Volume 4, Issue 1 Est. 2012@PonyExpressmcs

Homecoming in 507 words

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Homecoming Confessions

Dress code makeover

Fall Sports

ARt. Art. ARt.

The New Guy

Pg. 7

Pg. 3

Pg. 5

Pg. 2

Pg. 8

Some of the court as the King is announced

Homecoming. Homecoming. Homecoming.

That’s right, folks; Homecom-ing is perhaps the pinnacle of the American education experi-ence. This year, MCS set some records—sort of—when it came to dress up days, hallway deco-rating, and activities during the 2015 Homecoming week. Even though words cannot describe the level of grandeur that each day brought, we tried. Here is your recap. It’s all here:

Monday: “Tacky Tourist Day” On this day in MCS histo-ry, students and teachers alike sported their best travel attire. From floral shirts, white socks paired with Chacos, rustically ancient cameras and all sorts of adventuresome hats, people set the bar incredibly high. Monday night was the Second Annual Homecoming Roller Night at the iconic K-C Nutty Roller. We hear the turnout was precedent set-ting—which is most wonderful.

Tuesday: “Masquerade Day” That is correct. You bet people were wearing their masks and beads and outfits in the style of New Orleans. The English Teachers even created a street band collecting funds for

Mission’s Tuesday (NOTE: The English Department wins the Oscar for overall best participa-tion from a Faculty or group of Faculty). The activity for Tues-day was, of course, THE ONE AND ONLY MCS POWDER PUFF GAME. Seniors won. At least we think. Who knows? No one injured themselves dramati-cally, which is always a blessing. Okay maybe a few little bumps and cracks here, but the curse of arm breakings did not prevail.

Wednesday: “Hawaiian Day” So people were some-what confused whether Hawai-ian Day was a hybrid mutated version of Tacky Tourist Day with a more narrow parame-ter. Mr. Dean showed up with a long board; so that was cool. On Wednesday evening, peo-ple gathered in the parking lot of the High School for “Luau In the Lot.” We are told this was an evening devo. With a beach vibe.

Thursday: “Western/Hillbilly Day” If you visited the Arbuck-le Mountains maybe 100 years ago, the sight would be similar to what people sported this day. In addition, there were a few In-dian sightings…Thanksgiving is

on the horizon, so maybe that was the explanation there. Chili Cook Off happened, though no winner was ever announced, it is safe to say it was proba-bly the seniors. Seniors rule.

Friday: “America/School Spirit Day” For the first time in the history of ever, Wacky Spirit Day was not a thing. However, the red, white and blue (and the un-official colors of black and gray) bombarded this day. The Home-coming Parade, Pep Rally, and Game were also on this day. Also, Mark Mizzles and Viki Amend, ladies and gentlemen?! And, Mustang Sally + Bae. * CLAPS/SCREAMS/CRIES * It was crazy, yet spirited fun. Pony Up. Pony Nation. Pony Fever. Go Stangs.

There you have it. The Mustangs won the game against Addison Trinity Christian, which is always a good way to finish up any Homecoming week. Also, the PARENT-SPONSORED dance followed, on Saturday night. It was one for the Polaroid Camera and festive hashtags. If next year is anything like this year was, we are all in for a great, big treat.

It isn’t news until someone reports it.

The ARTS

Ladies and Gents! I am here to tell you all lovely stories about a show at Midland Community Theatre, titled “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”I’ll start this off with a one-word horror story: Corsets. Google it. They’re basically the ma-terial form of a hug from Satan himself. We wear them under our costumes (which are extremely beautiful and Victorian and I just love them so much! *squeal*) and let me tell you, not breathing or eating for many hours (rehearsal was even 8 hours long, once!) is more difficult than it sounds. Not to mention simple daily tasks; like walking up and down stairs (or walking in general, honestly), sit-ting, laying down, getting up… all of these suddenly become Olympic events when that darn corset is laced up. Also, in case you were wondering, the order of the girls’ costumes from first to last goes like this:

