Voters to decide school bond issue
MHS exPRESS Voters to decide school bond issue By Haleigh Hines and Tori Hack MHS exPRESS writers
Marlow Schools Superintendent, George Coffman, is hoping that the third time is the charm for the upcoming school bond issue on September 13th. In 2004 only 13% of our community helped to decide the outcome of the vote. However, in 2006, 21% of those eligible went to the polls. This increase in voters is one of many reasons Coffman is hopeful the bond will pass this time. If approved the $14,155,000 generated would be used for the construction of a new elementary school. Coffman admitted approval will mean an increase in taxes for district property owners but feels the need is justified because Marlow has outgrown its present facilities. “I don’t like paying taxes either, but we need to pass what we can afford,”
Coffman said. “Our facilities do not match the expectation of our community.” Coffman said he understands that most people do not favor a tax increase but believes the benefits will be worth it. Residents who previously paid $500 in taxes would see an increase of $174.89 annually or $14.57 a month. Senior Colton Seymour said he believes the system is flawed because the property taxes do not affect everyone equally in the community. “People who rent houses and don’t own as much property as others don’t have to pay as much, and I don’t think that is fair,” Seymour said. Some students said they registered specifically because they wanted to vote for the bond. Senior Kristen Dickerson stressed the importance of supporting the schools. “I registered to vote just in time for the bond issue. I think it is important for kids
to have plenty of room for their educational needs,” Dickerson said, “I also think it is important for the student body to support our school system.” Other students also voiced their support. Senior, Brook Kohler said she has younger siblings at the elementary school and thinks the measure is needed so that the old portable buildings can be replaced. “The class I am in, the class of 2012, was supposed to be the last grade to have pre-school and kindergarten in those trailer houses. Those trailer houses are still there,” Kohler said. Coffman also stressed the need for more room because increased enrollment figures. An added bonus will be an improved safety feature. Middle school and high school librarian, Cathy Hazel, agreed. “The kids deserve to have a nice, safe school. Not only do they deserve it, we need
Rehearsals are underway for Advanced Drama play By Haleigh Hines and Tori Hack MHS exPRESS writers
Six novice actors will join four veterans in this year’s Advanced Drama play, “Moose Murders.” Sophomore student directors, Jill Cowley and Allison Tinney, will help drama teacher and director Paula McConnell in staging this year’s production. Cowley thinks the play will be a challenge, but, with hard work, it will pay off in the end. “I think the production will be complicated,” Cowley said. “However, I think the play will come together well and be really funny for the audience.” Breaking the tradition of previous years, McConnell chose to do a murder mystery farce. “I wanted something non-typical and different than what we’ve done the past few years,” McConnell said. “I wanted to get away from doing another
Neil Simon production, and ‘Moose Murders’ fits the part.” Although many characters can be considered leading roles, the students with the most stage time are senior Cole Smiley and junior Rayne Grandy. Smiley will play Nelson Fay, a seemingly good man who shows his true intentions later in play. Grandy will play Snooks Keene, one of the two entertainers at the Wild Moose Lodge. Her singing partner will be played by senior Colton Seymour, who will be a first time play performer. Smiley is the veteran actor among cast members. “I’ve been in the play since I have been able to, from sophomore to senior year. Although sophomore year was my favorite character to play, I’m very happy to have the lead role for my senior year,” Smiley said. While Smiley has plenty of stage experience,
senior Karisa Cooper will make her acting debut. “I’m really excited about making the cast,” Cooper said. “I have always wanted to try out but could not because of softball. Luckily, my coaches will work with my schedule so I can have a good experience my senior year.” Cooper will play the part of Hedda Holloway while sophomore Sam Kimbrough will play her paralyzed husband, Sidney Holloway. The couple has three children, Lauraine, Stinky and Gay. Sophomores Cara Williams and Sayge Alexander will play Lauraine and Gay respectively, while junior Tyler Hall will play Stinky. The part of Nurse Dagmar will be played by sophomore Tori Hack. The play will debut on October 7th with a matinee for the student body, and an evening performance will be held on October 8th in the high school auditorium.
