from here.
Abby Blasingame
Creative Director
THE
staff Tomisin Alausa Andrew Cox Elena Hamlin Aysia Lane Luke Miller Evanna Momtaj Jonathan Savage Hayden Schrauff Gracie Warhurst At Panther Prints, our mission is to serve as a connection between the Plano East student body and surrounding communities. Through inspiration and high-quality content, Panther Prints offers diverse coverage, passionate writing, relatable stories and a unique point of view. Our credible sources allow an in-depth experience that appeals to both the public and the individual. Our publication offers an informative and distinctive outlook on current interests. Digital Media Policy: We at the Panther Prints commit to responsibly utilize all of our media platforms to unite and inform the student body. We strive to create original content and attribute credit to all sources. We require our staff to uphold these values and to accurately report the news to the student body and community. All student polls were conducted through Google Forms and shared through social media.
The production cycle for this first issue was a learning process for all of us, but I am pleased with the way it came together. We did not have a lot of time to complete the first issue but we made it work with tight deadlines and constant encouragement of the team. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far and I am very excited for all of you to see what we have created. It has been amazing to design this first issue and I hope everyone enjoys it!
Baysia Herron
Digital Media Editor
The very first issue of this year’s magazine came to fruition after hours of hard work and dedication. Our staff members zealously took on the task of writing about the diverse issues presented in this issue, despite taking a plethora of advanced courses and being involved in other clubs and organizations. I am blown away by how well everyone has balanced all these different activities and still managed to give their all to newspaper. There is no doubt that this year’s staff is incredibly talented; I look forward to seeing them grow and continue to excel.
Saifiyah Zaki To submit letters to the editors of the Panther Prints: Plano East Senior High School Journalism Department 3000 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, TX 75074 Building 4, Room 201 (469) 752- 9000 tinyurl.com/peshprintsletters
Cover Model: Evan Akins Cover Photo: Emma Trussell
CONT ENTS pg SENA RA TE CES Sen rs lig in mio ible to idtee rm e lectiovote ns
pg. 9 JUNIO OLYM R PIAN
Photo court esy of AP Im ages
Photo by Ab by Bla singa me
Senio r win track comps nationa etition l
pg. 16
Photo by Em ma Tr ussell
.5
AMER PRINCICAN IPLES New h uman ities c lass o ffered
pg. 14 MEAS OUTB LES REAK
COFF REVIEEE W
Staff o p ion vacc inatin ions on
Visit t o loca l coffe e shop s
pg. 18
Photo court esy of Pexels
Photo court esy of Pexels
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4 • News
puzzled panthers
PESHPRINTS.COM
FIRST VOTE FOR SENIORS by Andrew Cox and Hayden Schrauff
by Evanna Momtaj
Buyers purchased all four portables; three out of the four portables sold remain on campus until their respective buyers can collect them.
The installation of the locking door system has started, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 22.
PISD installed microphones in every classroom of the new building and plan to situate microphones in every classroom.
PISD plans to install a web-based PA system at each of the senior highs in 2019. This installation will consist of landline phones making announcements through classroom speakers. Submit your questions about school or world news to tinyurl.com/puzzledpanthers Photos by Emma Trussell
The 2018 midterm election cycle marks become significant to students due to the the first time 18-year-old students will get increased number of school shootings in a say in who their congressional represenrecent years. According to a 2013 Hamiltatives are. The senate election between ton College poll of high school students, challenger representative Robert “Beto” 85 percent of high school students support O’Rourke of El Paso and incumbent senaexpanded background checks for firearm tor Ted Cruz is receiving national attention purchases. However, Texas has the highest as they prepare to make their decision. number of registered guns in the country It is uncommon for a democrat like according to the US Department of AlcoO’Rourke to receive competitive proportions of the vote in Texas. Cruz received 56.6 percent of the vote in 2012 and Texas hasn’t elected a democrat to a statewide office in over 20 years. “It’s admittedly an uphill battle for any democrat,” American studies teacher Dr. Joseph Russell said. O’Rourke’s strategy Photo courtesy of AP Images to overcome the large percentages of Republican Candidate Beto O’Rourke and Senator Ted Cruz voters has been entirely debate on Sept. 21 for the upcoming Senate election. crowd-funding his campaign by refusing hol, Tobacco, and Firearms. money from special interest groups and a “It’s unwise for anyone to run in Texas social media campaign primarily aimed at on an anti-gun platform,” senior Jonathan capturing the attention of young, first-time Bernhardt said. voters. According to a recent study by the Despite this, O’Rourke has bragged independent Cook Political Report, the about how the NRA gave him an “F” ratelection is now a “toss-up.” ing for his gun policies on Twitter, and ex“For the first time in decades, you plicitly stated his support for and attended have a legitimate democratic contender,” student-led March for Our Lives gun American Principles teacher Natalie control rallies. Montgomery said. “Use your voice,” junior Hannah Bibb Cruz has competed against O’Rourke’s said. “Never think that your voice won’t campaign with attack ads against be heard because it can and will be heard.” O’Rourke on television and radio, such as a radio jingle titled “If You’re Gonna Run in Texas” which criticizes O’Rourke’s policies as going against Texan values. “What the last few election cycles have taught us is that in this day and age, if you don’t understand social media then you don’t understand politics,” Russell said. Cruz supports less regulation of Second Amendment rights, whereas O’Rourke’s positions on gun legislation include support for expanded background checks and a ban on assault weapons. School safety, and by extension gun control, has out of 326 students polled
55%
of students do not feel informed about the upcoming state Senate elections
@PESHPRINTS
STATE OF VACCI-NATION
October 19, 2018 • 5
Recent outbreaks spark discussion on vaccination
by Sarah Dolder
Controversy surrounding the right to refuse vaccination spreads as 124 cases of measles have been confirmed throughout 22 states in the span of seven months, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is a rise compared to 118 total cases in 2017. On Aug. 23, Collin County Health Care Services confirmed a case of measles at Plano West Senior High School. On Sept. 5 the Tarrant County Public Care Department reported a case of mumps at Texas Christian University, with under five additional cases reported a week later. “When it comes to airborne diseases, all children should be vaccinated against them [if possible],” bioethics journalist Heather Zeiger said. “[The risk] of spreading a possibly-deadly disease gets higher when parents aren’t vaccinating their children.” The CDC recommends that children get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination in two doses, the first at 12 to 15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old. However, some parents decide not to vaccinate due to fear of the vaccina-
tion causing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among other reasons. “Many parents come to me with the concern of their children getting vaccinations and autism, and as a medical professional it’s hard to explain that there is no correlation,” General Pediatrics Doctor at Plano Children’s Hospital Lauren Kelly said. “I think most parents believe there is a direct correlation between autism and vaccines because their kids will start showing signs of autism at the same time they are getting vaccinated.” The Texas Department of State Health Services requires the MMR vaccine for every child attending public school unless it is for medical reasons, such as an allergy to the vaccine, or reasons of conscience, a category that includes religious beliefs and other concerns. “I think there is a fine line of, ‘Should the government be controlling [vaccination] or should it be the parents’ decision?’” Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Karen Brown said. The controversy around required vaccines stems from the discussion of whether
or not parents and guardians should have the choice to vaccinate or not vaccinate their children. “Personally I choose to [vaccinate],” Brown said. “If an adult has a strong immune system, they don’t miss work or have to pay for as much medicine.” The rates of exemption for vaccination continue to rise, as of the 2017-18 school year, 1,034 PISD students were exempt from vaccination, compared to 936 students during the 2015-16 school year - making PISD the third highest school district in Texas with exemption rates, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. “Each parent has their own individual reasons for not vaccinating their child, whereas it be religious reasons or reasons of conscience,” Zeiger said. “But if [they] can, [they] should. Not only because it protects their own child from potentially deadly diseases, but it prevents airborne diseases from spreading any further.”
