The Marquee Volume 29 Issue 6

MARQUEE THE

Volume 29 • Issue 6 • April 10, 2015

America united...

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Sophomore receives kidney transplant from older brother.

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Senior starts own web design company for local businesses.

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Senior baseball players receive scholarships to D1 schools.

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

PHOTO WILLIAM LE G RO N E

COVER W I L L I A M L E G R O N E

Senior Jack Cushing pitches in a game against Plano on March 30. The Marauders, who began the season ranked number 6 in the state, won the game 12-7.

CONTENTS

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News

COLLEGE CREDIT District explores possiblity of adding IB program to schools.

Feature

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HOMETOWN HISTORY The Marquee explores local historic sites and events.

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Sports

STARTING AND FINISHING

Freshman and senior prepare for track season.

Entertainment

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FRO-YO FANATICS Discover the best-tasting frozen yogurt in the area.

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Games

TEACHING TACTICS Which type of teacher would you be?

The Marquee Staff EDITOR IN CHIEF Austin Rickerson MANAGING EDITOR William Legrone DESIGN EDITOR Molly Webber PHOTO EDITOR William Legrone ONLINE EDITOR Alyssa Schmidt COPY EDITOR Alex Helm BUSINESS MANAGER Molly Webber NEWS EDITOR Victoria Price FEATURE EDITOR Alex Helm ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Rachel Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR Darci Walton OPINION EDITOR Jaime Hardison REPORTERS Cara Crocker, Sanika Sule, Katie Burton, Jacob Fontaine, Kaitlin Robison PHOTOGRAPHERS Brooke Wyant, Averi Collen DESIGNERS Abby Schlichter, Taryn Welch Anna Kate Hutton, Riley McClure ADVISER LaJuana Hale PRINCIPAL Gary Shafferman The Marquee newsmagazine is a student-generated publication of Marcus High School. It is produced, edited and maintained through the efforts of the school’s advanced journalism class. The Marquee is designed to serve the school and community as a forum for open discussion and student expression.

The Marquee encourages letters to the editor as part of its mission to educate, inform and provide an open forum for debate. All submissions must be signed.

The staff reserves the right to edit all material. Editorials reflect the opinion of the staff, not necessarily that of the administration. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinion of the author. Advertising rates are $70 per 1/8 of a page, with discounts available. For more information call 469-713-5196.

The Marquee is a standing member of ILPC, TAJE, ATPI, CSPA, NSPA, JEA and Quill and Scroll.

News in a flash

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Vista Ridge Mall bankrupt, soon to be foreclosed Vista Ridge Mall in Lewisville is facing foreclosure.

Rouse Properties, the mall’s owner since 2011, is over a month late paying it’s $67.82 million loan, according to Trepp LLC, which provides web-based information, analytics and technology to commercial real estate.

A Nomura Holdings report released from Trepp LLC projects Rouse to walk away from the mall. The mall had been making just 77 cents for every $1 it owed since 2012.

The value of the 1-million-square-foot mall was appraised at $115 million in 2009. This is down 20 percent from its $144 million appraisal in 2001.

“That’s a lot of businesses and employees that are going to be affected,” senior Amanda Elmendorf said.

The mall was previously owned by General Growth Properties before the company went bankrupt in 2009. Rouse took the mall after the company came out of bankruptcy.

Plano’s Collin Creek Mall is following in Vista Ridge’s footsteps. The mall was also owned by General Growth Properties, but is now facing a deed in lieu of foreclosure under Rouse Properties after a $57.6 million loan that was extended for five years has still not been paid.

University fraternities suspended after racial, sexual harassment Several fraternities have come under fire after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination.

The most recent case occurred at Penn State after a fraternity allegedly posted nude or almost-nude photos of women on a private Facebook page. Some of the women seemed to have been asleep or passed out.

The fraternity, Kappa Delta Rho, has been suspended for one year. No arrests have been made, but the Facebook page has been wiped clean.

“A lot of people are talking about how fraternities in general shouldn’t exist because they used to have an educational background to them and now it’s just parties and stuff,” sophomore Josh Jones said.

Another case occurred at the University of Oklahoma after a video surfaced of members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon chanting racial slurs on a bus. Since then, the fraternity members had to move out of their house and the students leading the chants were expelled.

“It’s so stupid,” junior Matt Hisey said.

“But I don’t think the whole fraternity should be punished.”

DESIGN & GRAPHICS MO LLY WEB B ER AN D V I C TO RI A P R I CE

Dallas Cowboys facing controversy over new signing The Dallas Cowboys are unwavering in their decision to sign defensive lineman Greg Hardy, who faces a league suspension over domestic violence allegations from when he played for the Carolina Panthers.

Hardy was convicted of domestic violence charges in July 2014 after he reportedly threatened to kill his former girlfriend Nicole Holder. In September, Hardy was suspended from playing as he and his lawyers appealed the court decision. The charges were dropped in February when Holder failed to show up for a court hearing. The two had reportedly reached a civil settlement.

Hardy became a free agent in March, and the Dallas Cowboys signed him to a one-year deal worth up to $13 million. Owner Jerry Jones said they spent weeks investigating Hardy, but many are still criticizing his decision.

“I just feel like an NFL athlete should embody all the good qualities of an upstanding person,” senior Sarah Coffin said. “So many people are watching them and so many people are looking up to them.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were reportedly interested in signing him as well but dropped out, leaving Dallas as the only team to pick up Hardy.

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4 NEWS

LISD explores addition of International Baccalaureate courses for district campuses (TOK), creativity, action, service (CAS) and the extended LISD is currently exploring the possibility of bringing essay. It also includes six subject groups – studies in language International Baccalaureate courses to district campuses. and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, However, the district will have to undergo an application process sciences, mathematics and the arts. Within each group, students to be authorized to offer IB classes. This will likely take 2-3 choose courses to take. However, Schornick said that while years. Despite the lengthy process, LISD Executive Director of IB offers many positives for students, it is not a good fit for Learning Design and Support Lori Rapp said it is certainly a everyone.

“IB is not for every student and the Diploma possibility in the future.

Program is designed for the intrinsically “LISD is in an exploratory stage, researching motivated student,” Schornick said. what IB consists of and potential steps “IB courses In addition, IB holds its member required to implement a program like districts to very strict standards. IB are taught with a International Baccalaureate,” Rapp said. global focus and the faculty at participating campuses have undergo further training to be able Similar to AP classes, IB features a program is designed to to lead classes than they would for AP rigorous curriculum that challenges its to help students courses. students. IB is widely used for students that develop into inquiring, Another difference is that plan on going to school abroad or are just knowledgeable and many courses take one year to interested in furthering their own education. complete, but some take two. caring people.

It’s an advanced education curriculum that Students take assessments in meets international standards and is used in each IB class, like they would countries throughout the world. Jackie Schornick, the Associate Principal of Curriculum and Jackie Schornick, Allen assistant principal in any other class. However, some are graded by the Instruction at Allen High School, which already has an IB program, said IB is beneficial for many reasons. actual teacher, while others are graded at outside locations by “IB courses are taught with a global focus and the program is IB administrators.

Despite differences in the two systems, Schornick said that designed to help students develop into inquiring, knowledgeable and caring people while learning the curriculum,” Schornick sai she has seen at Allen that both AP and IB are viable options for IB courses involve the Diploma Program, which is offered students with varying education goals, such as studying abroad.

“We feel that IB meets the needs of a group of students, just for juniors and seniors. The DP curriculum is broken down into three main areas of study, including the theory of knowledge like AP and dual credit meet the needs of students,” Schornick STORY AUS TI N RI C K ERS O N

IB courses were first taught in the U.S. in

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schools in Texas currently have IB programs

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said.

In fact, some students still elect to take AP tests after taking IB classes to ensure that they receive credit in college, since some schools accept IB and some accept AP credit.

Texas institutions of higher education award 24 semester credit hours for completing the Diploma Program with at least a score of 4 or better on each exam. Students are able to obtain even more credit hours by scoring higher on IB exams. However, like AP credit, the number of hours received for IB classes still depends on the specific university. Schornick said that while cost and inflexibility of the IB program might be drawbacks, the positives still easily outweigh the negatives.

“The program benefits students in that they will not use a prescript method of learning, but will be asked to explore, develop and evaluate their personal method of learning,” Schornick said.

According to Schornick, IB programs are becoming more common across Texas. If LISD decided to implement one, there are several considerations the district would have to take into account. For instance, most other districts with IB courses have those classes centered at one campus and many also have a faculty member designated solely to lead the IB program.

The district would also have to determine if it wanted to offer IB courses to middle school students or only have a Diploma Program for juniors and seniors in high school. No matter what LISD decides to do, Rapp said she see a lot of promise with the program.

