Plano Senior High School Plano, TX 75075 www.wildcattales.com @PSHSpub Volume 69 Issue 11 May 27, 2015

As one class departs from the cherished walls of this school, their memories pass with them. Students hardly notice the intricate details and stories that converged into creating

this campus. These halls will have supported thousands of students and nurtured their careers for 40 years this August. The way our school used to be prior to its current home only survives in memories and trophy cases. The school has occupied several buildings, but it’s previous home was a mostly square memorial to public school education. The building still stands, now functioning as Williams Junior High School. By the early ‘70s, the school had outgrown its space and clamored for a larger home and purpose, much like the seniors it graduated every year. Economics teacher Mary-Jo Lewis taught at Plano when the school was located on 17th Street, and understood the district’s desire for a larger space to teach its growing population. “It was a very compact school,” Lewis said. “You would walk out of your room and there was the library. It was nothing like having multiple buildings. The restrooms were close by, the cafeteria was smaller, and there was no off campus lunch.” While the old building functioned for 12 years, it was not without flaws. Those flaws still affect the school, even in a new home. One of these quirks was a PA system, which the current campus lacks. According to Lewis, there was a debate about having a PA system after its failures at the old school. “One time at the old school the principal came on the PA and announced that a ‘certain group’ of people should come out in the halls,” Lewis said. “Two seconds later, he realized his mistake and commanded the teachers to get the students back in class. He did not realize his announcement called about 300 kids out of class. Instead of calling upon a certain room, the PA system would call for something in the office and it came out over the school.”

No one has had a larger impact on this school more than Dr. Doyle Dean, who was the principal for 24 years. While he was originally at Williams Junior High in 1975, Dean remembers the state of the district which built our campus. “When the school opened, the biggest complaint was that it was way out in the country,” Dean said. “People asked why they didn’t build it downtown. The committee realized that wasn’t the direction Plano was growing in. When it was opened there weren’t houses across the street, some kids would park over there and get stuck in the mud. It was out in the country and not in the middle of town.” Mary Gribble was a part of the first graduating class to spend both years at the school. According to Gribble, the transition from the old campus to the new one was a challenge. “I liked the old high school because of the tradition and really wasn’t too excited about the new one at first,” Gribble said. “I felt comfortable at the old school and maybe the new one felt overwhelming to me at first, but it became home and a nice place to finish off my last two years of high school. I felt lucky that I was a part of the junior class to attend the massive new senior high.” The changing nature of the school kept some traditions alive, but not others. For example, after every football game the school used to host a dance inside the cafeteria. “The dance was well attended and was always a big thing,” Dean said. “Over the next few years students would stop coming. Eventually the dance died out and we stopped having it.” However, according to Lewis, some of the strongest traditions at Plano were accidents that survived the times. Before and after shots of the fine arts center show the differences of the years. When

Dean retired, the school decided to rename the building the Doyle Dean Performance Center. According to Dean, this came as a surprise to him. “It’s interesting that they named a Fine Arts building after me because I was never in any fine arts classes,” Dean said. “The closest I came was in 6th grade when my teacher had us play a sweet potato like instrument and we had that practice twice a week.”

“I pretty much just hang out with my friends and do a lot of stuff,” Wright said. “We go to job sites for career. We go to Kroger and we go to Coach Zea’s popcorn shop, Legends Popcorn. We stock the shelves.” On the other hand, senior James DeLeon takes all general education classes but is on the modified plan, allowing him to get teachers’ notes, use notes on tests,

and have a lighter work load. “It helps me a lot because I can still get my work done and I can still pass,” DeLeon said. “It’s just not doing the same amount of work the other kids are doing. It relieves me.” Wright has epilepsy, causing him to have seizures. He takes medicine to control his seizures, and has them less frequently than he used to. Until age seven, Wright had 3 to 5 seizures a month. His doctor kept changing his medicine until they found one that worked. This past year, Wright went nine months without having a seizure. “It feels like you’re flopping like a fish out of water,” Wright said. “It feels really bad because I feel really sore after all my seizures.”

DeLeon has Asperger’s syndrome, which was previously believed to be high functioning Autism

Spectrum Disorder. He was diagnosed with autism at age five and at age 11, it was concluded it was Asperger’s. “One of the main symptoms that people use is severe trouble with social situations,” DeLeon said. “People with Asperger’s tend to take jokes and sarcasm literally. They can be socially awkward. It does give me some advantages, like having a good memory.” Each of William Winrow’s special education classes have about six or seven students, and aides to help the students. They branch off into stations after learning new material, depending on the student’s independence and how much they can comprehend. Worksheets reinforce what they learn. The schoolwork is presented at a kindergarten to eighth grade level. “I think all of them are able to learn but they all learn in different ways,” Winrow said. “You have visual learners, hands on learners, kids who do better with puzzles or cutting, kids that read well, and kids with photographic memories. It’s similar to general ed children -- some of us just do things better than others. You have to find their gift.”

FITTING IN

COMMEMORATING THE PAST

Wright and DeLeon hold tags that identifies their disability. “My favorite part of the special ed program is making new friends,” Wright said. “I love coming to school.”

Wildcats reflect upon Plano’s 40 year anniversaryBy Gabe LaBounty

Continued on p. 3

By MaryClare Colombo

Continued on wildcattales.com

Students journey through special education program

Housed in a hallway in A building, the special education program’s students learn how to transition into the adult world. Enrollment in the program varies from year to year. Some students have Down syndrome -- others have autism. Some are higher functioning and some have a multitude of behavior problems. Some are more independent than others. Senior Trevor Wright has primarily been in special education classes since elementary school.

Photo by MaryClare Colombo

Photo by Gabe LaBounty

Photo from 1976 Planonian

Introductions 2THE WILDCAT TALES MAY 27, 2015

Although writing is sometimes the most difficult challenge for students, I decided to join newspaper because I wanted to further my passion for writing. Little did I know how much it all entails! This year as a staff member has led me through the highs and lows of journalism as a whole, and I see it as a challenge. It’s a tremendous responsibility to produce a paper with timely, interesting, and factual information that covers the entire student body on a regular basis, but there’s nothing I’d rather do.

Erienne TerpakPrint Editor-in-Chief

For me, it was a simple choice to enter the field of journalism. I do not know what led me to create an online soccer blog in the summer of 2013, probably sheer boredom, but I do know that the months I spent growing the site confirmed to me what I wanted my path in life to be. I wanted to write about the goings- on in the world, and preferably those involving sports. I wanted to be a journalist. And now, three websites and two years later, I find myslef acting as one, with following year the next step in the journey.

Cameron DrummondSports and Social Media Editor

Lydia SebanyDesign EditorAlthough I never gave much thought into signing up for newpaper as a sophomore, it has become one of the most important parts of my life. Being in charge of all the visual aspects of the paper, I will do my best to captivate every single reader and keep them waiting for the each upcom-ing issue. Next year will not determine the rest of our lives, but it will determine our immediate futures and I am hoping for the best.

Newspaper is more than slapping words down on a page and calling it a story. You have to get to know the people or events you’re writing about. As a junior staffer I’ve been given the opportunity to experience many of the clubs that make our school as so great. It’s important for every voice to be heard, regardless of who you know. Journalism allows people to share the truth and discover new ideas. I’m honored to be a part of next year’s Editor staff, and I’m looking forward to expanding the horizons of the newspaper.

Vincent Tellez Online Editor-in-Chief

Newspaper has given me the opportunity to experience my last years in high school from an entirely different perspective. When I originally applied, I wanted to try something new, and I ended up enjoying my time being a part of the staff. Learning about so many different parts of the school through our stories, and gaining skills that can be used almost anywhere is what makes being a part of the newspaper staff such a unique experience.I’m excited to see what the new school year will do for us!