recommended vaccines 4-6 years
16-18 years
(usually before kindergarten)
(usually before college)
Second Dose: MMR
Second Dose: Meningitis
12-15 months First dose: Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) Varicella
11-12 years (usually during middle school) First dose: Meningitis HPV (two doses six months apart)
6 • News
PESHPRINTS.COM
INTERNATIONAL INDIVIDUALS
NHS chapter makes changes to increase efficiency and impactfulness by Juliette Roberts NHS officers are changing the way “Since we have so many members, [this meetings are run and making plans aimed leadership event] would be a good way to at both individualizing and internationalimpact our members in a positive way,” izing their service. NHS President senior Shiva Teerdhala “I was really very pleasantly surprised said. “We’re trying to relate with our [by the feedback on these changes],” NHS members on a personal level and learnsponsor Rhett Carter said. “Everybody ing how to do interviews and resumes is a seems to be pleased with the changes that thing that everyone needs, so it would are being made.” be beneficial.” NHS now uses the app Google Appsheet Plans for these changes began to take to sign students in at the beginning of shape during meetings that began after their monthly meetings. The app allows junior officers were elected in May and students to sign in on their phone individu- continued over the summer. However, not ally and records the location of where only officers were present at these meetusers accessed it to prevent those not at ings. Members of NHS were invited into the meeting from claiming attendance. In these committees to give their opinions previous years, the process was manual. on what should be improved and how. OfOfficers stamped members’ service hours ficers hope to invest their members more forms before and after the meeting, result- often in operating the organization in ing in chaos clustered in every entrance of the future. the cafeteria. “If we ever find an opportunity where “The electronic and personalized checkthere’s a project and we think that, ‘Oh, in will definitely allow a better membermaybe members would enjoy being inship experience because now, instead of volved in planning this,’ we might include sitting at the “I think [it] could be really some members in on it, too,” front and try- great if our organization Teerdhala said. “We can build ing to stamp that leadership asset.” could make a name people in, Officers also met to write [officers] can for itself.” new bylaws that they hope walk around - Senior Thomas Dang will better serve the chapter’s and get to know our members,” NHS Vice goals for the future and accommodate for President senior Thomas Dang said. “It its increasing size, which has surpassed builds [a] personal connection.” 1000 members. Officers are planning events that usher in “We ask that all of our members comthis spirit of innovation with an internaplete at least 30 hours of community sertional approach, such as a day of service to vice a year, and with 1000 members that is make care packages for those affected by 30,000 hours,” Dang said. “That is just a Hurricane Florence and floods in tremendous impact in the community.” Kerala, India. Members can count on the recurrence of “With an organization this large, there past events, such as the Color Run, which is so much manpower, so much creativity brings together the chapters of all three and so much of a motivation and drive to senior high schools in PISD, and the Craftbroaden our reach,” Dang said. “I think A-Card service project where students [it] could be really great if our organizahand-make Christmas cards for police oftion could make a name for itself.” ficers, school staff and patients at hospital The second component of the event will Baylor Scott and White. With these events cater to individuals of the chapter. Guest and the new and upcoming developments, speakers will give members, especially officers hope to make NHS a underclassmen, advice on leadership skills memorable experience. such as how to interview for a job or com“I’m looking forward to seeing where plete a resume. This Day of Service/Leadthey take this thing,” Carter said. “I think ership Conference will be held on Nov. 10. they have unlimited potential.” with further details to be released.
What is your main reason for joining NHS? COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
40%
NOT IN NHS
31%
COMMUNITY SERVICE
14%
SCHOLARSHIPS
8%
GRADUATION STOLE
7%
out of 326 students polled
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COMM-UNITY IN CONTROVERSY by Luke Miller
The annual fall Plano Youth Police officers, attended the academy and bonded Academy began on Sept. 26, meeting with the officers running the program, as every Wednesday for 10 weeks. The prowell as with fellow Plano East students. gram, held at the Plano-Richardson Police “Just hanging around with the police Training Center, instructs Plano high officers, you get really comfortable,” school students on a multitude of skills in Gordon said. “I know Officer Troy [Bourorder to teach them the duties of geois] really well now because I was in the department. the academy every “It’s not a recruit- “It’s not a recruitment week. You build that ment tool,” Officer tool. It’s more like an relationship and that Troy Bourgeois said. educational academy helps to build com“It’s more like an munity trust.” that we put on.” educational academy - Officer Troy Bourgeois Law enforcement that we put on.” is part of every city For 10 days, the trainees experience and they rely not only on their family, but different activities while building relation- the public for respect and support, accordships with both students and the officers. ing to Bourgeois. Senior Jade Gordon, daughter, grand“It’s hard to respect something that you daughter and niece to law enforcement don’t understand,” Bourgeois said.
October 19, 2018 • 7
What many seem to misunderstand, according to Gordon, is what the police are to the community. In the midst of the public discussion over police brutality, officers feel it is important to remind people how the positive impacts of their job can outweigh the negative, which is what the academy and the Plano Police seek to do. “People miss the human side of [police officers] because they may be a police officer, and they may wear that uniform, and they may have that training and that gun on their side,” Gordon said. “But they’re still [a] dad when they come home and a lot of people don’t understand that.” While police have received media attention in recent years for biased practices, Senior Michael McCormick believes he can make change, along with other officers-to-be that believe the future for police will improve. “[Police brutality] needs to be fixed,” McCormick said. “We can’t keep having it.”