makeup, tights, shoes, corset, petticoat, bustle pad, bustle, over skirt, wig, earrings, and jacket. If we are outside in a scene, we put on our hat, cape and gloves. This or-der is sacred; one mess-up and you’re pret-ty much doomed. All this probably weighs about a thousand pounds and adds, like, 50 degrees to our body temperature… But hey, it’s 100% worth it! We seriously look boss; shout out to the designers, man!The set is awesome as well! We have a Lon-don, England backdrop, and two platforms left and right of center, towards the back. In between the platforms is a rack for Hyde’s canes. There are also doors on wheels-sev-en total, but you only see six of them at most. This is because the 7th one is pur-posely broken, three people have to come “break it down.” The doors are all different colors (except the two red ones, because one of them is the broken door), and the cast even named them: the blue one is Tardis, *winks at Doctor Who fans* the broken red one is Purgatory, the normal red one is In-ferno, the white one is Canary, the yellow

one is Not Canary, the violet one is Fred/Petunia and the black one is Petunia/Abyss. Now, let’s get to the fun part: the plot. Mainly, it’s about two men: one who was rather well liked and famous in his pro-fession, named Henry Jekyll, and the oth-er- a man who was first known as Jekyll’s patient, Edward Hyde. Jekyll was a scientist who traveled the world looking for medica-tions to treat diseases and disorders. Hyde was Jekyll’s experiment, for lack of better word. He was mentally insane. When all of the characters are formally introduced, Jekyll explains he and Hyde’s problem. He believed that if he couldn’t cure Hyde, no one could. Angry with Jekyll, Hyde slowly began to seek revenge. He found a way to make Jekyll his vessel (hey that rhymed!) he took over Jekyll’s mind with a potion Jekyll had in his lab. Not only that, but Hyde became even more cold and distant; his only contact with people was through pain and…murder. *crowd gasps* Yeah, I said it! He killed people! That’s a bad sin, right?

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeCarley Venter

Freshman, Staff Writer

“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is Mid-land Community Theater’s Pickwick Players Fall Show. MCS Students Ryan Adams, Carley Venter and Lau-ren Smith are apart of this troupe.

At left: Carley Venter is pictured as Elizabeth.

See Show on Pg. 7

Choir shows that size does not matter

The Midland Christian School Choir kicked off their year with a Fall Concert Thursday, October 8th. The group is di-rected by Mr. Jung, a new addition to MCS this year. And, although the choir is altogether relatively small compared to most, they have found a way to unite their sound to handle any genre of song.

The evening consisted of selections performed by both the Secondary, Jr. High, and High School choirs, capping off with a collaborative final number. This particu-lar number was performed in the spirit of those in Africa, as a group from our school will make a Mission Trip there later this year. As the songs progressed onward, one thing I noticed was the unified, operatic sound emerging up into all parts of the room. This sound most similarly resembles that of a large orchestra-like group, like the Trans-Si-berian Orchestra or even a young boys’ choir.

In conclusion, I was delightfully im-pressed as though they are small, they are just as mighty and polished sounding. Be sure you make it to one of their evenings of music; you will leave not only impressed, but with a better appreciation for the arts. Art

Above: The high School Choir performs in their Fall Concert

is something that does not need hundreds of bodies in order for it to be great. In fact, sometimes the most impacting works are masterfully crafted by a mere handful of folks.

Ryan AdamsSenior, Editor

In the Wings:“Louder, I Can’t Hear You” by Bill Gleason, a show performed in one act.

10. 27. 15

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Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.

-Stella Adler

Photo via the Midland Reporter Telegram

Student Life

So Scarred “...a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” Those were the words that my papa said while the red flags with the white wheels and black spokes hung from our window. That flag had taken Ludwig to Stalingrad to fight the Russians with minimal ammunition. In less than a week, my papa would be in the same place.

