Feature Story EVERBODY THEATER “ HAS ASTORY PAGES 6-7 anther PAGE-5 ost ” ” The Voice of Midway Vol. 19 : Issue 5 February 2007 NEW SUPERINTENDENT TAKES THE LEAD Lancaster discusses his plans and hopes for District Samantha Foltz was eager for the job as superinten- some time, namely With Lancaster in one Advertising Manager dent. getting something of the top driving seats, “The reputation of the school district higher than an accept- Midway is sure to After 11 years under the direction of was a primary attraction for me,” he able rating on TAKS. remain on track as an Dr. Randy Albers, Midway ISD has a said. “Midway ISD is known for all “The biggest admired school and new leader. Dr. Brad Lancaster the right reasons, and I am eager to be challenge that the district. comes to Midway as a former teacher part of this new team.” district faces in the Prior to Midway, who says he’s ready to lead the A change in leadership will inevitably near future is the Lancaster was the district. Midway students may have lead to calls for change and alterations desire for the district assistant superintendent heard of this new addition through the in certain things within the district. to earn a recognized at Allen ISD near “grapevine,” but some may wonder This may leave students wondering rating from the Texas Dallas, assistant super- what exactly does having a new whether there will be any changes to Education Agency,” intendent at Ennis ISD, superintendent mean. high school rules, including dress code Lancaster said. “We principal at two elemen- “That is a tough question,” and scheduling. have been very close tary schools and a junior Lancaster said. “In simple terms, my “Being so new, that is hard to say,” the last two years to high assistant principal job is to manage and oversee all Lancaster said. “I am already planning achieving this rating. We know our in College Station. He taught social aspects of the school district opera- to meet with a group of 15 high school students and staff are strong. We studies and special education at A&M tions.” students each month this spring. My know that our students receive an Consolidated High School. He has Lancaster, a Baylor graduate and plan is to sit down for lunch with a excellent education at Midway ISD. degrees from Baylor and Texas A&M past resident of Waco, is now the hub diverse group of students to give them [We know] that this rating is an universities. Both of his parents were of Midway ISD that employs 900 the opportunity to tell me what is on important distinction for our district involved in education. Lancaster has people and serves over 6,300 students. their minds. I am looking forward to and our community.” been married for 17 years to his wife, “This is a large organization by any meeting students and hearing from In laymen’s terms, TAKS is here to Karen, and has two children, daughter standard,” Lancaster said. them first hand about their concerns.” stay, and bound to become even more Julia is at Midway Middle School, and Because Midway is such a large and Lancaster inherits some challenges embedded in the students’ everyday son, Will, is at Midway Intermediate. well-known district, Lancaster said he that have been an ongoing event for school life. Julie Henry contributed to this article. SENIORACHIEVES STATE RANK IN BAND 11 other students named to TMEA Alicia Sharp Social Chairperson Senior Alejandro Montes, a trom- bone player in the wind ensemble, is the first Midway band student to win state honors in seven years. “I have worked really hard to receive a position in the state band,” he said. “I am extremely excited.” Only one trombone player from each area makes all state. Midway’s area consists of every 4A school between Farmers Branch, Houston and Austin. Montes, along with 11 other stu- Senior Amanda White dents, was also named to the Texas and Juniors Malcolm Music Education Association (TMEA), Parish and Kyle which is a music convention for Matthews (top) react to teachers and band directors in San the downfall of their Antonio where selected students play Photo by Michael Bancale bridge they built for Liz music. Students will also get to meet Iredale’s physics class. Senior Alejandro Montes plays his with college recruits. Sarah Copeland, a junior, trombone during a jazz band tests a book on her “I am excited to attend the TMEA performance at a basketball game. fettucine bridge. convention because of the new experience I will receive,” Montes said . See BAND The other students selected for Page 3 PDF Creator - PDF4Free v2.0 http://www.pdf4free.com PDF Creator - PDF4Free v2.0 http://www.pdf4free.com pantherpost o p i n - news 3 BAND, From Page 3 TMEA were Erin Rich, Austin Harriis, ofonrmer.” Garrett Jaynes, Caleb Overstreet, Alex Montes said his family inspires him When it comes to