Suhina ChopraBuisness Manager and Copy Editor

the 2015-2016 Wildcat Tales

Editors

News 3THE WILDCAT TALES MAY 27, 2015

DeLeon has big goals for his future. As a part of his Asperger’s, he is fascinated by animals. He wants to work at a zoo, and recently interviewed for and received a volunteer position at the Dallas Zoo. “I like all of my classes, but I really like Vet Med.,” DeLeon said. “It’s a good source of information for my future career. My family supports me and gives me a lot of good feedback. They help me try to build a positive attitude, and help me when I don’t like having Asperger’s. At home, I get to be my own person.” Wright hopes to be a softball coach and possibly work somewhere like McDonald’s on the side in the future. “I’m going to Collin College for the adult transition program,” Wright said. “I’ll learn about budgeting and things like that. I plan to live with my mom for a couple years, and then I plan to live in a group home.” Collin College’s Adult Transition program is only one of the numerous post-graduate options for students. Students can go into vocational programs and also attend after school programs to assist their transition into the real world. Some students don’t go into one of the post graduation options and live at home, move to a group home or have other plans, depending on what their parents suggest. “A lot of them are ready to move on when they’re seniors,” Winrow said. “Just like the regular kids. They want to be a part of the social scene just like everybody else is.” Both Wright and DeLeon will walk at graduation. According to DeLeon, he will

miss being in school. “I like that school is an opportunity to learn different things,” DeLeon said. “It can be good if you don’t want to stay around the house all day and do nothing. It’s a good way for people to become more social and make new friends. The hardest part is not really socializing or being accepted by people.” When Winrow was young, he had a speech impediment. He was shy to talk to people because he didn’t want them to know about his speech impediment. “The people who did accept me looked at who I was,” Winrow said. “They really made a difference in my life and helped me build my confidence.” Oftentimes, some special education students feel left out as many students don’t take the time to get to know them. DeLeon said he likes to tell people about his Asperger’s to help others understand him. “Know that I can be a good person if you would give me a chance,” DeLeon said. “I’m usually a loner. I just want people to accept me as I am. Maybe support me, and I can support myself.”

Students journey through the special education programContinued from front page By MaryClare Colombo

Wright and DeLeon have been a part of the special education program for their entire lives. Both will move on to Collin College next year. “I’m a really friendly guy,” Wright said. “My favorite part of the special education program is making new friends. I love coming to school.”

Photo by MaryClare Colombo

Sports 4THE WILDCAT TALES MAY 27, 2015

Season strikeout Baseball and softball seasons end The baseball and softball seasons have come to an end with both varsity squads being eliminated by the Keller Indians in two game sweeps in the bi-district round of the playoffs. Despite the disappointment at the end of the season, baseball team members like senior pitcher Graham Welch held high praise for the 2014-2015 season overall. “Our season was fun, but there were a few rough patches where we didn’t get to play very well,” Welch said. “We got back on track several times and ended up making the playoffs in a tough district, so I think it was a successful season.” According to Welch, every team experiences periods of extreme highs and lows during the course of a season. “Our worst moment was probably after getting off to an 0-3 start,” Welch said. “The whole team had a very serious discussion with the coaches about becoming more serious because we had to start winning games. Our best moment was probably after we beat Plano West for the second time because we knew we could control our destiny if we just kept playing well.” Meanwhile for the varsity softball team, the season featured a variety of struggles for players including senior first baseman Brianna Boulanger, as the team dealt with issues of field construction and inclement weather.“The team has had to battle through so much adversity this year,” Boulanger said. “We’ve had construction done to the field which made practices harder. We’ve also had a lot of rain which made the schedule difficult, and we didn’t really have much of a preseason to prepare us for district. But I think we handled it very well and gave it our all in an

incredibly hard season.” According to varsity softball coach Molly Pipak, their series loss was a sad outcome because of the high work ethic of the players throughout the year. “I watched these girls invest their time into this program and it hurts knowing that it’s over,” Pipak said. “They work so hard from August to May. They miss school for tournaments, have open wounds from diving and sliding, bruises all over, bad tan lines, we play in the extreme cold and when it is scorching outside. That is why it’s so hard when the season comes to an end.”

Looking back on the season as a whole, Pipak holds some regrets about the way things played out for the Wildcats in 2014-15. “I think something that I would have changed about our game preparation would have been to have more team discussions,” Pipak said. “It seemed that everything went so fast due to the weather that we weren’t able to ever really sit down and talk like I would have liked to. The excessive amounts of rain even limited our practice time during the majority of the season. It was just a challenging season with the obstacles I mentioned, so we were unable to have the team meetings like I wanted to.” For Welch, his experience during this season may have featured its ups and downs, but he strived to enjoy the time he spent with teammates through it all. “I had an awesome time playing with some amazing players this year and it’s something that I will never forget,” Welch said.” I loved all the underclassmen and I know they’re going to do great next year. Our team is very fun and as the season went on, we all started to bond more.” For Boulanger, a three year starter on varsity softball, the comradery with her teammates is something that she will cherish from the past season. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we got through it together,” Boulanger said. “They are my sisters, and I’m devastated that we’re all going our separate ways next year. I’m so proud of each and everyone of them.. I know they’ll always be there for me, and I’ll always be there for them.”

The next season for the boys soccer team will hold a new fortune. Former player Tex McCullough will be the new varsity head coach in place of Doug Adams, who was recently relieved of his coaching duties. The name may seem familiar as Tex is the son of head football coach and PSHS Athletics Director Jaydon McCullough. Tex most recently served as both the head JV coach and assistant varsity coach at Plano East for a period of three years. Prior to that, Tex attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and lettered as a true freshman while also receiving the Michigan Athletic Academic Achievement Award. Following two knee injuries, he transferred to Division II Midwestern University where, as a forward, he scored three game winning goals, won three Lone Star Conference titles, and made three NCAA Division II playoff appearances, including a trip to the Final Four in his senior year. “We never lost a home game during my three year career at Midwestern and we were never ranked lower than fifth in the country,” Tex said. “During the last season of my college career, I completely blew out my left knee in the Elite Eight and it ended my playing days. I was blessed to be a part of both collegiate programs and was thankful that I got the opportunity to contribute to both.” As a Plano alumnus, Tex holds high expectations for the current crop of student-athletes. “I expected to be a head soccer coach somewhere, but I never dreamed that it would be Plano,” Tex said. “I know it is a great responsibility, but I will gladly except all the pressures that come along with the job. As a coach you want to be somewhere that has high expectations and Plano is exactly a place like that. It can be stressful, but as a competitor you dream of no other situation.”

The elder McCullough meanwhile maintains no doubt that his son is the right man for the task at hand. “I’m his father so it’s a little awkward but it’s cool that we both share such a great opportunity,” Jaydon said. “I know he’ll do a good job because he’s in a family of coaches, he’s got a lot of experience, and he’s had a lot of success when he was both here at Plano and in college.” Even though the two coaches share a kinship, Jaydon does not want it to interfere with his son’s new responsibilities. “I’ve been giving him advice his entire life, but ultimately he’s going to have to do his job,” Jaydon said. “He’s an expert on his new position and on top of that he’s really

passionate. I want the team to be successful and I want him to be successful.” Jaydon also feels confident in his son’s ability to resurrect the boys soccer program following the results of this past season. “There is no doubt in my mind that Tex is the man for the job. He loves Plano, he loves the Plano soccer program, and he knows the tradition,” Jaydon said. “He’ll work himself and the kids hard and the program is headed in the right direction.” Tex views the arrangement as fortunate given that he has always looked up to his father. “It’s been a dream of mine to be working alongside my dad,” Tex said. “Growing up I always wanted to be able to coach football with him, so the fact that I still get to lean on my dad for help and leadership is priceless for me. Knowing that my dad will be there is a feeling that you can’t put into words.”