Although Mama and Papa tried to shield me, a twelve-year-old girl, from real-ity, I knew what happened in Stalingrad. A herd of grown men strolling past the bro-ken glass of a former psychiatric ward on Schneider Street muttered, “You know what happens in Stalingrad. The snow up there is more than likely crimson instead of white.” I stopped to ask the man what he was talking about. He, in turn, tried to snatch me by my arm and swat me with the newspaper rolled up in his hand. A sympathetic glance from the younger gentlemen told me everything that I wanted to know. They left not long af-ter, leaving me staring listlessly at the shat-tered glass of where they used to hold the people sculpted of glass, who broke in just the same manner as the ward itself. Even though I was barely wary of the slush at my feet, I could still hear the man’s taunts: “Even if the men of Stalingrad did survive, they’d hardly survive the new Deutschland. Most of them would end up like that girl,

tumbling head-first into an insane asylum.”I had no problem noticing the time of

war; the time of peace, however, was a dif-ferent story.

Mama and I fixed dinner - stale bread and pea soup - while Papa played the fid-dle, tapping his feet to keep his rhythm. He promised to teach me. I saw his reflection in the glass of the kerosene lamp, knowing that I’d never see that blond hair, blue eyes, or strong winky smile ever again. Even in our kitchen, I still didn’t notice the time for peace.

“Any news on Ludwig?” I asked, pol-ishing the lamp with a cloth to see Papa’s reflection more clearly. Through the cleanli-ness of the glass, I could see Papa’s falling face. Of course. Ludwig was in Stalingrad. When he was drafted, our family knew the risks.

Mama and Papa exchanged a long stare before answering me.

“Crimson snow?” The words came out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Papa slowly shook his head. “Not exactly, Gretel. Sit down and look at the glass.” I gave Papa a quizzical stare, but he insisted. I obeyed and pulled up a wooden stool. Before I could even blink, Papa swung his hand into the kerosene lamp, watching the remains slide across the table. His hand was bleeding, and the tumult broke even steadfast Mama from her concentration.

Memories of the ransacked ward on Schneider Street flushed into my mind. The broken glass, the broken people...a time to tear and a time to mend...the men on the corner...a time to be silent and a time to speak...the reason that the people were re-moved from the ward in the first place...a time to love and a time to hate...the red banners hanging from every house, pro-claiming Germany’s war cry...a time for war and a time for peace. I could tell that neither Mama or Papa would speak. I was left with a swirling maelstrom of confusion inside; what had happened to Ludwig, my brother and best friend, did not emerge for a long while. My vision grayed when it did. Ludwig had been killed, but it was not in Stalingrad. He had been killed on Schneider Street.

TO BE CONTINUED.

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Ask Eddie. You Ask.He Answers.Not kidding.

Kylie JonesFreshman,

Staff Writer

Classroom Couture

Are you one to pass up all those denim hand-me-downs? Before you throw out your rela-

tive’s 90’s blue jeans, think again! The so called “mom jeans” are all the rage in today’s casual

fashion scene. Stores like American Apparel, H&M, and Ur-

ban Outfitters are getting in on the trend. The running price is around $40 in the top shops

around the world.

The post-’90s resurgence of high waisted den-im looks best with a light wash. For the true grunge look, search for the frayed and torn

style (not for school, of course). Contrary to the skinny jean myth, loose fitting

jeans can actually be more flattering. While skinny jeans are easier to find, mom jeans are

worth the hunt.

For fall, pair them with preppy white sneakers and a Fair Isle sweater. For spring, wear these mom jeans with ballet flats or black pumps to

dress them up. Rock them in the hallways year round with Oxfords, Converse, or Vans.

Mother knows best.

Tally HowardSenior,

Staff Writer

Dear E.O.,As the referees did, did you also have favoritism towards the juniors during the Powder Puff game? Because if so, I might have to switch my enrollment to say Lubbock Trinity or FWC...just saying.

Sourly,Me.

Dear Sour,I am not even certain if Powder Puff is a School Sponsored event, but in the event that it would be, I would say my sup-

port would be towards the Seniors. They were just that much better. But don’t worry, the Juniors will get it next year. May-

be.