fashion, Dempsey, Marshall Fox, Ryan Baird, because of their own musical talents. lead, don’t follow! Larkin Bratcher, Krystina Horton, He practiced everyday for about two Kelsey Parsons and Lance Wiethorn. hours a day before the competition to “I am extremely proud of his hard make it to the state level, he said. work and dedication,” Darrell Montes plans to go to The University Umhoefer, Coordinator of Fine Arts, of Houston after graduation were he said. “He is an outstanding per- will major in Music Education. blk. S p o n s o r s The anther ost a dress salon Gold P P social evening pageant S t a f f (seeour newhomesectionfor Silver Tyler Watts, senior.........editor-in-chief Samantha Foltz, senior.......advertising manager hipgift ideas) Shauna Stewart, senior.......copy chief Bronze Jennifer Bancale, senior.......features editor Katherine Burt, junior......center spread editor Nicole Sohns, senior.......news editor Panther Pals Christian Jacobs, senior......entertainment editor Samantha Janes, senior......sports editor Richland Mall Luke Reichenstein, senior.......asst sports editor 6001 West Waco Drive Suite 105 Forinformation on sponsorships Jonathan Taylor, sophomore........staff artist [email protected] Alicia Sharp, junior.....social chairperson (Across from EyeMasters) Midway High School Chuck McFarling, senior.........staff writer NEW HOURS 8200 Mars Drive Ashley Thomas, junior.........staff writer Wed., Fri., & Sat. 11-5:30 Waco, Texas 76712 Ashli Sulak, senior.........staff writer (254) 761-5650 David Martin, senior.........staff writer Thur. 11-9 www.midwayisd.org Jane Cha, sophomore.........staff writer or by appointment Sharron Zachry, Principal Caitlin Adkins, senior.........staffwriter Jamie Beavers, Adviser 399.9855 The Panther Post is a student publication of Midway High School that informs, entertains and provides a forum for student expression. Views expresssed do not necessarily reflect those of the entire newspaper staff, the student body as a whole, administrators, or Midway ISD. This school district does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color. age or national orgin in its educational programs, activities or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI. The Panther Post is free for all students, with production costs offset by advertisements. Ads are available in business card, 1/4, 1/2 and full size page sizes. Call Jamie Beavers at 761-5650 for more information. PDF Creator - PDF4Free v2.0 http://www.pdf4free.com news February 2007 Voices of Democ- MHS PTA Reflections Contest: “My Favorite Place” racy Photography Literature 1st Max Burgess/Mountain Lake Meredith Millard/Nana’s Lap 2nd Bianca Smith-Davis/Paris Hotel MeredithMillard/Paris 3rd Katherine Burt/Paradise Sunset Stephanie Pruett/Guardianof the Blossom JROTC Fundraiser Ariyasinghe 3rd, Jane Cha 1st JROTC will have two compost sales at the Middle Calculator NethikaAriyasinghe 4th, Thomas Chris Fernandez (center), first place; Molly School parking lot March 3 and March 24, 8 a.m. Grabow 3rd, Jane Cha 2nd, StevenDiedrich 7th Thomas (right), second place; Anne Carpenter to 3 p.m., one cubic foot bags, $2 per bag. Mathematics Lucas Lunt 6th, EthanTang 4th, (left), third place. Thomas Grabow 2nd, Jane Cha 1st Academic Meet Results Journalism Events:: Three juniors won the 2006-2007 Voice of The MidwayAcademicTeam traveled to Fairfield Feature Writing Chuck McFarling 3rd, Megan Democracy audio essay competition. The competi- High School Sat. Feb 10 taking the overall sweep- Brunton 6th tion is sponsored by VFS Post 6008 in Hewitt and stakes award. Editorial Writing Churck McFarling 1st, Megan its ladies auxiliary. Fernandez received $300, Literary Criticism Emily Hills 3rd Brunton 2nd, Jane Cha 4th Thomas received $200 and Carpenter received Social Studies Simon Park 4th, Emily Hills 6th News Writing Jane Cha 4th $100. The first place essay also placed 2nd at Science Thomas Grabow 1st, Steven Diedrich Ready Writing Katherine Burt 6th, Megan district competition, whichwill award him an 2nd, NethikaAriyasinghe 3rd, EthanTang 5th Brunton 4th, Chuck McFarling 1st additional $300. Number Sense Lucas Lunt 5th, Nethika Prose Emily Weiskopf 4th, Kelsey Ervi 1st 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 PDF Creator - PDF4Free v2.0 http://www.pdf4free.com pantherpost feature 5 Jane Cha Staff Writer Amber Payne, a junior, is a girl with to be a nurse since she is a regis- many interests. However, the things tered nurse,” she said. “Also, I’m the she spends her time and attention on oldest of the four, so I usually take are quite contrary to each other. care of everybody.” Payne loves shooting, not hunting, Payne shows great affection for but shooting at targets her motivation of with pellets. her dream—her “I think it is really family.