Quoteable Inside... Feature Story I walked around the room, taking in all the sights and TENNIS GHOST anther “smells confronting me, and PAGE 7 RIDER trying to wipe the glue off of PAGE 5 my hands. -page 4 The Midway High School ost ” ” P The Voice of Midway Vol. 19 : Issue 6 March 2007 WINDY CITY BLOWS AWAY ORCHESTRA Students make memories Chicago field trip Chuck McFarling “I wanted just the opportunity to Staff Writer walk around in Chicago,” Junior Jaimee Harris said. Chicago: America’s third largest city For many orchestra members as and home of the Magnificent Mile, well as the adults, it was their first visit Navy Pier and The Bean among many to Chicago other things. This great Midwestern “It was my first time and I must say, city is also now home to many memo- it was amazing,” Freshman Tatianna ries of the Midway orchestra. Sawyer said. About 80 orchestra members, Salvation from the long drive was at teachers and parents went there hand when they arrived at the hotel. March 6-11 for the program’s field trip “The hotel was wonderful,” chaper- it takes every four years. According to one and orchestra parent Marla freshman, said. music in college instead of just quitting participants, the trip can be summed Jaynes said. “We had beds to sleep in Not only did the group get to watch after high school,” Junior Shannon up in one word: amazing. instead of a seat on the bus.” professional musicians, they also had Morrow said. For many, the 18-hour bus drive up However, Chicago rush hour traffic the opportunity to work with them. While the Chicago Symphony there was the first obstacle. proved to be an even greater obstacle. The group attended a clinic hosted by Orchestra and Sinfonietta offered the “I passed the time by talking with “It took us forever to get where we the Chicago Sinfonietta for hints, tips, peak of orchestral music, the group friends, watching movies and sleep- wanted to go,” Freshman Kara encouragement and inspiration. experienced an entirely different style ing,” Junior Catherine Rich said. McMurray said. “I realized why I play,” Mary of performance: the Blue Man Group. The schedule for the trip looked Despite the long bus rides around Catherine Driese, a freshman, said. “It was a dazzling display of visual filled with activities, but many simply the city, the sights and places were all “Sometimes you just go through the and auditory imagery,” Orchestra enjoyed spending time with friends. worth it, such as seeing the Chicago motions without reason, and I needed Director Jennifer Martin said. “It was “Before the trip, I looked forward to Symphony Orchestra perform. to realize why I love it so much.” the most unique performance I have getting to know orchestra members “After watching their performance The clinic also gave advice and seen, and very entertaining.” better,” Adrienne Steely, a freshman, and listening to every pitch, dynamic firsthand knowledge about continuing said. and playing as an orchestra done music education in the future and the Some were also eager to experience perfectly, you practically melted in possibilities of a career in music. See ORCHESTRA the big city firsthand. your seat,” Rachel Blattman, a “It made me think about minoring in Page 5 TASTE OF MIDWAY AFRICAN ISSUES AWARENESS BIMM students create humanitarian documentary

