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Marcus High School's Online Newspaper

The Marquee

Marcus High School's Online Newspaper

The Marquee

Marcus High School's Online Newspaper

The Marquee

Madi Olivier

Madi Olivier, Editor in Chief

Madi Olivier is a senior and third-year staffer, although most people know her as the short girl who talks too much. The newsroom is her favorite place to be and she spent most of her time last year convincing Hale to let her stay after school for “just five more minutes.” However, if the door to C108 is locked, you can normally find her at gymnastics practice or in the kitchen trying to bake. Her speciality is anything burnt or overflowing from the pan. She’s so excited to be the editor in chief of The Marquee and to see what amazing, impactful stories her staff will publish this year. 

All content by Madi Olivier
Many national tests, including the SAT, ACT and AP exams, are being moved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] National tests postponed due to coronavirus

Shriya Mukkavilli March 19, 2020

Many national tests, including the SAT, ACT and AP exams, are being moved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LISD closes schools due to COVID-19 pandemic

Madi Olivier March 17, 2020

Earlier today, LISD Superintendent Dr. Kevin Rogers released a statement announcing that all LISD schools will be closed through April 3 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he stated that students...

"As long as ‘boys will be boys,’ some will grow up to be men that act on aggression and assault but are never held accountable."

Column: Boys will be boys

Madi Olivier March 14, 2020

In elementary school, some boys shoved girls and pulled their hair. Teachers would try to discipline them, but it often ended in giving a defeated shrug and muttering the same four words. “Boys...

Fliers created by the CDC are posted throughout both the main and freshman campuses to inform students about how to avoid getting sick, especially with COVID-19. The district recently began making bigger changes to keep students healthy.

[Photo] LISD reacts to COVID-19 outbreak

Ayra Charania March 13, 2020

Fliers created by the CDC are posted throughout both the main and freshman campuses to inform students about how to avoid getting sick, especially with COVID-19. The district recently began making bigger...

Swim coach Shannon Gillespy had a qualifying time for the 1980 Olympic swim team, but they never got to compete because of the boycott. She was  chosen to be an Olympic coach in 2012.

Changing tides

Swim coach reflects on achieving Olympic dream
Madi Olivier March 13, 2020

Editor's note: This story was included in the portfolio that was named superior in the 2021 TAJE Best of Texas contest. It was also named a superior sports feature story. Every day at 4:45 a.m., swim...

Trends among teens

Madi Olivier and Adriana Pueskens March 11, 2020

Some teenagers are driven to get minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, which are alternatives to surgeries with long and painful recoveries. These relatively simple procedures, which include laser...

Impact of social media

Madi Olivier and Adriana Pueskens March 11, 2020

The popularity of social media among teenagers allows smartphones to do what only scalpels and syringes once could. Apps like Snapchat and Instagram let users alter their facial features until they...

The popularity of cosmetic procedures has increased among teens in recent years. Studies show that social media may be to blame.

Filtered reality

Popularity of cosmetic procedures among teens connected to social media

Editor’s note: This story was a part of the in-depth package of our March 11, 2020 issue, which was named an excellent in-depth package in the 2021 TAJE Best of Texas contest.

Whether you love mysteries or are addicted to drama, there's a Netflix original series for everybody.

[Photo] Quiz: which Netflix original series should you watch next?

Madi Olivier March 8, 2020

Whether you love mysteries or are addicted to drama, there's a Netflix original series for everybody.

A mock election was held yesterday for students to express their political opinions because it was Super Tuesday. The mock election results were similar to the Texas primary presidential election results for Democrats, but Republicans had more disparity.

[Photo] Students vote in mock election on Super Tuesday

Nikhita Ragam March 4, 2020

A mock election was held yesterday for students to express their political opinions because it was Super Tuesday. The mock election results were similar to the Texas primary presidential election results...

The cheerleaders and Marquettes prepare to greet the spring sport athletes onto the basketball court at a pep rally on Feb. 19.

[Photo] February in photos

The Marquee Staff March 1, 2020

The cheerleaders and Marquettes prepare to greet the spring sport athletes onto the basketball court at a pep rally on Feb. 19.