CITY EMBARKS ON CONSTRUCTION AT BOB WOOD-RUFF Dog park approval unleashes possibilities for east side by Baysia Herron
Construction for a new dog park in Bob Woodruff Park was approved by the City of Plano and will begin this month. It will cover 7.5 acres of land and cost $1.8 million. The project will take nine months to a year to complete. “It’s a very popular activity for both owners and their dogs,” Project Manager Bill Dakin said. “Our one dog park is very crowded and we need to expand the opportunity for the public and their dogs.” Currently, Jack Carter Dog Park is the only dog park in Plano. The new park will be more convenient for residents on the east side. Construction on another west side dog park will begin shortly after Bob Woodruff is done. “I think it’s a great idea for people to have a place to take their dogs because living in a more urban area, I feel like a lot of dogs are enclosed and they don’t have a lot of space to run around and socialize,” senior Halle Miller said. The park will include two enclosures for
full-size dogs, one for small dogs, and one for senior dogs. It also will have a shaded shelter for pet owners. “If you see one dog that’s walking around with its hackles up, you can decide
“I’ve developed a sense of the mood of a dog,” Dakin said. “Avoiding direct dog-todog contact where entry and exits are [at] two different points is critical.” The City of Plano Erosion Control Ordinance protects the park. There are no unique tree specimens in the park and they will be planting more trees than they are taking out to limit environmental impact. “I design for the improvement of nature with a built environment,” Dakin said. The Plano Animal Shelter adoption trailer may visit the park and allow the dogs the opportunity to socialize in public. They may give demonstrations on obedience and grooming and work to Graphic by Baysia Herron find homes for the dogs. “Since I have dogs and I’ve been [to go] to this other side,” Dakin said. “It training them for 13 years, I know quite a gives everybody options.” bit about [dog] behavior,” Dakin said. “I Dakin is a landscape architect, but his know what makes a park the safest it can own experience as a dog owner also inflube for dogs and their owners to come enced the design of the park. and go.”
8 • Feature
PROSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVES
PESHPRINTS.COM
Welcoming new IB Coordinator by Mahi Patel
Karen Stanton is the new IB Coordinator and she’s bringing a fresh internationalist perspective to the program. “I think that there’s more that we can do as an IB organization to highlight the different cultures our students come from because we do have a rich tapestry of students,” Stanton said. Last year, students and staff bid farewell to Kathy Witcher, who served as the IB Coordinator since the program was established in 1995. “One of the big changes is that she’s opened up the [IB] office with games and is really encouraging kids to hang out in there and bond with each other,” said Donna Sewell, Theory of Knowledge teacher. “I think that’s really important.” As a child, Stanton moved around the world frequently as a result of her father being in the military. “When I was in Japan, what stands out [about the experience] is that I stood out,” Stanton said. “I was really different because I was already tall and I had blond hair, so people on the trains would
stare at us a lot, and we were just kind of different.” The challenges she faced while moving impacted her and made her who she is today by immersing her in different cultures.
understanding of different cultures, opening her up to new perspectives about the world. As an internationalist who believes in cooperation among different nations, Stanton tries to highlight the global part of IB. “I believe in internationalism, that we’re all better [and] stronger as a world when we work together,” Stanton said. “That doesn’t mean not recognizing our own strengths in America, but it also means recognizing strengths of other countries and what we can learn from them.” Stanton taught on-level, honors and International Honors English at the high Photo by Mahi Patel school level. She was awarded Plano ISD Karen Stanton teaching the Theory of KnowlSecondary Teacher of the Year in 2014. edge class on Oct. 4. “I’m starting to teach Theory of “My personality had to shift in that, Knowledge and I’m really excited about whether or not I was ready to move, we it,” Stanton said. “I love being part of a were moving,” Stanton said. “I think it campus again, interacting with students built a sense that people can be different at lunchtime, inviting students in to have and the same, and I just became conversations, [and] going and presenting. really adaptable.” I think it’s really just where my heart is.” These experiences broadened Stanton’s
MEET N’ TREAT
Elementary school students invited to campus for Pal-o-ween by Saifiyah Zaki
For most kids, Halloween is all about treats—the trick is to feed them a little knowledge along with their candy. At least that’s what PALS hopes to do at Pal-oween, the student-led outreach to elementary feeder schools scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “It’s a way to let them come into one spot and trick or treat, have fun, see the building [and] see the kids,” PALS sponsor Regina Carrell said. Booths run by different clubs and organizations serve as the main attraction for elementary school students. These groups typically create booths relevant to their own activities, such as eye health for Science Club or a dance-themed booth for the Golden Girls that introduce the younger students to their organizations. “[Last year] all of senate dressed up in fun costumes,” junior Student Senate representative Manasi Gummaraju said. “We led a game of musical chairs and watched
the kids play. It was really fun.” While some students contribute to the event through booths, others work behind the scenes in PALS—a leadership class designed to help students on-campus and the greater community by creating an inclusive and positive environment, especially for special education students. “We do a lot of off-campus work,” Carell said. “We mentor at elementary schools [and] middle schools around the Plano East feeder system to make sure that those kids have positive role models to look up to.” PALs was responsible for notifying clubs, reserving school facilities and sending flyers to elementary schools inviting students to the event. Around 1,000 students attended the event last year and the same amount is expected to attend this year. “I’m really excited to play with the kids,” senior PALS member Cynthia
Lopez said. “I’m looking forward to the dress-up and seeing all the cute costumes.” Although the event is mainly tailored towards younger students, parents are invited as well. “For parents, it’s a way to let them see all the great groups that we have involved,” Carell said. “It gives [them] a chance to see what’s coming up.” The event takes place annually and can be traced back more than a decade. “I would think it’s a Plano East tradition,” Carrell said. “It’s a fun night of getting to know the Plano East students, hanging out with us, having a little fun [and] learning what we’re all about over here.”
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October 19, 2018 • 9
PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING How one class went from idea to reality
Seniors Ben Hartley, Matthew Hardy and Gabrielle Collins Photo by Abby Blasingame
by Gracie Warhurst
thing being brand new] is a little bit of disorganization,” senior Lauren Baggett said. “Sometimes we’re not always totally sure exactly what we should be doing, but the teachers are very helpful.” In class, students are separated into committees of people they will work with on group projects all year. Students participating in class discussions and daily current event discussions in their committee is a defining part of American Principles. “I like that it’s collaborative [and] I like that we do a lot of group work,” senior Ryan Nibu said. “I like that we’re open to discussion in that class and they give us opportunities to give our opinion.” A job of both teachers and students in any AP class is preparation for the AP exam. For the first time, AP US government and AP macroeconomics have been combined and taught over the full school year, rather than one semester for each subject. This different teaching style has the potential to affect the students’ success on both exams. “With the redesign on the government test I think [the class] is going to aid [them on the AP test],” Platt said. “Plus, we get to [slow] down and review for three weeks over both subject areas.” As a pilot class for the rest of the schools in Plano, American principles will determine how AP Government and Economics are taught elsewhere. After this year, the district will discuss any changes that need
to be made to the curriculum with anticipation that other schools will offer the course in upcoming years with Platt and Montgomery. “I feel like that it would be better for more kids if they see [government and economics] together,” Platt said. “It would make more sense for them, so I’m hoping the other campuses pick it up.” Although students express concern over AP test scores, as just over half of the nation passes the macroeconomic test and only slightly more pass the US government test, goals persist beyond academic achievement. “One of the end goals of this course is to have kids walk out knowledgeable, intelligent inhabitants of this country,” Platt said. “As we go forward I’m hoping to be more deliberate in [connecting politics and economics]. That’s what this first year is teaching me.”
Do you think that humanities style classes are beneficial for learning?