Peace out,Your Main Man Big E.

Mr. Lee,I heard you use the cash money Magazine Sales brings in to buy a new car. I would recommend a G-Wagon or something, but you do you.

Thanks,Helpful Harry

Harry Potter,First of all, what’s with your name? Second, you did not ask

a question. I authorize your English teacher to take whatever measures needed in order to regain your attention in class.

Bye,the Boss Man

An excerpt from an original book.

Spiritual Life

We are all victims of scrutiny and unfortunate circumstances. We are all odd, different, and held captive by the world’s standard. We are the waffles in a world full of pancakes. The round pegs in the square holes. We are outcasts. We are one. The thought of Homecoming makes many people wince, picturing the decorat-ed halls and crazy costumes worn by stu-dent and teacher alike. It all seems so silly and uncalled for as I take in the crazy ener-gy around me. Following that assessment, I look down at my knee socks and flip-flops and realize I’m just as laughable. If one were to walk into the grocery store in these clothes, they would be much less welcomed than if they were running onto the football field.

In this same way, Christians are supposed to be aliens in the way they live by glorifying the L-rd every day. Living as Christ lived entails anything from a comfort-ing smile in hard times to giving chapel in front of the entire school. Despite the brevi-ty of these actions, they make a difference. When someone follows the traditions of those who come before him or her in this sinful, horrible world, nothing will change for the better. Instead, follow G-d’s traditions. Jump over that boundary that establishes the sinful standard of this world, and many others on the better side of that line will be there to offer encouragement and commen-dation. This is another key part in the fami-ly aspect of Christianity. As a team, people can accomplish more and make it easier on one another, sharing each person’s load. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 says, “On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then

many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” With others encourage-ment and G-d’s spirit, there is nothing that can stand in the way of change. That joining together of Christians does not happen so easily, however. The world does not take it lightly when someone steps past the estab-lished boundary. It’s very difficult to be that person who stands up and fights for G-d’s word. But it takes one to help many. “Bless-ed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the king-dom of heaven,” Matthew 5:10 says. We are supposed to be outcasts in this crazy world, so let’s at least be outcasts together.

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” – F. Nietzsche. For Mustangs, that pep rally music is so loud we go deaf at the thought of it, not to mention the screams of joy from the chil-dren during magazine sales. For me, that is the best sound to hear. Imagine magazine sales with no crazy hats, wacky games, or screaming children. I hope Midland Chris-tian never fits that description. The spirit and happiness in each child in the school build-ing is contagious when they demonstrate it. This analogy can be used in Christianity, as well. Though there are so many who think students are crazy sacrificing 2 hours of their Sunday, our job is to keep dancing until they notice. Keep being an excellent follower of Christ that makes people think: What makes that person so different? The jobs of those who serve the L-rd are helping others to hear the music by living a life based on Christ.

I love walking down the hall on Homecoming day seeing everyone dressed from head to toe in red, white, and blue, united. When students have a common goal and demonstrate it in the way they live, it’s beautiful. On Sunday morning, Christians are united all the same with other believers across the globe singing the same songs and drinking from the same cup. Though for some there is sunrise and for others a sunset, these brothers and sisters share the love of Christ and give the same tes-timony: that the One who saves loves us. A good friend of mine learned a separate language to communicate better with the persecuted church, and so when singing How Great Is Our G-d, she joins in in that completely different language, and yet it is in perfect harmony. The languages are so different, but have the same message. As 1 Corinthians 12:5 says, “There are differ-ent kinds of service, but the same L-rd.”

Many other Christians are in the Unit-ed States and beyond to assist us, but there is also a giant mission field wherever one goes. This is why brothers and sisters should show the world the love of Christ and be the people who impact people in the best ways. Be big, be loud, and change the world. Be proud of your G-d who loves. Dance no mat-ter who is watching, join together, and con-quer this world with confidence, declaring that the Lord is G-d to everyone you meet.

