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September 2008 ManeEditionMcKinney Christian Academy Volume 7 Issue 1 Inside this Faith Issue Fight Finish

story on page Varsity volleyball leaving hoof prints in 3 district.

story on page Are you ready to rock? Big day coming soon. 4

Starting the school year with a charge

story on page Will this sequel live up to its name? 6 story on page 5

photo by laura smith Contact info: MCA Upper School 3601 Bois D’ Arc Rd. McKinney, TX 75071 Phone: (214) 544-2658. Please submit comments, questions, editorial responses to: [email protected] 2 sports September 2008 After the opening scrimmage teams were tied at 20 - 20. The Mustangs Mustangs will stomp all over you against Prince of Peace Lutheran and anxiously ended the first , still tied Lutheran Christian, the varsity football at 20 – 20. At the beginning of the second A season in the making coach, Kevin Sutton, stated “Technically overtime, the audiences of both schools were BY MATT BARBER this isn’t a win since this was a scrimmage.” stomping on the bleachers, clapping their However, this didn’t stop the football team hands, and screaming as loud as they could. from celebrating the accomplishment of The overtime continued and freshman Keith on offense. Defense dominated, Fields scored a for the Mustangs. not letting the opponents score a point, By pure skill and determination, the extra and topping it off with a few . point was made to add to the score. Watauga Play after play, the opposing teams could not Harvest retaliated with a touchdown. The take the crushing tackles from the defense stands went quiet as the 2-point play began. and the breathtaking blows from the offense. The play went into action and MCA fans “That’s how we hit!” said freshman Trent went wild as a mob of Mustangs tackled the Stinchcomb and junior Garrett Stinchcomb. opposing running back one yard away from With great plays made by both the defense the , leaving the score for the MCA and the offense, the scrimmage was an Mustangs: 27, Watauga Harvest: 26. In the amazing game that brought hope to the MCA end, the Mustangs had outlasted, outsmarted, fans for a great season. It has also given and dominated the Saints all the way, and a excitement and determination to the team to fierce new team was born! bring in another win. “That’s how we crush The Mustangs continued to play with them!” said senior Austin Puckett. “Our intensity and fierceness through four more defense was amazing out there.” said Coach games, which led to 2 wins and 2 losses. The Sutton. second game was a loss against Ponder High The first “real” game of the School with a score of 0 - 26. It was a tragic season was against Watauga Harvest. The defeat, but the Mustangs stood strong and rumors were that MCA would lose to the worked hard for their next victories. In the Harvest Christian Academy Saints by third game against Lake Country Christian, two touchdowns. Led by captains Garrett the Mustangs won 24-14, and had their fun photo by ellie kimball Stinchcomb, and sophomores Tanner and excitement winning against A+ Academy Sophomore co-captain Tanner Purdum and junior co-captain Garrett Purdum and Jake Gattuso, when the team with a score of 35-15. Stinchcomb led their team through the pre-game banner made by the cheer- came on the field, surprise was on the Saints’ Sadly, Garland Christian Academy leaders in the varsity Mustangs’ game against the Watauga Harvest Saints. faces as the Mustangs dominated the field was too much for the Mustangs and defeated After two overtime periods, the Mustangs proved to be too much for the with tackles, hits, and smashes. “This is MCA at Homecoming. The Mustangs have our time! This is our game!” said the whole put the past behind them, and are currently Saints and were victorious. MCA team, both on the field and those on training hard for the remainder of their the . During the first quarter of the season. They play Rockwall Christian away, Starting the season with a shout game, freshman Keith Fields connected with Irving Highlands away, Frisco Legacy at junior Ryan Haltom for the first touchdown home and Richardson Canyon Creek away. Varsity cheer makes some noise carrying over into the season. of the season. The touchdowns continued and by the end of the fourth quarter, the BY ELLIE KIMBALL Our very own MCA cheerleaders went to the NCA, National Cheerleaders Association, cheer camp in Waco, Texas this summer and received many awards. They received 1st place for the Game Day Award, an award given for crowd involvement, the most spirit, and tight motions. They also won the Spot Award, for stunting and safety. The Spirit Stick was earned for teamwork, safety and positive attitudes, and a Team Bid for Nationals. Alec Overn was nominated twice for the All American Team Award. The 2008-2009 cheer squad earning these awards consist of sophomore and captain Alec Overn, sophomore and co-captain Avery Jones, freshman and co-captain Kaitlyn Sparks, senior Meg Reese, sophomores Bekah Holle and Caleigh Franzmeier, freshmen Nicki Noruk, Charis Orr, Amanda Kidwell and Jossie Ho. Our junior high cheerleaders consist of eighth grader and captain Bekah Parker, eighth grader and co-captain Mandy Moore, eighth graders Kayla Farr, Miranda Owens and Sarah Beach, and sixth grader Alexandra Harper. Over the summer, the junior high girls worked hard at the FCC, Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders, cheer camp they attended in Waxahachie, Texas. “At camp, the girls learned new stunts, worked on jumps, and learned new sideline dances and cheers. We received ribbons for good effort, improvement, and enthusiasm,” said coach Amanda Tutwiler. The girls also received the spirit stick and safety award. After all the hard work over the summer, the varsity and junior high cheerleaders started school with enthusiasm which has been demonstrated through all the locker decorations and signs they made. Coach Jerri Sparks summed up this way, “I want cheer to be fun, promote school spirit, and for the girls to have faith and unity in the Lord and each other.”