February's trending hashtags on Twitter captured the biggest events from the past month.

[Photo] February in hashtags

Samantha Thornfelt February 29, 2020

February's trending hashtags on Twitter captured the biggest events from the past month.

Kimzey's Coffee is perfect for anyone that needs to enjoy some time away from stress.

[Photo] Stressed or overwhelmed: Kimzey’s Coffee

February 27, 2020

Kimzey's Coffee is perfect for anyone that needs to enjoy some time away from stress.

Sukoon Coffee and Ice Cream has a fun environment for spending time with friends.

[Photo] Fun loving or social: Sukoon Coffee and Ice Cream

February 27, 2020

Sukoon Coffee and Ice Cream has a fun environment for spending time with friends.

Edison Coffee Co. is a great place to spend a calm morning.

[Photo] Relaxed or calm: Edison Coffee Co.

February 27, 2020

Edison Coffee Co. is a great place to spend a calm morning.

151 Coffee is perfect for anybody that is feeling irritable or is rushing to get somewhere.

[Photo] Grumpy or rushed: 151 Coffee

February 27, 2020

151 Coffee is perfect for anybody that is feeling irritable or is rushing to get somewhere.

No matter how you're feeling, there's a local coffee shop that's perfect for you.

Spill the beans

Find a local coffee shop that matches your mood
Madi Olivier February 27, 2020

No matter if you’re feeling overwhelmed or social, the thought of sitting in your favorite coffee shop while sipping a delicious drink can be tempting. With dozens of coffee shops each offering different...

"Murder Mystery" is an entertaining movie that captures the acting abilities of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.

[Photo] Review: ‘Murder Mystery’

Adriana Pueskens February 22, 2020

"Murder Mystery" is an entertaining movie that captures the acting abilities of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.

Women4women is a new group on campus, but they have already donated over 800 packages of menstrual products to those in need.

Fighting period poverty

Madi Olivier February 21, 2020

The club Women4women will be collecting menstrual products in room B212 for the rest of the year. They are hoping to receive mostly pads and panty liners, although they will also take other items, such...

Senior Garrett Karbs is lifted into the air during his synchronized swimming routine for the talent portion of the competition. The annual Mr. Marcus pageant was held last night and Karbs came out on top.

Competing for the crown

Madi Olivier February 21, 2020

Last night, the auditorium wasn’t just a room with chairs and a stage — the Mr. Marcus contestants had other ideas. For two hours, it acted as everything from a swimming pool to a kitchen as the 14...

Flower Mound offers several cute and convenient options for prom photo locations, such as the gazebo at Parker Square.

Local spots for your prom photo shoot

Madi Olivier February 19, 2020

Prom is still a couple of months away, but for many students, planning is in full swing. While many have already picked out the perfect outfit, made dinner plans and decided who they’re going with, finding...

The bath bombs were all handmade by students in the German and American Partnership Program last week. The bath bombs come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes.

Bath bombs to be sold during lunches on Valentine’s Day

Madi Olivier February 13, 2020

Anyone that needs a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift can skip the long lines for chocolate and flowers, because students in the German and American Partnership Program will be selling handmade bath bombs...

Conversation hearts are an iconic Valentine's Day treat. Take the quiz below to find out which message fits you the best!

Quiz: which candy heart message are you?

Madi Olivier February 11, 2020

Conversation candy hearts are a Valentine’s Day staple. Whether you like the taste of the rainbow candies or not, reading the messages printed across them is always entertaining. Some are timeless and...

Journalism staff classes accepting applications

Austin Cork and Madi Olivier February 7, 2020

Being on a journalism staff teaches students extremely marketable skills and opens up scholarship opportunities as they prepare for college. Student journalists also get the chance to cover events such...

Junior Natalia Valdez steadies a small steel ball with her pencil before rolling it down a ramp in Kassandra Murphy's AP Physics class. Students performed multiple variations of the lab and analyzed the ball's velocity.

[Photo] January in photos

The Marquee Staff February 2, 2020

Junior Natalia Valdez steadies a small steel ball with her pencil before rolling it down a ramp in Kassandra Murphy's AP Physics class. Students performed multiple variations of the lab and analyzed the...