Homecoming week is a time of em-barrassing ourselves and having the time of our lives. It’s funny that those two things can actually go together: embarrassment and happiness. In Christ-followers lives this is exactly what happens. We hold the door, no matter how old it gets. We say thank you, even if no one else has. We kneel in prayer, stand to give chapel, and sing with our hands lifted high. We are outcasts… together.

Outcasts Together

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Kaitlyn GrigsbyFreshman,

Staff Writer

Need prayer, someone to talk to, or just some quiet time? Check out the Campus Ministry Office located in the B hall. All are welcome.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet to-gether, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Chemistry Proves to make all the Difference

Sports

PONY UP. Meagan Thomason, a Junior here, has plaid out-side hitter for our Varsity Volleyball Team this year. Thomason notes that the best moment thus far, has been the Prince of Peace Tournament. Not only was this an overall enjoyable trip, but the Lady Mus-

tangs also made it further than all of the other teams in our district—no small feat if you are knowledgeable of said teams.

Coach Kova, the head volleyball coach, has been working these girls dili-gently in practice as the team strives for excellence. Despite the very natural chem-istry between players, the girls find that the most trouble they face is in closing

Fall brings some of the greatest things in life. Pumpkin flavored ev-erything, cooler weather, changing leaves, and some of the best of Mustang Athletics. Here at MCS, the first semester months are spent busily, as teams embark on their journeys long before school is even in session. To best cover what has been happening on the volleyball court and on the football field, I sat down with siblings, Meagan and Brett Thomason, to hear what their respective teams have been up to so far.

out games resulting from errors. Thoma-son added to this, “We have certain drills we run in practice, and if we mess up, we have specific ‘consequences’ that we face in an effort to reduce our errors.”

As the season nears its end, the girls have set a goal for themselves: place sec-ond in district, and then press onward past that. In order to do this, the girls will need to overcome some of our rival schools, such as Lubbock Trinity and Fort Worth Christian. No matter how things turn out though, Thomason assured me that this will be a season everyone will remember with immense joy; she credits the senior lead-ership consisting of Madison Blanchard, Emma Holder, Rikki Jaso and Bayle Weav-er for embracing the younger class men and making this year one of the best yet.

For Senior Brett Thom-ason, taking the field each Friday night is only an added ben-efit to being apart of the Mustang Football Program. Thomason, who grew up play-ing football in GMFL, Jr. High, and now in High School, current-

ly plays Defensive End and has racked in over 200 defensive points already. This is more than he totaled at the end of last year, and he is eager to see how he can im-prove as the season progresses onward.

On goals of the team for this season, he comments, “Of course our eye is on an-other State Championship, but we know that this is only achieved one play at a time.” Dis-cipline is most definitely something Coach

McClendon and his staff strive to instill into our football friends, so much so that there is almost an understood idea that every game is like a “matter of business”. This is why you will see the team carefully complete the same routine before every single game with an extremely professional mentality.

I asked Brett to verbalize his favorite memory he will take with him once he com-pletes his senior year here, and he mentioned that, “Winning State twice, back to back, will always be a highlight. Not many people can say they ever did that.” To obtain a better picture of his pre-game routine, I asked him if he thinks about anything in particular as he takes the field. He mentioned, “I like to pray before every game. I pray that I would be able to give my best on each play, and that we would come out of the game injury-free.”

The Mustangs have had 621 of-

fensive rushing yards to date, and 700 defensive receiving yards to date. They continue their District play against Argyle Liberty Friday, October 8th, at Argyle Liberty. As this fall moves on, I am rather thrilled to see how our teams do. Knowing how much goes into what you and I see during a game gives me a better appreciation for the results.

Brett and Meagan are children of Paul and Kim Thomason. Paul Thomason attended Midland Christian School, and both are faithful servants around campus. If you know the Thomasons, you know just how wonderful this family truly is. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to sit down with these two and visit about each of their sports.

Be sure you tune in for the remainder of both the Volleyball and Football season as the teams continue on in District play. The next home football game is scheduled for October 23rd at Gordon Awtry Field, and the next home volleyball game is scheduled for October 16th in the McGraw Event Centre.