83%
17% YES
NO
out of 326 students polled
The new American principles class launched this year in order to give students another option for AP Government and AP Economics, incorporating collaborative learning and a humanities perspective. District members and teachers, including April Platt, wrote the curriculum in only three weeks, with the educators meeting eight hours a day. “It’s kind of my baby; it’s my brain child,” Platt said. “I had this idea in my head and I had to pull it out of my head and then meld it with requirements of AP and College Board and also accommodate learning styles and the humanities.” Creating a brand new class requires a proposal from a teacher and approval from the Plano ISD New Course Committee. American Principles got the seal of approval, but the teachers and students have faced other setbacks as a first-year class. “We have way more students than anticipated, which means shortages of textbooks and we’ve kind of had to just roll with that and do the best that we can,” American principles teacher Natalie Montgomery said. The two-subject class is only one period long, compared to other two-subject classes, such as American studies, which are double-block. American principles combines two half-credit classes, whereas American studies combines two full-credit classes. “I think part of the process of [every-
10 • Feature
SURE AS HEALTH
PESHPRINTS.COM
Health care remains key issue in nation’s least insured state
by Abby Blasingame
When HOSA Club Officer and HSA student senior Maria Palacios first watched her mother vomit, she thought it might be a case of the seasonal flu. The vomiting continued, and after growing discomfort, Maria took her mother to a clinic where the doctors diagnosed her mother with a throat infection. As they waited for antibiotics to cure the infection, Maria spent over 72 hours without sleep, hoping for her mother’s recovery, taking her blood pressure, and testing signs of coordination. Finally, at Baylor Scott and White, doctors realized what had happened. At 45 years old, Maria’s mother had suffered a stroke. Additionally, the doctors found a tumor in her breast and diagnosed her with hypertension and severe Type 2 diabetes. Because she was without health insurance, she had gone six years without a regular checkup. A year after the incident, Maria’s mother is still unable to perform her old job and requires assistance getting in and out of the shower. “It’s either I pay for food or I pay to go see my doctor, and that caused [my mom] a lot of harm,” Palacios said.
Protection for Texans
Palacios’ mother is one of roughly 4.5 million people in Texas without health insurance, the highest amount in the nation, according to the 2016 United States Census Bureau report. As midterms elections approach, health care is a central issue with 40% of federal ads mentioning health care. While some Texans choose not to purchase insurance, Texas was also one of 18 states that did not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. “My personal opinion is Texas did the right thing by not expanding [Medicaid],” said Jennifer Bolton, Executive Director of Project Access Collin County, a nonprofit dedicated to providing care to the indigent who lack preventative care because they are uninsured. Texas adults without children or disabilities are currently unable to receive any government coverage. While the ACA did require all states to provide health care for pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes and cancer, the additional government coverage of these populations shifts leftover expenses onto private payers. “I always thought the silver lining [of the ACA] is to at least have pre-existing
UNINSURED RATE BY STATE (2016)
Percentage without health insurance coverage 14.0 or more 12-13.9 10-11.9 8.0-9.9 Less than 8.0 Source: 2016 Census
conditions [covered],” Bolton said. “I’ve seen what it’s like for an insurer to deny health care to someone who has a preexisting condition. It sucks. It’s horrible. There’s got to be a way to figure out how to include pre-existing conditions without jacking up the rate for everybody else.”
Hybrid, High-cost System
Pregnancy can also be considered a preexisting condition. The U.S. already has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world, but it’s even higher in Texas. Although Medicaid covers pregnant women in Texas, the low price that those patients pay means that they often do not receive the same level of care. “Morally, I think it’s wrong to turn someone away because they can’t afford their health care, so therefore we come in and we can get the doctors’ fees donated [and] we can get the anesthesia donated,” Bolton said. “To me now, it’s fascinating seeing how money rules the world. I guess it makes me sad, but then again, I guess that’s why I continue to do what I do.” America’s health care system is a hybrid system, meaning cost is split between the government and private funds. An estimated 49 percent of Americans receive health care insurance through their employer, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. America’s system is also one of the most complex in the world because every private insurance company has to negotiate prices with different providers individually, rather than the government fixing prices. “No matter how much people are trained, it’s very difficult to navigate the health care system unless you’re in it on a day-to-day basis,” President of Methodist Richardson Medical Center Ken Hutchenrider said. “Even when my father was going through the last several years of his life, I found myself having to dig in very deeply to help him work through the health care system because it is a complicated system.”
@PESHPRINTS
56% of students
October 19, 2018 • 11 Fit for Future
This is the paradox of America’s health care system. Health insurance softens the blow of major accidents, but it also inflates the price of normal care. While the penalty for not having health insurance no longer exists under the Trump administration, uninsured people still may be charged up to four times as much as those on Medicare, out of 326 students polled according to Vox. “I think oftentimes [young people think] ‘I’m young. I’m not going to need health care. Nothing’s going to happen to me,’” - amount of money people pay to Hutchenrider said. “And I’m always an insurance company in order to amazed when I see a young person or a receive coverage young couple end up having something - affected by factors such as BMI, happen, whatever it might be, and they’re smoking, age and more financially set back because of the demands of trying to care for themselves and trying to receive health care.” The majority of children with insured out of pocket expenses patients parents don’t have to worry about health must pay before their insurance care until they turn 26 because the ACA kicks in to cover extreme costs allows them to remain on their parents’ plan, providing a cushion during one of Cost of Care the most financially unstable periods of Health spending in the U.S. comprises life. Senior Lisa Desai intends to remain at least five percent more of the GDP than under her parents’ coverage as she attends other developed countries. However, the college next year. high salaries of those in the medical field “After [college] I’m not sure [what I will can provide an incentive for innovation, do] because I don’t feel really educated which has lead the United States to proabout health care plans and so I don’t duce new technologies. think I can make a decision in the future,” “We have the state-of-the-art [facilities], Desai said. the best research and best procedures so In the political arena, there are a few we’re getting the better care here, but it’s main topics that dominate the legislacosting a ton,” physical therapist and clini- tive conversation. Generally speaking, cals instructor Suzy Eisenberg said. most liberals argue that health care is a In fact, health care costs so much that right that the government should ensure, falling victim to an injury or illness can whereas many conservatives view health mean the difference between falling below or staying above the poverty line. Class mobility is an essential principle of the American Dream, but medical expenses can force this trend in a downwards direction. A study by Duke University professor Anirudh Krishna found as many as one-third of the world’s poor were not born poor, and injury or illness spurred a rapid decline into poverty in over half of the cases. “I think [America’s health care system] is a mess,” Eisenberg said. “I’ve witnessed others’ [situations] where one minor or moderate health concern can bankrupt somebody. That doesn’t seem right.”
do not know what premiums and deductibles are
PREMIUM:
DEDUCTIBLE:
WHAT EAST THINKS out of 326 students polled
care as a privilege that the government should not interfere with. “You judge a civilization on how they take care of their citizens and if you have entire blocks of your citizenry that get no health care, [then] you’re not taking care of your people and that’s your job,” clinicals instructor and registered nurse Sandra Thorson said. Advocates of private health care defend the system for advantages such as shorter wait times, improved facilities and doctor selection, which can all increase the quality of care. “We have a right to be educated and to know about our body and know how to take care of it so I think health care should be accessible to everyone,” IH Biology and Anatomy and Physiology teacher Brandon Ray said. “I don’t think it should be free, but I think there should be options for everyone.” Health care isn’t just a personal issue, although it affects everybody and every body. It has become ingrained in America’s political conversation, a financial interest across the socioeconomic spectrum, and a concern to Americans’ conscience. “[The way the doctors handled my mom’s situation] gave me this anger because I’m studying HSA and I’m doing all these things and they teach us about being a patient advocate, but these doctors or these PAs weren’t doing what they were supposed to,” Palacios said. “So when I came to school, I was telling myself ‘I’m not going to be like them. I’m going to be better and I’m going to be a patient advocate.’”