Tyler Watts explaining the conflict, and then makes Editor In Chief a call for action. Two BIMM students have taken a “The real purpose of the video is to simple class project to a new level. raise awareness,” Moore said. “Not Sophomores Patrick Moore and Blake many people know about it, and we Sherman decided to turn their class hope that this video can help educate project, which focused on creating a people about what’s happening.” video using software that is taught in The video will also be used to class, into an awareness-raising video educate in classrooms. The world centered around the conflict in Darfur. geography classes will show the video Above. Senior Collin Moore tastes “Darfur: The Deadliest Region in in April when they begin their unit on some chips and dip from Cheddar’s. the World” is a documentary that Africa and the Darfur region. Visitors to Taste of Midway could Moore and Sherman created earlier Moore and Sherman plan on entering try foods available in the red gym of this semester. In the documentary, their video into the Time Warner the Middle School before the Moore and Sherman interview fellow Spotlight Award Contest which recog- fashion show began. students, asking them how much they nizes students who creatively use Right. Seniors Austin Morriss and know about Darfur (a region of Africa media and technology. The grand Jameson Mattern pose during the that has fallen victim to militant groups prize winner and their school will Taste of Midway fashion show who use genocide against their receive grants. wearing clothes donated for the political opponents). After most of the The video can be seen on night from local stores. students show varying degrees of youtube.com, and more information knowledge and ignorance on the about the conflict in Darfur can be Photos by Shauna Stewart subject, Moore gives a narrative found at safedarfur.org. pantherpost news 3 Briefly Speakingopin-... ion by: Nicole Sohns PTA Contest Results Band Contest Resutls Hills, Garrett Jaines, Kelsi Several band students participated Laningham, Brandon Patterson, A+ Teacher The following students placed in the in Region 8 UIL Solo and Ensemble Chris Walker, Travis Gilbert, PTA Reflections Contest Area 12 Jonathan Rhodes, Brittany Taylor, Contest Saturday. Students earning a Level and will now advance to the Jana Upchurch, Thomas Morris, Superior rating or Division 1 for their state level. The winners at the state Nick Quintero, Matt Ritter, Seth solo performance were: level will be announced at the Area Sawyer, Thomas Grabow, Leah Jimmy Bartee, Jana Upchurch, 12 PTA Spring Conference. If Hough, Erik Munson, Cody Runion Brittany Taylor, Keith Lightfoot, Midway students place at this level, Aaron Wharton, Carla Haines they will receive notification and an Orchestra Results invitation to this meeting. Students that earned a Superior Many orchestra students competed at rating for their solo performance and the Region 8 UIL Solo and Ensemble Literature: that qualified for State were: Contest in February. Ashley Thomas Meredith Millard Alison Lampert, Niraj Patel, The following students received a Staff Writer Stephanie Pruett Victoria Steger Division 1 “Superior” on their solo performance: Spanish Teacher Marie Croft recently achieved the regional rank of Photography: Ensemble members that earned a Lauren Carroll, Austin Harris, First Division Rating for their perfor- Teacher of the Year for The Associa- Katherine Burt Janna Martindale, Meredith tion of Texas Professional Educators Max Burgess mance: Murphy, Hannah Barber, Catherin (ATPE). She wrote four essays on Bianca Smith-Davis Kelsi Laningham, Miteya Carr, Rich, Elizabeth Owens, Lupe Siale, various topics that were presented to Jacob Clapper, Kelton Dorsey, Adrienne Steely, Ryan Baird, Garrett her for competition, such as her Emily Hills, Chris Walker, Brandon Jaynes, Erin Rich philosophy of teaching, major public Patterson, Joey Martocchio, education issues, personal teaching The following students received a Charity Work Samuel Fredregill, David Martinez, style, and people that have influ- Division 1 “Superior” on their en- enced her to pursue being a teacher. Cody Overstreet, Mark Thrower, During Christmas, PALs rang the semble performance: Midway teachers and staff nomi- Jimmy Bartee, Sara Mock, Niraj Salvation Army bells. The Salvation nated Croft for this opportunity, Patel, Erik Munson, Cody Runion Hannah Barber, Janna Martindale, Army contacted them and said that feeling that she would represent the and Adrienne Steely; Lauren school in a good way. during the four weekends the PALs Ensemble members earning a Carroll, Robert Duello, Austin “I love to teach,” Croft said. “The rang the bell, they raised $974.86 to Superior rating and qualifying for Harris, and Catherine Rich; Ryan importance of education has always help disadvantaged people in the state are: Baird, Meg Burleson, Jaimee Harris, been a major part of my life.” surrounding communities. Miteya Carr, Jacob Clapper, Emily Elizabeth Owens, Casey Turner Collins and Team Orthodontics Specialist in Orthodontics Michael D. Collins, D.D.S. Have a great year

772-5933 8400 Old McGregor Rd. Waco, Tx 76712 4 feature March 2007 MARTIN-ANGELO Math-inclined student struggles in AP Art Class