Excellence is key for Mustang Football

Brett Thomason (Sr.)

Meagan Thomason (Jr.)

Lady Mustangs against Coram Deo

Upcoming Sporting EventsOctober 16: Volleyball (H)October 16: Cross Coun-try DistrictOctober 17: Volleyball (H)October 23: Cross Coun-try StateOctober 23: Football (H)October 30: Football (H)

The Pony Express wishes each of you the best in your competitions!!

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Music You ought to own

Global

Confessions of the Actual Court of Homecoming I will begin this beautiful reunion by extending a large arm of gratitude and humility (on behalf of the entire-ty of the court) for the honor to represent MCS. You are all gems, and you warm my heart on a daily basis. Keep doing you.

AND NOW- LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSI-NESS (to defeat the Huns). In order to lay the foundation for the royals to come, I have decided to write a letter. This essen-tially applies to each of you. Read carefully. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -To Her Highness (aka The Queen of England Herself),

What a pleasure it is to write to you on this fair October afternoon. I hope all things are going well in the land of the Brits and such. I’m a big fan of your country. It is with the utmost humility that I request your assistance regarding royal affairs. I figured with your help, we could improve situations involving royal courts of every degree. I’m certain this will result in a radical improvement in foreign affairs.

When riding in vehicular devices, it is a common to experience unexpected jerky (and potentially dangerous) starts and stops. The blame of these common stops is not in-tended to be placed upon anyone; but there is a solution. Hovercrafts. I am uncertain as to whether or not you have access to these items. However, if you do, humans every-where would be honored to be graced by your British hovering things. With the remov-al of brakes, head bumps, fear, and poten-tial cardiac attacks will be a thing of ancient times. Enclosed is a copy of my address. Whilst I am on the subject of address-es and name-type things- would you rec-ommend shortened names? For instance, are you ever referred to as any of the fol-lowing: Elizabeth2, Lizabeth, E to the Sec-ond Degree, or my personal favorite “I’m not the second Beth. I am the best.”? The latter is a semi-forced pun, but I’m certain it could work. Nicknames are very popular amongst the masses at this time, so it would probably help in governing techniques. Lastly, I would like to request funding for laurel head-wreaths. Gemmed crowns are a tad bit out of date (at least on this side of the Pond). I have nothing against pair-

ing a gemmed headpiece with my fancy hoop skirt and petticoat occasionally, but I think the rest of the royals (and myself) would appreciate something more “every-day friendly”. Floral crowns will also attract more singing woodland creatures. Singing woodland creatures are a crucial element. Thank you very much for your time; I look forward to your response.

All the love, Viktoria Amend

P.S. Thank you for the accent of your People. Keep on charming the world.

Part II.

Viki AmendSenior,

Staff Writer

The newest tunes you must get.

Ask yourself: am I into unique rock music that never ceases to entertain with its general individuality? If you answered yes or maybe, then an excellent source of this kind of music would be Cage the Ele-phant. Cage the Elephant has been around since 2008, but they have not received the credit that they rightly deserve for their tal-ent in the music industry. The style of their music ranges from indie chill to rocking beats that will be stuck in your head all day long. There are very few groups like this one, and I suggest you give them a shot, even if you aren’t sure about the genre.

This group will give you inspiration-al lyrics (not to mention phenomenal in-strumentation) as well as food for thought in songs such as “Come a Little Closer”, “Telescope”, “Ain’t No Rest for the Wick-ed”, “Shake Me Down”, “Cigarette Day-dreams”, and “It’s Just Forever” (ft. Alison Mosshart). If you find yourself interested in hearing something new, something that you just can’t hear on the radio, then I suggest giving Cage the Elephant a chance and lis-tening to a few of these songs...Perhaps you’ll find them to be your new favorite!

See “Tunes” on Pg. 7

Welcome!

It is so hard to believe that this is Volume 4 of The Pony Express!

