The Wildcat Tales Plano Senior High School Plano, TX 75075 www.wildcattales.com @PSHSpub Volume 78 Issue 3 November 30, 2020 Clubs create holiday cheer for charity Students spread their kindness outside of school... By Brooke Burnett

There are many people in need in the least,” Spears said. the community, especially with the The Planoettes have also joined effects of COVID-19, so to help those in on the generous spirit, and have who need it, many school clubs have hosted the canned food drive, which hosted several charity drives. ran from Nov. 3-15. Many generous “I know that right now a lot of students and staff dropped off canned people are in need, especially with the goods, both boxed and bagged items, pandemic when a lot of people don’t as well as plastic bottles. have jobs,” said senior Gianni Spears, “The Planoettes are really big the community service about community service and officer of student congress, “So I feel helping all of Plano, we just want to Photo courtesy of Salvation Army USA West. a drive was very important for those give back to the community as much who can’t just go to a store and buy as we can to help support that food to them,” said Megan pick them up and send them into the these things.” everyone around us,” said Planoettes Kaplan, a Jr. Lieutenant on the drive for people who do need it,” said Student congress has hosted a toi- Jr. Lieutenant Brooke Sidler. Planoettes, “I really hope we’re able Spears. letry drive for people who have a hard There were boxes in the cafeteria to feed as many families as With all of these drives going on, time getting the hygiene products they and every building on campus so possible.” the school’ clubs hope to improve the need. Items like toothbrushes, tooth- students learning remotely and These Plano organizations believe lives of the less fortunate people in the paste, soap, shampoo, cleansing wipes students learning in person all had that now is the time, more than ever, community and help those in need. and other toiletries were donated. a chance to donate and give back to to host food drives. By improving the “[This drive] is really going to These items will go to Family the community. The donated items lives of struggling residents, these impact someone’s life, and I know Place, an organization dedicated to will help many hungry families in the programs are hopeful that the local many people are able to donate, so helping victims of domestic abuse, North Texas area. community as a whole will improve everyone should put in the effort to buy which have increased due to the coro- “Now more than ever it’s really as well. at least a couple cans to give back,” navirus. important to donate to organizations “A lot of these things are laying Kaplan said. “To imagine how they would feel that are helping out all of those around our houses and we don’t even makes me feel very comforted, to say families, it’s really imortant to get all look twice at them so we can easily Orchestra takes the symphony outdoors The new auditorium is nature in the orchestra’s annual outside performance... By Kai Kuntz

On Nov. 16, the school’s Not only that, but the concert orchestra director April Kondrat was allowed for students to finally finally able to have the school’s first play together and catch up for the orchestra concert of the year. first time in maybe months. With the COVID-19 pandemic “It was actually really nice to still going on, Kondrat had to get play with other people,” Ashley creative if she wanted her students to get the chance to play all together. Holmes, a Chamber cellist, said. “Having it outside allowed us to “In class we only have six peo- have 100 kids,” Kondrat said. “Doing ple and I feel that some sections it outside also allowed us to social aren’t accurately represented.” distance.” Kondrat’s mischievousness Setting up for the concert in the The outdoor orchestra concert, photo courtesy of yearbook staff. has yet to fail as she continues to circumstance brought on by the try and find new ways to make “We set up chromebooks, the giant “It wasn’t about the music, it was pandemic was not as bad as the Plano’s orchestra learning experi- screen, and connected to zoom to about having a live audience.” orchestra’s directors expected either. ence that much better during the stream the concert for at home stu- Kondrat’s hopes and intentions “That part felt the most normal, we Coronavirus outbreak. set it up like any other concert,” dents,” Kondrat said. have appeared to rub off onto other With everything that went into the “The concert was nice Kondrat said. “Although there were students as they also believed the concert, Kondrat was actually very because there were kids I hadn’t no stand partners, so it felt like we concert to be a positive outcome in pleased with its outcome as it had heard play until the rehearsal,” were setting up for a band concert.” the midst of a gloomy time. reached and checked off every box that Kondrat said. Students were finally given the “Considering that half of the stu- opportunity to play for their parents, she wanted it to. “The whole point of it [the concert] dents do online school and it was their but there was a special feature first time playing in person, I think she added to those that couldn’t was for it to be a community event,” Kondrat said. did a wonderful job.” Melis Demiralp, a physically attend. violinist in the Chamber orchestra said. This Issue... Page 2- Cabaret Night Page 5- Jingle Jangle, Indie Rock Page 3- Great Schools, Local Election Page 6- Yungblud, The Crown Page 4- Senior Voters, Student Page 7- Girl’s Basketball, Signing Spotlights Day News THE WILDCAT TALES November 30, 2020 2 Theatre’s Country Cabaret charms audience Square-dancing has never seemed so splendid... By Emma Coleman This November, the theatre department put on its annual Cabaret show, this time going back to the deep country roots of Texas. “We have started to incorporate a theme and more ensemble numbers into the show since I have been at Plano Senior,” The theatre department’s director Mr. Racey Ballard said. “We were looking for pieces of literature that had a sense of hope and joy, and we wanted pieces that would inspire and uplift others.” With new obstacles to tackle, and just a month to work on the show, the technical crew, teachers and cast all worked hard together to create an exciting and uplifting performance for the school’s The theatre’s Country Cabaret production, photos courtesy of yearbook staff. community. hopeful story, not only for the audience, but for The teachers and students’ determination to be “I think the biggest change was the presence of themselves. on the stage once again pushed them to work hard masks and shields,” Bailey Edwards, cast member “This has been a challenge and will to put on a great performance, despite the obstacles of Country Cabaret, said. continue to be,” Ballard said. “We will just need created by the coronavirus safety and social-distanc- COVID-19 has created many challenges that the to be extra creative with what we do, I believe the ing guidelines. theatre students have had to work around in order to audience is going to be filled with joy hearing the “Thanks to Mr. Ballard, we were able to adjust perform. stories, even if some components are limited.” our rehearsal process to be safe, but also still have “Theatre is about listening, reacting, and telling However, the ability to perform this year’s Cab- an opportunity to do what we love,” Cohen said. a story all through the emotions aret Night is one opportunity cherished by many of Country Cabaret was an uplifting depiction of portrayed in your face,” cast member Rotem Cohen the theatre students. Even with the perseverance and dedication, by theatre teacher said. “With half of [your face] covered up, we all restraints, many of the cast members are Racey Ballard, and performed by the students in the had to work a little harder during the acting aspect thankful to finally do what they enjoy. Plano Senior High musical theatre. of rehearsal.” “For me, as well as a lot of seniors, the special “This is a very professional and hardworking Despite the new limitations created by the part was that we got to perform at all,” Edwards group we have,” Ballard said. “They are very grate- pandemic, the theatre department has said. “It was grounding to have the opportunity to ful to be getting this experience and it constantly persevered in order to put on a show that tells a do what we all love and enjoy.” shows in rehearsal and performances.”

Photos courtesy of Lauryn Clemons Opinion THE WILDCAT TALES November 30, 2020 3 The importance of local elections From city council members to senate seats, here’s why voting matters...