photo by laura smith Mustang cheerleaders fire up the student body at the first pep rally of the year. The award win- ning varsity cheer squad, along with special guests, senior Jason DeVore and freshman Chad Fess, led both campuses in a cheer to promote school spirit. The squad also performed at the lower school Jog-A-Thon rally held at the end of August. September 2008 sports 3 Varsity Mustang volleyball leaves hoof prints in district Girls are better, faster, stronger and stand 17-9 in the season BY PRISCILLA MELTON From an ace to a kill, the Lady Anna McWilliams. The team has the same Dossey, Karoline Fields, Madison Jones, Mustang volleyball teams have been doing motivation as the varsity. “We are all trying Elizabeth Kuykendall, Rylee Robinson, and a fantastic job so far this season! The varsity to get better at the game of volleyball, every Kayce Zanetell. The B Gold team consists is now 17-9 overall and 5-1 in district play. practice we do different types of techniques of: co captain Hannah Chappell, Alanna The junior varsity is now 11-4. The varsity to increase our leg muscles to where it is easy Curry, Lexi Hernandez, McKenna Hubert, consists of: seniors Savannah Brock, Kristen for us to jump high and smash the into Kylie Madry, Hanna Marshall, Emily Rajala, Eastland, Alex Nameth, and Paige Nelson, the ground,” says sophomore Taylor Brock. Maddy Vonhagel, captain Emily Warren, juniors Aly Collins, Lauren Fess, Jessica Both teams participated in the Hope Windsor, and Hannah Yates. The A Stives, and Spencer Wood. The varsity also StoneGate Christian Academy consist of: captain Kelly Sims, co consists of two sophomores, Taylor Brock and tournament on August 22nd through the captain Jessica Windsor, Leah Buckner, Anna McWilliams. Captains on the varsity 23rd. The varsity ended playing in the Hannah Chappell, Candace Kuehn, Kaitlynn team are seniors Savannah Brock and Kristen championship game but, unfortunately, came McAdams, Chelby Puckett, Allyson Richey, Eastland. These ladies will do whatever they up a little short and got second place. The Haley Rogers. can to make their team stronger, faster, and junior varsity team was the only JV team in “The Lady Mustangs are playing better on defense. the tournament and took fourth place. “We some pretty exciting volleyball,” said The junior varsity is also having dominated in the tournament. We knew that associate athletic director and head coach a great season. The team consists of: we were the only JV team through half of the Judy Collins, “You really need to come and sophomores Taylor Brock, Priscilla Melton, tournament and we were still sure that we see all four teams play.” Anna McWilliams, and Lauren Snead, were going to do fantastic,” said freshmen The next matches will be against freshmen: Kayli Bollinger, Callie Barfield, Haley Yates and Chloe Geoghegan. Texoma Christian at home, Greenville photo by laura smith Sarah Hamilton, Michal Smith, Haley Yates, Volleyball at MCA has been Christian away and the varsity has clinched Junior Emily Crombar tips the ball, Ellen Taylor, Taylor Buckaloo, and Chloe exciting this season with our junior high a TAPPS AA playoff spot! Let’s go out and with junior Aly Collins and senior Kristen Geoghegan. The captains for the junior teams having winning records as well. The support our volleyball teams as they round up Eastland defending the tip, during a recent varsity team are Kayli Bollinger and B Blue team consists of: Carly Curran, Madi a season of success. win against Rockwall Heritage Christian. Team defense has been an important fac- tor resulting in the Lady Mustang’s overall Junior high football makes a statement success.