According to the CDC, Texas had the 7th highest teen birth rate in the United States in 2018. The main reason for the state's high population of teen parents is up for debate.

Children having children

Teen birth rate remains high in Texas
Madi Olivier and Ayra Charania February 1, 2020

Editor’s note: This story was a part of the in-depth package of our Jan. 31, 2020 issue, which was named as an honorable mention for online in-depth news/feature package in the ILPC contest. It was...

English teacher Mindy Sample has been in education for 25 years, 18 of which were as a Marauder. Some of her favorite memories are from her time on campus.

Starting a new chapter

English teacher retires after 18 years on campus
Madi Olivier January 31, 2020

For the past 18 years, Marcus has been like a second home for English teacher Mindy Sample. In addition to working with students, she watched her daughters graduate and her husband coach the football team...

Two years after surviving complications of weight loss surgery, Corey met his wife. They have a 2-year-old son. Before the procedure, Corey never really considered that he’d ever have the opportunity to have his own family.

A second chance

Teacher recovers after near-fatal surgical complications
Madi Olivier January 31, 2020

Editor’s note: This story won first place for general features in the 2020 Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Gold Circle Awards. It was named as a superior feature in the TAJE Best in Texas...

Enrollment at Marcus is predicted to drop to less than 3,000 students by 2022 and then 2,650 students by 2027. LISD Superintendent Dr. Kevin Rogers said the enrollment is dropping because families are staying in the area.

LISD considers rezoning students

Madi Olivier January 30, 2020

Editor’s note: this story won first place for news in the Press Women of Texas high school contest and first place for print news in the ILPC contest. It was also a finalist for news reporting in the...

Students in health and physical education classes have been expected to learn the same Texas Essentials of Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) since 1998. The Texas State Board of Education is currently revising the TEKS and is expected to make a decision in the fall.

Health, physical education TEKS revised for first time in 22 years

Madi Olivier and Ayra Charania January 29, 2020

Editor's note: This story won second place for online news writing in the ILPC contest. For the first time in 22 years, the Texas State Board of Education is revising the physical education and health...

Students in health and physical education classes have been expected to learn the same Texas Essentials of Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) since 1998. The Texas State Board of Education is currently revising the TEKS and is expected to make a decision in the fall.

Students in health and physical education classes have been expected to learn the same Texas Essentials of Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) since 1998. The Texas State Board of Education is currently revising...

Trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments by members of Help a S.T.A.R. can be found along Morris road.

[Photo] Branching into Christmas season

Ayra Charania December 23, 2019

Trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments by members of Help a S.T.A.R. can be found along Morris road.

Trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments by members of Help a S.T.A.R. can be found along Morris road.

Trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments by members of Help a S.T.A.R. can be found along Morris road.

The Marquee distributed the latest print issue on Dec. 9. Stories included Christmas movie reviews and discussions over climate change.

[Photo] December in photos

December 20, 2019

The Marquee distributed the latest print issue on Dec. 9. Stories included Christmas movie reviews and discussions over climate change.

The puppies that visited in September were kept in a playpen on the floor of the library, where students could easily reach out to pet them and play. However, the huskies coming to campus tomorrow morning are younger and therefore more fragile than those that visited earlier this year, so they will likely be kept behind the desk unless they are being held.

Puppy love in the library

Teacher's foster husky puppies to visit students in school library
Madi Olivier December 19, 2019

Students’ last minute library study sessions will be interrupted tomorrow morning with a visit from four energetic puppies. The six week old huskies will be in the library from about 7:30 a.m. to 8:15...

"While I’ve found a new passion in the newsroom and have cut down on my time in the gym, I’ll always be the little girl that fell in love with the sport and wore her team shirt with pride."

Column: More than just a sport

Madi Olivier December 11, 2019

I remember when I got my first team shirt. It was made out of scratchy black fabric and had red and blue flames on the front. The words “gym team” were written in huge white letters on the back....

LISD Locksmith Debnes Magnes credits her faith for helping her discover her passion for butterfly gardening. She wants to share it with others and always has kind words for everyone.