90%
of students do not feel school has adequately prepared them to navigate America’s health care system
49%
of students plan to be insured through parents after graduation
12 • Sports
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TIBBETTS’ CASE SHINES LIGHT ON SAFETY OF FEMALE RUNNERS
Cross Country athletes reflect on tragedy, what it means for them going forward
by Aysia Lane Mollie Tibbetts, a 20-year-old college student and former cross country runner, was found dead after taking an evening run in her hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa on Aug. 21. A month earlier, a man whom Tibbetts didn’t know named Cristhian Rivera approached her as she ran on an empty country road. After Rivera refused to leave her alone, the interaction drove Tibbetts to threaten to call the police. Almost 12 yards away from her running trail in a cornfield, Tibbetts’ lifeless body was found after being reported missing for a month. Rivera was charged with first-degree murder. For the cross country team, Tibbetts’ death hits home. “Even if I don’t know her, [Tibbetts’ death] is still connected [to us] in a sense,” senior cross country runner Carmen Rocha said. “She was so young. Her life ended so quickly.” Rocha takes her surroundings into consideration while running in order to stay safe. According to Rocha, her coach, Robert Reed, also considers safety a priority. “Our coach is so stern about us not running alone,” Rocha said. “He also follows us in his car sometimes if we’re running too far.” In a study conducted by Runner’s World Magazine, 30 percent of female runners have also been followed while running, but not by their coach. These women have reported being followed by strangers in a car, on a bicycle or on foot. In the same study, 43 percent of women say they have been harassed while running. “Running as a female is much different than being male,” Reed said. “That [Run-
ner’s World] survey shows that we need “District policy gives the coaches the to give our female runners the tools and latitude to provide a safe environment mindset to be vigilant if they are running for the students,” Reed said. “Plano East, alone, so they can respond to Plano [Senior] and Plano West all have dangerous situations.” different environments to run in and what Grant Wilcox, a junior cross country works for one school may not work for runner, elaborates on the main differences another. Thankfully we have a great envibetween running as a male versus running ronment to train in, which includes parks, as a female. nature preserves and trails that we run on “There are predators out there that do throughout the week.” prey on women more than men. It’s statisDespite its potential dangers, Reed’s tically shown,” Wilcox said. athletes gush about how much they enjoy When asked what advice he would give their sport and the connection they have his younger sister with one another. “Even if I don’t know her, “If I didn’t [run] I if she were to [Tibbetts’ death] is still run as he does, don’t know what I’d Wilcox focused do,” Rocha said. “It connected [to us] in his response has always been a big a sense.” on safety. aspect of my life. I - Senior Carmen Rocha “I’d say ‘try started cross country in not to run alone and if you’re going to run seventh grade and haven’t stopped since.” alone, let someone know where you’re The cross country athletes share their going and how long you’re going [to run passion for running and have created a for]’,” Wilcox said. tight bond throughout their season. Reed chooses routes with good footing “That feeling you get after running, it (trails that have little to no obstacles, such makes you really happy to be there,” juas rocks) that allow him to oversee his nior cross country runner Makayla Conroy runners and ensure their safety. Reed also said. “It’s one of those good environments encourages new athletes to run with their that you can look forward to going to.” phones for their first few weeks as they Coach Reed expresses why he believes become accustomed to their routes and on that cases like Mollie’s are important and occasion joins his athletes while they train. should have an impact on the “Unless you’re [running] alone there’s running community. really no concern but our coach is always “Cases like these make you realize how around and always watching” Wilcox said. vulnerable runners, especially females, Coaches like Reed are a part of a much can be,” Reed said. “Student safety is my bigger entity: the district. With such a highest priority as a coach and the stratelarge city, Plano ISD has figured out a gies that we have put in place help curb system they believe will satisfy the safety any potential endangerment [to of runners from each campus. the runners].”
“Volleyball is a team sport, so being able to set for some of my best friends makes it that much more fun.”
“Volleyball has been apart of my life since I can remember. It has truly taught me some lessons and skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life.”
LADY PANTHERS VOLLEYBALL
- Senior Alex Weiss
- Senior Jenna Deggs
“I’ve enjoyed spending time with these girls on and off the court.”
- Senior Nicole Anderson
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BOND OF BROTHERS
Football team’s chemistry aids in successful season by Tomisin Alausa
It’s another Friday night, the student section thunders and the Panthers secure another win. Behind the glimmering trophy, there’s more to the game than practicing plays. The chemistry of the team is a contributing factor to what goes down on the field. “As a unit, we’re really tight-knit,” senior wide receiver Braylon Henderson said. “You see those results on the field.”
we’re very involved with our younger kids,” senior linebacker Joshua Blagowsky said. A change between this year’s team and teams from the past is the unity within the team. The last group that stood out to the coaches with their strong chemistry was the 2009 team, who also went to playoffs. The current team matches the chemistry of that team. “We’re a brotherhood,” senior cornerback Zachary Nwachukwu said. “If I see my dude getting hit after a play, next play [you] best believe that we’re going to come back and smack them.” Defensive Line coach Nathan Collins believes that coaches should preach leadership for the boys and set the team-building environment to create a safe atmosphere for the boys to communicate in. “We let the boys get up and start addressing the team,” Collins said. “The more [team builders] they did, the more comfortable they got talking around Photo by Andy Doan each other.” Collins also sees The varsity football team carries an American flag how important the out of the tunnel before the winning game against student section is to Sachse, 29-7, on Sept. 14. the players and when A year ago the team started 2-2 they see the section full it inspires them to and finished with a 3-7 record. Fast do their best. forward to this season and the team is “When we hear [the students] cheer for currently 5-1. Some members believe us, it kind of motivates us and gives us a the gap between this year and last boost of confidence,” Blagowsky said. year is the difference in leadership. “Last year the seniors didn’t seem very involved with us, but this year
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October 19, 2018 • 13
NO OFFENSE TO OLD OFFENSE History passed up for new scheme by Travis Humphrey
In an attempt to protect the quarterback, the NFL Rules Committee introduced new rules, making the position more powerful. An increase in athletic offensive lines allows teams to do more than just protect the quarterback. This frees running backs from solely focusing on running the ball and gives the offense more creativity in their play calls. Realizing this trend, more teams in the NFL and college have begun to implement West Coast offenses. These offenses place a greater emphasis on passing the ball than on running, allowing teams more creativity in their play calling. Despite recent history of a run-first offense, Plano East adopted a West Coast style offense in an attempt to spread out defenses. This scheme change is a move that Coach McCullough and his coaching staff should be applauded for making. Senior quarterback Brandon Mallory’s strong and accurate arm can be used to throw to the multi-faceted receiving core that is eager to make a name for itself. Junior running back Trey Scott-Jones can catch the ball out of the back field, enhancing the team’s offensive options and ability to move the ball. As a result, this offensive scheme is set up perfectly for a team ready to make a playoff run. Before the team made this change, they relied heavily on their running game and didn’t expect their passing play to win them the game. The switch to a West Coast offense will not only improve the current team, but will also benefit the program, which has struggled to maintain a consistent and effective offense for many years. A change in offensive scheme benefits the players who aspire to do more than high school football because it familiarizes them with an offense that they will be a part of collegiately and professionally. Although the change will improve the team’s chances of success on the field, behind the scenes this offensive change will be beneficial to all parties involved. Travis Humphrey is the Sports Editor and a sports writer for Murphy Monitor.