Junior defender Jon Roth was a part of the JV team for both his freshman and sophomore years before moving up to the varsity ranks this season and believes that Tex will be a welcome addition for the team. “The change in coaching is going to be a different experience,” Roth said. “I think it’s good that they hired Coach McCullough. These past few weeks that we’ve been working with him shows me that he’s really good at doing

his job.” Roth notes the night and day difference between Adams’ and McCullough’s coaching styles as the change takes shape. “I think things are going to change for the better because we’re more disciplined than last year and you can see that he’s trying to turn it around,” Roth said. “It’s a lot more difficult now because Coach McCullough is running us and we’re doing a lot more working out than we did with the previous coach.” With the addition of their new coach, Roth hopes for improvements come next season. “Hopefully we can win district and make playoffs, that’d be pretty awesome,” Roth said. “Every once and a while we go to a state championship game, and I think that we can do it if we just try. Last year was a rough year, there was a lot of tension between our team and the coach. We kind of needed someone to help us out.” With the opportunities provided to him, Tex envisions a bright future for both himself and the boys soccer program. “Coaching is what I believe I am supposed to be doing in life,” Tex said. “The feeling that I get when I see an athlete succeed not only on the field but in life as well is just incredible. Teaching young men and guiding them in a positive direction is my ultimate goal.”

By Mari Brown

New soccer coach, familiar face By Mohona Aziz

The Wildcat boys soccer team in action on the road during 2015 season play. “I hope I contribute by giving the kids the knowledge I had gained about the sport throughout my career,” Tex said. “I want to show them that anything is possible if you believe in one another and put the team ahead of any individual.”

Photo submitted by Katie Mainville

Senior Alexis Santos gets ready to swing her bat in hope of a run. “My favorite memory was all of the bus rides with my teammates,” Bolter said. “It was just a joy to be with them and I’m so glad softball has brought them into my life.”

Photo by Belinda Nino

Plano Senior High School Plano, TX 75075 www.wildcattales.com @PSHSpub Volume 69 Issue 11 May 27, 2015

Every week brings more anticipation as one of the most significant dates in a student’s life approaches. Graduation, which takes place on June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dallas

Convention Center, rings in the ears of seniors, taking over the social stratosphere with talk of parties and extra tickets. For seniors Marylin Cai, Samer Amous, Luke Jenison, Aaisha Dossal, I-Chun Lin and Abhinav Sridharan, graduation has a different meaning – a chance to address the class of 2015 for the first and last time. As valedictorian, Cai will give a speech at the event. According to Cai, she has an idea of what her speech will be about but has yet to put it into words. “Not many people get the opportunity to address the entirety of the senior class, and I just think it’s awesome to be able to give a speech to everyone who’s had a hand in shaping our class to be what it is,” Cai said. “That being said, I am a little nervous about it. I really want my speech to mean something and I don’t want to let anyone down.” Given the bittersweet task of orating a senior

speech, Cai will be one of the six students who will send the seniors off to their next steps. “I’m not looking forward to the moment in the speech when I look at my peers and it finally hits me that high school has come to an end,” Cai said. “Obviously I won’t exactly miss everything about high school, such as parting ways with friendships and leaving behind good memories.” Senior Class President Amous was informed well in advance that he would also be presenting a speech at graduation. According to Amous, the speech has been the one thing preventing him from sleeping. “I can’t wait until it’s over,” Amous said. “It makes me so happy, excited and proud to give that speech but at the end of the day it keeps me up at night. It scares me to death. Many people think I’m not worried or stressed about it, but that cannot be farther from the truth. Nevertheless, it is the greatest honor I have been awarded and I cannot wait to conclude all of our high school careers.”

ONCE A WILDCAT, ALWAYS A WILDCAT

University of AlabamaLauren Douglas, Gunnar Scheck, Duncan Springfield

ALAB

AMA

University of Arkansas Sarah Abdallah, Meredith Batey, Colman Betler, Andrew Britten, Lauren Chadwick, Maggie Coffey, Tanner Douglas, Ross Edwards, Rachel Fabricant, Harlan French, Patric Friend, Daniel Fritsche, McKenzie Hicks, Morgan Hicks, Olivia Hoyt, Madeline Kelly, Katie Koch, Emma Kromer, Kathryn Kubik, David Lanius, David Latham, Kathleen Littel, Tanner McFadden, Kevin McKnight, Danielle O’Brien, Bailey Patterson, Mary Prestipino, Jordan Rayburn, Chelsey Rosell, Hunter Ruston, Astrid Schuelke, Brooke Stafford, Benjamin Stevenson, Jacob Varner, Sydney Wiggins, Brianna Willson-Boulanger, Maddie Wright, Myles Yarrow

University of Arkansas at Monticello Kalifornia Bolter, Michael Cheney

ARKA

NSAS

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoBlake Gonzales

California Institute of TechnologyClaire Goeckner-Wald

Loyola Marymount UniversityTaylor Stammen

Stanford UniversityMitchell Hansen, Sarina Wu

University of Southern California Suraiya Ali, Jasmine Wang

United States Marine Corp. Ryan Cook, Sarah Moncibais, Tyler Shiroma

CALIFORNIA

U.S. Air Force AcademyRudra Patel

Colorado School of MinesEric Perez

Colorado UniversityAaron Loeffler

COLORADO Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Space UniversityRebecca Gold

University of FloridaJosh Berlin

FLORID

A

CONNECTICUT YaleJessica Hong

Clark Atlanta UniversityKea Warren

Georgia Institute of TechnologyMiles Trumbauer Mercer University

Haley McDuffee

Savannah College of Art & DesignMelissa Chen, Ariana Leyva

GEORGIA

Brigham Young University-IdahoJavier Mendoza, Kalee Rast, Andrea Restrepo, Melissa Rice

IDAHO

Northern Illinois UniversityJonathan Barasa

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Diana Castaneda

ILLINOIS

Tanner Douglas, Lauren Chadwick, Andrew Britten

Maddie Wright

Patr

ic F

riend

Mag

gie

Coffe

y

From left to right, top to bottom: Seniors Luke Jenison, Samer Amous, Abhinav Sridharan, Aaisha Dossal, I-Chun Lin and Marylin Cai.

Photo by Stephanee Smith

Continued on wildcattales.com

By Stephanee Smith

Howard University Jalyn Alexander, Julian McGlothin

American UniversitySarah Carver, Haley Samsel

D.C.

Alabama State UniversityShanice Olverson

CANADAUniversity of British Columbia (Vancouver)Elizabeth Garvie

Created by the Senior Editors

Abilene Christian University Allison Frech

Austin College Vincent Booker, Priya Chary, Derrick Draeger, Simone Patel

Austin Community CollegeJohn Evans II, Matthew Fercher, Joshua Fuller, Christian Gomez

Blinn CollegeOluwafemi Adeyemo, Kristen Coe, Joshua Greer, Conner Ryan, Klaudia Sopas

Brookhaven CollegeJose Lopez Castaneda, Evan Kysar

Cisco Junior CollegeZachary Gingrich

Concordia UniversityJacob Urcuyo

I.T.S. Academy of BeautyMadison Willhoite

Lone Star CollegeAshley Peifer

Midwestern State UniversityStayton Gordon, Carlos Mancilla

North Lake CollegeAmina Kikic

Paris Junior CollegeAntavius Draughn, Austin Toups

Prairie View A&M UniversityAntwanesha Cooper, Odyssey Dequire, Brianna Williams

Regency Beauty InstituteAshlynn Krasnesky, Julissa Lopez

Rice UniversityOmar Alvarenga, Safina Hsu, Elaine Hu, Sarah Tseggay, Sunny Yu

Sam Houston State UniversityCameron Brunner, Jeremy Rainwater

Stephen F. Austin State UniversityConnor Badgett, Steeven Caton, Briana Defrank, Alyssa Gilbert, Mark Gonzaba II, Allyson Holman, Ashton Holman, Haley King-Gatheright, Ella Kis, Gregory McGowan, Dallas Miata, Taylor Motley, Wesley Neuner, Mikeala Reese, Jarrod Reid, Jessica Schnitzer, Cameron Summers, Destiny Tolliver, Matthew Zimmardi