For those of you who might be new to us, the paper you hold was started by a group of students here, four years ago. Their original vision and hard work is behind all that is done on our behalf.

News is something so interesting. In fact, as a staff, we have decided that “It isn’t news until someone reports it.” This is our slogan for the year, and we hope that as we report what happens, what is accom-plished, what we see, that you will receive every story with an open heart. News is not always happy and not always good. Our goal is to report things as they happen that we may achieve the truest sense of journal-ism as possible.

As we sat down to begin brainstorm-ing for The Pony Express for this year, we tossed ideas around about how we could improve this news publication. Our solution has been to go back to basics: to publish a traditional Newspaper with some personal touches.

I am personally so thrilled to be work-ing with the staff I get to this year. Each per-son represents so much talent and passion for writing that I think you will find a tasteful variety of things to read within these pages.

At the end of last year, we were struggling in deciding how we ought to pro-ceed as a staff. With so few writers, put-ting together even one issue became such a lengthy process. But God has provided us with some new faces that have already demonstrated their ability.

I can already tell that as we write about you and what you accomplish this year, we will be immensely blessed. But it is our hope that as you read, you will be rich-ly filled, all the same. Understand that we are all human. We all have flaws and mess ups and imperfections. But in uniting these qualities, we attain a most natural sense of beauty that cannot be suppressed or ri-valed.

May you feel a sense of sunshine and grace as you live today.

A letter from us to you

Ryan AdamsSenior, Editor

The 2015 Homecoming Court

Contact us at:newspaper@mcstangs.org

This is how we see Hyde in the beginning of the show-as an awful, sinful man. Or as Jekyll poetically puts it, a “deformed crea-ture with sin writ on his brow, writhing in sickness and filth and depravity…” But it doesn’t end there! Now that the audience has an opinion of Hyde, we bring in a love interest. A woman-named Elizabeth-who shows the audience a completely different side of Hyde. Through Jekyll’s eyes we see him as a monster, but through her eyes, we see him as only a man who finally, slowly allows himself to fall in love. Without Eliz-abeth, his life would’ve ended alone and distant, hated and hating others. You could even say that Elizabeth taught Hyde how to love. Their relationship changed the sto-ry around, soon Jekyll and Hyde changed places. Jekyll became insane and Hyde grew to become loving and compassion-ate. Unfortunately, Hyde ends up breaking up his relationship with Elizabeth to pro-tect her, and Elizabeth speaks with Jekyll to get more information. She eventually sees the ties between he and Hyde (there are a TON, but I’m not going to spoil everything) and comes to the realization that Jekyll and Hyde are the same person. Jekyll tries to kill her when she learns this. He doesn’t succeed, and something else happens but I REFUSE to spoil the ending! So let’s just say that Hyde, though he has killed thousands of others, refuses to see Elizabeth (the one who showed him more kindness and love in months than he had experienced in years) get hurt. *Crowd awes in the distance* The role I play in this is Elizabeth. She is an EXTREMELY fun character, (sar-castic and super seductive… *wink wink*) and despite the role’s length, she is ex-tremely important. She shows the audi-ence that no matter how bad of a person you are, you are still worthy of love. Which if you think about it, that’s God’s role in our lives. We are sinners, although it may not be taken quite to Hyde’s extent, and

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Show, from Pg. 2

Alessia Cara, a fairly new artist to the world, has just released her debut single “Here”. The single has done really well on the Shazam charts, and the EP is projected to be a hit, all the same. Make sure you do yourself a favor, and check out this new artist!

Ryan Adams recently dropped his cover of Taylor Swifts chart-breaking al-bum, “1989”. In his rendition, he covers each of the songs and gives them a rock vibe. If you are in to covers, or even more of a chilled out style, be sure to look at this album! It’s also on Spotify, so listen away.