14 • Sports
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NO SLACK FOR TRACK Senior becomes Junior Olympian
by Travis Humphrey Aimee is very cautious of her health. She Despite her busy schedule, Aimee uses According to senior Aimee Chihuhua’s stopped eating out and chose to become her free time to study and has maintained schedule, she isn’t supposed to be at vegan during her junior year in an attempt a 4.28 GPA, which she hopes to increase school until 9:56 a.m. However, it’s 6:00 to perform to her highest capability. a.m. and, as usual, her spikes have already this year. She currently takes five AP “I think that when I am around her it classes and elected not to take track bedug into the rubber ground, propelling her is evident that it is around the important for her to endless oval. maintain healthiness,” Over the summer, chemistry teacher Aimee became an Pamela Day said. “I Amateur Athletic feel that what she is Union (AAU) Junior doing now will set Olympic champion her up for her future for the 4x800 meter endeavours because relay. Her relay she loves the concept team qualified for of staying healthy the finals with an so much.” 11:15 and won with a Through these perdecreased time sonal experiences, Aiof 9:27. mee found what she “I was shocked is passionate about, because it was somewhich she hopes to thing that I didn’t continue into her expect to happen own career. when we competed “I want to be a in the finals,” Aimee nutritionist because I said. “I ran my best Photo by Emma Trussell love health and could 800 meter time ever Senior Aimee Chihuahua, with her junior olympic medal, gets ready to help others maintain and had dropped 10 run the track on Oct. 4. their own health,” Aimee seconds off of my said. “I am already good at keeping up my time in qualifiers. It kind of just happened; cause it would bring down her GPA. own health and could definitely see myself I honestly have no clue how.” “Track is my life, so not having it in my doing the same for others.” This big accomplishment didn’t come schedule isn’t that big of a deal,” Aimee Winning the 4x800m relay at the AAU easily, but rather as a result of many little said. “I still get to practice with the team, Junior Olympics hasn’t distracted Aimee sacrifices. With track consuming most of so it not being in my schedule has no effrom her pursuit of a higher education. her free time, Aimee has to get creative fect on me.” She plans to attend a college with a highly with how she manages her For most teenagers, summer is a time to regarded nutrition program, her major hectic schedule. hang out with friends and enjoy freedom of choice. “She definitely has sacrificed a lot of from school. However, this wasn’t the case “I feel like when you do something time that would normally be spent on a for Aimee. so much it becomes a part of who you social life for track,” senior Elise Leonard “During the summer, she was much are,” Aimee said. “Without track I really said. “She still goes to the football games more focused on track,” Elise said. “We wouldn’t know what to do. Obviously, and talks to people all the time. She is hung out once and all she did was talk my goal is to make it to the Olympics, but almost always there for me when I need about track. There is nothing wrong with I don’t want to sacrifice my future and her. I can tell that she cares a lot about her it, but it made me laugh when education to run track at a school that isn’t friends and is always looking out it happened.” going to help me in the future.” for them.”
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@eastyearbook19
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October 19, 2018 • 15
OBJECTION, PROTECTION OF STUDENT SECTION
Photo by Long Nguyen
Sports-watching traditions unite students, violate school rules
by Emma Trussell ritory and intimidate the opposing team, A melodious band, a roaring crowd, Eppler explains that the powder poses a artistic face paint and best friends blend to health threat to those with asthma. The create the Friday night lights experience. wind blew the powder and cast it upon the Passion and excitement to see the team entire section of parents and kids, affectperform fill spectators. While that passion ing not only the lungs of spectators, but can be well-intended, administration often also the lens of a camera. Yearbook staff sees it leading to a violation of rules. member senior Andy Doan finds it hard to Students deem these violations “tradiuse photos of the student section because tions,” but according to professionals, it tells the deeper story of tribalism in sports. they show school activities in a negative light. “[The student section] shows that Plano “The powder definitely looked cool and East students care about our athletics made the student section pop, but it broke and love the school so much [that] we’re willing to give up our time to go out to the yearbook [and school] rules so I couldn’t use it,” Doan said. “You can never really games,” senior Trevor Tangney said. predict what the students are going to do.” In the Freakonomics podcast, “How When a large group comes together with Sports Became Us,” Professor of Ecoa common goal it creates identity fusion, nomics at the College of the Holy Cross cognitive anthropologist at Oxford Martha Victor Matheson, explains that participatNewson said in the Freakonomics podcast. ing in chants, yelling insults, and wearing When the group and inspirit wear all allow “We can do as much dividual merge, an attack spectators to feel on the group becomes an as we can, but we intertwined with attack on the individual. the team, and in can’t forcibly take Sports has been seen as a the hype of a game, [their pride] away great way to bring people the lines between together, but group idensupport and misfrom them.” tity can account conduct can become - Senior Witt Welch for misconduct. blurred. This may “If you’re a freshman and you hear [the provide reasoning as to why baby powder chants], you’re going to think ‘In two or was thrown and an inappropriate sign was three years I’m going to be saying all that brought to the first football game of stuff,’” senior Jennifer Chavira said. “It’s the year. more a tradition than a negative vibe.” “We need to follow the regular school Chants at football games pass down code of conduct and stadium rules,” Associate Principal of Student Activities Robert from generation to generation, mimickEppler said. “I would like to see that we’re ing the customs of tribal activities. Like cheering more for our group and encourag- passing on a name or family emblem, ing our students, rather than being negative lower classmen find honor in picking up the mantra; however, other students feel and making fun of other students.” profanity disrupts the Although it may be instinct to mark ter-
Do you find some of the chants and activities students participate in at football games inappropriate?