Southern Methodist UniversityJay Appaji, Olivia Beitelspacher, Jacob Hillman, Jeffrey Liu, Caitlin Ruff

Southwestern UniversityBrayden Bishop

St. Edward’s UniversityHope Hemenway

Tarleton State UniversityAleksey Palumbo

Texas Christian UniversityJason Loftis, Ranee Samaniego, Megan Schultz, Karli Weber

Texas A&M CommerceNeema Behbahani, Jordan Brooks, Gabrielle Lammons, Regan Walton

Texas A&M Corpus ChristiConnar Allen, Connor Rogers, Sterling Smith

Texas Southern UniversityAvery Austin, Alexus Butler, Rashaud Bibles Mcconico

Texas State Technical CollegeParker Matthews

Texas Wesleyan University Nerissa Robertson

Texas Woman’s UniversityKatelyn Allen, Sesen Gherezghiher, Anna Hinckley, Melanie Maldonado, Kara Mitchell, Lindsay Musil, Saira Robles

Tyler Junior CollegeTaylor Norris

University of DallasGerardo Padierna, Randy Sartor

University of HoustonGabe LaBounty, James Lee, Taylor Ritter, Kishan Srikanth

University of the Incarnate WordAlexis Santos

University of Texas at ArlingtonEstee-Nichole Cava, Samuel Choi, Joey Garza, Sean Guidry Stanteen, Katie Kindred, Wendy Luo, Jake Nissley, Karsha Walker, Ian Wiley

University of Texas at El PasoMichael Shiller

University of Texas at San AntonioLorin Dollar, Brittany Fraley

University of Texas at TylerSean Huckaba, Kabu Kalinda, Graham Welch

UT Southwestern Medical SchoolI-Chun Lin, Ahneesh Mohanty

TEXAS

Endicott CollegeCourtney Walpole

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Geneva Werner

Olin College of EngineeringSerena Chen Simmons CollegeBrenna Stueve

Iowa State UniversityBryanna Batchelor, Christian Mahneke

University of IowaAlexander Deutsch

Ball State UniversityTaylor Hadsell

Purdue UniversityZachary Williams

IND

IANA

University of Kansas Gabriella Araiza, Jason Mandell, Jasmine McKinney

Wichita State University Drelan Martin

KANSAS

MASSACHUSETTS

IOWA

MIC

HIG

AN

MIS

SISS

IPPI

Kalamazoo CollegeMaryClare Colombo

Northern Michigan UniversityEmma Hammons

University of MichiganShanze Noorani

MISSOURI

University of MissouriAmy Dinwiddie, Ariel Miller, Tuere Robinson, Miriam Stokes

Drury UniversityLaura Brasier

Washington University in St. LouisAmanda Mendelsohn

Mississippi State UniversityCaitlin Locascio, Robert Montoux

Northwest Mississippi Community College Marilyn Trexler

NEVADA

NEW YORK

Cornell UniversityMin Cho, Brooks Panhans, Joshua Ying

Eastman School of MusicCharlotte Collins

New York UniversityVickie Lin, Sabeen Shalwani, Jack Xu

Pace UniversityPreston White

Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteAllison Watson

Stony Brook UniversityJade Coley-Deleon

Santa Fe University of Art & Design Andrea Allen

University of New MexicoBeau Hott

University of NevadaMidori Chen, Derek Wu

NEW MEXICO

Survey SaySOUT OF THE 524 SENIORS SURVEYED:

*This is not a complete list of the senior class. We apologize for any missing or incorrect names.

Grambling State University Terrakah Boler

Louisiana Tech University Laurel Wyrick

Louisiana State University Zachary Guidry

LOUISIANA

Ranee Samaniego

Baylor Renita Alexander, Austin Bryant, Lauren Burns, Allison Canon, Bethany Dawson, Alyxe Dowell, Cole Gustafson, Brian Hodge, Rachel Howell, Sayeef Huq, Victoria Jenks, Travis Johnson, Mikaela Kubes, Clayton Neider, Maria Raldiris, Victoria Sandoval, Vrunda Shah, Ashley Stricklin, Sam Tecklenburg, Christna Willis, Rachael Wininger

Collin College Nora Abdulrahman, Moein Afshar, Adam Aljabi, Kenia Alvarado, Sam Arango, Irving Arevalo, George Assousa, Natchaya Attajinda, Alyssa Baker, Levi Beeks, Deborah Beideck, Jenny Bowden, Chance Boyle, Julie Broderick, Rachel Brown, Megan Bruner, Andrew Bullard, Rene Calderon Jr, Clawdio Cardoso, Caitlin Carroll, Bill Carroll, Aliny Carvalho, Destiny Cockrell, Madison Cooksey, Martha Cortez Rivas, Amanda Coughlan, Lauren Craven, Kathryn Crisp, Kieston Dale, Luca De Jesu, Ariana Del Hierro, Kevin Diaz, Victoria Dokes, Aavinash Doobraj, Aaisha Dossal, Julia Dragolich, Caroline Duke, Hasan Farooqi, Brandon Gallerson, Hannah Gerko, Shirin Gharibnavaz, Sierra Gomez, Connor Gray, Scott Grinnell, Tal Gurfinkel, Christopher Harrison, Katherine Hinton, Madalyn Jecker, Joseph Johnson, Thaia Jones, Michael Kendrick, Fatima Khan, Lance Koruthu, Parker Lair, Matthew Laney, Daniel Lemaster, Gerardo Lemus, Ashley Levar, Jason Lin, Sofia Lindsay, Maria Luevano, Anna-Beatriz Machado, Kristina Mansour, Cesia Martinez, Sergio Mateos, Cassidy Mattox, Nadya Medina, Kat Mirus, Sven Muhsen, Albert Mwanza Jr, Andres Nava, Nicole Ndegwa, Singee Nguyen, James Njiri, Tracy Noggle, Chisom Ogoke, Meet Patel, Baeli Patterson, Miranda Payne, Joseph Plummer, Kristen Pond, Au’Juan Porter, Katherine Prine, Andrea Puente Sanjuan, Cordell Robertson, Jamal Robinson, Denise Rosales, Lesly Rosas, Alec Schlemmer, Michaela Scott, Alexandria Sharp, Brandon Shen, Katelyn Shenkenberg, Justin Sherbet, Po Yen Shih, Sabrina Singh, Stephanee Smith, Jared Stalling, Nathaniel Stanton, Jasmine Tahir, Abby Todd, Kim Tran, Diana Uribe, Anna Villano, Ryan Wahl, Bailey Wheeler, Brianna Wells, Loren Wise, Cartayzia Woodruff, Nima Rahatabad Yadegari, Luis Yanes, Ashton Young, Cihan Yilmaz

Texas A&M University McClaine Bauer, Braden Bird, Nikolas Bogost, Daegan Bulloch, Devin Campbell, Michael Champion, Jordan Christian, Molly Coon, Jessie Crance, Andrew Dorsett, Jordan Eckerd, Meredith Glaister, Elizabeth Gohmert, Taylor Grunewald, Omar Guerrero, Tanner Henson, Savanna Hintz, Kyle Jones, Matthew Kirchner,Samantha Kistler, Julia Koerner, Mark Kucker Jr, Megan Liu, Elizabeth Lytton,