Butterfly effect

LISD locksmith finds healing in unique hobby
Madi Olivier December 10, 2019

Editor’s note: This story was named as a superior feature in the TAJE Best in Texas contest. It also won third place for print features in the ILPC contest. It was also included in the portfolio that...

*Relative performance to percentage economically disadvantaged.

[Photo] TEA grades education

Ayra Charania October 3, 2019

*Relative performance to percentage economically disadvantaged.

The softball team will be collecting gently used sports equipment at their field this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The items will be sent to children around the world that don't normally have access to them.

Softball shares love of sports with kids in need

Madi Olivier December 5, 2019

The softball team will be collecting gently used sports equipment this Saturday to send to kids living around the world, including in Costa Rica, Peru, Jamaica and the Philippines. All donations can...

Students celebrated a Marauder touchdown at the battle of the Axe on Nov. 8 by shooting a cloud of colored powder into the air. The Marauders won the game 48-42 in overtime.

[Photo] November in photos

The Marquee Staff December 2, 2019

Students celebrated a Marauder touchdown at the battle of the Axe on Nov. 8 by shooting a cloud of colored powder into the air. The Marauders won the game 48-42 in overtime.

A vehicle caught on fire early in the morning on Nov. 27 at the intersection between 2499 and 3040.

Vehicle catches on fire in Flower Mound

Madi Olivier November 27, 2019

A vehicle caught on fire early this morning while driving through the intersection of 2499 and 3040.  “A person was driving down the road and started to smell something burning, saw some smoke,”...

Many students face stress daily, which can come from a variety of factors.

Stress for success

Primary causes of stress in students and how to cope with them
Samantha Thornfelt and Madi Olivier November 18, 2019

DeVonna Keirsey prepares to get her blood drawn during the blood drive. The blood drive was advertised throughout the school and had a big turnout from the community.

Marquettes’ blood drive saves lives

Madi Olivier November 4, 2019

The Marquette’s blood drive, held on Nov. 2, had 120 donors. Their goal amount was 100 people.  “I’m really excited about today’s turnout,” senior Marquette Regan Starin said. “I think...

Senior and Marquette Service Officer Ashlyn Robbins decided to start the blood drive after hearing about freshman Lily Aldred, who is the daughter of one of her mom's friends. Aldred is currently battling Leukemia.

Kicking cancer

Marquettes host blood drive in honor of freshman battling cancer
Madi Olivier October 31, 2019

There are only a couple days left to sign up to donate blood at the Marquette’s blood drive. The event will be on Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Silver Gym. Anybody hoping to donate can sign up...

Once she got to middle school, senior Carleigh Brand noticed that teachers referred to her as "John's sister," which played a role in her starting to compare herself to her older brother.

Battling for better days

Senior struggles to meet high expectations
Madi Olivier and McKenna Cowley October 30, 2019

Senior Carleigh Brand, then a sophomore, lay buried in blankets with tears streaming down her face. The soft melody of “Lost in You” by Kye Dreams echoed through her room. She closed her eyes tight...

Tamed and trained

FFA students work with wild mustangs
Madi Olivier October 28, 2019

Editor's note: this story won first place for yearbook stories in the 2020 ILPC contest and was named superior in organizations copy in the 2020 Best in Texas Yearbook contest. The grass flattened beneath...

Head in the clouds

Outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries causes widespread concern
Madi Olivier October 28, 2019

Editor’s note: this story was named as a superior news story in the TAJE Best in Texas contest. It also won second place for print news writing in the ILPC contest. It was the worst case local pulmonologist...

There is a box for donations outside of the athletic training room, which is in the athletics hall between the main campus and the ninth grade campus.

[Photo] Athletic trainers collect for a cause

McKenna Cowley October 25, 2019

There is a box for donations outside of the athletic training room, which is in the athletics hall between the main campus and the ninth grade campus.

Sophomore Haidyn Sokoloski runs onto the field with her teammates at a varsity game last season.