“For LISD, providing students choice and varied learning opportunities will continue to help the district add to the current types of options that exist for students at high school and middle school and could expand opportunities for elementary students,” Rapp said.

73,028

American students took IB exams in 2014

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1678

universities in the U.S. recognize IB courses for college credit

IB Programs by Region *

*ibo.org

56% Americas

17.6% Asia-Pacific 24.4% Europe, Africa and the Middle East

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6 FEATURE

A hidden history Local area provides varied historical landmarks STORY CA R A CR O CK E R

Especially in recent years, Flower Mound and the areas surrounding it have greatly grown. But there’s a history many people don’t know. The Marquee explored where we live and found out a little more about our local history.

Highland Village originally got its name from the wealthy vacation-goers that populated the area around the lake, many of whom were from Highland Park.

The vacationers loved the area so much that many decided to make it their permanent residence. The development of the early community was in the northern part of Highland Village around Lake Lewisville. “Village” came from the sense of community that was present in the area.

Highland Village transitioned from a small town into a city in

1963. Less than 600 people lived in the town at first, until it increased to over 3,000 residents by the 1980s. This increase of population was caused greatly by the opening of DFW Airport in 1974.

Denton County came into existence in 1846, the same year Texas became a state in the Union. The earliest settlement in Denton County was the city of Hebron. The town has less than 900 people living in it. It was near present day Hebron High School.

All of Denton County is a portion of William S. Peter’s colony.

Peter was an Englishman that moved to the New World during the existence of the Republic of Texas. He used the land to recruit farmers to settle in North Texas.

Chinn’s Chapel United Methodist Church

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Chinn’s Chapel United Methodist church is in Copper Canyon.

The church holds weddings and even has a biker ministry.

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Chinn’s Chapel, from which Chinn Chapel Road in Flower Mound is named, was established in 1877 by Elisha and Mary Chinn. The church hosted regular services and acted as a community meeting place and a one room schoolhouse for early residents of the area.

When the community started growing and Chinn’s Chapel’s congregation expanded, people asked to use the area around the church to bury their deceased loved ones. In 1859, Mary Sublett, a two-year-old girl, was the first person buried in the graveyard.

The town of Waketon was originally part of the Chinn Chapel settlement. It was established in 1853 by Elisha Chinn, co-founder of Chinn’s Chapel. It was named after Simpson Wakefield, a Tennessee farmer. It ceased to exist in the 1950s.

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The Flower Mound Flower Mound, was established around 1844 after some Native American tribal disputes were settled by Sam Houston, an important political figure in Texas history who was the first president of the Republic of Texas. Native Americans that lived in the area during the 1600s-1800s included the Comanche, Wichita, Kichai and Caddo Native Americans. “The Mound” was named by the settlers from the Peter’s Colony for the many wildflowers that grew on it. Local Native This iconic landmark is located on Flower Mound Road and every spring it is Americans also used it as a holy place. home to native wildflowers, including bluebonnets.

Flower Mound Presbyterian Church

Lewisville Lake The previous name of Lewisville Lake was the Garza-Little Elm Reservoir until it was changed in the 1970’s. It controls flood waters originating in the Elm Fork drainage basin.

Construction started on February of 1928 and costed $21,756,500.

City of Lewisville Flower Mound Presbyterian Church, built in 1854, was the first building to use the name "Flower Mound." It is the oldest wood-framed building in Denton County and a registered historical landmark.

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The Republic of Texas gave a grant to the Texas Emigration and Land Company to bring 600 families to what is now Denton County in 1841. Each family received 640 acres of land.

The Holford and King families were the first to settle in the area of modern-day Lewisville in 1844, naming it the Holford Prairie Settlement.

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Balling for Bacino Sophomore to receive kidney transplant, battles cancer STORY & PHOTO J AC O B FO N TAI N E

tests confirmed what they already He walks down the hallway and presses the red entrance button knew. As soon as Meg and her husband Russ Bacino knew their to the dialysis wing. son needed a transplant, they both opted for blood tests. The tests “Come on in, Nicky,” the clerk says. revealed they were both suitable donors, and Meg immediately The hospital smell fills his nose as his nurse leads him to his agreed to transplant. seat. He props up his iPad in front of him to get through the three “After I knew I could donate it was a no-brainer,” Meg said. and a half hour process.

“There wasn’t even a second thought.”

Sick children surround him in all directions, but he couldn’t look The operation was successful and Nick was once again a happy that sick. After getting his weight and height recorded for the third kid. time this week, he sinks “He began to smile into his chair to endure and laugh again,” Meg another boring, motionless said. “As a mother I can treatment. Staring out say it was one of the best the window across the things I’ve done in my room, he wonders what life.” he’s missing at school. His Following the catheter was sore and his transplant, Nick and muscles ached as he tried his family went to a to watch another rerun of pizza restaurant, and How I Met Your Mother he ordered his favorite, on the iPad. cheese. After seeing the He couldn’t stretch. parmesan at the table, He couldn’t get up to get he unscrewed it and fresh air. He was trapped poured a mound of it in the prison that was his on his slice. Until he got hospital seat for nine hours the transplant, he hadn’t a week. been able to eat cheese.

“Just think about how Though at the time he Sophomore Nick Bacino receives his dialysis treatment at the Childrens’ Medical Hospital great it will be after you get didn’t understand the of Dallas. He has received a kidney transplant from his mom and will also from his brother. your transplant,” the nurse sacrifice his mom had said as she smiled at him. “Only one more year.” made for him, she remembered his smile, showing a world of And sophomore Nick Bacino can’t wait. No more dialysis. No appreciation. more dieting and feeling sick daily. He will be able to finally go on *** vacation, too. A new kidney will solve all his problems.

With his new kidney, Nick made the most of his elementary He knows because at 16 this isn’t his first transplant. and middle school years. Playing basketball on the school team in *** both seventh and eighth grade was one of the things he was most Nick’s mom, Meg Bacino, also sits in the room, providing thankful for. support as he goes through dialysis. Spending time with her son “Basketball was pretty much everything I had,” Nick said. “I in the hospitals has become a big part of her life since she first really enjoyed playing because it was the only sport I could play discovered his kidney was failing 10 years ago. with my friends.”

She recalls Nick being a happy, smiling toddler. It wasn’t until Eighth grade was Nick’s favorite year. The basketball team at he was 5 that her son began to feel pain he described as his chest Downing Middle School made it to the district championship, hurting. She called the doctor, and they told her to take him to the with Nick as a starter the entire season. He felt healthy most of emergency room. After watching him go through multiple blood the time while playing. However, in the back of his head he knew tests, she anxiously waited for the results. The solemn look on the he knew his mom’s kidney would only last so long. As high school nurse’s face told the news. Nick was anemic, meaning he had a approached, his health gradually deteriorated and he became in dangerously low number of red blood cells. After looking closely at need of another transplant. his blood cell counts, they also found that his kidneys were failing.

His brother was the next to volunteer. Tanner Baccino, 21, is a After being transferred to Children’s Hospital in Dallas, further senior attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

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*** Nick was in elementary school when he and Tanner played basketball in the driveway during a warm summer. After shooting a few shots and roughhousing, Tanner patted his brother on the head and walked him inside. As they cooled off, they made plans to walk to the pond and fish for the rest of the day.

“It was the same old younger brother, older brother relationship,” Tanner said. “He was a little sickly from the kidneys, but when he wasn’t, we’d have fun.”

During his freshman year in college, Tanner donated blood order to find out his blood type. Just like his parents, his results confirmed he could donate a kidney. From that point on he started joking around with the family that if Nick needed a kidney, he’d be the man.

It remained a joke for a few years, but during his junior year in college, he got the call. Though he was uneasy about having to undergo his first surgery, there was no hesitance in his decision.

“I’d gladly give up what I have now to give Nick a few more years,” Tanner said. “He deserves to live life. He’s still so young.”

After Tanner agreed, Nick’s family began the preparations for the second transplant. Beginning in June of Nick’s eighth grade year, he completed the numerous required tests and procedures.

After the transplant, Nick would be able to focus on basketball again and make the freshman team. Things once again looked promising for him. *** In December of that year Nick found himself in another hospital room. Staring in the doctor’s gray eyes, he felt a great sadness.

What he had thought was a screening for lymphoma was actually a test to see if it had spread.

Not only was he suddenly a cancer Y

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patient, now he couldn’t receive the second transplant.

That wasn’t even the worse part. This meant another year of dialysis and that he could never play basketball for the school again.

But not even cancer could phase him. Nick’s primary kidney doctor has over 1,000 patients and had he not taken a further look into Nick’s case than usual, they wouldn’t have caught the cancer.