80%
YES NO
20%
out of 326 students polled family-friendly atmosphere. “I wish they would be more involved with the cheers we give them,” said Senate Vice President and cheerleader senior Kinsey Carlson. “They have no problem screaming [profanity] but when we do our cheers they’re dead silent.” Directing chants towards the opposing team and referees is seen by some as a way of protecting and defending their team’s pride, but it is also seen as disrespecting their own pack leaders. “We can do as much as we can, but we can’t forcibly take [their pride] away from them,” Senate President senior Witt Welch said. The student section is thought to bring together a wide range of student types and be a strong form of group bonding in school. Every team or group can have flaws, but as Stephen Dubner of the Freakonomics podcast puts it, sport is as imperfect as any corner of society. “We are leaders of the school and we should lead with class,” Welch said.
16 • Opinion
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DON’T PROCRASTINATE, VACCINATE Staff Editorial
Over 3,000 Americans died and more than 21,000 were paralyzed from polio alone in 1952. So far in 2018, zero people died and zero were paralyzed. That’s not a coincidence. In recent times, millions of children receive vaccines to protect them against polio and a slew of other oncedeadly diseases. Vaccination saves thousands of people from preventable diseases
a higher risk for a multitude of diseases that were once considered terrors in the past, such as measles, polio and hepatitis A&B. This is 2018, not 1952. More importantly, it’s not just these particular parents’ own kids at risk. Students unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons are at a higher risk of getting diseases from being around students who aren’t
Not only does refusing vaccination for reasons that aren’t medical or religious put kids at risk, it puts students who have no choice in the matter in danger of contracting dangerous diseases simply for having allergies or adhering to their own religious beliefs. If anything, that’s not acting conscientiously. All the research, testing and evidence around the safety of vaccines shows that if you have the choice, the responsible thing to do is to get vaccinated.
Cartoon by Baysia Herron
every year. Despite this, there is a rapidly growing movement against vaccination amongst parents who have a choice, which threatens to undermine public health in schools. Plano ISD students may be exempt from vaccinations for reasons such as allergies or conscience, which includes religion. Medical and religious reasons are valid and should be respected. However, “conscience” in this case allows parents who have health concerns outside of medical reasons to exempt their children. In the 2017-18 school year, according to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, almost two percent of Plano students were not vaccinated for reasons of conscience, religious and otherwise. That’s over one thousand people. PISD today has the ninth highest number of kindergartners whose parents opted out of vaccination for non-medical reasons in the entire nation’s metropolitan areas, according to an independent 2018 study published in the journal PLOS medicine. These kids are at
immunized. These risks have become a reality. A student at Plano West contracted measles in August. This student was allergic to the measles vaccine; he didn’t have a choice. Because of PISD policy, parents who don’t have a medical or religious exemption do have a choice. One of the most frequently cited reasons for parents not to vaccinate is the concern that vaccines are linked to autism. However, the Center for Disease Control, an independent government organization which, unlike the pharmaceutical industry, has nothing to gain from lying on the subject, has extensively researched any link between the two and found no correlation whatsoever to this date. The basis for a large number of these concerns was that some vaccines contain a mercury-based preservative, “thimerosal,” in their ingredients, but according to nine separate studies the CDC has funded or conducted since 2003, there is no connection between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism spectrum disorders.
See page 6 to read more about recent outbreaks.
96% of students think people should be vaccinated
out of 326 students polled
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ABSTINENCE-FOCUSED SEXUAL EDUCATION LEAVES STUDENTS UNPROTECTED
October 19, 2018 • 17
by Elena Hamlin
Texas public schools suffer from a lack of thorough sexual education. Schools are not required to teach sex-ed and even when they choose to teach it, it is required to be abstinence-focused. Under this requirement, schools can pick from three slightly different curriculums. The abstinence-only curriculum excludes alternative contraceptive methods from lessons, the abstinence-emphasized program mentions other means of protection as a secondary measure, and abstinence-plus programs are just slightly more thorough on the subject. These biased programs do not deliver sufficient education to today’s youth. It’s vital for students to have the information they need to stay healthy, especially as STD rates are rising. Two-thirds of recent chlamydia infections occur in youths between 15 and 24, and one in four young women of this age are being infected. Abstinence-based programs do not allow for the deep understanding needed to protect them. The fact that Texas schools have the choice of whether or not to provide sex-ed courses is deeply concerning and dangerous for the new generation. A quarter of schools have even chosen to stop offering the class. While parents could take the responsibility to teach their children what the school may not, they don’t have the schools’ curriculum vetting processes to ensure they provide accurate and current information. All students have the right to learn sex-ed, just as they have the right to general safety education such as fire drills, driving school and basic health classes. Abstinence-based curriculums leave sexually active students without the knowledge about how to practice safe sex. Forty-one percent of teens between the ages of 15-19 are sexually active, according to the Resource Center for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, and current school curriculums do not give them the information they need to stay healthy. While other contraceptives are mentioned in an abstinence-based program as secondary options, their thorough coverage is debat-
able. Information on using and acquiring contraceptives is often left out. Ignoring these key topics leads kids to be unsafe in their confusion. Abstinence-based programs also tend to ignore types of sex other than vaginal intercourse. A common misconception among youth is that if sex is nonvaginal, then it is safe, and Texas sex-ed programs fail to disprove this misunderstanding in detail. These programs barely mention there are also contraceptives for nonvaginal sex and that STDs can still be transferred through these activities. This ignorance is particularly dangerous to members of the LGBTQ+ community, who already are at a loss for useful information in traditional sex-ed classes because homosexual behaviors are often stereotyped or portrayed as wrong. For some, religious beliefs restrict them from sex until marriage. It is their right to follow their religion and make their own choices, but this does not mean that others who believe differently should have to follow the same path. Sex-ed should be taught thoroughly so that all students, no matter their choices, know how to be safe and protect themselves. Two curriculums could be drawn for both those who seek thorough education and those who do not because of their religious beliefs. However, even those who choose abstinence should be educated because even marital sex is not safe from these potentially dangerous misunderstandings. The class should be mandatory even for students who do not wish to take it. If a student refuses to educate themselves about safe sex and practices unsafe sexual activities with multiple partners, they are putting others in danger. One’s sexual choices affect a chain of partners, not just their own. Abstinence-based curriculums should not be the only sex-ed available in Texas schools because students deserve to know how to protect themselves and stay safe, no matter their choices.
WHAT EAST THINKS Do you feel that you have received enough information in health class regarding sex ed to keep yourself healthy and safe?
YES NO
53% 47%
out of 326 students polled
81% of students
would prefer to learn sex ed from a curriculum with no preferences toward abstinence
18 • Entertainment
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TEA ON COFFEE NEAR CAMPUS by Abby Blasingame
Cafe Bohemia
What I ordered: The Almond Bliss Iced Latte What I think of the drink: I tend to be a bit skeptical of any iced coffee that comes in a styrofoam cup, which is clearly intended for hot beverages, and has a straw stuck through its plastic lid. But it’s what is on the inside that counts--and this cup of joe was as equally disappointing as the cup. The almond and coconut flavors of this beverage can’t be missed. In fact, the overwhelming, sugary syrups somehow made my throat burn. The potential delectability or detestability of the brew was lost on me as the syrups tainted any richness of the coffee. Ambience Analysis: While the Almond Bliss may not produce its titular sensation, the ambience of the cafe does. It’s a quirky place. Bookshelves line the back of the cafe and handmade art decorates its walls. The local flavor displayed through open mic nights and random shows might even compensate for the lack of flavorful coffee. Plus, it’s a walkable distance from campus, which is worth a lot when you’re looking for somewhere to study before or after school.