By Emma Coleman representatives and their Democrat This year, local elections in Collin challengers. This emphasizes the County have proven to be just as changing and dividing political important as the notorious Presidential atmosphere of Collin County. election. In District 67, Democrat candi- Although many focused date Lorenzo Sanchez ran against predominantly on the Presidential the Republican state representative election, and Trump winning by Jeff Leach, this year. Despite Leach’s approximately 4.34 % in the county, success, Sanchez only lost by approxi- locally elected candidates should be mately 3,246 votes in the county. considered just as important. Similarly, in District 66, Local government officials directly Democratic candidate Sharon Hirsch affect the people in a certain area, ran another remarkably close election because they are able to closely against third-term reigning interact with them, and act on the Republican Matt Shaheen for a seat in behalf of their interests or concerns to the Texas House of Representatives. the federal government. A Plano city council meeting, photo courtesy of Dick David. In 2018, Hirsch lost by a mere Collin County has historically been With a small difference in Hagar. Of the total Collin County vot- 391 vote margin to Shaheen, and a “red” or Republican county in Texas, Republican and Democratic voters, ers, Hagar obtained 43 percent of the this year only by 849 votes. Matt and remained as such in the votes for that will most likely continue to vote, whilst Cornyn won 54.6 percent. Shaheen ecstatically effused to his Presidential, and local representa- shrink, local elections and This was a close race between the two supporters at an election night tive elections on Nov. 3. However, representation in Collin County is candidates, since Cornyn won only by event that, “There ain’t no blue the statistics from the Collin County becoming increasingly important to its 56,069 votes. Summary Results Report for the 2020 wave in Collin County,” despite inhabitants. The results for the Texas House of him only winning by a trifling 849 election, show that the voting margin John Cornyn, a Republican Texas Representatives 66th and 67th district votes against a growing number of between Republican and Democratic Senator , ran for reelection this year were among the closest races between voters is drastically shrinking. against the democratic candidate MJ long-time Republican state Democrat opponents. Great schools or subpar rating system? Educational website misses the mark on diverse districts... By Abby Carroll The school ranking website, Great It seems as though Great Schools School, seems to rank schools on a have given Plano Senior such a low bias based on racial stereotypes and and poor rating based on the diversity diversity statistics. in the school. Plano Senior has a high- Great Schools is a website which er percentage of Mexian and African works with the realtor site Zillow to Americans than the other schools in provide insight for people looking to the Plano ISD District like Plano West move, and are trying to decide on an and Plano East, which many people area based around the school district. believe is the reason for the lower The issue with the website Great rating compared to the other Plano Schools is that it ranks Plano Senior schools. lower than both Plano East and Plano A low rating on the Great Schools West, even though they are all a part website gives the school a bad reputa- of the same school district and share a tion, and one that can prevent people Two Plano Senior students, photo courtesy of the yearbook staff. curriculum and similar statistics. looking to raise kids in said area from biased rating system. To rank the who have been raised and given a The Great Schools website rate moving to the Plano school district. schools in this area by how many good education in the district believe, schools by a star rating and rank the This can lead to a lower income of caucasian students the population is a change needs to be made not only in schools on a scale of average, above Plano Senior students, which would made up of reflects poorly on not only the website and its flawed rating sys- average and below average. Plano not be well for the school. Also, the the website Great Schools, but also tem, but in how the people who use it East and Plano West both have an lower rating gives off a bad reputation the people who use the website with and believe it might share this flawed above average rating while Plano and a poor representation of the school preference to schools with a white point of view. Senior has an average rating. They itself. population density. Ratings of the schools should be give these ratings based on scores on It appears that the poor rating of The issue seems clearly to be based entirely based on the curriculum and standardized tests, teacher ratings and Plano Senior, which seems to be on a racist system and one completely how well students do while being more, involving the school and it’s completely based on the fact that