Batting with the best

Sophomore selected to be on the national softball team
Madi Olivier October 8, 2019

As her mom drove, sophomore Haidyn Sokoloski opened her phone to find an old email notification across her lock screen. She was about to ignore it, but the words sitting in the subject line grabbed her...

Sophomore Jenifer Barnes was in eighth grade when a student brought a gun into her classroom. Today, she isn't scared of guns themselves, but rather how many people can easily get them.

Facing the aftermath

Sophomore experiences gun scare
Madi Olivier October 3, 2019

Hushed whispers filled the agriculture classroom in a small Delaware town as a school administrator entered. He interrupted the teacher’s presentation to tell the class he needed to talk to a student....

"I’m aware that ninety nine percent of the time I’m overanalyzing everything, but the constant fear of the other one percent makes it impossible to feel any reassurance. This doesn’t make me weak, and neither are the thousands of other girls that go through their days plagued by the same fear."

Column: Fighting the fear

Madi Olivier October 3, 2019

My mom lead me through the dark parking lot, gripping tight onto my arm. As we walked, I fumbled with a key, struggling to get it to fit between my fingers. When I succeeded, I made a fist around it,...

The recent rise in gun violence has prompted change on the school, state and national levels.

Texas lawmakers combat gun violence

Madi Olivier October 3, 2019

Texas laws changed  On Sept. 1, the day after the Odessa-Midland shooting, a series of laws expanding where firearms are allowed went into place. The laws were signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June. Their...

Popdod is on Justin Road in Highland Village. It offers a wide range of unique and customizable drinks.

[Photo] Review: Popdod

McKenna Cowley October 3, 2019

Popdod is on Justin Road in Highland Village. It offers a wide range of unique and customizable drinks.

Balto is very energetic and loves to play with people.

Shelter spotlights: Balto

Get to know Balto, who is available for adoption in Flower Mound
Madi Olivier September 7, 2019

Name: Balto Sex: Male Age: One year Breed: Husky/Shepard mix Location: Flower Mound Animal Services     Balto is a rambunctious little boy with a friendly and playful...

Magnum is like a big teddy bear. He loves affection and is very sweet.

Shelter spotlights: Magnum

Get to know Magnum, who is available for adoption in Flower Mound
Madi Olivier September 5, 2019

Name: Magnum Sex: Male  Age: Seven years Breed: Belgian/Shepard mix  Location: Flower Mound Animal Services  Magnum is a very big boy but extremely sweet and affectionate, making...

Shelby is shy, but she quickly warms up to people. Once she's comfortable, Shelby will ask for pets and treats.

Shelter spotlights: Shelby

Get to know Shelby, who is available for adoption in Flower Mound
Madi Olivier September 4, 2019

Name: Shelby  Sex: Female  Age: Eight years Breed: Shepard mix  Location: Flower Mound Animal Services  Shelby is very shy and will need some time to get to know people, but is very...

Daliah can be shy at first, but once she opens up to people, she likes to lay back and be pet for hours.

Shelter spotlights: Daliah

Get to know Daliah, who is available for adoption in Flower Mound
Madi Olivier September 3, 2019

Name: Daliah  Sex: Female  Age: Three years Breed: Domestic Shorthair  Location: Flower Mound Animal Services Daliah is laid back and reserved, so she needs a good bit of time to...

Twister is a ball of energy and loves to play with his toys for hours.

Shelter spotlights: Twister

Get to know Twister, who is available for adoption in Flower Mound
Madi Olivier September 2, 2019

Name: Twister  Sex: Male Age: Four months   Breed: Domestic Shorthair  Location: Flower Mound Animal Services Twister is a sweet and mischievous kitten who lives up to his name....

Walrus loves to cuddle once she opens up to people.

Shelter spotlights: Walrus

Get to know Walrus, who is available for adoption in Flower Mound
Madi Olivier September 1, 2019

Name: Walrus Sex: Female  Age: Two years  Breed: Domestic Shorthair  Location: Flower Mound Animal Services Walrus is a big girl that is friendly and loves to be pet. She is sometimes...

Fifi is very affectionate towards people and likes to explore.