1418 Coffehouse
What I ordered: The Iced Latte What I think of the drink: This drink isn’t for those new to the brew. On the surface it appears simple, but its lack of syrups augments the coffee’s rich flavor. The flavors of 1418’s latte are intense and slightly bitter, but in my book, bitter is better. So, yum! Ambience Analysis: 1418 is a good place to do work on your computer, seeing as there’s not an abundance of natural light. This also adds to the shop’s moody and rustic ambience. The shiplap wall, vintage lights and antique items contrast the many modern amenities and customers on computers. An eclectic mix of furniture also lends an extra layer of charm to the shop. Take your pick from sofas, tables, high back chairs and barstools, and you still might have trouble finding a seat due to the large crowd the cafe draws due to its excellent atmosphere and coffee.
XO Coffee Company
What I ordered: The Iced Mocha What I think of the drink: Mochas are a hard drink to perfect. Baristas seem constantly torn between crafting a caffeinated version of chocolate milk or a java with barely a hint of cocoa. However, XO’s iced mocha was a pleasant surprise. The two flavors played out in equal measure, blending together to create a smooth beverage. With its cocoa notes complementing the high quality coffee, this drink is sure to satisfy a sweet tooth or a caffeine craving. Ambience Analysis: XO is just as cute as its name. Pink accents accompany handwritten wall decorations and a smattering of tables surrounds the brewing island. The tables are generously spaced and leave plenty of room to spread out with Visit our your homework or hang out with a friend. website to Additionally, large windows flood the cafe see Abby’s DIY cold brew with natural light perfect for a good Instagram pic. tutorial
RAPPING UP ROOTS by Jonathan Savage Beneath the foliage of contemporary hip-hop music lie the roots of jazz. The death of Aretha Franklin on Aug. 16 caused a nationwide outpour of gratitude for influence the woman affectionately known as the “Queen of Soul” had in the country’s music culture. While students may be too young to have listened to her music, hip-hop that booms from the stereos of listeners’ cars takes inspiration from her main genre of music, jazz. Hip-hop utilizes techniques formed in jazz such as syncopation and anticipation. Syncopation is performed when an artist plays a note late to create an upbeat sound, while anticipation is an artist playing early. To create rhythmic beats, Drake’s newest album “Scorpion,” took samples from other works. “Emotionless” takes sample Mariah Carey’s 1991 hit “Emotions,” in which the sound of her voice takes influence from soul and jazz. Pop artist Bruno Mars’ sound doesn’t come from the red planet, but rather years
of tradition. His unique sound earned him seven awards at the 2018 Grammys, but his upbeat style, which can uproot even the shyest wallflower, stems from the century-old techniques of jazz artists. The laid-back sound of Uptown Funk (Uptown Special), which features Bruno Mars, makes it hard for listeners to resist bobbing their heads and tapping their toes. In “Uptown Funk,” the mellow vibe comes from the swing of the notes. Swing is the most common aspect of jazz. The constant sound of trombones and trumpets in Uptown Funk fills the void of Mars’ vocals and keeps the momentum moving forward. Jazz uses the melody with other musicians playing to continue the momentum. Mars’ choice of instruments is similar to the instruments in jazz, including a drum set, piano, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, saxophone, trombone and trumpet. Hip-hop’s development started by mixing parts of music and rearranging it, and much of this is done with excerpts
from jazz songs. One such example is Kanye West’s song “Gold Digger,” which sampled the jazz artist Ray Charles’ 1954 hit “I Got a Woman.” There are a few methods that can be used in mixing, such as chopping and lifting. Chopping occurs when the artist distorts part of the track, while lifting is placing a sample of another’s work within your own work without changing it. The artist can rearrange the parts they spliced to order them in their desired fashion. The artist can layer it with rhythms, melodies or harmonies to create a new piece of music. Hip-hop is America’s most recent genre of music. It grew off of jazz to become its own separate genre of music. All music and other art forms branch off of already-formed works to further cultivate their own. Modern music is rooted in the seeds of jazz. As Pablo Picasso once said, “good artists borrow, great artists steal.”
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October 19, 2018 • 19
SPOOKTACULAR HAUNTED HOUSES
by Saifiyah Zaki
Halloween is just around the corner and for most this denotes the yearly costume party and trick-or-treating spree, but for thrill-seekers it means much more. The holiday is an opportunity to delve into the one low-risk and relatively affordable activity available every year that satisfies their adrenaline needs: haunted houses. Here’s a list of the top three haunted houses in the area and where they rank on the spooky scale:
SPOOKY SCALE MILD SPOOKY Haunted Shadows Lake Trail
Grab a couple of friends and a flashlight for this mile-long trek through the woods along a lakeshore in Lewisville. The Haunted Shadows Lake Trail caters to families and friends looking for a spook to get them in the right mood for Halloween. The trail takes an average of 40-45 minutes to complete and costs $25 per person for admission. Although there are markings to guide the participating groups, there is no form of lighting, so the trail is completed entirely in the dark. This creates a very strong element of suspense–you never know just what might be lurking around the corner. The Haunted Shadows Lake Trail website describes these surprises as “unseen horrors,” but assures that those too scared to continue at any point in the trail can ask to be escorted out. There is also a G-rated trail that is more suitable for younger participants accompanied by adults.
MEDIUM SPOOKY Dark Hour Haunted House
Ranked number four by USA Today in their 10 Best list of haunted houses in 2016, Dark Hour Haunted House is surely heard of across the city. The attraction features carefully designed sets with actors, animatronics and an attention to detail that creates an almost cinematic effect, according to reviews on Yelp. The designers don’t rely on guts and gore as much as taking inspiration from classic horror films of the 1980s and ‘90s. General admission to the Carl’s Playhouse show is only $10, but there is a more expensive, $32 option that encompasses both this show and the latest installation of shows building on the Dark Hour’s existing theme of the Witch of Coven Manor. There is usually a long line for admission this time of year but singers, dancers, story tellers and jugglers provide entertainment for those in line as well. Don’t worry if you miss the Halloween show. Dark Hour has new and equally spooky shows every season.
SUPER SPOOKY Virtual Haunted House Plano
It’s one thing to watch a horror movie, but to place yourself inside of one is something else entirely. The Virtual Haunted House uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to immerse customers in two experiences: a haunted house and a zombie apocalypse. The use of VR headsets, treadmills and remote controls as well as tracking mechanisms allow the customer to use all of their limbs in the experience, making it all the more realistic. Adding to the horror is the fact that each customer goes into the VR landscape alone and must survive by themselves. As a result of how individualized this experience is, appointments have to be made beforehand to book a timeslot since there are only so many VR setups at each location. This psychological horror certainly provides a super spook.