Pla- ignorant to the issue regarding race taught at said school, not the school’s curriculum itself, or at least it claims no Senior has a more diverse and ethnicity in the world today. diversity percentage. to. population, is a horrible outcome of a As many Plano Senior students Policy: Mission Statement: Jaece Houston Emma Coleman Students and faculty are encouraged to send in any questions, Wildcat Tales is a student produced publication that serves Online Editor Opinion Editor comments, concerns or criticisms to be published. Letters to educate, inform and entertain the student body in a to the editors can be put in the envelope in room B208 or professional manner which will provoke thought while Dylan Kinney Abby Carroll emailed to The Wildcat Tales at [email protected]. upholding the principles of a free press. The publication is The staff reserves the right to edit a letter for grammatical a forum for the students of Plano Senior High School. Any Newspaper Sections Supervisor Features Editor errors and space issues. Any errors found in the publication opinions expressed in Wildcat Tales are the opinion of the Maya Pragji will be rescinded in the following issue. Additional and daily writer and of the writer only. November 30, 2020 Brooke Burnett updates can be found at our website www.wildcattales.com. Features Editor News Editor Volume 78 Past issues can be viewed at www.issuu.com/wildcattales. The Wildcat Tales is the official student Businesses wishing to advertise in The Wildcat Tales can email Issue 3 Kai Kuntz publication of Plano Senior High School Arts & Entertainment Editor Staff writers us at [email protected]. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisements deemed to be inappropriate. 2200 Independence Pkwy. Rose Wright D’Mariyon Loyd Drake Chambless Plano, TX 75075 469.752.9336 Co-Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Find out what’s happening on campus by following us: Twitter: @PSHSpub Elizabeth Guevara Caroline Dieter Instagram: @wildcattales Co-Editor-in-Chief Adviser Feature THE WILDCAT TALES November 30, 2020 4 Plano Senior Student Spotlight Students at our very own school are achieving big goals... By PSHS Yearbook By Dajua Sanders For Junior Hershal Bharatia, STEM is more than just a career field, For Senior Aditi Buch, art has always been an important part of her life, starting it’s a true passion he has been dedicated to for a while now. from the time she was little. “I am very interested in computer science and artificial intelligence “My journey with art started like most people’s do—scribbling on the walls with per- and have been programming for 9 years, with a great passion for ro- manent marker and never hearing the end of it from my parents,” Buch said. “In first botics, artificial intelligence and machine learning,” said Bharatia. grade, I was put into an art rotation like everyone else, and I was inspired by seeing the Throughout the years Bharatia has been fortunate to participate work of one of my friends and the praise she would get and the honor of hanging her in and win numerous science fair competitions in the past, such work up on the class wall.” as winning an award at the International Science and Engineering Her art work has evolved since then of course, and so has she. Buch says her art Fair (ISEF), winning top 300 in the nation at the Broadcom Masters changes with her. science fair, and winning Grand Prize and Grand Prize Runner Up at “The pieces I make are definitely a reflection of the kind of person I am in normal the Dallas Regional Science Fair. His latest focus is solving real world life—focused on the details, passionate but always very thought out,” said Buch. “Over problems however. the past couple of years I’ve really come “out of the box”, exploring new passions and “My current interest is to use various advanced concepts of artifi- letting go of my super serious attitude.” cial intelligence, machine learning and advanced mathematics to find Along with personal growth, Buch’s overall art skills grew as time passed. She has innovative solutions to tough problems facing us today, like making entered many art competitions throughout her life. a patent-pending machine-learning based thermostat technology to “The first I ever entered was a calendar design contest in 5th grade for the anti-lit- save energy that I plan to make available as an open source technolo- tering campaign Don’t Mess With Texas, and I won an iPad,” Buch said. “Since then, gy,” sadi Bharatia. I’ve had my art go to State VASE twice, get two silver keys at Scholastic, in gallery ex- Bharatia is currently an active member in our Robotics, LASER, hibits, and exhibited at the US Capitol Building as part of the congressional art compe- and Coding clubs. He plans to pursue a career in computer science tition.” and artificial intelligence with a focus on making technology smarter And yet, she still is excited every time she wins something and remembers each and work for people and not the other way around. award and prize fondly. “As our world becomes