David Martin teacher, I sat down at an Staff Writer open desk and awaited instruction. I quickly I haven’t drawn a picture since my third grade learned, however, that AP teacher told me my picture of little Jimmy Thornton Art students have tran- looked like a tree in her front yard. After a nine- scended regular instruction, year hiatus, I decided that it was time to rediscover and are now working on my artistic abilities. filling out their portfolios. As I walked around Joan Warren’s art room, taking I had no portfolio to build, in all the strange sights and smells she had me confronting me, and trying to wipe the work on one glue off of my hands. Was I caught in of the earlier my recurring dream again? No, just assignments, a spending the day in AP Drawing class. drawing Ever since preschool, I have eschewed involving three drawing in favor of more creative tasks, pictures. The like mathematics. As such, I have very limited pictures were circular in drawing abilities, and stick figures are the extent of form, and were randomly Senior David Martin admires his masterpiece in Joan Warren’s AP art class. my prowess. So, I was very much a fish out of picked out by me and placed Picture by Jennifer Bancale water in AP Art. on a sheet of paper. I then The first thing I noticed about my day in AP Art had to use colored pencils to connect the pictures AP Art came from the atmosphere was the remoteness of the classroom. As it turns together, in a sort of abstract drawing that resembled of the class. Never before have I been in a class as out, the 500 hallway is several miles away from the a first-graders depiction of his carpet. laid-back as that one, the stress-free environment rest of the school, and getting to it entails scaling I did not actually have enough time to fully com- did much to stoke my creative fire, and the support- several mountains and swimming across a few plete my art project, even though I was working as ive atmosphere inspired me to step out and draw. rivers. I did not take this into account when I left quickly as possible and thus sacrificed a good deal of In the final estimation, I greatly enjoyed my “Fish my first period class, so needless to say I started quality. Out of Water” experience, and wish that I had my shadow day late to class. The final result of my art experience may not have enrolled in art starting my freshman year. After meeting Warren, the mild-mannered art been much to look at, but the lasting impression of

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P.O.Box 1146 Hewitt, TX 76643 (254) 666-9100 (254) 666-6284 fax Order Forms Room 115 pantherpost entertainment 5 THE ‘Ghost Rider’ good for the action fan TICKET Jonathan Taylor Artist Blades of Glory (March 30) When rival figure skaters Is the world ready for “Ghost Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Rider” the movie? Apparently. One Ferrell) and Jimmy MacElroy of the best movies in late February (Jon Heder) engage in a no- and March, also in the top five holds barred brawl at the World Championships, they movies to see in early March, it are striped of their gold medals stars Nicolas Cage as Johnny and banned from the sport. Blaze, the Ghost Rider. It also stars Three and a half years on Eva Mendes as Roxanne Simpson. they’ve found a loophole that It was directed by Mark Steven will allow them to compete, in Johnson, whose previous films pairs figure skating. include, “Daredevil”, and “Fantas- tic Four.” The Lookout (March 30) This The movie is about a motorcycle crime drama is centered stuntman named Johnny Blaze who around a once promising high school athelete whose life is makes a pact with the devil, selling turned upside down following a his soul to save his father. When tragic accident. As he the bargain goes sour and the struggles to maintain a normal father isn’t saved, Blaze is trans- life he takes a job as a janitor formed into a skeleton with flames at a bank where he ultimately who gains superpowers.During the plans a heist. day, he’s a normal guy. At night he collects souls for the devil. Pathfinder (April 13) The It was a good movie, but at the heroic story of a young Norse same time, I was a little disap- boy left behind after his clan shipwrecks on the Eastern pointed. I have read the comic have been rated R, causing the amount make up for it. shores of America. Despite his books series which is serious, dark, of ticket buyers to go down. I would recommend this movie to lineage, the boy is raised by and creepy. The comic book series I would recommend the movie to people have not read the series, but if the very Indians his kinsmen is a Marvel Graphic Novel, so it those who like action films. The action you have read the comic books, set out to destroy. Now, as the has more violence and disturbing parts of the movie are okay, but they prepare to be disappointed. “Ghost Vikings return to stage another images like demons, and monsters get really repetitive after a while. The Rider” is rated PG-13 for horror, barbaric raid on his village, the ripping each other apart. Had they great special effects, like the morphing violence, and disturbing images and is young Norse warrior sets out included this, it probably would of the bike into a flaming motorcycle, one hour 50 minutes long. to ssve his community.