New coaches and new additions make for a building season Mane Edition Staff BY MATT BARBER The Junior High football team has grown since the last Managing Editors football season. With a huge selection of some experienced and Ryan Haltom and Garrett Stinchcomb more inexperienced players, as well as a new coach, it didn’t seem like there was much hope for the new junior high team. However, Business Editors with practice, the players have become a true football team. Their Kristen Eastland/Daniel Windsor first game was against Watauga Harvest. With a win of 26 – 0, it was a great victory to start off the new season. The team has gained Page Editors hope for the future games for the season. Taylor Brock Their next game was against Dallas Lutheran ended with Lauren Fess a tie of 16 – 16, helping the mustangs to want to train harder for Ryan Jones another win. Their third game was against Lake Country Christian and it resulted with a winning score of 6 – 0. A hard game played Photo Editor by both teams, but in the end, the Mustangs had trained harder and Alec Overn longer, and deserved another win to add to the season record. After many weeks of practice, they were ready for their next game against Photography Staff Arlington Pantego. The Mustangs crushed the opposing team with Rebekah Johnson a win of 52 – 0. Amanda Kidwell Since their loss at their homecoming game, the Mustangs have put the past behind them and are focused on their upcoming Staff Writers games. The distractions gone, and the adrenaline already starting to Caroline Almond , the junior high team is getting stronger and stronger, and there Matthew Barber is always hope for another victory. Coach Sutton said, “The junior Monica Fischer high boys have been working hard and improving each week. I am Josh Froberg looking forward to coaching them on the varsity level some day.” Chloe Geoghegan With a season record of 3 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie, they are Bekah Holle photo by rebekah johnson Chelsea Jaramillo New team addition Dallas Brock, 8th, advances the ball up field on now practicing for another victory. Time will tell as they will play Avery Jones a keeper play to improve the Mustangs’ field position. A+ Academy at home, Irving Highlands away, Legacy Christian at Caroline Kennedy Brock has proved to be a vital part of the team since his arrival. home, and Richardson Canyon Creek away. Ellie Kimball Maggie Marshall Priscilla Melton Charis Orr Winston Ray Joshua Sparks Haley Yates

Adviser Judy Collins

Technical Support Michael McIntyre Lisa White

4 campus news September 2008 Rallies get students excited Jog-a-Thon and Rock-a-Thon rally students BY CHLOE GEOGHEGAN

First through twelfth grade students gathered the week of August 25 for the Jog-A-Thon and Rock-A-Thon rallies. This year instead of a Jog-A-Thon, upper school students will be participating in a Rock-A-Thon. Each grade will be responsible for one rocking chair that they must keep rocking all day. In addition to the Rock-A-Thon being new this year, half the money the students raise individually will go towards their spring mission trips. The Rock-A-Thon rally took place in the upper school courtyard on Thursday August 28. The rally included music by juniors Garrett Stinchcomb, Ryan Haltom, and Daniel Marolf. It also included two dancing “old people” to help advertise an exciting trip to Six Flags for the students who meet their money goal as a class. “I thought the rally was fun, but Mr. Thompson dressed up as an old person, that was weird.” Bekah Johnson said. At the football field on Friday August 29, lower school got pumped up for Jog-A-Thon with their own rally. The rally included two forms of entertainment for the kids. Cheers and a High School Musical dance from the varsity cheerleaders was one and the other was a “sponge” game. The game got the lower school students pumped up about meeting their class money goal. If the students meet their class goal, they will get to take a trip to Hawaiian Falls. The students competed twice on Friday, with first, second, and third grades going against each other. The kids had to get in a line and pass a wet sponge either over their head or between their legs to the next person. The last person had to squeeze out the water in a bucket then run to the front and soak the sponge again. photo by emily crombar photo by emily crombar The competition ended with 3B being the winner of the first round Upper school students get excited to raise money Derek Heinish gets into the school spirit as he that will go towards building the new bleachers as and 5A the winner of round two. cheers along with his fellow first graders on the The rallies were successful and now that everyone is pumped they watch Mr. Thompson’s and Mrs. Ingraham’s up, it’s time to have some fun and raise some money! crazy skit at the Rock-A-Thon rally held in MCA’s football field bleachers at the Jog-A-Thon rally. courtyard.