more tech-savvy, STEM becomes very “It’s an honor every time, but I’ll probably never be more proud than I was in 5th important in our daily lives, and I believe that having a firm grasp of grade when I got that iPad in my hands and a copy of the 2015 calendar that’s still post- how to apply the concepts of Math, Science and Engineering to solve ed on the fridge 5 years later,” said Buch. real-world problems is vital to our progress. I believe that you can Through all the years of projects and competitions, Buch remains humbled by the make a big difference if you can apply your STEM knowledge to inno-power of art. She had gained so much through the practice of creating. vate and solve real-world problems,” said Bharatia. “Art teaches me patience, how to problem-solve, hand-eye coordination, and de- velops creative thinking,” Buch said. “Surprisingly, it’s also made me better at working with others and getting and giving critiques. Buch can not imagine a world without art, she has found an amazing community and friends through art. She has gained skills, been given so many opportunities, and helps her in her personal life. “I would not be the person I am without my art, and let’s be real, the world would be missing out,” Buch said. If you are interesed in Plano Art or STEM... Art: @planoseniorhigh_visualarts STEM: @gis_planosenior Junior Hershal Bharatia Senior Aditi Buch Senior class voters talk election Students who voted this past election discuss the ballot... By Abby Carroll The 2020 presidential election has opportunity to vote in person at a local “The worker handed me a q-tip to brought up the opportunity for this year’svoting booth or mail in their ballot. The press the buttons on the polling ma- seniors to use their constitutional right common consensus of many teen voters chine to further help keep people safe and make a difference by voting in said at Plano Senior was in person voting. with COVID, as well as the election. “I chose in-person voting at my mandatory use of masks,” Schwartz Carson Kooda, a senior who turned local library,” said Kooda. “The said. eighteen on Sept. 11, was proud to be process was very smooth, I walked into As first time voters, many students a new voter in this year’s presidential where the polls were and they checked at Plano Senior had excitement and oth- election. my ID, then they led me to the polls er powerful emotions about their first “It was very easy to register,” said where I made my voting selections.” time in a voting booth. Many felt it was Kooda. “All I had to do was fill out a Like Kooda, senior student Lucy their civic duty, and they finally felt like registration slip and mail it in.” Briggs also participated in this a bigger part of their Other seniors seem to agree with election, and chose to vote in-person as community. Kooda on the easiness of voter regis- well in fear of her vote being lost. “I felt empowered after voting the Photo courtesy of U.S Embassy tration and the act of voting, albeit the “With everything that was in the first time,” said Schwartz. “I know that Jerusalem. nation being in the middle of an ongoing news about the post office being shut I am privileged to live in a place that Plano Senior students who voted pandemic. down and votes not getting sent in, I lets all its citizens vote for their repre- in the 2020 Presidential election have “I filled out a registration postcard took the safe option and chose to vote sentatives.” spoken about their experience, and en- shortly after I turned 18, after I sent it in in-person,” said Briggs. It seems that students at Plano courage young people to take a stand I checked my registration status online This year, the nation held a priority recognize the importance of using their to use their voice to vote and make a to ensure they received my registration,” in voter safety, with many options to voice to vote for what they believe is change as well. said Kaylee Schwartz, another senior mail in ballots from home. In addi- right. “It is so important that young “It’s important for teenagers my voter. tion, in-person poll workers took extra people use their voice and vote,” said age to vote as it is everyone’s voice and With this year’s voting conditions precautions to protect voters from the Schwartz. “We have a future to look vote that counts,” said Schwartz.. changing due to COVID-19 spread of COVID-19 in the voting forward to and we get to decide what restrictions, voters were given the booths. it is going to look like.” Entertainment THE WILDCAT TALES November 30, 2020 5 Indie rock makes a comeback Gen-Z popularizes a new genre promoted by young artists... By Drake Chambless