“Though it was bad at first, cancer was just another thing to take medicine for,” Nick said. “I’m just thankful they caught it.”

Despite his situation, Nick stays optimistic looking towards the future. He can’t wait to vacation again, play basketball with his friends and eat whatever he wants. He also takes great comfort in knowing that no matter how long the transplant will take, his brother will be waiting and his family will be supporting him until then. He recalls his family all spending two Mother’s Days and a Christmas in a hospital room to be there for him.

“There’s no reason to get sad when you have stuff to look forward to in your life, especially when your family is giving up parts of their life to give me more life.” Nick said.

In February a fundraiser to aid Nick’s medical costs was held by the community at Buffalo Wild Wings. He watched as his friends, as well as people he had never met, filled the seats, all wearing “Balling for Bacino” shirts.

Sitting at the head of the table, a wave of hapiness over comes him as he smiles at the friends and family that had taken care of him since he was young. Though he wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring, he still felt blessed that God had given him enough time to experience this moment. *** As he nears the end of his dialysis treatment, the machine starts beeping. Nick smiles as the nurses begins to remove the tubes attached to his body. He feels tired, but he knows this process is just temporary until he gets the transplant from his brother.

Despite everything he’s been through, he realizes that all the trials he’s facing serve a greater purpose.

“I feel like God put me on earth to show people my experience and show how we still should stay faithful through hard times,” Nick said.

Kidney Transplant Stats •101,170 people are awaiting kidney transplants •3,000 new people are added to the waiting

list monthly.

•12 people die each day waiting for a transplant DESIGN RILE Y MCC LURE

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J ey Morgan Creativ Senior runs web design business PHOTOS BR O O KE WY A NT

his work. He said that designing for people gives him the creative freedom to work with many clients from different businesses.

When he was in middle school, having a YouTube channel was “I do online stores all the way to personal blog sites,” Morgan just a pastime for senior Joey Morgan. He created videos to show said. “I mostly have small businesses, such as therapists, and then people how to do certain things on the Internet or how to work with I do some authors and a lot of photographers. If anybody needs a technology. During this experience he decided to create a website website, I can do it, no matter what it is.” for his YouTube channel. The website featured forums where Morgan updates eight of the 15 websites he people could chat and write letters, those works on regularly by talking to the client which Morgan could read and reply back and changing anything they want. to. Little did he know at the time, this Morgan created a website for one of website was just a beginning step for his his clients, firefighter and pastor Teran future work.

Moore, two years ago and updates it When Morgan’s parents saw the constantly with new events and dates. design on the website he created, they “I travel around and do a lot of told their friends about the skills their speaking for different conferences son had. Word spread, and a few years and churches,” Moore said. “So later people were asking him to create [Joey] basically created a website for websites for their businesses. churches and people to go to find “My freshman year I started designing more about me and what I speak websites,” Morgan said. “People liked my about. They go to [the website] and JOEY MORGAN, 12 work, and I thought I could start charging they can book me through [it].” people for my websites. My junior year is when I In addition to creating websites and upstarted doing a lot more web design.” dating them, Morgan works with some of his clients’ Facebook What started as a casual hobby grew into a successful business and Twitter pages to reach present and future customers on social plan. Since Morgan started, he’s already had 15 clients hire him for media. He posts photos or videos and answers any questions that STORY C ARA C RO C K ER

I don’t know how I do it. It’s really hard to maintain [the business] and all my school work.

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Senior Joey Morgan has been designing websites since he was a freshman. He also offers videos to his clients for events such as weddings. He also helps clients keep up with their social media accounts.

customers have about the subject.

As Morgan has learned, being young and running a successful business is a difficult job. Taking extra shifts for his job causes him to spend all night working for his clients until he finally struggles to bed around 4 a.m. This, mixed with finishing high school, can be overwhelming at times.

“It’s very time-demanding,” Morgan said. “I don’t know how I do it. It’s really hard to maintain [the business] and all my school work.”

Morgan’s clients know the effort he goes through for their websites and express appreciation for the hard work that shows on the websites.

“I don’t know how he does all the things he does,” Moore said.

“Especially with high school and a social life. It’s very admirable.”

Though Morgan doesn’t plan on focusing solely on his website business, he does plan on keeping up with the websites in college and through his future career. As long as his clients pay the monthly fee, he’ll update their websites for them when it’s needed.

While Morgan constantly works on his business, he also has an internship at the Village Church working with the production. Not only could his skills help him in the future but also his customer service to his clients. “[Joey] has a way of making you feel like you are his only client,” Moore said. “He takes ownership in your product as if he wants to see it succeed as much as you do. It’s really impressive.”

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Website wisdom

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After receiving an email from a prospective client, Morgan schedules an appointment with them at a location like Starbucks.

Morgan brings contracts for the clients to sign ensuring down payment and safety of website.

Clients give Morgan the information they want to appear on the website, and they figure out the future appointments and plans.

Morgan goes home and starts the website. Emails are sent back and forth to plan what the website will have.

Two weeks later the website will launch, and Morgan will update the website monthly when the client pays.

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DECA to Florida

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Junior DECA member goes to state for the second time, runs for election STORY J A I M E H A R D I SO N

Raj Landry, 11 1. What’s your least favorite thing to do?

“The no-calculator part on tests because there is no point to them.”

2. What is your favorite sound?

“The sound of lawnmowers because they are soothing.”

The lollipops sat on the official-looking table, each one adorned with the same girl’s face. To the left of the table sat a poster board, with various facts printed on the front. Construction hats served as the bullet points, and a graphic of a bulldozer was on display. Behind the table, a large banner hung on the wall, with the same face that covered the lollipops. The middle of the poster read: “Build up Texas DECA, Vote Samantha Streit!”

3. What time period do you wish you were born into?

“I hear the Black Plague was a nice time, very relaxing.”

4. What do you want to be known for?

“Probably to be known as someone who had clean socks at all times.”

5. If you could choose one dream job, what would it be?

“Skydiving instructor because you get to skydive every day.”

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Juniors Samantha Streit (right) and Emily Munro (left) run the DECA booth at the club fair.

As a sophomore, current junior Samantha Streit found herself in unknown territory as she moved from her old home.

She began school with no friends in the area and AP classes close on the horizon. But then she heard about DECA. “I went to the first meeting and fell in love with it,” Streit said.

DECA serves as a club for marketing students, or those interested in some arena of the business world. Since Streit’s father has found a career in marketing himself, she decided that testing the waters in this occupation would not be a bad idea. And she’s thankful that she made that decision.

So with daunting competitions in the future in her hospitality tourism category, Streit set out to accomplish feats within the co-curricular club. But she found that while chasing these goals, she could pick up valuable skills and make new friends along the way.

“You can learn how to do interviews properly, how to public speak and [you] can meet representatives,” Streit said. “It’s just basic skills that are helpful either way.”

Each year DECA has three main competitions at district, state and international levels. Within these competitions, different tasks can be completed.

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sentations proved appealing, and thus she no student from the Texas DECA district slowly but surely gathered up confidence had ever attempted previously. to speak in front of many penetrating eyes.

With the catchy slogan based upon inDECA superfrastructure, and a competitive spirit as visor Kendra cheerful as the Day concludes bright yellow that Streit not constr uction only grew but I went to the first meeting hats, she set added more to out to win and fell in love with it. the program. during the ”She has state competileadership and tion. She straenthusiasm for tegically placed Samantha Streit, 11 everything that her lollipops we do,” Day said. in rows on the “She’s just very table, ready for dependable.” the taking, and After collecttried to gear up ing a significant amount of experience and for her speech that would be presented bea group of friends through her first year in fore 4,000 people. the club, Streit wanted to take her involveHowever, she came up short in the ment a step further. election, and while it served as a let-down, Instead of solely fulfilling her duty as her attitude and appreciation towards the Chapter Vice President, she felt driven to program had only grown. The loss of the run for DECA State President, something election was only a minor bump in the road

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Samantha Streit discusses her platform to fellow voting delegates while campaigning.

compared to the heaps of tasks she mastered by participating in the club.

“It’s such a great life experience and I think it’ll definitely help with future endeavors later on,” Streit said. “But it’s definitely about how much you put into it.”

Members of DECA gather shoes at the Statewide Campaign during the State Career Development Conference. These shoes were donated to orphanages in Texas.

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OR DIVIDED? Due to recent controversy over immigration reform, The Marquee takes an in-depth look into the implications of immigration status on a student’s education, as well as the effect of immigrants on our society.

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Undocumented immigrants granted public education, offered ESL courses third-generation Clevelander,” Mullin said.

“They may not be from a different country, but they lived a different way of life. We look at how can we help them now.”