Shelter spotlights: Fifi

Get to know Fifi, who is available for adoption in Flower Mound
Madi Olivier August 30, 2019

Name: Fifi Sex: Female Age: Five years Breed: Domestic Shorthair Location: Flower Mound Animal Services Fifi is a sweet, affectionate cat that loves people. She’s a great companion and...

[Video] Noteworthy

First coed a cappella group on campus paves the way for future groups
Madi Olivier May 13, 2019

The bright lights of the auditorium blinded the members of Dually Noted. The clicking of the girls’ heels and the audience’s applause quieted as they got into their positions. The sound of the pitch...

Meet the mascot - John Creley

Meet the mascot – John Creley

Madi Olivier April 26, 2019

The mascot is an iconic part of school history, and can be seen at almost every pep rally and sporting event. However, most students don’t know who is actually in the suit. Get to know the person in...

Out of the park

Softball underclassmen commit early
Madi Olivier April 26, 2019

Deciding what college to go to can take years, and even some seniors don’t know where they want to go. However, these two underclassmen have their collegiate futures planned before most students their...

Porcelain doll

Madi Olivier, Writer April 2, 2019

My twin sister and I have one obvious difference between us — she has brown skin, while mine is white. Besides that, we are extremely similar, short with matching brown eyes and thick brown hair. However,...

Sophomore Erin Bookout, junior Celine Toias and senior Ivana Tieu perform the second place routine at a pep rally. The cheerleaders don’t perform full routines at events like football games, so the pep rally was an opportunity for the team to show off their hard work to other students.

Pom poms and pixie dust

Cheerleaders rank second at national competition in Disney
Nikhila Bulusu and Madi Olivier March 22, 2019

Cheers erupted through the crowd as the cheerleaders ran out onto the competition floor to prepare for their performance in February. They pumped up the crowd, jumping and shaking their pom poms. They...

Spring break without breaking the bank

Spring break without breaking the bank

Find out what inexpensive activities you should do over spring break
Madi Olivier, Online Editor March 5, 2019

Spring Break is right around the corner, which means a week off from school to do whatever your heart desires. While you may want to immediately begin planning a spontaneous trip to the Florida beaches,...

Diving into success

Diving into success

Freshman makes waves on dive team
Madi Olivier February 7, 2019

The diving board seemed to tower over the lake as freshman Sydney Rice, then 6, peeked over the edge. Fear consumed her as she tried to muster the courage to jump into the water below. Rice stood on the...

Lending a helping hand

Lending a helping hand

FMFD firefighters travel to California to fight wildfires
Madi Olivier February 7, 2019

When they arrived at the Woolsey wildfire, the Flower Mound Fire Department firefighters were greeted by aggressive flames and piles of rubble. The smell of smoke filled the air as the fire destroyed everything...

2018 rewind in hashtags

Madi Olivier, Online Editor January 6, 2019

#Tidepodchallenge In January, a viral joke encouraged brave teens across the nation to attempt eating the laundry detergent pods. While it was hardly more than a meme, some took the challenge seriously...

College senior Robert Martinez practices "Overwatch". He played in a gaming club at UNT before trying out for the Esports team.

Click to play

UNT finds success with new Esports team
Madi Olivier, Writer November 2, 2018

UNT became the first public university with a varsity Esports team last Feb., and on Oct. 1, they won their first tournament —OPLive Dallas — 3-0. The program supports four games— Overwatch, Hearthstone,...

October in hashtags

Briefs on the trending hashtags over the past month.
Madi Olivier, Writer October 31, 2018

#Kavanaugh Brett Kavanaugh was elected as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States on Oct. 6, which sparked debate among American citizens because he was accused by Christine Blasey...

The life I almost knew

Madi Olivier, Writer October 7, 2018

I held my breath as I waited for the familiar sound of the garage door opening to indicate my dad’s arrival home. My eight-year-old mind ran through the plan that my twin sister Abby and I had put together,...

Going for gold

Going for gold

LISD athletes win in Special Olympics
Madi Olivier, Writer September 9, 2018

LISD Special Olympics athletes of all ages and abilities embraced each other as they entered the bowling alley on August 26. The sound of pins clashing rang through the building as the bowlers rolled...