Since January of this year, people have heard a lot of new and popular releases in indie rock, a ret- roform of new age rock and roll that has taken over teenagers headphones and airpods around the world. With TikTok being one of the most popular apps in the world, it’s safe to say that trends, music and other innovations are being created all the time. Since TikTok is an app based on music, this means a lot of new and old songs are getting a shot at being extremely popular within Gen-Z. Some of the newest and oldest popular music genres are being brought back from a dying popu- larity and there is one that surely needs to be dis- cussed. With the steady stagnation of pop, the music community is steadily moving over to a new genre Clairo by jus10h Death Cab for Cutie by forklift Jack Stauber by Davidgc40 that is appealing to those of all tastes. That genre is 20.3 percent of all albums released worldwide fit in modernization and revitalization of older topics and indie rock. the rock category compared to rap’s miniscule 4.1 fads including music. For example, the scrunchie With new young artists like Clairo, mxmtoon, percent. was a popular hair accessory that was common Jack Stauber and more on the rise in fame, their With the growing popularity of indie rock due to around the 80’s. Recently due to trends and more “bedroom pop” music is spreading around the globe. staying home more, COVID-19 has helped further use, it has come back into popularity. The same goes Listeners want to hear more of their music, which is this. Statistics show that with this popularity, albums for indie rock. A common recurrence in history is influencing an era of new age indie rock artists. in the genre are being produced more frequently and the revival of older topics and ideas for modern use. It’s not only the new artists getting a piece of by more artists. The usual cycle for an 80’s and 90’s With a constant growth in the music industry fame, it is also older and more formal musicians like indie was a two year cycle, releasing an album once and introduction of new musicians, music categories the band Death Cab for Cutie, who hit the main- every two years and using that music for gigs and are in and out of popularity. Constant movement of stream indie rock flow in the late 2000’s and early tours to maximize profit. Now, artists are releas- trends and a flow of information through social me- 2010’s. ing these albums once every seven months, a huge dia will most definitely continue the growth of more Rock and Roll as a genre has been around decrease in time and money spent to produce these music including indie rock. since the 50’s, and has steadily branched out into albums. many different genres. According to Music Story With this new cycle, this shows the growing Jingle Jangle diversifies Christmas This new Netflix addition represents a black audience and engages Christmas cheer... By D’maryion Lloyd In today’s society, the movies with a Jangle falls into a deep depression. Jangle’s main black cast that are consumed show magical shop then turns into a place of of mainly struggle and empowerment, but hopelessness and disbelief the film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Jour- However, with the help of a visit from ney adds something new to this idea of his granddaughter Journey, belief and magic African American films with an amazing slowly come back to Jangle as he and Journey Christmas tale of belief. fight to retrieve an invention that Gustafon had The film is full of African American stolen. In this climactic leads and roles and finally pieces together process, the invention was ultimately de- Christmas and culture within the black stroyed and only the old Jeronicus filled with race. The cast contains influential ac- desire and belief would be able to to save his tors such as Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia struggling shop. Rashad, Keegan Michael Key, and Forest Photo courtesy of Twitter user @aimeekitty Then, with an unexpected appearance from Whitaker who plays Jangle. his daughter Jessica, the hope and Christmas The film is a well-written, musical magic is quickly reignited within Jangle, and Christmas tale that surrounds Jeronicus he and Jessica were able to fix the invention Jangle, the greatest and most magical in- before Christmas day ventor of all time. The movie is all about Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a the Christmas spirit, and wondrous inven- new fun and relieving movie brought to black tions made by Jangle for every child. audiences everywhere that represents them The story’s plot takes off when Gusta- in a fun and festive way, instead of one that fon, Mr. Jangles apprentice, who falls into portrays them as victims or villains. a pit of selfishness and greed taking all of This film is a significant change of pace for Jangle’s inventions for himself, , leaving filmmaking as the pride of empowerment is him with nothing. Shortly after, Jangle still there for the black culture movie industry. loses his wife and his family falls apart as It brings the strong and hopeful message in the his daughter Jessica is convinced to find a power of belief that can be brought into soci- better parent, one that would suit her after Photo courtesy of Twitter user @Chanty_Lyles ety today in a heartwarming Christmas tale. Entertainment THE WILDCAT TALES November 30, 2020 6 Popular artsist Yungblud releases new album The U.K singer’s sophomore album gets weird...