Once these students are enrolled, programs are in place to assimilate them into the school system. For new students in general, the Friends of Rachel club hosts a new student mixer. For those whose native language is not English, there are English Second Language courses.

However, according to Mullin, students are still enrolled in the same classes as regular students for other subjects, like math and

In these classes, students take the same curriculum as regular freshmen and sophomores. However, instead of 18 weeks In the summer of 2014, over 5,000 they complete the course in 36 weeks. Also, unaccompanied minors crossed the border like the regular freshmen and sophomores, illegally into Texas. Because of the 2008 they are required to take the English, Trafficking Victims Protection Act, an Algebra and Biology STAAR tests, though unaccompanied minor is required to be they may barely understand the language it given care and safe housing until their is written in. immigration cases are decided. While the “What they do is amazing,” Trkay said. immigration status of illegal immigrants “Picture yourself moving to Korea and may be in high contention, their children living there for a year and then taking a test are given access to the same education as like Biology not in your native language.”

American citizens, since the state of Texas Trkay said that while some students can requires that they be given free education. speak English better than “Normally you think others, she also sees varying that there would be a stack levels of motivation and of paperwork,” Assistant commitment. Some students Principal Jason Mullin have recently been forced to said. “The state of Texas come to the U.S. by their has a history of making it parents and want to be back fairly easy for families here in their native country with illegally to get their children their friends. Others realize enrolled, just because if there the opportunity in front are children here we need to of them and embrace the educate them.” situation. For many, they Instead of a stack of Maid Chauffer would not be able to afford paperwork, Mullin said that this type of education in enrolling a child of illegal their native countries. immigrants in school is no “You have a whole tool different than the enrollment bag full of strategies to use of an American citizen. Maintenance Construction Janitor for different kids,” Trkay The only two main pieces Worker Worker said. “They all reach a point of information required are a proof of residency, like *Source: 2010 U.S. Census Bureau* eventually where they accept that they’re here now, and a utility bill, and record of history. they need to do what they have to do.” vaccinations.

“We still put them into regular education According to Mullin, school is ultimately Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the federal government, as well as the classes just because you don’t want to for more than just learning. For many of states, are required to set aside additional pull them out and put them into a totally these students it’s giving them an everyday money for these students. According to different program,” Mullin said. “That’s routine and a single constant in a life that is Mullin, when the school does their yearly not going to benefit them in the long run if full of uncertainty.

“That constant remains the same where accounting, they do take into account the they’re in that all of the time.”

ESL teacher Jane Trkay receives these everything else could change, [such as] number of immigrant students they enroll.

However, he said this is done mostly for students with varying English skill levels. where they’re staying or who they’re staying The newcomers are put into what Trkay with,” Mullin said. “The bigger focus here demographic purposes.

“A student’s immigration status is not refers to as “survival English.” Here, is, ‘How can we help them get through life?’, something that we focus on, whether it’s they learn basic English vocabulary and whether that’s through finishing high school someone who just recently immigrated or a grammar. Next are ESL 1 and ESL 2. or whatever is going on at home.”

STORY AL Y S S A S C H MI D T

Top 5 Immigrant Occupations

DESIGN TARYN WELC H

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16

IN DEPTH

Cultural convert

Junior moves to Texas with mother to pursue new life STORY S AN I K A S ULE

A year had passed since her mother told her they were leaving.

Though moving to the U.S. was a dream for her mom, Patricia Vargas Cereth, junior Natalí Vargas began to doubt it would ever actually become a reality. Just as she accepted that she would be staying in Morelos, Mexico with her friends and family, her mother announced that they would be going the very next week.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Vargas said. “I couldn’t even believe it until I stepped one foot into the United States. Not even when I was getting into the plane. I didn’t believe it until I actually came here.”

As Vargas stepped off of the plane at DFW International Airport, she knew everything had changed. In that moment, it registered that she would no longer be surrounded by her friends, family or anything that was once familiar. She knew she would have to become accustomed to everything from the language to basic social mannerisms. For Vargas, the prospect of beginning again was daunting. Yet she still felt a rush of excitement.

Vargas made the 940-mile journey from Morelos, Mexico to Flower Mound to begin a new life with her mother. Her mother decided that pursuing a job opportunity in the area was the best step for the two. They came on a temporary visa which allowed them to stay in the country for one year, after which they would have to return to Mexico to renew the visa. Initially, Vargas was excited for the adventure that moving to a new country presented,

but she soon realized that she would face many hardships as well.

For Cereth, leaving home was like leaving paradise. Since Morelos is a popular spot for tourists, every day felt like a vacation for Cereth and Vargas. As an architect, Cereth enjoyed living among beautiful buildings and landscapes.

“I miss [living] without my traditional constructions,” Cereth said. “[It had] a lot of color, stone, arches, domes, sun and open air in the houses.”

As Vargas began school, she felt the strain of the language and cultural barrier. Unconfident in her English skills, she was hesitant to speak. She saw her personality change from outgoing to reserved.

Vargas even struggled with the difference in social conduct. She had to remind herself of little things, like that greeting others with a kiss on the cheek is not a regular practice here.

“In my mind I had a lot of things to say, but I said less than half of what I was thinking,” Vargas said. “Whenever I came here I was a different person.”

Vargas avoided attracting attention to herself by observing rather than participating. The completely new lifestyle both intrigued and confused her. Though Vargas was eager to learn, she refrained from interacting with her peers to avoid any miscommunication.

“I think that’s really important because you learn to communicate when you’re a kid, and taking that from you is like going back to learning at that stage,” Vargas said. “You feel kind of dumb asking questions and basic stuff.”

Top percentages of U.S. immigrants by country Mexico: 28%

India: 4.9%

Philippines: 4.5%

China: 4.4%

*Source: 2010 U.S. Census Bureau* M HS MARQUE E.COM

DESIGN TA R Y N WEL C H

IN DEPTH

To ease the transition from Spanish to English schooling, Vargas opted to be placed in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class. She enjoyed being surrounded by students from places like Bolivia, Brazil and Turkey. She found comfort in knowing that she was not the only one struggling with English. The class gave her the opportunity to speak freely about topics she was well-versed in. Eventually Vargas was able to test out of ESL and move into regular classes.

“I actually liked it because there are people from all over the world,” Vargas said. “That helped me a lot. I started getting confident about my English.”

Though Vargas came to Texas as a 17-year-old, she had to begin school as a freshman. None of the credits she had acquired in Mexico were transferable, pushing her back to the beginning.

Vargas had to take classes she had already taken, like Algebra and Geometry, simply because her credits were not valid. Vargas worked with her counselor to minimize the time in which she would graduate, projecting to be a senior next year.

“They wanted me to start my four years all over again,” Vargas said. “[I had to] learn stuff that I had already learned.”

On top of adjusting to the new style of teaching, Vargas had to learn all of the other basics. She came in completely unaware of what things like Schoolweb or an ID number were. She was forced to learn very quickly about small, yet important details.

“It took me a while just to adapt to the system,” Vargas said. “I didn’t know any of that stuff. I had to learn really fast.”

However, Vargas believes that everything from adapting to a new school to a new society is setting her up for the future. Though she faced difficulties at first, she knows that it has a more important

Immigration in Texas There are 752,667 immigrants living in North Texas; 67.3% are of Latin American origin.

There are 4,369,271 immigrants living in Texas (16.5% of the state’s population); 71.1% are of Latin American origin.

DESIGN TARYN W ELC H

*Source: 2013 American Community Survey*

17

PHOTO A V ER I C O L L EN

Junior Natalí Vargas moved from Morelos, Mexico in 2013 with her mother because of a job opportunity. She is on track to graduate in three years.

purpose. Since beginning school in Texas, Vargas has spent her spare time either working as a hostess at Cristina’s or studying. She said she recognizes the great opportunities just living here offers and plans to take advantage of reputable U.S. colleges.

“I told my mom that if I am going through all this, I just want to make it worth it and go to a good college now that I’m here,” Vargas said. “Since I knew that I was coming here I said goodbye, not just to my friends, but to my family. If it was that hard I want to get something from it.”

Though Vargas moved here only two years ago, it has become her home. She has noticed her improvement in both language and social skills. She has regained her former outgoing personality and made several friends. Vargas said she misses her life back in Mexico but cannot see herself moving back. Although she is still finding herself here, she is no longer the person she was in Morelos.

“Whenever you leave a country, you leave all of the people who had you in their lives, and they used to be in your life,” Vargas said.

“But when you get out, you might miss them, but they’ll still keep going with their lives.”

Cereth said she has taken this not only as a learning experience, but as a way to reinvent herself.

