the January/February 2010 ManeEditionMcKinney Christian Academy Volume 8 Issue 4 Mustang varsity basketball Inside stampedes into playoffs during this Wild Week stories on pages 2 and 5 Issue story on page Lower School enjoys their Valentine’s Day 3 parties on the Monday following a series of snow days, celebrating with food and games for all grade levels. story on page The first year of Mustangs wrestling ends 5 for both the junior high and varsity successfully, with many varsity wrestlers placing at TAPPS State competition. story on page Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivers an 6 entertaining performance as the Tooth Fairy in a family-friendly comedy that is sure to please. 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 campus life January/February 2010 photo by lauren fess Senior Thomas Wild for MCA basketball LeBlanc and junior Tanner Purdum bat- Wild Week promotes school spirit tle it out in the lunch time game. BY CHARIS ORR photo by laura smith Wild week, a time to different interpretations of the Sophomore Trent show Mustang pride and cheer the super hero theme, which was also Stinchcomb, senior basketball teams toward a play- the inspiration for the first annual Chris Shin, and off victory, is also the perfect way Wild Week pep rally. During the sophomore Brad to break up the monotony of the pep rally, the cheerleaders led the Knam “heat up the second term. “There was a really (super) charge to pump up the fire” at the dance. relaxed feel and everyone could players with excitement still have fun while doing the and energy, assuring academic stuff,” said freshman “supreme dominance” Mandy Moore. At this point in the and “ultimate victory” Winter Formal fun year things often become hectic, over the foes. and this helter-skelter week once This victorious Dance is one to remember again gives the students a time to spirit carried over into BY KELLY SIMS be casual and comfy. Junior, Josh the games, with double High school students on stage while the students took Sparks said, “I liked being able to wins inflicted by the showed their moves on the dance pictures. wear jeans and my favorite sweat basketball boys and girls floor and loved dancing the The music was not the shirt. It was awesome that we could teams upon Greenville night away with their friends on only aspect that made everyone be casual all week.” (Tuesday) and Rockwall February 6th at Winter Formal. have so many memories from this The students always seem Heritage (Friday). The music, food and overall dance. “The atmosphere of the to bring a new twist to common Coming off these Wild atmosphere was a big hit among dance was thrilling,” freshman themes, such as Cowboys versus Week victories, both all the students. “Winter Formal Allyson Richey said. Rock Creek Indians, Men in Black versus Aliens, teams qualified for the was the best dance I have ever Ranch was a new place for the and Twins Day. The last day, and playoffs. been to. I loved the DJ and the MCA students to have Winter the overall resounding favorite of Thanks to our music,” junior Lauren Snead said. Formal. The big stage and open the week, was “Super-Hero” Day. student government for The DJ, Kelly Hooper, floor was perfect to get everyone Freshman Bekah Parker exclaimed, giving us an exciting led the dance with songs that dancing. “The place was nice “My favorite dress-up day was change of pace with Wild got everyone dancing. “I loved and had a big dance floor,” senior super-hero day, because I got to be Week. Without a doubt, being able to do my dance moves Thomas Jacobs said. “The food ‘Super Bekah.’ That seemed like it will be a tradition to to good music,” junior Priscilla was delicious and satisfying,” the day people enjoyed dressing continue to “infinity and Chiessa-Melton said. The crowd freshman CJ Bennett said. The up the most.” The range of options beyond!” photo by john keyes went wild when juniors Ben lemonade and sweets, such as Senior Ryan Sims poses in his spidey costume. in this category allowed for many Casey and Christian Scheiderer cookies and brownies, completed beat boxed to “U Can’t Touch the experience. This”. Junior Tanner Purdum and Winter Formal was sophomore Trent Stinchcomb did complete with the music, DJ, food, their rendition of “Don’t Stop and student’s crazy moments on Believing” that had the girls stage. Senior Carlee Smith sums screaming. Freshmen boys Dallas it all up by calling Winter Formal, Brock and Shawn Johnson danced “The best dance ever.” photo by laura smith Freshman Shawn Johnson shows off his dances moves to a Panjabi Mc song. photo by laura smith To top off a fun week filled with school spirit, the high school students attend- ed the “Sadie Hawkins Style” Winter Formal. Held at Rock Creek Ranch, the dance was a hit among all who at- tended. “The atmosphere at the Winter Formal was great! Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and enjoy the dance,” said senior Aly Collins. Senior Brittani Knam commented, “Great dance for my senior Winter Formal. I loved the DJ’s music selection and dancing with my friends.” January/February 2010 campus life 3 Lower School love is shown to friends, teachers and people of Haiti BY EMILY WARREN The frosty air was warmed by the hearts of with an endless supply of cookies, brownies and many the Lower School students as they had their Valentine’s more tasty sweets. Sixth grade even had a fondue Day party on Monday, February 15. Originally these fountain! Six grader Angela Squiric said, “We ate a ton parties were scheduled to take place the Friday before of chocolate.” Valentine’s Day, but the students did not mind pushing Fun and games were not the only focus of these them back for a fun record snow day. Despite the Valentine’s Day parties. First grader Jacob Slate said, weather delay, the room moms, along with the help of “Valentine’s day is about caring and showing love to many parent volunteers, still pulled off great parties for other people.” The students were taught this lesson in each individual class. various ways. Some classes highlighted the importance These parties included what every good of love. Throughout the week Lower School students had Valentine’s Day party must have; games. Many different the opportunity to purchase Val-o-grams from second Valentine’s Day theme games were played to keep the graders whom attached candy to these notes and then students entertained throughout the party. Sixth graders sent them to the recipient. This gave the lower schoolers Karli Henneman, Angela Squiric and Julia Myrick the opportunity to show love as all the proceeds went to all said, “It was amazing and we got a ton of cards!” help relief efforts in Haiti. Hundreds of cards, packed full with candy, were passed Not only did the Valentine’s Day parties allow out on this day and were kept in bags that each student Lower School students to have a fun and enjoyable time, had the opportunity to decorate at home or at their party. but they also gave students an opportunity to share their As if this was not enough sugar, the kids were supplied blessings and show love to those around the world. Congratulations to MCA’s Young Authors photo by haley yates Contest winners Katelyn Fillebrown enjoys painting during the PreK Valentine’s party. photo by haley yates Wearing her “love” shirt, sixth grader Mollie-Claire Matthews creates her craft during the Valentine’s Day festivities. photo by amanda kidwell Featured above are the Young Author’s Contest Winners. This contest is an annual MCA competition that en- courages the Lower School students to write their own stories. Hannah Beth Holtz, fifth grade, took 2nd place with her story “The Cheft’s Problem.” “I think the process of writing is really good. It’s fun coming up with new ideas. That is the best part!” said Holtz. Congratulations to first grad- ers Michael Starling (1st place), Ke- aton Croom (2nd), and Brodie Wolfe (3rd); second graders Jason Cross (1st), Colton Payne (2nd), and Maddie Grace Gwynn (3rd); third graders Hannah Atkins (1st), Mollie-Claire Matthews (2nd), and Kate Witte (3rd); fourth graders Sophie Temple (1st), Samantha Ekanem (2nd), and Mike Boyle (3rd); fifth graders Katherine Luna (1st), Han- nah Holtz (2nd), and Tristan Miller (3rd); sixth graders Jewel Miller (1st), Ashely Henson (2nd), and AnnMarie Barfield (3rd). The winners will have their stories published in a compiliation and are treated to lunch with Ms. Sass. 4 sports January/February 2010 Lady Mustangs come out on top Girls basketball makes presence felt in district and beyond BY ROBERT KELLEY The varsity girls basketball team was able to persevere and make the playoffs through many tough games this season. The girls were strong and very skilled. They enjoyed the season and played great as a whole. “Basketball has always been my favorite sport. Playing this year, with these girls, has made it all the more enjoyable. I am proud of what we accomplished,” said senior Aly Collins. The team achieved many great aspirations by making it to the second round of playoffs. In the bi-district game, the girls rolled over Northeast Christian to win the first round. The second round game against Shiner was not as easy. Both teams fought through the entire game, but with the Mustangs missing shots and turning the ball over their season was over.