By Dylan Kinney On Sept. 17, musician Yung- “Cotton Candy,” which is also blud, also known as Dominic Har- one of his only singles to include a rison, announced his fourth debut music video. album Weird! via Instagram. “Cotton Candy is about the idea “The album will be released that you can lose yourself in other Nov. 13 I can’t wait for you to fall people of all genders, of all shapes into this world,” Harrison cap- and sizes to find yourself and figure tioned the post. out who you truly are,” Harrison Though his name has not been said in a press release. covered much in the media since “Strawberry lipstick” follows his breakup with the famous pop- as the third track in the optimistic star Halsey, fans have been quite album. The song was actually re- eager for his long awaited music. leased a couple months prior to the Weird! will be Harrison’s second album’s official release, and like album following his latest EP re- “Cotton Candy,” it also has a music lease, Underrated Youth. video dedicated to it. The album will feature a 12 “God Save me, but don’t drown Yungblud, photo courtesy of The Come Up Show. song tracklist discussing topics me out” is the 7th track on the such as individuality, anxiety and album, but one of the first releases Coming in as the last song on and Spotify. However, there is no deals with a variety of emotions. from Weird!. In this song, Yung- the album is “Weird,” the iconic doubt that they capture Harrison’s “I want to make people feel blud gets very personal as he sings track that the whole album was uncanny ability to portray difficult like it’s going to be alright because about his emotional challenges and named after. “Weird” differenti- feelings through music as well. we’re together,” Yungblud said on his faith towards Christanity. He ates from the other songs, mostly Living in a pandemic and The Late Night Show. not only created impactful lyrics, because it sparked the development having to isolate increases the The sophomore album opens but also filmed a very descriptive of Harrison’s sophomore album. chances of facing negative emo- with the track “Teresa,” the song and colorful music video. “I was crying while writing this tions, which can be really hard to narrates from a protective point of “I wanted to paint a picture of song,” said Harrison. talk about and deal with. Yungblud view as Yungblud confesses his what depression really feels like, Unfortunately, a majority of the felt the need to release the album loyalty to the anonymous person. where everyone can be screaming tracks on Weird! are unavailable faster than usual to give his fans Harrison’s EP he next track is at you, but you just can’t hear any- for streaming in the U.S, even on a sense of insurance during these one of his most popular features, thing at all,” Harrison said. popular platforms like Apple Music tough times. Netflix’sThe Crown excites avid fans The latest season gives viewers a glimpse into the life of Princess Diana...

By Brooke Burnett

Netflix’s three time Golden Globe clever and she was very fun and she winner, The Crown, premiered it’s 4th was very loving and she was also very season on Nov. 15, much to the delight distant, too.” of its millions of viewers everywhere. Season 4 will have some new First released in 2016, The Crown faces including young Princess Diana, has intrigued audiences with its in- played by Emma Corrin, and Prime depth portrayal of Queen Elizabeth Minister Margaret Thatcher, played II’s reign, as well as what happens by Gillian Anderson. This season behind the scenes of Buckingham will start in 1979 and end in the early Palace. The show explores the rela- 1990’s, focusing on the relationship tionships between each member of the between princess Diana and prince royal family and the major events of Charles, as well as the tension be- the second half of the 20th century. tween Queen Elizabeth and the new “It speaks to multiple generations Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. and it brings multiple generations to- A costume display from The Crown, photo courtesy of Dave Pearce. “I have been glued to the show gether in the process of uncovering it, and to think I’m now joining this rebel sister, Margaret, after having In an interview with The discovering it, and enjoying it. Anec- incredibly talented acting family is been in the sidelines for the past Hollywood Reporter, Helena Bonham dotally, that’s how I gather people are surreal. Diana was an icon and her nine episodes. “Cri de Coeur,” as the Carter, who plays Princess watching it-they’re often not watching effect on the world remains profound final episode is called, focuses on Margaret in seasons three and four, it in the way they would traditional- and inspiring. To explore her through Margaret’s crumbling marriage and said, “[Margaret is] rebellious, but she ly [watch it], they’re often watching Peter Morgan’s writing is the most ex- her family’s support of her husband. was also incredibly loyal to her sister. it with the other members of their ceptional opportunity