Nicholas Maleska, Yovana Marinkovic, Carolyn McCrossan, Jossa McKimmey, Nia McDonald, Sadie Meredith, Jonathan Navarrete, Austin Ramby, Lauren Reczek, Haley Roper, Ryan Rutledge, Danial Samani, Kacie Shehane, Trenton Smith, Heather Starr, Alexander Stephan, Jackson Suplita, Jessica Todd, Daniel Tu, James Vanderburg, Bennett White, Misty White, Kelsey Wood, Daniel Zu

Texas State University Breanna Adam, Isabele Alfonso, Rachel Carlino, Clayton Chaney, Nina Dillon, Vincent Dubose Jr, Brooke Fambrough, Ansley Grizzle, Grant Gruble, Allison Hinck, Allie Horner, Katie Lepkowski, Parker Meyers, Blake Michos, Stephanie Rendon, Zachary Rice, Gwenith Roden, Kayla Turner, Zoe Wisniewski, Sarah Zakrzewski

Texas Tech University Fernanda Aira, Colston Albertson, Alexander Borsattino, Maria Calvo, Evan Coffey, Jacob Diewald, Jeremy Doan, Corin Drumm, Shannon Fager, Valerie

Fager, Cody Farhat, Shannon Hutchison, Claire Lardner, Garrett Michelsen, Taylor Ruddle, Tara Salvatore, Sadie Seal, Megan Spence, Austin Stubblefield, Sarah Terhune, Bailey Wolters

University of North Texas Lyndsey Batchelor, Harrison Binegar, Jihaad Branch, Rebecca Brockette, Cole Bush, Haley Camizzi, Oscar Celis, My-Han Thi Duong, Chukky Ekweani, Joshua Hadley, Maggie Harvey, John Hernandez, Stephen Hoade, Megan Johnson, Brianne Kankel, Bailey Kompa, Shannon Litwins, Draven McLemore, Christina Moen, Dustin Nielsen, Maria Nikolopoulos, Hiral Patel, Bridgette Pineau, Gabriel Puche, Sarah Rozeboom, Joel Sanchez, Daniel Schneider, Miranda Smith, Megan Sullivan, Skylar Tuggle, Sarah Wilson, Sara Wright

University of Texas at Austin Alec Bancroft, Sonam Benakatti, Connor Bianchi, Hayley Briggs, Marylin Cai, Greyson Cantrell, Isabel Chang, Johnathon Chang, Zarif Choudhury, Richard Cinclair III, Alina Deng, Kaitlin Dlott, Karen Doviken, Kyle Gehrke, Lily Gill, Sruti Gopalakrishnan, Helena Habtemariam, Matthew Hall, Jason Head, Ebony Hodges, Ting-Wei Hsu, Luke Jenison, Catherine Jiau, Sneha Kurada, Ruth

Kwan, Shiv Lalapet, Olivia Lazarescou, Eric Lee, Bryan Leung, Aaron Liu, Nathan Livingston, Zara Louis, Shraddha Madhan, William Mao, Rachel McCullough, Jenna McGuffey, Mitra Mohammadian, Daniel Moore, Akash Mukherjee, Hana Mulliqi, Akhil Murthy, Josh Nam, Aditya Nelakonda, Kelly O’Laughlin, Rishi Patel, Drake Plunkett, Katie Pyle, Robert Qian, Janani Ramachandran, Sibi Ravi, Umer Rehman, Jordan Robbins, Delia Rospigliosi, Sarah Siddiqui, Kailash Sivakumar, Abhinav Sridharan, Troy Stidd, Ashley Stuber, Pranaav Sudheendra, Caton Sun, Prithvi Thavanampalli, Zhiwen Tian, Anna Tomotaki, Vivianne Tu, Shannon Tung, Connor Walker, Katherine Wu, Tyler Wu, Joseph Yin, Allen Zhang

University of Texas at Dallas Mahdi Abdallah, Fazal Ahmed, Sameer Ahmed, Samer Amous, Kevin Beck, Rohan Bhatt, Anshu Bhattarai, Catie Bowles, Rudy Brazeal, Cristian Cave, Justin Chaves, Isaiah Chow, Caroline Dang, Winona Deng, Svetlana Denisova, Jacqueline Doan, Jonathan Friedman, Jamie Gore, Lacie Harris, Sebastian Hermoza, Jacalyn Holman, Esther Hong, Jason Hutchinson II, Lexi Jenson, Leila Jones, Anna Junod, Mariya Khalid, Preeti Kumar, Sakiho Kume, Amy Kunz, Shannon Liao, Alan Liu, Rishabh Lohray, Connor Mahaffey, Shourov Malaker, Akhil Manda, Edmund Miller, Azeem Mir, Danieh Mohammad, Ahmed Mubarak, Asad Mustafa, Catherine Nanagas, Shashi Obulasetty, Zachary Oldham, Catherine O’Mary, Gilmar Ortega, Resham Panjabi, Preston Patak, Jay Patel, Prachi Patel, Mark Peterman Jr, Rod Razaghzadegan, Ryan Rumney, Cameron Short, Kristina Shteyn, Sankalp Singh, Mason Smith, Kinza Sohail, Sanjna Sunil, Jarrett Taylor, Theresa Vu, Brooke Wilson, Melat Workye, Seungwon Yang, Daniel Yu

Lauren Burns

Survey SaySG

raphic by Ariana Leyva

OUT OF THE 524 SENIORS SURVEYED:

9 1819

patriotic wildcats are going into military service.

graduates are taking a gap year.

graduating seniors will not be attending the commencement ceremony.

93college-bound students have not yet decided on their majors.

15 teens have not yet decided where they will be attending college.SeNIOrS are MOST eXCITeD TO:

“Be exposed to a new environment.” Derrick Draeger “Lead a rewarding and fulfilling life.” Jason Lin

“Take a huge step into adulthood.” Andres Nava “See what my future has to hold.” Kristina Mansour “No longer be a high school robot.” Justin Stewart “See what I can do on my own.” Madison Willhoite “Receive college student discounts!” Nicole Cagliostro “Room with Elaine.” Safina

Hsu “Room with Safina.” Elaine Hu “Make summer plans with friends before we all go separate ways.”

Allyson Holman“Live life and help others.” Ella Kis “Not share my stuff with my sisters.” Lyndsey

Batchelor “Relax before a strenuous year in college.” Sibi Ravi “Get a job in video game design and

travel the world.” Lexi Jenson “Not have to raise my hand to go to the bathroom.” Anna Junod “Have student loans and crippling debt.” Cameron Short

Kayla Turner

Shraddha Madhan Olivia Lazarescou

Haley Roper

Jordan Christian Misty White, Kacie Shehane

I went to college and majored in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology along

with Child Learning and Development. I want to be a speech pathologist. I was at SFA for a semester but I’m at the University of Texas in Dallas now. Just because you commit to a college doesn’t mean you have to stay there all four years. You can transfer whenever you want. I learned I don’t have to go off to school and do what all of my friends are doing. I can stay at home, and do what I want to do and not have to do what everyone wants me to.

Senior Tales 8THE WILDCAT TALES MAY 27, 2015

Be patient [at the graduation ceremony.] Be respectful to everyone around you by controlling the urge to whisper or sneak a peek at your phone. Enjoy the moment. While you’re looking forward to what lies ahead, don’t forget to enjoy the moment you are in now. You won’t get this phase of your life back again.

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High school graduation was a rollercoaster ride of emotions – I was proud, nervous and scared out of my mind that I was going to

end up failing at life and excited all at the same time. I wish I had known that failure isn’t a bad thing. That’s not to say failing classes, but that trying something new and failing miserably isn’t the worst thing. In fact, I think it’s one of the best things that can happen. How else do we learn and realize that we are made up of more than what we are inherently good at? Those failures allow us not only to grow but to navigate things we like or don’t like – whether that be a relationship, a major or that one outfit you thought looked good at the store.