“Attitude is important,” Cereth said. “Enjoying everything you *Continued on page 18 A PR IL 1 0, 201 5

18 I N

DEPTH

The great American melting pot

have in this moment and learning the rules and laws to be a good person wherever you go.”

Since moving here, Vargas has met people from all walks of life. Though leaving everything that was familiar to her was one of the most difficult experiences of her life, she said she has gained experiences here that she would not have had in Mexico.

“The thing that I like the most about this experience is the cultural diversity. You can see it in Mexico too, but not as much as here,” Vargas said. “I love culture, not just my culture, but all cultures in general. Getting to know all these people and learning other languages, that’s what I love about here.”

Immigrant Population

by State Immigrant population by state

New Mexico 10%

New York 22%

Arizona 13%

Texas 16% Florida 19%

California 27%

*Source: Center for Immigration Studies*

U.S. immigration by decade

9 20

00

-2

00

9 19

90

-1

99

9 19

80

-1

98

9 19

70

-1

97

9 19

60

-1

96

9 19

50

-1

95

9 19

40

-1

94

9 93 -1 30 19

19

20

-1

92

9

= 1.5 million immigrants

*Source: www.teacher.scholastic.com* M HS MARQUE E.COM

DESIGN TA R Y N WEL C H

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20 S P O R T S

FROM START TO FINISH

Track team includes wide variety of talent, ranging from freshmen to senior athletes STORY K A T I E BU R T O N

NICK BONDER, 9 Freshman Nick Bonder traded in his soccer cleats for running shoes two years ago. Bonder is one of the 12 freshmen who received a spot on the JV track team and also has a chance of being able to run for the varsity team if he is able to break the 800 meter record. Despite his newness to the sport, Bonder’s natural ability has already made him stand out.

Before getting into track, Bonder had been competitive in soccer for eight years.

Bonder picked up the sport easily and became the captain for Texas’ state team while in middle school. While a part of the state team, Bonder traveled to nationals. By 13 he was already being looked at by the University of Alabama, University of Texas, and the University of Florida.

“I really played soccer for my dad. I was raised to play it,” Bonder said. “I really enjoyed track when I was in middle school and that’s when I started getting into it.”

Last summer Bonder joined Westside Baptist’s select track team and started to run the 800 meter. Despite his lack of experience, his coach placed him on a team that went to the Junior Olympics. Through the course of several meets, Bonder ultimately placed second at the Junior Olympics last July.

Placing just ahead of Bonder happened to be junior Freddie Jackson, who currently attends Flower Mound High School.

Jackson was one of Bonder’s teammates and is still a close friend.

“He’s so humble,” Bonder said. “That really just taught me a lesson. To be better is

M HS MARQUE E.COM

not to boast about it.”

Coming in second behind a good friend and teammate made Bonder’s first trip to the Junior Olympics an enjoyable one.

“I loved the experience,” Bonder said.

“It was beneficial but also humbling. It was a great experience for me not just on the track, but also off the track.”

During his time at the Junior Olympics, Bonder was able to make friends from all over the country. College coaches that knew him from his days as a soccer player had told track coaches about his talent, and after the Junior Olympics, Bonder had attracted the attention from several schools.

He has already secured an offer from Baylor University. While humbled by such great opportunities so early on, Bonder also knows that there is still pressure on him to perform to the best of his abilities.

Despite his early success, Bonder, as well as his coaches, have been pushing him to be prepared for his first season on the JV track team.

“I’ve been dieting a lot,” Bonder said. “I was addicted to Cheetos, but lately I’ve only been eating pastas, chicken and fruit.”

The school’s track coach, Steve Telaneus, has been working with Bonder and the rest of the freshmen to help them achieve their goals. While the freshman have been training the same way, he has seen that Bonder has had no trouble plugging into the team.

“When he’s had setbacks, he’s responded really well,” said Telaneus. “He keeps

moving forward.”

To Bonder, track has always been about more than just the prize at the finish line.

The sport has become a way for him to deal with stress. By his senior year, Bonder hopes his story will help encourage and inspire incoming freshmen not only to perform well, but also to be humble and remind them that winning isn’t everything.

“I feel like the winning doesn’t matter as much,” Bonder said. “It’s more about the family. Winning is a want and a goal, but not the main thing.”

PHOTOS SU BMITTED

Freshman Nick Bonder runs in the 800 meter during his first race for our school. He is one of the 12 freshmen who are on the JV track team.

DESIGN JA IME HA R D ISO N

SPORTS

21

HANNAH BRADLEY, 12 With her father a track runner and her mother involved in cross country, it was only natural for senior Hannah Bradley to start running track at age 5. With her persistence and devotion to the sport, she has been able to move up from competing on grassy fields to the State Championships in Austin, Texas. Going into her final school track season with a scholarship from Texas Tech secured, Bradley feels prepared to perform her best.

At state last year, Bradley came in 3rd in the 800 meter and set her own personal record. With this experience, she hopes she will be able to return to state again and place even higher. Bradley realized that for her to accomplish her goal, she must not only be prepared physically for this season, but also mentally.

“In my mind, running is 50 percent athlete and 50 percent mental,” Bradley said. “It’s crazy how much your thinking can ruin your race.”

Bradley admits that on race day, she wasn’t feeling her best. She felt a lot of pressure being around so many good runners.

“I think I could have run faster,” Bradley said. “Nerves can really affect you and wear you down.”

However, this season Bradley has had to overcome more than just her mental blocks. After rupturing the arch in her foot earlier this year, Bradley has been training non-stop to achieve her goal of returning to state. Over spring break, Bradley had to sacrifice time with friends to train twice a day.

DESIGN J AIME HARD I S O N

Bradley has also had to work to make up for the cancellation of the first two meets due to bad weather. The first few meets in a season are crucial to track athletes to help them prepare for bigger competitions, such as area, region and state. Without them, Bradley is nervous she will not have had the training time she needs to achieve her current goal, setting the record for the 800-meter race. To Bradley, breaking the record could mean the difference between a 60 percent scholarship and a full-ride to Texas Tech.

“It’s really hard when I don’t have that many meets to train in because each meet is a new learning experience,” Bradley said.

“It makes it harder to reach the time I need to hit.”

Even with these setbacks, Telaneus is not worried about how Bradley will perform during her final season.

“She’s always worked hard, but she’s developed a lot of confidence,” said Telaneus. “We’ve called her the animal or the beast from very early on because she’s so tough.”

Despite her nerves, Bradley has been reminding herself that this is a sport she loves and she should be having fun doing it. During her senior year, Bradley hopes that she will be able to have a fun time with friends, while also running her best.

In preparation for her freshman year at Texas Tech, Bradley will have to train hard this summer to stay in shape. Even with a diligent training program in place, Bradley knows she will no longer be one of the best on the team.

“I realize that when I go in, it’s going to be eight million times harder,” Bradley said.

“I have to expect that when I get there, I’m going to be in the back.”

When she arrives in Lubbock in August, Bradley knows she will never forget all the great memories she has made over her four seasons at the school. During high school, the simple moments shared between her and her teammates at track meets are some of the best memories she has.

“You’re with your friends all day long and you’re watching each other race and compete and it’s something you all share a love for,” Bradley said. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Senior Hannah Bradley competes in a cross country race to help prepare for the track season. Bradley committed to run for Texas Tech University.

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22 S P O R T S

#2 Nic Minor_

The crowd grew louder as Flower Mound High School’s pinch runner began closing the gap to home plate. In an attempt to slide in, he cleated then-senior Conner Dotson, who now plays for West Virginia. Suddenly, over twenty bodies spilled out of the dugout to fight for the fallen pitcher. Moments like these from last year’s season made senior outfielder Nic Minor realize the brotherly bonds that he had developed with his teammates. His experience in the school’s baseball program and the friendships he’s cultivated over the past several years is something that he attributes to his decision to sign with Kansas State University earlier this year.

“Honestly, I was just thinking about where I could get the best education, while having the best opportunity to play or start or just to be with a good family organization,” Minor said.

However, pursuing baseball in college didn’t seem like an option for Minor a couple of years ago. While sliding into second base, Minor broke his ankle. The injury took him out for the rest of his sophomore season. Despite his time off, Minor attributes

Kansas State University his comeback as a starter to his hard work post-injury.

“I didn’t think I was going to be as good as I was [before],” Minor said. “I just kept hacking at it and kept playing as hard as I could. I kept working hard and putting my trust in God.” In addition to honing his athletic skills at Kansas State, Minor looks forward to growing academically. If he doesn’t make the Major Leagues, he hopes to become an engineer. Since Kansas State is in the top 100 nationally-ranked engineering colleges and the best in Kansas, the school’s standings were enough to change his mind about his previous commitment to Seminole Junior College.