ORCHESTRA From page 1 hits Austin restaurant with flurry of music The Blue Man Group describes Shauna Stewart their shows as an “assault on the Copy Chief senses,” which proved to be quite alive and they opened with the high stage, given a mic, a headset and lyrics true. Stubb’s BBQ in Austin is not school reminiscent “” to the song, “Set the Fire to the Third “It was completely random in the particularly a fan favorite venue-wise, from their third , . Bar.” This was the most entertaining most amazing way,” Freshman but it seems to be a popular destina- The stage set up was impressive. part of the night as Lightbody held up Meg Burleson said. “I laughed the tion for bands. On March 10, indie Despite the fact that this crowd was the lyrics for the nervous girl and then whole time. It was the best night UK outfit Snow Patrol rocked the perhaps the most sedentary that I had whisked the pages out into the crowd I’ve ever had.” outdoor stage along with supporting ever seen, the incredible set and as they came to the end of each page. Hands down, the Blue Man bands Silversun Pickups and OK Go. entertaining banter from the Irish front The set included all but one song Group took the cake as the stu- Snow Patrol exploded on the scene man, , made it seem as from , Snow Patrol’s most dents’ favorite part of the trip. This when one of their songs from their if my friends and I were the only ones recent album, and the majority of and the entire city made for an fourth album, Eyes Open, was played there. At one point, Lightbody referred songs from Final Straw. There were a incredible adventure that every on the mega-hit “Grey’s Anatomy” to the giant white awning as a shark’s grand total of zero songs played from orchestra member and supervisor last year. As a result of this and mouth, something many performers any preceding those. Snow will remember for a long time. having OK Go, who have also experi- there have done before. Shortly after Patrol played three songs for their To go on the trip, most students enced a surge in popularity as a result that, Lightbody began to dote on encore: “The Finish Line,” “Open Your participated in a fund-raiser, and it of music videos involving cleverly- Austin, one of his “favorite cities in the Eyes” and “.” was worth every penny earned. crafted dance routines, the show at States.” He went on for a while Overall the concert was enjoyable “The trip was so much fun,” Stubb’s was completely sold out. discussing South by Southwest and and though the mood was very nearly freshman Lindsay Weaver said. “I After short sets from the openers, then continued on with the show. spoiled by the dull crowd, the connec- don’t regret anything.” the crowd seemed suprisingly mellow. The most exciting time of the tion that Lightbody effortlessly made Realizing that an opportunity like Even OK Go’s upbeat sound failed to evening was when Lightbody an- with those interested in making it was this doesn’t come up often, some engage the listeners. nounced that the female singer for one exceptional through his stage presence students couldn’t refuse the offer. Snow Patrol’s set began slowly with of the songs was not present at the and the surreal light show that per- “It’s a once in a lifetime thing,” a light show from a curtain of bulbs at show and he would have to get fectly captured Snow Patrol’s dream- Freshman Jillian Gilmer said, “so the rear of the stage. The music someone in the audience on stage to like and occasionally melancholic you’ve got to go. swelled gradually until it finally burst fill in. The lucky girl was helped on sound. 6 sports March 2007 2006-2007 Varsity Tennis Serving up success Student Name Grade Tennis teams play well at tourney Frankie Allinson 10 Jennifer Bancale Mitchell CoombsRaves10 Feature Editor The tennis team competed in the Ennis 287 Guerra, a junior, won Consolation Boy’s A Chris Fernandez 11 Spring Tournament February 16 and 17. It was Doubles. Junior Lindsey Harrell received their first spring tournament. This tournament Consolation Girl’s A Singles. David Sanders, Ben Gilbert 11 is known for bringing in top competitors from a sophomore, won first place in Boy’s across the state. It also helps the team see Singles. Junior Edryker Fitch and sopho- Mitch Gurrera 11 where they stand for the rest of the season. more Velora Hall also received third place in “It gives us an opportunity to see what other Mixed Doubles. Cody Goains, a freshman, Hunter Harrell 9 teams are doing with their line-ups and areas won consolation semi-finalist. Juniors that we need to improve on before the play- Amanda Seward and Whitney Wakefield offs,” Coach Troy Simonek said. were quarter-finalists. Kolby Kilgo 9 The tennis faced competition from 15 other Simonek said he believes the rest of the teams that are all ranked in the States’ list of season will end well because of the players’ Jake Waltrip 9 the top 20 teams. The tournament provides efforts in the sport. divisions for singles, doubles and mixed doubles. “I am very excited about our spring,” he Freshman Kolby Kilgo took first place in Boy’s B said. “I know the players are committed to Elizabeth Allinson 12 Singles. He proceeded to finals after defeating working to attain their goals for and awe- players from Birdville, Pearce, and McKinney some spring season.” Kally Amos 10 schools. He finished the match 7-5 and 6-3 in Junior Lindsey Harrel is also thrilled about the best of three tournaments. the rest of the season. Brittany Becker 9 Several other team members did well at the Ben Gilbert, a junior, said he believes the tournament. Frankie Allinson, a sophomore, team will do well in the play-offs.