Linda Clanton, English teacher

I’m not full of wisdom, however, I have learned from tons of mistakes and plan on learning from tons more – which is my advice to seniors. I would tell my younger self not to be so hard on myself whenever I mess up. It’s going to happen, and it is part of the learning process.

Jennifer Morbitt, Government teacher

I did well in school, I studied hard. I didn’t work my first two years which is what I advise students to do. Wait as long as possible to start working. Live on campus. The experience is so much richer if you’re on campus seeing everything that’s happening around you. No one likes living in the dorms, but it’s a rite of passage. I have life-long friends from that experience. G

rego

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It’s true, your college professors may never take attendance so it’s really easy to not go to a class, especially when you’re in a seminar with 600 students. However, I would say don’t get used to skipping and not doing your work. Try to maintain the same study habits that you’ve always had and work hard. Even though you have a whole lot more freedom, just be really wise about what you do with that freedom.

Words of WisdomFrom the teachers . . .

. . . to the alumni. I have very pleasant memories of my days at the senior high. When I graduated, there was

no PESH or PWSH. The entire city of Plano cheered for the same team, the Wildcats. In those days, the senses of community and team pride were at their height. My daughter, Taylor, is a member of the class of 2015. I must admit, I feel a sense of pride knowing she will graduate from the same high school I did. I have encouraged her, and would encourage other members of this class, to look for balance in life. Having a wildly successful college career is a fine goal, but if it comes at the expense of joy and friendships, I would say that is too high a cost to pay. At Taylor’s recent orientation at the University of Houston, one of the speakers quipped, “These will be the best four years of your life.” I sincerely hope that is not true for her. I hope she has many more seasons of joy and fulfillment beyond her years in college. I would hope the same would be true for all the members of the Class of 2015.

I decided to take a break from academics and worked full-time for a few years. I eventually went back to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in technical writing from the University of North Texas. Don’t allow anyone to make your decisions for you. If someone offers you advice, you don’t have to take it, but think it over because it can help you gain a fresh perspective. Keep an open mind to every point of view, even if it’s one you don’t like. We all have something to give.

Violet Hanners Don’t settle. There are endless opportunities for people who make an effort to find their passion.

Also be patient, it doesn’t come overnight for all of us.

Amber Robinson

Carnegie Mellon UniversityOdelia Cheng, Cornelia Chow

Penn State Samar Faiz

University of PennsylvaniaRia Chhabra

Villanova University Maleah Bradley

Reed CollegeKaylee Ma

University ofPortland Karian Chard

Oberlin CollegeMatthew Frerck

Xavier UniversitySara Rojas

PENNSYLVANIA

DukeChandler Richards

NORTH CAROLINA

OHIO

Langston UniversityKayla Robertson

Northern Oklahoma CollegeConnor Barnard

Oklahoma Baptist UniversityJason Lee

Oklahoma State UniversityAudrina Alexander, Myriah Batchelor, Kyle Cancelmi, Tian England, Madison Exner, Kerigan Kent, Kirsten Klein, Hudson Kuykendall, Lindsey Ludwig, Caleb McClenny, Matthew Medina, Hannah Milby, Tabarak Mir, Melissa Pena, Tyler Pietruszewski, Hannah Pirasteh, Sonali Pragji, Alyia Scott, Monica Thompson, Emory Van Vorhis, Emma Vasil

Northeastern State UniversityReece Schattle

University of OklahomaBailey Buckmeier, Nicole Cagliostro, Dylan Chan, Alexander Clark, Tanner Dillon, Bella Evans, Jayson Goodwyn, Barrett Hamilton, Daniel Havala, Brittany Kiattitananan, Hannah Kirby, Stephanie Knapp, Lindsey Murphy, Eric Nguyen, Morgan Pawloski, Haley Smith, Kathryn Ward, Keely Weber, Sydney Will

OKLAHOMA OREGON

University of Puget SoundTorie Brannen

WashingtonState Chase Storey

Brigham Young UniversityMarissa Nunez, Eric Walton

University of UtahMackenzie Bartos

George Mason UniversityAaron Leftridge

University of Wisconsin-MadisonPhoebe Djuandi, Emilie Wille

Memphis College of ArtBrianna Valdez

WASHINGTON

UTAH

TENNESSEE

VIRG

INIA

WISCONSIN

SOUTH CAROLINAAnderson UniversityEmily Conard

Sabahat Gulam, Math teacher

CLASS OF1980

Twyla (Walker) Ritter

1994

Andrea Ratterree

2012

2010

Phoebe Djuandi, Em

ilie Wille

Matthew

Frerck

Feature 9

Civilization’s roots can be traced back to hunter-gatherer societies. Over time as survival options have expanded, these practices live on in the form of hobbies for many families. Hunting remains a popular activity today with 12.5 million people over the age of 16 participating annually. Junior Tommy Winget has not allowed living in the city to prevent him from doing what he loves. He dedicates time whenever he can to drive out with family to bond and hunt wildlife. “My favorite part of hunting is the excitement,” Winget said.”When you see a giant buck where you’re hunting or when you get deer fever, your heart starts pounding. The excitement you get when you pull up to shoot is a feeling you can’t find anywhere else.” Winget started camping and hunting at a young age and has continually hunted game for the majority of his life. “Since I was six I’ve been going deer hunting with my brother and dad,” Winget said. “It’s a Winget family tradition. I shot my first buck when I was seven.” According to Winget, a lot of preparation is needed to ensure a successful hunting season, but it all helps make the sport more enjoyable. “It’s all about having fun,” Winget said. “We go out

there, set the decoys up and do all the work during the summertime to make sure we have a good season. If we scout, then we’ll know what’s going to show up the next day or weekend and we’ll know where to hunt.” Though enjoyed by many, hunting can be seen as a

controversial activity as the ethics of killing animals has been called into question over the years. Junior Kyle Goki, however, argues that the act is natural and justified. “Everyone has their own opinion about it,” Goki said. “I believe in God, and I believe he brought animals onto this world for us to be able to harvest, to eat and survive.” Goki believes that hunting animals has shaped society into what it is today, claiming

that many products used daily are the result of hunters. “Without meat, the world wouldn’t be the place that it is now,” Goki said. “If you want to argue that hunting is bad then you might as well stop eating poultry, dairy and anything that comes from an animal, because you’re killing

it. That’s how you get food on the table.” Aside from believing it’s necessary for human survival, Goki enjoys hunting with his family as a means of bonding and finding tranquility. “It’s the greatest feeling ever,” Goki said. “People have different definitions of what ‘paradise’ is to them, but mine is hunting. It feels like a whole different world. If I could only do one thing for the rest of my life, it would be hunting.”

Hunting as a hobbyBy Zane Vakser

Hello, goodbye

“When we’re not hunting bucks we like to get out in a boat and go duck hunting,” Winget said. “Seeing the ducks come after your decoys really gets your heart pounding.”

Photo submitted by Tommy Winget

“My tattoo is an arrow with a bunch of lines and it’s on my spine. It doesn’t have a meaning, I just saw it and thought it was elegant so I got it the next day. I got it the day before I left Istanbul. My friends and I all wanted to drive around the city and do something fun. One of my older friends was a tattoo artist so he took us to his studio and we all got tattoos done -- it was great. If you want a tattoo, don’t think. A tattoo can be anything, it shouldn’t have to have a meaning -- it can be whatever you want it to be.”