Student of the Week
Design is editor’s focus By Rayne Grandy
MHS exPRESS writer
MARISA CROWSON
With an eye for graphic design, this week’s Lions Club Student of the Week, Marissa Crowson, plans to use her artistic talent as a member of the yearbook staff A three-year member, Crowson is this year’s editor. “I really like both computers and art, and being the senior yearbook editor is the
best way I can think of to combine those two,” Crowson said. Crowson made it her personal goal to improve the overall quality of both the class and the actual design of the yearbook. “My favorite part of designing pages is having a vision for a page and making it reality on the computer,” Crowson said. Not only is Crowson an asset in producing the yearbook, she also makes an obvious impact on those around her. “Since her sophomore year, Marissa has exceeded what was required of her,” yearbook adviser and junior English teacher, Beverly Cramton said. “She always helps other people with what they need help on, has a great eye for
the detail needed in graphic design, and is very well organized in addition to all of her other responsibilities,” Cramton added. Crowson carries her responsibilities over to other activities she is involved in and leads with kindness, according to dance coach, Lisa Branum. She is a four-year member of the Bootlegger dance team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She will be returning to the basketball court this fall after taking her junior year off. She is interested in pursuing a career in graphic design and is undecided on which college she wants to attend. Marissa is the daughter of Freddie and Leesha Crowson and the sister of two younger siblings, Nathan and Jacob.
it,” Hazel said. The latest bond issue will provide just that by removing the portable buildings
and a smaller brick building and constructing a new facility. The proposed building is 52,650 square feet and will
include 32 new classrooms, while the core of the building will have concrete reinforced safe rooms.
EXPANSION. Marlow senior Kirstie Cantwell looks at an illustration of proposed improvements at Marlow Elementary School. (photo by Haleigh Hines)
Around Campus Haley Travis
MHS exPRESS Writer Officer elections and an upcoming fundraiser discussion kicked off this year’s first Foreign Language Club (FLC) meeting. FLC officers will lead both FLC meetings as well those of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Senior Tiana Jones, will conduct meetings as president, and rounding out the slate of officers are seniors Lane Newport, vice president; Marissa Crowson, secretary; Lindsey Fikes, treasurer; and Kylie Furst, information officer. Spanish teacher Charla Jordan serves as adviser for
both organizations. ”Usually the same people attend both FLC and S.A.D.D., and since there are only so many days in a week, we decided to have one set of officers lead both clubs,” Jordan said. Starting in September the fundraiser will start for FLC. They will be selling candy in Jordan’s room, 108. The club uses the money earned to support a young lady, Bety Yanet Ramirez, in Honduras. FLC and S.A.D.D. meet Wednesdays in Room 108 with.
By Codi Young
MHS exPRESS writer Oklahoma Christian Uni-
versity basketball player Emily Davis was the guest speaker at this year’s first Fellowship of the Christian Athletes meeting. There were 40 students who came out to enjoy pizza, swimming and volleyball at the home of FCA adviser Nick Scalf. “I think we had a good turnout for our first meeting and are off to a great start,” Scalf said. On Wednesday, September 28th, everyone is invited to attend “ See You at the Pole” at the flagpole before school. Also ahead for FCA is the annual Fields of Faith, which will be hosted this year at Outlaw Stadium in Marlow on Oct. 28.
Outlaw Spotlight
Senior Swade Dungan is a three-year starter for the Outlaw football team. This year he is taking the field in the running back and linebacker positions. In 2010 Dungan had 484 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns and 76 tackles on defense. Head coach Jeremy Gage describes Dungan as a hard worker. “Swade is a tough, hardworking kid that doesn’t say much, but his actions speak loudly on the football field.” Gage said.
Boys head cross country coach Bobby Wortham describes junior Tony Aguilera as the “one to watch.” In their first meet of the year at Cameron University, Aguilera placed 3rd out of 135 runners, and as a team the Outlaws placed 5th. Last year at the state cross country meet Aguilera finished 13th overall. “Tony is an exceptional runner with a great work ethic,” said Wortham. “He always works hard to improve.”
Senior Haleigh Hines steps up to the plate this year as a four-year starter for the Marlow softball team. Finishing last season with a batting average of .370, Hines played 2nd base. This season Hines has been asked to catch for the Lady Outlaws. Hines been a utility player, spending time at both infield and outfield positions. “This is her senior year, and she has done a great job behind the plate,” said head coach Brian Miller.