“It’s just always been a passion,” Minor said. “I like math and science. I’m probably going to be an electrical engineer.”

For Minor, practices under head coach Jeff Sherman have contributed significantly to his athletic growth over the past several years. He says that his time with the team has affected him tremendously. For many of his friendships, that time started when the boys were much younger, as far back as “We’re really like a family here and it’s like you’re playing with your best friends,” Minor said.”I just love all the people that I’ve met playing baseball and all the opportunities I’ve had.”

##4 Jack Cushing_

Georgetown University

teams in playoffs, that was a good opportunity for me,” Cushing said.

It was a sunny summer day, dripping with the signature Texas Unlike most of his peers, Cushing’s recruitment and decision heat. Senior Jack Cushing stepped up to the mound once again. happened over a relatively short period of time. He was pursued The batter adjusted his stance at the plate. The pitcher closed originally by Wake Forest University in North Carolina. However, his eyes and took a breath. In his mind he had memorized the after some of the coaching staff left the school, he looked into exact seat of the recruiting scout in the crowd. It may have been a Georgetown, who finished 6th in the Big East Conference last different one from his last game, but that didn’t change the stakes year, where Wake Forest’s former pitching assistant Erik Supplee at hand. If he wanted the opportunity to play at the collegiate went and became the official pitching coach. After watching level, he knew he would have to give the same, if not better, Cushing at a tournament, Supplee contacted him and set up a performance he gave last time. He focused himself on this one visit. Once he received the offer to play for their team, Cushing pitch, opened his eyes, launched the ball into motion, and pitched knew that Georgetown was where he wanted to be. his first strike of the game.

“Usually there’s longer [recruitment] processes, but this one “When I get up there, I’m just concentrating on one game and was just short and simple for me,” Cushing said. “I’m glad that getting the job done in the little things,” Cushing said. “If I do the happened that way.” little things, the big picture will fit into place.”

While excited for his prospective years at Georgetown, Cushing His focus has paid off and given Cushing the opportunity to says he is approaching the next year as simply the next necessary return to the mound once again, this time at Georgetown University. step if he wants to continue his baseball career. Combining the Looking back on his career, Cushing says his favorite parts of each school’s athletic opportunities of a Division I program in the season were the intense playoff games. In his sophomore season, Big East Conference with the additional academic opportunities an injury to then-junior pitcher, Conner Dotson, left the team provides him with collegiate goals that Cushing says he’s looking in need of a second pitcher. This gave Cushing the opportunity forward to achieving. to start the first game of each of the four rounds of playoffs, “I work hard here, but I feel like at the college level I’ll have pitching against teams like Southlake and South Grand Prairie. nothing but school and baseball to look forward to, so I’m going “As a sophomore in 5-5A going to pitch against those caliber to hit it really hard on both of those,” Cushing said.

MHS MARQUE E.COM

DESIGN MO L L Y WEBBER

SPORTS

# #4

# #2

PHOTOS WILLIAM LEG RO N E

Senior pitcher Jack Cushing throws a fastball in the first inning against Plano. Cushing allowed 2 runs over 5 innings in his outing.

Senior outfielder Nic Minor hits a single while batting in the top of the fourth inning. The Marauders had 15 hits in the game.

23

# #9

Senior first baseman Brendan Venter runs out a pop fly during an at-bat. The Marauders beat the Wildcats 12-7 in the game.

BaTTING WITH THE BEST STORY R A CH E L R A M I R E Z

Last year the baseball team, known as the Pack, made it to the regional finals before losing to rival Flower Mound. This year they return all but two starters and are ranked number 10 in the state. With multiple Division 1 recruits on the team, the Pack looks to make another deep postseason run.

#9 Brendan Venter_ Stephen F. Austin University It was the first game day of the 2013 season. The night before, members of The Pack had been texting each other in anticipation.

Somebody proposed that each teammate wear their uniforms to class in celebration of their first game. Little did then-sophomore third baseman Brendan Venter know, the texts were pure sarcasm. they weren’t supposed to be taken seriously.

“I actually showed up in my uniform and no one else did,” Venter said. “That was kind of embarrassing.”

Venter, now a senior, was able to overcome his awkward underclassmen days and signed to play baseball at Stephen F. Austin State University earlier this school year. SFA wasn’t the only school with their eye on Venter. Schools like Texas A&M also offered Venter a spot on their team. However, Venter said that SFA had most of the opportunities for his development as a player.

“I was just looking for a place where I could come in and play right away as a freshman and not to have to wait a couple years behind the seniors,” Venter said. “I feel like that was my best opportunity to come in and play right away.”

DESIGN MOLLY WEB B ER

Like many players, Venter said he would love the chance to play in the big leagues. However, until such an opportunity presents itself, Venter plans to pursue a flexible career path, as well as play baseball at SFA. Job opportunities in business and coaching are also interests for Venter.

“I’m going to go get a degree in kinesiology, something pretty simple where I could go multiple ways,” Venter said. “I’m not 100 percent sure on what I want to do yet, but I have multiple things that I’m thinking about.”

Overall, playing at the collegiate level is something that he attributes not only to years of hard work, but also to the community and brotherhood of The Pack. When most students select senior in on their schedule, it’s just so they can get an extra hour of sleep. However, for players like Venter, it’s an extra hour of practice where the teammates encourage each other to go the extra mile in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a state championship they fell short of last year. Venter said his time spent with the team has helped prepare him for the next step in more ways than one.

“I feel like the whole team atmosphere just sets you up for life, not only with the game of baseball, but in the future with being the best husband you can be and being the best father,” Venter said.

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24 E N T E R T A I N M E N T

A O H W O Y O FR STORY D A R CI W A L T O N

In recent years the frozen yogurt trend has taken over the dessert scene across the country.

Flower Mound is no exception and boasts many frozen yogurt shops. From classics like vanilla and chocolate to unique flavors like Rocket Pop Sorbet and Red Velvet, there is something for everyone. The Marquee decided to see what the hype is all about.

5

swirled to perfection

Dairy Good

4

Yogurt Story

3

tastefully topped

2

So-so sorbet

1

Needs a little elsa

3 The cheapest yogurt store in Flower Mound is Yogurt Story, which costs 35 cents per ounce. The bright and naturally-lit shop is also located off of 407 and has a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The 16 flavors the store offers rarely change and are a mix of unique flavors and the classics.

The fruit toppings are always really fresh and make your yogurt look great on Instagram. Once you’ve perfected your yogurt and topping combination, there is a whole rainbow of spoons to choose from, unlike the standard pink and green offered at the other stores. One downside to Yogurt Story is that there isn’t a water jug to chase down your yogurt with like there is at every other store. Overall the store is a great place to grab a sweet treat that’s close to home and not too expensive.

M HS MARQUE E.COM

DESIGN & PHOTOS A NNA KA TE HU TTO N

ENTERTAINMENT

Yogurtland

25

5 The newest frozen yogurt shop to open in Flower Mound is Yogurtland. The brightly-colored store is located next to Mellow Mushroom on Cross Timbers Road. As you walk in, you are greeted by a very welcoming staff that ensure your visit is the best it can be. As for flavors, Yogurtland offers the widest range of flavors of any of the shops. Flavors change frequently, depending on the season or promotion. Currently the Flavor Quest that is taking place and introducing flavors from around the world, such as Churro and Alphonso Mango Tart. You can taste the quality of the yogurt with its perfect balance of smooth creaminess and cold stiffness.

The toppings are also top-notch. Yogurtland even offers homemade whipped cream. At 43 cents per ounce it is a little pricey, but if you start a rewards card, discounts are easily obtainable. The rewards card also works with the Yogurtland app, where you can track your points, as well as check which stores have a certain flavor, enabling you to always satisfy your sweet tooth.

Tappy’s Yogurt

4 If you’re looking to try something new and to venture out of Flower Mound, Tappy’s is the place for you. Located on MacArthur Blvd. in Lewisville, Tappy’s offers delicious yogurt and rotates their flavors weekly to provide a new experience each time you visit. To personalize your yogurt even more, the shop has an abundance of toppings, both in quality and quantity. From fresh fruit to gummy frogs, Tappy’s has it all. Accommodations for any size party can be made with the seating. At 44 cents per ounce it is among the more pricey yogurt shops in the area, but the flavor and quality of the treat is definitely worth it, and the store offers a Tappy Hour on weekday afternoons giving customers 10 percent off.

DESIGN & PHOTOS AN N A K ATE H UTTO N

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26 E N T E R T A I N M E N T

3

3 Steps to a STORY K AI TLI N RO B I S O N

AP tests are right around the corner which can cause plenty of stress and frustration.