Our diverse body of students is often in the spotlight as it is the school’s ultimate pride. Arguably a driving force behind such great individuals, our teaching staff, both past and present, sometimes can can be taken for granted. Throughout the year, many campus organizations come together to show our teachers how much we appreciate all that they do. French Club sponsor and teacher, and Academic D e c a t h l o n coach Jody Lubbers, has just completed her fortieth year after joining the staff in 1975 when the current campus l o c a t i o n opened. “I’ve learned that students don’t really change much over the years, which kind of makes me feel the same about h u m a n i t y , ” L u b b e r s said. “But t e c h n o l o g y certainly does. I remember when students used to type on electric type writers, and for us that was a big deal.” Volleyball coach and English teacher Erika Dupree has just completed her

first year here and has expressed her admiration for the curriculum. “Plano is very college-like compared to other schools I’ve been at,” Dupree said. “Plano is really huge, but I think that because it’s such a mature environment, these students are a bit more prepared for a college setting

than students at a four year school.” Claira Wilson is both a first year and last year teacher, and though she hasn’t been a part of the staff long, she said she still wishes to have made an impact on the students she was able to come in contact with. “I’ve really enjoyed this year,” Wilson said. “Plano has a really good c u r r i c u l u m . The teachers here really know what they’re doing, and the kids are great. I hope that I’ve been able to teach

some of my students that working hard and being honest pays more than just being smart. Also, having integrity in your work is always worthwhile.”

By Jameriya Owens

Photo by Jameriya OwensAbove, Wilson prepares for upcoming classes as the end of lunch approaches. “I feel like my students as a whole are really motivated to succeed in life,” Wilson said. “Even my students who might be at the bottom of their class really have a vision which really has inspired me as a human being if not anything else.”

Tristan Brown, senior“My tattoo is the word blessed with a cross and the reasoning behind it is that I am blessed in everything that God has given me in life. I have no regrets with my tattoo. My family understands why I got it and my friends either love it or hate it but opinions of others don’t affect my personal opinion.”

Victoria Dokes, senior “The quote with the feathers was about the hard things I’ve been through, and that I can’t let it keep me down. My friends and my dad thought it fit me very well and was a nice choice for something that meant a lot to me. I felt scared and nervous before getting it because I heard it would hurt very bad but it ended up not being as painful as I thought. The roses on my ribs, one of the most painful places you can get a tattoo, were something my uncle made for me because he is a tattoo artist. He said it represented beauty and the love he and I have for tattoos. He made it for me as a drawing and gave it to me for my 18th birthday and my dad took me to get it. I would never take it back -- it connects me to who I am.”

Rimon Alsahawneh, junior“I have a phoenix on my back. My dad didn’t have any problems with me having tattoos because he’s the tattoo artist that did it. Tattoos can be anything, like a memory or someone you love. It’s basically an art of what comes out of your mind.”

Neda Motiie, junior

THE WILDCAT TALES MAY 27, 2015

THE WILDCAT TALES |MAY 27, 2015

When the last two years are known for being the most stressful – essays, projects, college apps, recommendations, work, extracurriculars, tutoring, NHS hours – it is important to relieve some of that stress as much as possible. In order to do so, you have to know when your mind has had enough. It is okay to say no. I have a bad habit of spreading myself too thin and trying to do too many things at once. Make sure that everything you’re doing is necessary. If you can get rid of a few extracurriculars, do it. It’s important that you get rest and stay sane. If someone wants to help you, let them. Most people I know, myself included, end up doing projects all by themselves due to lazy group members or because of the need to make everything your way. This causes the group members to mistrust you and that has potential to mess everything up. While that pesky feeling that everything might not turn out perfect may remain, allowing or forcing your group members to participate is a key way to relieve stress. It is better turning in a project where everyone collaborated than it is to do it all by yourself. Even if you don’t make a 100, you didn’t lose sleep staying up late doing it all alone. Don’t procrastinate. It’s easier said than done, but if you force yourself to do your homework before you turn on Netflix, or you start your project

the day you get the instructions for it, that will relieve most, if not all, of the stress that has your hair falling out. Try to find a healthy way to blow off some steam. While many people turn to running when they are upset, I prefer something less tiring and painful – I really don’t like running. A good way to calm yourself is to physically relax – the mental part will follow soon after. Take a hot bath, go shopping, drink tea while watching Bob’s Burgers, eat a burger while watching Bob’s Burgers, bake some cookies resembling DECA Cookies – the best cookies in the world or do anything that you find enjoyable. Save time for your friends. It’s very difficult to remember that you have friends when you are crying over AP classes, but it’s very important to have some time to hang out with them. They are most likely experiencing similar stress levels too. You need to remember that you’re a teenager, and you need to be a teenager in high school, not wait until college to have fun.

Opinion 10

I cringe every time I hear someone call someone else bipolar or OCD. “She’s so bipolar – she’s fine one minute and angry the next,” or, “I’m OCD, I have to use a ruler to make lines!” The terms Bipolar and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are possibly some of the most overused terms, as well as the most misused. Most likely, the average person can’t accurately define Bipolar disorder or OCD. Most likely, they think bipolar is equivalent to moody and having OCD is equivalent to being a perfectionist. Wrong. According to the National I n s t i t u t e of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. There are three types of mood episodes – manic, depressive and mixed. Manic episodes are marked by mood changes such as an overly long feeling of being high or irritable. Manic episodes are not simply being really happy for one moment. Depressive episodes are not the next minute where teachers, parents and friends are suddenly angry. Depressive

episodes are overly long periods of feeling sad or hopeless. The person feels a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. They might be restless, irritable, have a difficult time concentrating, remembering and making decisions. Their daily eating, sleeping or other habits change as well. There are four basic diagnoses of bipolar disorder – Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Bipolar not

otherwise specified (BP-NOS) and cyclothymia. To be diagnosed with Bipolar I, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, one must have a manic or mixed episode that lasts at least seven days that is so severe the person needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes last at least two weeks. Bipolar II is defined by less severe manic episodes, called hypo-mania. Bipolar is not just another name for mood swings. Bipolar disorder impairs a person’s daily ability to function in

school, work or relationships. People with bipolar disorder do not switch back and forth between depression and mania very often. People call each other bipolar all the time, but they don’t really know what it means. People often call each other OCD, but also don’t have a thorough knowledge of the disorder.

Obsessions are defined as repeated thoughts about things like a fear of germs, intruders and tidiness. These obsessions cause distress and anxiety. Compulsions are actions that temporarily relieve obsessions such as washing hands, counting everything and repeating steps over and over – rituals. These obsessions and compulsions can’t

be controlled and inhibit everyday life. OCD is not simply wanting to be organized – neat freaks are not automatically OCD. It is an anxiety disorder, just like Bipolar is a mood disorder, not a personality disorder. By using these terms, you might be offending someone or making others cringe. If you cannot use these terms correctly, don’t use them at all.

More than one meaningBy MaryClare Colombo

By Maggie Cross

There’s a scene in “The Breakfast Club” where the nerd of the group, Brian, admits why he has a fake ID. “So I can vote,” he said. I don’t think there are a lot of young people, even so-called nerds, who would say the same today. Six percent of registered voters in Plano participated in local elections earlier this month, lower even than the estimated 10 percent expected to turn out. I consistently hear comments along the lines of, “What’s the point? No one is listening to us anyway.” It feels like that most of the time. Out of the 10 candidates who ran to sit on the Plano City Council and the Plano ISD board, two were women. There was not a person of color on the ballot, and only one of the women, Missy Bender, was elected. I couldn’t hide my disappointment when I texted my grandfather the results the night of the election. “This is what happens when voters don’t see a difference in the candidates,” he replied. But maybe there is more than one reason for our apathy toward elections. When we surveyed 524

seniors as a part of our senior section, one of the most common responses to the question, “What are you looking forward to after high school?” was “Getting out of Plano.” Listen, I get it. So many students are dying to get out of Plano and see the world beyond this bubble, including

me. I head to Washington, D.C. this fall, and although I’m absolutely

terrified, I can’t wait to find out which parts of me are Plano and which parts of me are Haley. But although many of us will leave our homes behind for college, most of us will remain in Plano after graduation or return after college. The decisions we make now will affect our futures for a

long time to come, for the neighbors we know and the people we don’t. Sometimes I feel like our generation is afraid of what might happen if we try – if we start to care about our community and start scrutinizing leaders who are elected by the few to make decisions for the many. The candidates we support may fail, and the candidates we despise may triumph. But not trying isn’t the solution, to the problems in Plano or to the police reform issues plaguing Baltimore and Ferguson. We are tied to Plano, no matter how hard we try not to be. It’s time for us to act like it.