MHS exPRESS STAFF Editor-in-Chief Haleigh Hines Assistant Editor Rayne Grandy Layout Editor Tyler Hall
Feature Editor Haley Travis Sports Editor Codi Young Karsen Baker News Editor Tori Hack Layout Assistant Cara Williams
Columnist Tori Hack Head Photographer Cara Williams Staff Photographers Karsen Baker Codi Young Adviser Sharon Bullard
Online exPRESS, Thursday, September 8, 2011, Marlow, Oklahoma
Spirited students take road trip Photos by Tyler Hall and Cara Williams
Outlaws fill stands at Lone Grove
Class officers
FRESHMEN. (l-r) Dakota Hicks, secretary; Hayden Travis, president; and Cole Eveland, vice-president
SOPHOMORES (l-r) Courtney Elroy, secretary; Cara Williams, president; and Tori Hack, vice-president
JUNIORS. (l-r) Emily Elroy, secretary; Morgan Davis, president; and Betsy Waller, vicepresident
SENIORS. (l-r) Kim Sheehan, secretary; Haley Travis, president; and Lindsey Fikes, vicepresident
Marlow Schools Superintendent, George Coffman, is hoping that the third time is the charm for the upcoming school bond issue on September 13th. In 2004 only 13% of our community helped to decide the outcome of the vote. However, in 2006, 21% of those eligible went to the polls. This increase in voters is one of many reasons Coffman is hopeful the bond will pass this time. If approved the $14,155,000 generated would be used for the construction of a new elementary school. Coffman admitted approval will mean an increase in taxes for district property owners but feels the need is justified because Marlow has outgrown its present facilities. “I don’t like paying taxes either, but we need to pass what we can afford,”
Coffman said. “Our facilities do not match the expectation of our community.” Coffman said he understands that most people do not favor a tax increase but believes the benefits will be worth it. Residents who previously paid $500 in taxes would see an increase of $174.89 annually or $14.57 a month. Senior Colton Seymour said he believes the system is flawed because the property taxes do not affect everyone equally in the community. “People who rent houses and don’t own as much property as others don’t have to pay as much, and I don’t think that is fair,” Seymour said. Some students said they registered specifically because they wanted to vote for the bond. Senior Kristen Dickerson stressed the importance of supporting the schools. “I registered to vote just in time for the bond issue. I think it is important for kids
to have plenty of room for their educational needs,” Dickerson said, “I also think it is important for the student body to support our school system.” Other students also voiced their support. Senior, Brook Kohler said she has younger siblings at the elementary school and thinks the measure is needed so that the old portable buildings can be replaced. “The class I am in, the class of 2012, was supposed to be the last grade to have pre-school and kindergarten in those trailer houses. Those trailer houses are still there,” Kohler said. Coffman also stressed the need for more room because increased enrollment figures. An added bonus will be an improved safety feature. Middle school and high school librarian, Cathy Hazel, agreed. “The kids deserve to have a nice, safe school. Not only do they deserve it, we need
Rehearsals are underway for Advanced Drama play By Haleigh Hines and Tori Hack MHS exPRESS writers
Six novice actors will join four veterans in this year’s Advanced Drama play, “Moose Murders.” Sophomore student directors, Jill Cowley and Allison Tinney, will help drama teacher and director Paula McConnell in staging this year’s production. Cowley thinks the play will be a challenge, but, with hard work, it will pay off in the end. “I think the production will be complicated,” Cowley said. “However, I think the play will come together well and be really funny for the audience.” Breaking the tradition of previous years, McConnell chose to do a murder mystery farce. “I wanted something non-typical and different than what we’ve done the past few years,” McConnell said. “I wanted to get away from doing another
Neil Simon production, and ‘Moose Murders’ fits the part.” Although many characters can be considered leading roles, the students with the most stage time are senior Cole Smiley and junior Rayne Grandy. Smiley will play Nelson Fay, a seemingly good man who shows his true intentions later in play. Grandy will play Snooks Keene, one of the two entertainers at the Wild Moose Lodge. Her singing partner will be played by senior Colton Seymour, who will be a first time play performer. Smiley is the veteran actor among cast members. “I’ve been in the play since I have been able to, from sophomore to senior year. Although sophomore year was my favorite character to play, I’m very happy to have the lead role for my senior year,” Smiley said. While Smiley has plenty of stage experience,
senior Karisa Cooper will make her acting debut. “I’m really excited about making the cast,” Cooper said. “I have always wanted to try out but could not because of softball. Luckily, my coaches will work with my schedule so I can have a good experience my senior year.” Cooper will play the part of Hedda Holloway while sophomore Sam Kimbrough will play her paralyzed husband, Sidney Holloway. The couple has three children, Lauraine, Stinky and Gay. Sophomores Cara Williams and Sayge Alexander will play Lauraine and Gay respectively, while junior Tyler Hall will play Stinky. The part of Nurse Dagmar will be played by sophomore Tori Hack. The play will debut on October 7th with a matinee for the student body, and an evening performance will be held on October 8th in the high school auditorium.
Student of the Week
Design is editor’s focus By Rayne Grandy
MHS exPRESS writer
MARISA CROWSON
With an eye for graphic design, this week’s Lions Club Student of the Week, Marissa Crowson, plans to use her artistic talent as a member of the yearbook staff A three-year member, Crowson is this year’s editor. “I really like both computers and art, and being the senior yearbook editor is the
best way I can think of to combine those two,” Crowson said. Crowson made it her personal goal to improve the overall quality of both the class and the actual design of the yearbook. “My favorite part of designing pages is having a vision for a page and making it reality on the computer,” Crowson said. Not only is Crowson an asset in producing the yearbook, she also makes an obvious impact on those around her. “Since her sophomore year, Marissa has exceeded what was required of her,” yearbook adviser and junior English teacher, Beverly Cramton said. “She always helps other people with what they need help on, has a great eye for
the detail needed in graphic design, and is very well organized in addition to all of her other responsibilities,” Cramton added. Crowson carries her responsibilities over to other activities she is involved in and leads with kindness, according to dance coach, Lisa Branum. She is a four-year member of the Bootlegger dance team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She will be returning to the basketball court this fall after taking her junior year off. She is interested in pursuing a career in graphic design and is undecided on which college she wants to attend. Marissa is the daughter of Freddie and Leesha Crowson and the sister of two younger siblings, Nathan and Jacob.