and I will strive The princess escapes to a party at a She [was] constantly going from try- families, or with people of different to do her justice,” said Corrin, in an friend’s house where she fatefully ing to be intimate and ordinary to then generations, and that’s lovely,” said interview with RadioTimes. meets Roddy Llewellyn, and an affair playing very much a high royal status Peter Morgan, the shows creator. begins. When this affair becomes pub- card, socially. She was very ambiva- The season three finale is most- lic, the Queen is there to comfort her lent. You never knew quite who you ly centered around the Queen’s alarmed sister. were [dealing with], but she was very Sports THE WILDCAT TALES November 30, 2020 7 Signing Day sends players to college Student athletes have all their hard work pay off... By Drake Chambless On Nov.11 and Nov.18, Little Rock. There she will be multiple students committed to a continuing higher education, as well as college for their athletic excellence, her sport of choice, a big day for a lot of these student basketball. athletes as they were all very excit- “I’m super excited, at times I ed to be playing at the next level of wanted to give up, but I kept competition in their sport. pushing,” Edding said. On Nov.11, Plano Senior senior Christy and Riley Winkler both student Amanda Walsh signed to the signed to Butler University in Kansas, University of Central Arkansas for where the siblings will be classmates women’s soccer. and continue their love for their sport. “I feel extremely blessed to be “Our visit went well, and the able to continue my soccer career,” atmosphere was amazing,” said Riley said Walsh. Winkler. On Nov.18, the remaining four Christy Winkler feels excited as athletes all signed to their college well, the pair have worked hard in of choice. These athletes include order to be able to have the Amaya Brannon, Mikayla Edding, privilege of signing to Kansas. Christy Winkler and Riley Winkler. “I feel like it paid off for the work “It’s scary [signing] but I’m I’ve done.” excited for what’s to come,” These players have true Brannon said. potential and surely will strengthen Fellow student athlete Mikayla their determination to achieve Edding signed to the University of perfection in their sport of choice.

Photos courtesy of Drake Chambless and PISD athletics Lady Wildcats release a roar on the courts The girl’s basketball team makes it easy to own Plano pride...

By D’maryion Lloyd

The Lady Wildcats recently started up practice again for this coming sea- son and are setting up for the upcoming year, looking to tackle the challenges of the altered season, while also looking to overcome their opponents to bring home another state title. Diving deeper into the Lady Wildcats they will have two talented returning varsity players coming into their senior year through Mikayla Eddins and Amaya Brannon. Eddins was a part of the historic 2018 Lady Wildcats team that won the first state title in Plano women’s basketball history. Brannon showed to be a great addition to the team in the 2019 season as overall she aided in the team ending with a 33-5 record going 11-1 in district. Star players, Eddins and Brannon celebrating their signing, photo cour- The championship mindset is still the main echo of the team this year tesy of Twitter user @planogirlsbball. “One of the main goals this season is to go to state,” junior player Savan- by new league changes due to the virus which plays a significant role nah Lawson said. “This outcome will come with its own set of challenges as fans in the stands complete the aspect of sports and athletic compe- with the arrival of the covid virus.” tition Although no games have been played yet the virus has still affected players “It’s going to affect the fans big time because everybody’s more and the team on the practice court. cautious now and we’re looking out for each other’s safety,” “Not being truly able to be together is tough, we have to be apart which is Lawson said. “Yes I think the fans make a difference, the fans play a new, something I’m not used to,” Lawson said. huge part in sports, they bring more life.” Safety during these times is a main focus and is being factored into athlet- While COVID does affect the entire nation the Lady Wildcats ics this year and while the ambitions of winning is key everyone’s health is a remain determined to put in hard work to have a positive healthy sea- top priority in player’s and staff’s minds son and maintain the standing as one of the top teams in the district “Some main goals are not having to go on quarantine or anybody on the attempting to win the second state championship in the team’s histo- team to catch COVID of course,” Lawson said. “Go to state and just have fun ry. during these times,and be able to make it through the season.” “It’s been good, a little weird though and it’s a lot of rules we have Much like other sports this year fans of the Lady Wildcats will be affected to follow that are different than previous years,” Lawson said.