Making a case for caringBy Haley Samsel

Taking it one step at a time

Graphic by A

riana Leyva

Graphic by Ariana Leyva

Graphic by Anna Villano

Arts & Entertainment 11

Going beyond the bow Throughout their high school careers, students become involved in a diverse set of extracurricular activities. For junior Fabiana Mosca, orchestra is a major part of her life. Not only is she involved in the orchestra as a violinist, but Mosca is headed to Europe over the summer with the Texas Youth Orchestra and choir. “We haven’t started rehearsing yet,” Mosca said. “So far, when we’ve been meeting it is really different because no one is close. I feel like we will have to get used to each other before we start playing as a full orchestra. I feel it is also much harder since orchestra at Plano is just like a big family. It’s going to have some getting used to. We aren’t as laid back as Plano.” Over the summer Mosca is looking forward to seeing the sights and touring Europe, and believes that it will deepen her passion for orchestra. Mosca has been playing the violin since she was

only nine years old after being inspired by the radio and a woman at her church. “I have been playing since 3rd grade,” Mosca said. “I started because I remember listening to a radio station with my mom and thinking that I wanted to play as pretty as those people. So she enrolled me in violin lessons. But around the same time, a woman at my church had played the violin for a while and I wanted to be just like her. So I started having her teach me.” Since Mosca was a young girl, she has developed a further passion and believes that it has positively influenced her decisions growing up. Along with her academic and social interactions, Mosca attempts to juggle various tasks, like keeping her grades up and still having time for other things outside of school. “I got invited to this group by my retired middle school director,” Mosca said. “It costs a

lot of money, but I decided to go for it because it would be an amazing experience. This really affects a lot because I already have a lot to handle with Plano orchestra. It takes a lot of time out of my day, but I always put my homework first, practice the music for Plano orchestra, and then, if it’s not too late, I practice the TYOC music.” Mosca is not the only student participating in the coming up summer trip. Senior Gaby

Spurlin plays the viola and will also be heading to Europe with Mosca. “I started playing the viola in middle school,” Spurlin said. “Mrs. Ewing was letting incoming sixth graders try the different instruments and I picked the viola because of the more mellow sound. Also, it was not as high pitched or as popular as the

violin.” Spurlin is looking forward to visiting a new country and seeing all its history, along with interacting with the people that live there. “I love playing as a part of a group,” Spurlin said. “I am not a solo performer and probably never will be. Being a part of an orchestra is fun because you are experiencing it with a bunch of friends. We make music together and work very hard to make it sound great.”

Movie makers meeting of May In the newly developed Film Club, students get together and let the creative juices flow. Students with all different passions are encouraged to join the club as long as they are interested in making videos or movies. While the club does not have a set format yet, the members focus on producing different forms of media. Junior Manny Castillo started Film Club after noticing a lack of courses that pertain to his main interest. “I started the club because my dream job is to be a director,” Castillo said. “Unfortunately, there are no classes in the school that could help me on my journey towards film-making. I decided to put matters into my own hands and start a club that would help anyone who is interested in getting film-making experience and exposure to what it’s like.” Castillo has had an interest in film making from a young age, dating back to when he began experimenting with different methods of

creating. “When I was younger I had a YouTube channel where I posted stop-motion animation videos that I made with some toys,” Castillo said. “Although this is not related at all to what I’m doing now, I guess that’s where my interest for creating videos came from.” The club is in the beginning stages of its first projects. The group hopes the projects will be fun to make as well as technically challenging. “As of now we are working on two different videos,” Castillo said. “One is still being cast and it’s called ‘Daydreams,’ and the other we have already started filming. It will be the first of a web series titled ‘Tod and Todd.’ It will be made up as we film with no prior preparation to make it more creatively challenging.” Castillo began the club with only one other

friend but says everyone in it has quickly become friendly with one another. The club has plans to meet outside of school to carry on their endeavors. “We are continuing the club next year and we are also having meetings during the summer to work on projects,” Castillo said. Junior Evan L’roy, like Castillo, has also always had an interest in making movies. “I thought it would be cool to meet other people who are interested in filming, too,” L’Roy said. “I’ve made parodies and some promotional videos

for some organizations. I’ll try pretty much anything.” The club does not limit themselves to creating films in just one genre, but Castillo does have a few genres that he tends to be more attracted to. “I always seem to gravitate towards sci-fi, fantasy, and action categories,” Castillo said. “However, I’m open to directing any other genre, as long as I like the work and can connect with the story.” The club puts emphasis on being able to create without limits and self-expression. “I think the best part about creating is that it allows people to really be free, say what they want and make anything possible,” Castillo said. “I think it’s beautiful how we can be so creative and special and have so many unique ideas. As a director I get to make those become a visual reality.”

“I decided to put matters into my own hands and start a club that would help anyone who is interested in getting film-making experience and exposure to what it’s like,” Castillo said.

Photo by Gabrielle Lammons

Photo by Gabrielle Lammons

“I’ve made parodies and some promotional videos for some organizations,” L’Roy said. “I’ll try pretty much anything.”

Junior Fabiana Mosca standing proud with her instrument. “Playing with others has really opened up my mind to different opinions,” Mosca said. “I love the diversity within the orchestra.”

Photo by Elizabeth Ritchie

By Elizabeth Ritchie

By Emily Perez May 27, 2015

Issue 11Volume 69

Torie BrannenPrint Editor-in-Chief

Sonam Benakatti

Haley Samsel

Ashley StuberArts & Entertainment Editor

Managing Editor

Online Editor-in-Chief

Mission Statement:Wildcat Tales is a student produced publication that serves to educate, inform and entertain the student body in a professional manner which will provoke thought while upholding the principles of a free press. The publication is a forum for the students of Plano Senior High School. Any opinions expressed in Wildcat Tales are the opin-ion of the writer and of the writer only.

Policy:Students and faculty are encouraged to send in any questions, comments, con-cerns or criticisms to be published. Letters to the editors can be put in the envelope in room B208 or emailed to The Wildcat Tales at pshs.pub@pisd.edu. The staff reserves the right to edit a letter for grammatical errors and space issues. Any errors found in the publication will be rescinded in the follow-ing issue. Additional and daily updates can be found at our website www.wildcat-tales.com. Past issues can be viewed at www.issuu.com/wildcattales.Business-es wishing to advertise in Wildcat Tales can email us at pshs.pub@pisd.edu. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisements deemed to be inappropriate.

Wildcat Tales is the official student pub-lication of Plano Senior High School 2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, TX 75075 469.752.9336

Staffers

Nathan AllenMohona AzizMari BrownKelsey CampbellSuhina ChopraMaryClare ColomboMaggie CrossCameron DrummondElla HuntGabe LaBountyGabrielle LammonsArim LeeJameriya OwensEmily PerezCorey PicklesimerRose RanaElizabeth RitchieLydia SebanyStephanee SmithVincent TellezErienne TerpakZane VakserAbigail Werner

Taylor NorrisPhoto Editor

Terry QuinnAdviser

Anna VillanoAssistant Graphic Editor

Musicians headed to Europe with state orchestra

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