Some people might buy a 5 Steps to a 5 book, some might buy some flash cards, some may venture out to a notorious study session. But too much studying will undoubtedly lead to a meltdown, which is why everyone needs some AP coping skills.*

Food, Food, Food Food is key. Twelve packs of Red Bull and Coca Cola are essential for pulling all nighters after you procrastinate. Doughnut holes, full cartons of ice cream and Domino’s pizza will be your best friend when it’s 2 a.m. and you don’t think you can handle one more Spanish vocabulary word.

But, your most important meal is right before your exam. Your breakfast should just be all your favorite food guilty pleasures. Beef jerky, hot pockets, mac and cheese, cheesecake. Anything consumed with sugar and 1,000 plus calories should definitely be on your AP exam breakfast menu.

Netflix Too much studying causes unneeded stress, which is not good before a major test. Breaks filled with Modern Family, the Walking Dead or American Horror Story will maintain your sanity. And not just one episode breaks. At least one full season is necessary for a 3. You’ll probably find yourself saying, “just one more episode” until you look at your alarm clock and see that it’s already time to wake up. This is good, because it means you’ll be so tired that you won’t have the energy to worry about your exams. You’ve probably heard myths about sleep being important prior to exams, but not for a 3.

Study Groups Everyone needs a “study group” that does anything but study. In fact, you should get less studying done with these people than you do on your own. Study groups typically take place at a local Starbucks, and successfully ordering a Caramel Macchiato will be the only thing this group accomplishes. But, everyone needs friends who will cry with them over covalent bonds and laugh for no reason with them at 1 a.m. when the Red Bull is in full effect. These study groups are good for class gossip sessions and daily rants about tough teachers. *This is satire. If you don’t know what satire means, you probably shouldn’t have signed up for that AP test.* M HS MARQUE E.COM

DESIGN RA C HEL R A MIR EZ

ENTERTAINMENT

What type of teacher would you be?

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COMPILED K AI TLI N RO B I S O N

1. What type of student are you?

A. The honor student - You really enjoy challenging yourself academically.

B. The sporty student - You would rather be on the football field than in class.

C. The social student - You always have plans with friends.

2. What type of writing utensils do you use?

A. Whatever College Board prefers.

B. The first pencil you find on the floor.

C. A stylus.

3. How do you relieve stress after a long day of school?

A. Stressing yourself with more homework.

B. Going on a run.

C. Subtweeting your high school rivals.

4. How do you spend the weekend?

A. Studying way too much.

B. Going to yet another select tournament.

C. Netflix binging until the wee hours of the morning.

5. What extracurriculars are you involved in?

A. Every honor society imaginable.

B. Anything that gets you outside.

C. Working with the Nerd Herd.

AP Teacher

Coach

Technology Advocate

If you got mostly ’s you could be an AP teacher. You would strive for absolute perfection in all of your students. Veins might pop out of your forehead and you could have an aneurism if a student whispers or texts during class. You know what’s at stake for them even if they don’t.

If you got mostly ’s you could be a coach. You’ll probably feel like you can walk the line between getting work done and having fun. You might think you’re another one of the bros, but your students know if they get too comfortable, they will be running. You hope your class would be one where your students feel comfortable, but also do well.

If you got mostly ’s you could be a tech advocate. Every opportunity you get, you would make sure your students have their iPads out. It could get a bit crazy when you require your math students to create illustrations with a stylus instead of a pencil, you would hope their learning equips them for the future.

A

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B

C

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28 O P I N I O N

Just indulge M o lly Webb er

@ mol l ygra c e 9 2 4

As my dad sat on the large blue hospital chair, he wrung his hands. He slowly moved one nervous finger up to his scar, tracing the surgeon’s mark from a brain tumor removal surgery that took place less than a year ago.

The only thing interrupting the silence was the constant clicking the doctor made with his mouse as he reviewed my father’s MRI scans.

This had been the ritual for my dad over the past year. Every two weeks, he went in for a checkup, prepared for nothing but the worst.

“It’s just, every time I recover from the last chemo treatment, I have to go back to get more,” he complained to the doctor.

The doctor nodded and ended the clicking. He made eye contact with my fa-

ther, mother and myself.

Great, I thought, here it comes, extra icing on the cancer cake. Every time a doctor had made sure all of us were paying attention, bad news seemed to follow. But this time, it was different.

“Well, Mr. Webber, there isn’t any visible growth of the tumors anywhere in your nervous system,” he said.

The heavy tension in the room was suddenly released as my mother let out a sigh.

However, my father continued to wring his hands and kept a poker face. He had always been good at that.

The doctor noticed my dad’s guard and attempted to break down the wall.

“I don’t know how I could give you any better news,” he said.

My dad tried to listen to him as he described the next steps to maintain the cancer-free lifestyle. However, despite the doctor’s smiling and my mother’s relief, my father remained like a statue, unchanged by the good news.

I seemed to be the only one that continued to feel his uneasiness. The news of his remission didn’t affect either of us because we were waiting for the next issue that we would have to deal with as a family.

If the cancer had taught us anything, it was that everything has an expiration date, especially when it’s sugarcoated. The sweet-

est triumphs of cancer seemed to dissipate faster than any other aspect.

So as the doctor attempted to truly show the optimism that came with the news, my father and I kept our guard all the way up. How long would this good news last before something else came along?

However, when we were dismissed and exited the hospital with nothing else, negative or positive, I felt like I had concentrated so much on the negative anticipation that I had forgotten to enjoy the positive. I had missed out.

I took a deep breath of cancer-free air, reached for my dad’s hand, and didn’t let go until we entered our car.

I realized that the best thing to do when receiving news is to pretend it’s like a dessert, a treat. Yes, there will most likely be consequences from savoring it. They can range anywhere from gaining a few extra pounds to going back for more cell-murdering treatment, but ultimately it is important sometimes to just indulge.

Taste the minutes that you have together with those you love, healthy or not. Live life the way it’s given to you, and feel the sweetness that it has to offer. It makes the consequences worth it in the end, so that when your plate is empty from the tasty treat, you can say that you enjoyed everything it had to offer.

Sweet tweets COMPILED DARCI WALTO N

can i like make a fort or something and hide in there and ignore all responsibilities and just not go to school anymore cuz that may be fun

what’s Obamas last name -Megan Waldorf, 10 @megwaldorf_

I honestly think I enjoy the cookie dough more than the actual cookie -Carson Walls, 11 @carsonwalls22

-Emily Balderson, 9 @emily_balderson

M HSMARQUE E.COM

DESIGN R IL EY MC C L U R E

OPINION

Vegan victim Al yssa Schmi dt

@ Al ys s a _ Sc hmid t 7

“Hey, Alyssa. Did you hear about the vegan, the atheist and the Crossfitter that walked into a bar?” an obnoxious male that shall remain nameless said.

I roll my eyes. Of course I’ve heard this joke before. In my eight months as a vegan, it’s been a common occurrence. I start to answer but am cut off by the punchline.

“I only know because they all announced it as soon as they walked in.”

If I had a dollar for everytime I heard this joke, I’d probably have enough money to buy the whole bar. It almost always come from the same people too. The obnoxiou bacon obsessed male who is flabbergasted that anyone would go against their way of thinking. The joke targets not the person casually being vegan, but the ones on that

unfortunately become the stereotype.

As a vegan, I can say that I find the punchline to be extremely hypocritical. I know that I have never entered a room and shouted, “I’m vegan, bask in my excellence.”

Instead, when my dietary choice is brought up in appropriate conversation (most of the time by other people), I’m almost immediately harassed. I might as well be placed in a dim room with a single light shining in my face while detectives interrogate me.

Usually as they lecture me on my choices they will munch on something extremely non-vegan. Something like a hamburger or copious amounts of bacon. The grease clings to their hands and faces as they disrespectfully question my choices.

“So if you’re a vegan, why do you eat meat flavored things? Don’t you hate meat?”

I have to calmly reply that I don’t disagree with eating meat. I just don’t agree with inhumane factory farm practices.

“Do you really think that by not eating meat you can solve any of that though?

Why even try?”

I simply reply that, maybe it won’t solve anything, but at least I know that I’m not a part of the problem. Simply acknowledging the problem is not enough for me. I couldn’t sleep at night knowing that I’m helping to cause the exploitation of innocent animals.

Not once do I ever call out to non-veg-

29

ans what I would believe to be the wrong life choices. Being vegan requires making a lot of sacrifices. It requires endless reading of labels, checking and double checking. It requires eating a lot of bland salads at restaurants that don’t have many vegan options.

It requires reminding yourself as you stare at a cupcake that it’s not worth the suffering you would cause. Because of that, I would never accuse someone of being a murderer or boast about my superiority.