September 2008 campus news 5 Kicking off the school year with a charge High school students venture to Glen Rose BY MONICA FISCHER, AVERY JONES AND CHELSEA JARAMILLO With the new school year fast pastor, Jeff Veal. He spoke about 2 Timothy 4: approaching, students began preparing 7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished themselves for the year ahead. Squeezing in the race, I have kept the faith.” In his message, as much sleep as possible, they were anxious he related this verse to the challenges we face for what was to come. On August 13, all high today. school students and some staff packed up their When there were no scheduled belongings and headed for the second annual activities, the students enjoyed free time. High School Kick-off Retreat. They kicked off Some utilized the pool, while others just hung the year at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center out with friends. Even meals were filled with in Glen Rose, Texas. entertainment and amusement. “My favorite part Stepping off the bus, the students were of the retreat was when sophomore James Payne assigned to cabins and settled in. Swiftly, they stood up and sang,” said sophomore Trevor were on their way to one of many exciting team Hopkins. activities. They enjoyed games such as apple The fun-filled retreat provided a great photo by alec overn relay, caterpillar, fear factor, canoe races, and way to kick off the new school year. It gave (Top) High school students charades, among others. “I thought the apple all who attended a chance to make friends strenuously “caterpillar” across the gym game was funny because it was awkward,” said with people outside of their grade. For the new floor to the finish line in one of the many senior Meg Reese. Although many students had students, the retreat gave them an opportunity to competitions at the retreat. fun with these games, dodge ball was favored become part of the MCA family. “This was my by most. “I totally enjoyed dominating the girls first year to attend the MCA retreat as a senior, (Right) The “Aggie” team participates in dodge ball at the high school retreat. It was but I found it to be a great experience. The kids in the tug-of-war contest, consolidating super-duper,” said freshman Keith Fields. of MCA coming to high school are sure to grow their strength against the opposing team The students also attended chapel with closer each and every year,” said Elizabeth to pull the rope across the line for a win. McKinney Fellowship Bible Church youth Bradford. photo by laura smith New year, experiences, and hobbies to shape student body Introduction of unique and original clubs to MCA sparks student interest BY CHARIS ORR Clubs at MCA have always been a time to take a break from the note taking and skills. Mandy Moore from the Women of God club tells us, “I like having [clubs]; there are lectures of the day to enhance a new skill. This year is no different. There are eighteen clubs different choices.” in all, both junior and senior high including some new ones such as an activity Mrs. Scott All in all, the clubs this year are definitely something to look forward to. It is a enjoys, the cross stitch club. “When club ideas were being tossed around by the teachers, positive outlet that teaches the students new things so that they can be more rounded and Mr. Bollinger stressed it should be something that we ourselves enjoyed. Cross stitch is very accomplished. Mrs. Cramer exclaims, “It gives our students a sense of accomplishment simple, but the outcome is very beautiful. With the success of the knitting club last year, and service to others! I have used my skill as a ministry to bless others. I would want club I thought students might be interested in a different sort of handicraft.” Cross stitch along members to do the same.” with other clubs like the Credo Cognitum, high school missions, Women of God, senior high Lego Robotics or Games, junior high ping pong, and junior high hackeysack are all new clubs this year. The new clubs create the willingness for MCA students to get outside their comfort zones and try something new as Mrs. Scott informs, “I am absolutely thrilled with the four guys who have been brave enough to join my club. Talk about stepping outside your comfort zone!!” Clubs open up opportunities for students to interact with others whom they might not normally be with in classes, as well as seeing teachers through a different setting. There are also many other important aspects to having club as old hand Mrs. Cramer eloquently explains. “I believe many students are like I was at 13. I had interests, but did not necessarily know how to develop them or practice them. I think clubs here at MCA serve many vital functions: One, develop hidden talent. Two, let students practice something they may not have an opportunity to otherwise. Three, let students see their teachers in a less formal setting-doing something they really love. Four, it helps students and teachers get a chance to fellowship with others who have similar interests. Five, work cooperatively, as in the case of our cake club. Then six, show others our handiwork!” Along with Mrs. Cramer’s cake club, the returning clubs are knitting, photography, senior high FCA, senior high ping pong, senior high chess, and junior high board games, fashion, and outdoors skills club. There are a variety of clubs that catch the students’ interests and teaches them a number of