took fifth place and went 3-1 in the Boy’s A “We have a very young team,” He said, Velora Hall 10 Singles. Allinson went 3-1 and took fifth place in “but we have a lot of potential.” the Girl’s A Division. Junior Ryker Fitch is excited because he Lindsey Harrell 11 Seniors Elizabeth Allinson and Colleen Myers simply loves to play his favorite sport. won fifth place finish in Girl’s A Doubles. Sara Saemmul Lee, a junior, loves the opportu- Curry, a freshman, and Ben Gilbert, a junior, nity “to challenge players from other Saemmul Lee 11 received 6th place in Mixed A Doubles. Brittany teams.” Becker, a freshman, and Kallen Amos, a sopho- The team prepares for the match by Cat Luedtke 10 more, took second Consolation Girls B Doubles. doing conditioning exercises, doing drill Freshman Jake Waltrip and sophomore Velora drills, and practicing. Colleen Myers 12 Hall advanced to the quarterfinals of the Mixed B Pre-match rituals vary from listening to Doubles. Hunter Harrell, a freshman, and Mitch favorite music to relaxing. Lindsey North 11 Recently In Sports

Samantha Janes Sports Editor

Despite windy and dusty conditions the Varsity Girl’s Track team and the Girl’s Junior Varsity track team placed first at the Midway Relays Saturday. The JV and Varsity Girls Soccer teams were both defeated by A&M Consolidated, 3 – 0. The Pantherette Soccer team defeated Lorena, 9 – 0. The Freshman Baseball team continued their winning ways in Pool play of their own tourna- ment this past weekend as the freshman Panthers defeated Pflugerville Connally HS 22-5 on Thursday night before beating Belton HS 16-0 and Cleburne HS 23-1 on Friday to round out Pool play. The freshmen Panthers lost their first game in two years as they lost to A&M Consolidated HS 4-3 in the Championship game. The Junior Varsity Baseball team traveled to West high school to play in the West Varsity Baseball Tournament. The JV lost to Groesbeck’s Varsity baseball team 10-2 on Thursday before losing to Gatesville’s Varsity baseball team 8-0 on Friday. The JV Panthers defeated West’s junior varsity team 14-1 in the consolation game. The Varsity Baseball team got off to their worst start as they went 1-4 in the Georgetown high school 5A Varsity Tournament. The Panthers also lost a tough 9-5 game to Austin high school. The Panthers bounced back to defeat Cedar Park high school 9-8. The Panthers lost 8-2 to Abilene high school in a 10:00 am game. The Panthers lost another tough game to Mansfield Timberview. The Freshmen Baseball Team got the 2007 baseball season off to a good start as they won the Ennis HS Allen Samuels Autoplex Freshman baseball tournament. The freshmen defeated Denysha Taylor Photo by Dalia Carrizales Corsicana HS 13-1. They also defeated Waxahachie HS 17-1 and won the championship game by beating Midlothian HS 27-0. The Varsity Boys Track and Field team place second at the Midway Relays — seven points behind champion Copperas Cove. The junior varsity blue team finished first in the J.V. division. The Goal Tenders ended their competition season with great success Saturday at the M. A. Dance regional contest held at Vista Ridge High School. The team was one of the top five teams and earned a Super Sweepstakes Award. They were recognized for their jazz, military and pom choreography and placed second overall in the hip hop category. They also received the Best Technique Award. The officers received a Super Sweepstakes Award along with choreography awards for their jazz, lyrical and pom routines. They placed second overall and earned the Winners Circle Trophy and Best Technique Award. Sports Spotlight: Softball Edition By Shauna Stewart

In sports, who What food can Do see yourself Do you have What is in your do you look you not live playing soft- any pre-game CD player right up to? without? ball in college? rituals? now?

I can, but any sport in college is Natasha Watley Pizza. It’s just so demanding and I’m Hackey sack before Mix of crunk Jessica Booker good. not sure if I’m every game. music Senior that committed.

Derek Jeter, Red sour straws, I would like to play I always have a On my iPod I have because he is a because I eat softball in college penny in my every kind of music because I love the Holley Gentsch good role model them before every left cleat. except country. game. Junior softball game. Yes, because it Kat Ostroman, my Pickles!!! has been my Hackey sack Journey A.S.A. softball I love them! goal since I Lizzy Kelly coach was eight. Sophomore

Kelsey Sage Chicken spaghetti Yes, because this Hackey sack Burned CD Sienna Miller sport is my love. Sophomore Apple Pie and PANTHER SPECIAL Large Tea

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