it,” Hazel said. The latest bond issue will provide just that by removing the portable buildings
and a smaller brick building and constructing a new facility. The proposed building is 52,650 square feet and will
include 32 new classrooms, while the core of the building will have concrete reinforced safe rooms.
EXPANSION. Marlow senior Kirstie Cantwell looks at an illustration of proposed improvements at Marlow Elementary School. (photo by Haleigh Hines)
Around Campus Haley Travis
MHS exPRESS Writer Officer elections and an upcoming fundraiser discussion kicked off this year’s first Foreign Language Club (FLC) meeting. FLC officers will lead both FLC meetings as well those of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Senior Tiana Jones, will conduct meetings as president, and rounding out the slate of officers are seniors Lane Newport, vice president; Marissa Crowson, secretary; Lindsey Fikes, treasurer; and Kylie Furst, information officer. Spanish teacher Charla Jordan serves as adviser for
both organizations. ”Usually the same people attend both FLC and S.A.D.D., and since there are only so many days in a week, we decided to have one set of officers lead both clubs,” Jordan said. Starting in September the fundraiser will start for FLC. They will be selling candy in Jordan’s room, 108. The club uses the money earned to support a young lady, Bety Yanet Ramirez, in Honduras. FLC and S.A.D.D. meet Wednesdays in Room 108 with.
By Codi Young
MHS exPRESS writer Oklahoma Christian Uni-
versity basketball player Emily Davis was the guest speaker at this year’s first Fellowship of the Christian Athletes meeting. There were 40 students who came out to enjoy pizza, swimming and volleyball at the home of FCA adviser Nick Scalf. “I think we had a good turnout for our first meeting and are off to a great start,” Scalf said. On Wednesday, September 28th, everyone is invited to attend “ See You at the Pole” at the flagpole before school. Also ahead for FCA is the annual Fields of Faith, which will be hosted this year at Outlaw Stadium in Marlow on Oct. 28.
Outlaw Spotlight
Senior Swade Dungan is a three-year starter for the Outlaw football team. This year he is taking the field in the running back and linebacker positions. In 2010 Dungan had 484 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns and 76 tackles on defense. Head coach Jeremy Gage describes Dungan as a hard worker. “Swade is a tough, hardworking kid that doesn’t say much, but his actions speak loudly on the football field.” Gage said.
Boys head cross country coach Bobby Wortham describes junior Tony Aguilera as the “one to watch.” In their first meet of the year at Cameron University, Aguilera placed 3rd out of 135 runners, and as a team the Outlaws placed 5th. Last year at the state cross country meet Aguilera finished 13th overall. “Tony is an exceptional runner with a great work ethic,” said Wortham. “He always works hard to improve.”
Senior Haleigh Hines steps up to the plate this year as a four-year starter for the Marlow softball team. Finishing last season with a batting average of .370, Hines played 2nd base. This season Hines has been asked to catch for the Lady Outlaws. Hines been a utility player, spending time at both infield and outfield positions. “This is her senior year, and she has done a great job behind the plate,” said head coach Brian Miller.
MHS exPRESS STAFF Editor-in-Chief Haleigh Hines Assistant Editor Rayne Grandy Layout Editor Tyler Hall
Feature Editor Haley Travis Sports Editor Codi Young Karsen Baker News Editor Tori Hack Layout Assistant Cara Williams
Columnist Tori Hack Head Photographer Cara Williams Staff Photographers Karsen Baker Codi Young Adviser Sharon Bullard
Online exPRESS, Thursday, September 8, 2011, Marlow, Oklahoma
Spirited students take road trip Photos by Tyler Hall and Cara Williams
Outlaws fill stands at Lone Grove
Class officers
FRESHMEN. (l-r) Dakota Hicks, secretary; Hayden Travis, president; and Cole Eveland, vice-president
SOPHOMORES (l-r) Courtney Elroy, secretary; Cara Williams, president; and Tori Hack, vice-president
JUNIORS. (l-r) Emily Elroy, secretary; Morgan Davis, president; and Betsy Waller, vicepresident
SENIORS. (l-r) Kim Sheehan, secretary; Haley Travis, president; and Lindsey Fikes, vicepresident