photo by ellie kimball Sophomores Michael Nichols, Winston Ray, Josh Froberg, and Tanner Purdum work on their projects in cross stitch club spon- sored by Mrs. Scott. Clubs like these give students the unique opportunity to explore hobbies and activities that some would not normally pursue, heightening awareness of various subjects. 6 entertainment September 2008 the learn Book 2play Corner Rock Band 2 Maximum Ride REVIEWED BY: REBEKAH JOHNSON **** REVIEWED BY: WINSTON RAY Ever had an annoying little voice in your head? Dealt with crazy parents? Felt **** like you don’t belong? Well, join the crowd. The star of Maximum Ride: Saving the With the success and innovation of the original Rock Band, there was World and other Extreme Sports would be right there with you. But her problems are bound to be a sequel. Harmonix had developed a game that improved on the a little more pressing- she really does have a voice in her head, telling her what to do. Guitar Hero concept and added drums and vocals as well, forming an experience The problem? She doesn’t know where the voice comes from. Her parents are also six that could entertain nearly anyone. With this past achievement, there were great times crazier than yours- they’re mad scientists, bent on world domination. But here’s expectations for Rock Band 2, and it doesn’t disappoint. Eighty-four new tracks the big difference between you and Max- she has wings. The first of six successful by some of the most popular artists today, and many classics from the past among human-avian hybrids, Max faces many problems, the most pressing of which are numerous others provide a strong song list for players of nearly any musical saving the world from the scientists who made her, keeping the other members of her background. Most of the tracks from the original Rock Band can be transferred to “flock” safe, and running from the one other successful type of hybrid- human-lupine Rock Band 2 with the disc export feature to the hard drive. This is a convenient “Erasers”. This sci-fi light by James Patterson is the third out of four books in the series addition that adds a new dimension to the songs, due to the improved player so far, with a fifth slated for arrival March 16, 2009. interface. This book picks up where the second left off. It’s okay to not have read the first The newly designed guitar and drums are far upgraded from the models two though, because the narrator (Max) does quick work on catching everyone up to included in the original Rock Band, and they make the overall playing experience speed. And one thing that is surely never missing in any of the Maximum Ride books more enjoyable. Modes such as Battle of the Bands and World Tour are refreshing, is speed. Fast-paced and action-packed, there is never a dull moment for the “flock”. and the local and global online multi player connects the entire rock band This book follows their trek across all ends of our beautiful country, including a stop in community as one. In addition to this, the character creator allows players to create none other than our own Dallas, and all the way to Germany to combat their longtime their own musicians with an extensive system that includes customizing features adversary, the evil science corporation Itex. Itex’s latest scheme is a global holocaust for clothing, hairstyles, accessories and instruments. Overall, Rock Band 2 is of all weak or useless people. Needless to say that does not sit well with Max or any of certainly one of the highlights in gaming this fall, and after careful review, I give it the other hybrids. four out of five stars. This book deals with many issues that even normal, non-winged people deal with, like ethics in science. The question of the morality of Itex’s experiments is brought up many times. The question of independence is also a theme. How much can a leader used to doing everything herself depend on others? But one thing that is always sure about this group- they would all give their lives for one another if that is what it came to. Seeing selfless love like that is always refreshing in our culture of “I”, even if it is just fiction. There aren’t many downsides to this book. It is violent, but not in a gory or creepy way. The hefty dose of sarcasm used to tell the story and the occasional misused name of God may make this a book better for the older crew- I would say 12 and up. All things considered, this book is a clean action thriller that takes up problems we all deal with. Throw in six bird-kids, a talking dog, evil scientists and you’ve got yourself a spellbinding story that absolutely refuses to be put . I give this book four out of five stars.