However, for whatever reason, I’m constantly accused of impressing my ideals on other people. There’s plenty of vegan “propaganda” that I could ramble on and on about.

I don’t because I know that what I believe to be morally right might not be the same to you. On the other hand, people are always trying to tell me that my lifestyle as a vegan is frivolous.

But in a society that’s obsessed with pointing out our differences it’s hard to be taken seriously for something that goes against the norm. I’ve accepted that this will be a common occurrence for as long as I am vegan. I can only hope that by reading this some people will come to understand that someone being vegan is not a direct attack against your lifestyle. We’re just simply taking another path.

literally just spent thirty minutes baking a cake so I could lick the bowl afterwards

Good thing I have senior in and out now so I can finish this essay before school :-)

@TODAYshow reports that school principals have the happiest jobs! I agree!!

-Teju Aurovatsa, 11 @TejuAurovatsa

-Michael Wright, 12 @Wrightmichael13

-Chantell Upshaw, MHS9 Principal @ChantellUpshaw

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30 O P I N I O N

Putting others first Ra chel Rami rez

@ rd r 17 9

Sixty senior citizens had passed by my position behind the counter, each asking me what I was serving.

It didn’t matter that I had just specifically asked them, “beef or chicken?”

Or that before this monthly dance, I had sat down with my boss to make clear labels for the dishes.

Regardless, once the majority of the residents had made their way through the serving line at Franklin Park Apartments Retirement Community, I had the opportunity to take a break and chat with my boss for a few minutes. Sitting down never felt so good. However, my break was cut short when I saw a figure rise out of the corner of my eye and heading my way.

“Hey, let’s dance,” the small, scruffy man said, extending a hand.

In my mind, things moved in slow motion. I quickly calculated that I had about ten seconds of socially acceptable silence

MARQUEE Remarks

to make a decision before this conversation became awkward. Normally, decisions like these came easy to me. However, this wasn’t the tender, wise, cracking grandfather of those cute, tear-jerker movies. From watching him interact with the other residents, I could tell he was the social outcast of the complex.

This man, slightly younger than the other residents, was aggressive, awkward, and stood a little too close. From his demeanor to his conversations, everything about him seemed just a little bit different.

Everything in my mind screamed to decline his offer. But everybody was watching, including the silver-haired hopeful, who, despite his unsettling appearance, seemed to have sweet intentions. Somehow, I felt my legs rise beneath me.

“Sure,” I heard myself say.

And that’s how I ended up two-stepping with a man quadruple my age to Deep in the Heart of Texas.

This set the tone for my approach for all of the work at the retirement community. Once I made that decision, choices like smiling at the residents and laughing at their somewhat dated jokes became easier.

Dances with this gentleman are a monthly occurrence now. To this day, I get the uneasy feelings in my stomach because of the way society has conditioned people to view people like him, who are a little awkward when expressing themselves. He

THE

How do you think U.S. immigration policy should change?

COMPILED C ARA C RO C K ER

thinks differently, acts differently, and talks differently than I do and not in a quirky, charming way. I don’t think he intends to be, but sometimes he’s just plain rude.

But that first day, I came to a very important realization. It’s not going to hurt me to dance with him. It’s not going to kill me to spend three minutes with him talking about his work at the hospital, or asking how his day went. In fact, once he started talking, he wasn’t as unpleasant as I had originally thought. I discovered during that first dance that I don’t lose anything by brightening his day.

Spending a few minutes with him each month has positively translated to virtually every other aspect of my life. I don’t have to create world peace to make an impact on people. There are little opportunities everyday to make decisions that benefit other people’s lives. Being aware of the needs of others and looking around me for just a few moments can better other peoples’ days.

Serving chicken and cheesecake to sassy senior citizens has taught me to look at life with a wider lens. Receiving a genuine thank you for the work that the staff team does for these dances is one of the things that makes my day. Working there has reminded me to make time for the other people in my life. Situations like these have helped me to put myself in other’s shoes.Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be the wrinkled old lady in the retirement home who just wants to dance with someone.

“I think Obama’s plan is a good idea because illegal immigrants have raised their children here, and they should be able to have lives here.”

“I think it’s closedminded. I think we should be helping others because we are in a position to do so, and we are one of the more better off countries.”

-Haley Hollowell, 9

-Christine Mendonca, 10

PHOTOS AV ERI C O LLEN

M HS MARQUE E.COM

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OPINION

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Citizenship process should be more efficient STAFF EDITORIAL

Last November, President Obama initiated executive actions that protected immigrants from deportation as long as they have lived in the United States for at least five years, pass a background check, and pay taxes. In early February, 26 states, led by Texas, sued the Administration. They say that Obama went around Congress to unilaterally change the nation’s immigration laws. On Feb. 16, a federal judge in Texas stopped the executive order, delaying its effects. The aftermath has reopened the age-old debate of immigration reform.

Most politicians agree that the immigration system needs to be fixed.

However, a better solution at the moment might be to address the citizenship process for those that qualify. The current process in place is grueling and outdated. Once an immigrant is deemed legal, the citizenship process should be easier, so immigrants can begin to pay taxes for the services they now receive.

The fee to obtain a green card, which allows a permanent citizen to work in the country, is unreasonably expensive.

According to ABC News, most immigration attorneys charge over $3,000, and some cases this can cost closer to $10,000. According to the The United States Citizenship and

“It needs to be accessible to gain the ability to immigrate, but we also do need to be careful with who we allow in.”

-Kendra Felmly, 11

DESIGN RILE Y MCC LURE

Immigration Services, the cost of the actual citizenship application is roughly $680, putting the total cost somewhere between $4,000 and $11,000. This is ridiculous considering the average annual income of illegal residents is less than $24,000 and that of those in third-world countries is even lower. Once they are allowed to become citizens, these immigrants will pay taxes and be encouraged to seek jobs without fear of deportation. By reducing the cost of the actual application, more immigrants could be persuaded to earn their citizenship.

Aside from the cost, the time required to earn permanent residence is extremely unpredictable. After completing naturalization papers, an immigrant can expect months of delays. Though it usually takes 6-7 years to become a citizen, due to the minimum 5 years of green card possession, there is no guaranteed time window for gaining citizenship. The current immigration process is first-come, firstserve to those who qualify. Once again, a greater amount of federal funding should be used to create jobs that will help shorten the line of waiting applicants.

The first stage, also known as labor certification, is particularly difficult because the Labor Department must run

“I think it should be stricter because there is a lot of gray whenever it comes to certain issues” -Katie Bienek, 12

a background check, looking at files such as criminal records and any warrants. On average, a case can take up to two years before the INS even looks into the file.

Though the background checks are essential to maintaining a sound immigration system, the application process should not take so long that those who qualify for it become discouraged or give up.

Before the cost and time required to earn citizenship can even be considered, the qualification to apply itself is harsh.

There is virtually no way for an unskilled immigrant without relatives in the U.S. to apply for permanent legal residence. Unless they have a professional degree that appears desirable to the U.S. government, they will likely be rejected. By allowing a portion of the unskilled workers already in America that currently have jobs to earn citizenship, tax dollars could be generated.

The bottom line is that more skilled workers should be given the opportunity to earn citizenship, regardless of their former education.

Though the solution to immigration reform isn’t clear cut, making citizenship an easier process could bring more money to the tax system and ultimately help the economy.

“It needs to be updated.

It needs to be fixed.

However, it does not give the right to those who are coming in here illegally to be granted amnesty.”

-Ty Kelly, AP World History

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32 S P O T L I G H T

Batter up!

The Texas Rangers host the Houston Astros in their home opener today at 3:05 p.m. to start the 2015 season. The Rangers had a record of 9-17 during their spring training session in Surprise, Arizona.

Notable players to watch this year for the Rangers will include Adrian Beltré, who hit .324 with 77 RBIs last year, and Prince Fielder, who missed the majority of last season after having neck surgery.

PHOTOS A V ER I C O L L EN

During warm ups before their game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium, first basemen Prince Fielder, Mitch Moreland, shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Adrián Beltré hang around as they watch batting practice.

Rangers’ minor league player Lewis Brinson hits a triple and slides into third base during their B-team game against the San Diego Padres’ B-team.

Former Ranger and future Hall-of-Famer “Pudge” Rodriguez plays catch before a spring training game. Rodriguez played for the Rangers from 1991-2002 and had 311 career home runs.

DESIGN RACHE L RA MI REZ

Pitcher David Martinez throws during the B-team game against the Padres. He signed a minor league contract with the Rangers in November 2014.

Beltré prepares to leave the practice fields to warm up at Peoria Stadium. He has been with the Rangers since 2011 and has played four times in the All-Star Game.

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