• A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out

• The word four has four letters. In the English language there is no other number whose number of letters is equal to its value.

• Americans on the average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.

• The strongest muscle in the body is the TONGUE

• The first pick-up truck in the world was made by Gottlieb Daimler in 1886. Gottlieb produced the world’s first motorcycle in 1885.

• It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open • The king of hearts is the only king without a moustache

http://subhank.tripod.com/id4.html September 2008 editorial/opinion 7 Who is to blame for this economy crisis? Who can rescue us from this mess? Thank BY RYAN HALTOM The nation is a mess. We have the surge of warfare into the Middle East. freedoms I have being a citizen of the United screeched to a halt…in more ways than one. When the potential threat of weapons of mass States, but to tell you the truth, I am tired of The most recent of these downfalls being the destruction caused concern in the United States the careless decision making process that the economic crisis, it is evident that the United government, we had to act on the nation of collective citizens of this nation have applied You States of America is in way too deep. We are Iraq, causing intense war for the past six years to their spending. Our strength being hidden, in way over our heads and it doesn’t seem or so. That is not necessarily any one person’s we must act on this problem. We are not being like there is a way out. With the upcoming fault, although most point the finger at Bush. wise with our possessions and are sending Cheerleaders... presidential election, our nation is on the To blame others seems to be our favorite thing ourselves toward an utter failure. Although we minds of our citizens more than usual and there to do. It seems we have collectively brought are a great nation, at the present time, we are is plenty of cause for concern in that level of ourselves down to the deepest level we could not a very smart one. thinking. It has been a Should we be surprised at gradual decline up until this economic crisis we are facing now, but it has abruptly today? I say no, but it is up to the dropped lower than we people of this great nation to decide ever wanted it to go. what their role is in creating this Though this problem and take the proper steps may sound overly to fix it. Will electing McCain or dramatic, it does give Obama change anything? Maybe for all your support an idea of the gravity a little, but the candidate that is of this present situation. ultimately chosen won’t make a It isn’t our entire fault, significant difference in the nation and hard work this but at the same time over the other candidate. Whoever is it is. As long as I can elected the forty-fourth President of remember, the nation our proud nation won’t be able to fix season. hasn’t been steady. Now graph courtesy of www.netbanker.com the nation on his own. It will have to that time period is not This graph represents the gradual rise in United States spending on debit, credit, be the people of America who do it. -The 08-09 very long, given that and home equity balances. After all, aren’t we the ones who got I’ve only understood ourselves in this mess? Football and politics for a few years now, but ever since I go. With September 11th and the war in the Yes, we are to blame for this crisis, but can remember, my parents have been talking Middle East causing concern in nearly every there is hope. There is hope in Jesus Christ. He Volleyball about the state of the union like it was the American household since, it hasn’t helped can save us from this economically detrimental most important thing on their minds. Since that natural disasters like hurricanes and other situation, but He will carry out His will on Programs America was betrayed by Bill Clinton and his factors out of our control have plagued this our country according to His judgment. Who administration, the citizens of this nation have great nation to the point of panic. Hurricane knows? Maybe He feels we are deserving of been looking for a turnaround in the White Katrina caused turmoil in more regions than this distress and need to figure out we must turn House, but unfortunately it hasn’t happened. just the Gulf Coast and has caused more than to Him and He will direct our paths. Regardless Even with a professed Christian leader like one problem. With the tragedy of Katrina, gas of His position, we as Christians have the George W. Bush, we haven’t been able to get prices have been soaring for the past three assurance of knowing that by God’s grace we ourselves going in the right direction. Now, years and as of recently, they have gotten will be taken care of no matter how difficult you can’t blame the man. Not even two years significantly worse. Needless to say, it seems times may get and that we will get through this into his first term, the attacks of September 11, the nation has been in decline for some time economic crisis. We will be okay. Isn’t that all and that is not the fault of the President or 2001 on the World Trade Center in New York we need to know? City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C, and the government. The citizens of this nation Special thanks Flight 93 rocked our nation. This prompted are to blame. Do not get me wrong. I love the to Christmas Light Contractors for providing all the lights for the JH and SH Homecoming dances FREE OF CHARGE!