Tunes, from Pg. 6

He still finds us worthy of his love. Ev-eryone, meet grace. Just like Elizabeth sees the real Hyde, God sees the real us. I have recruited some cast mem-bers to write a little about the show. The following paragraphs are based on true events. Amber Struble: Sanderson/Inspector/Sister/Hyde 5: “Jekyll and Hyde has been a fun show. It taught me two things. Firstly, it’s kind of scary how evil people can be. I mean heck, I kill a guy with the blunt end of a cane. Looks like I got some anger to work out… How-ever, on the other hand, people can be very good. Sometimes simple gestures of affection and kindness can soften the hardest heart. In the show, Elizabeth offers love to Hyde, and it saves her life in the end. The man, who Jekyll calls ‘evil, unforgivable and vile,’ is given love and ultimately returns it in his own way. So, yeah. Moral of the story is be nice to people and they might not beat you with a cane.” Josh Maguire: Henry Jekyll “Can you just put ‘no comment’ for mine?”

Jordan Sanz: Drunkard/Sir Carew/Ho-tel Porter/Hyde 3 “ ‘You can be the mas-ter of your fate if you do not follow the mas-ter of someone else’s.’ I kinda like it, it’s like follow your dreams and not someone else’s.” Morgan Kuehler: Poole/Old Woman/Hyde 4 “I learned to not rest on your laurels. (Or morals? Florals? Chocolate morsels? Corals?) :) But in all seriousness, I learned that, especially when it comes to theatre, you can’t rest on your laurels.” Grayson Braziel: Lanyon/Hyde 6 “As my ninth Pickwick show, this has by far been my favorite. Jekyll and Hyde is like no oth-er show I have ever been a part of. Working with such a small cast we really get to bond and work on the show as a whole. With such a dark story the cast has to stay very fo-cused. We have worked so hard and I know

that we have really pulled off a great show! Kyle McDuffey: Enfield/Student 2/Lady/Maid/Hyde 2 “Everybody has a dark side. The key is not to suppress it, otherwise it will grow stronger and consume you. The key is to live with it, to acknowledge its exis-tence, but everyday choose not to give into it.”

~~~~ The show ran October 2-11. If you would like more information about MCT, the work done therein, or more about theatre, visit www.mctmidland.org.

The Annual Powder Puff Game proved to be quite the evening. According to an inside source, the game was said to be “totally fair”, unlike games of this sort ste-reotypically have been played in the past. Our own, Coach Davis and Coach Fleet, served as Referees for the event. In the end, the Seniors came out with the win. Condolences are sent to the Juniors. Perhaps next year will be your year.

The Seniors gather in between plays at the annual powder puff game.

We also recommend the following for a great October playlist:

Art Deco- Lana Del ReyWhen We’re Fire (Cello Version)- Lo-FangCardiac Arrest- Bad SunsChinese New Year- SalesBreathe- BasementLinger- The CranberriesCreature Fear- Bon IverThe Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot- Brand NewHeart Skipped A Beat- The xxNaïve- The Kooks

The above article was a collab-orative effort on behalf of the POny Express Staff.

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Staff:Ryan Adams

Viki Amend

Katelyn Howard

Tally Howard

Kaitlyn GrigsbyKylie Jones

Lauren Smith

Carley Venter

SPOTLIGHTName: Mr. RamptonPosition: Campus MinisterAlma Mater: ACUDegree: Youth and Family Ministry, currently in Grad School to obtain a Masters in Christian MinistryFavorite Book: Lois Lowry’s The Giver, or anything by Henry NouwenFavorite Music Artist: Justin Tim-berlake

Favorite Local Eatery: Cork and Pig TavernFavorite Place in Scripture: The Psalms, the book of JamesIdea of the best day ever: “I would say exploring a new, urban city to see what differences in culture, at-mosphere and sites I could find. And then topping the day off with a great meal at a trending restaurant with unique foods.”

Hoco. Moments

Above left: A group of Senior guys performing “The Hoe Down, Throw Down”.

above: A massive amount of people showed up for the Homecoming Pep Rally!

The Cheerleaders end their routine with an acro-batic stunt.

Once again, the Student Council in conjunction with the Cheerleaders, put on a wonderful week full of crazy dress-up days and fun evening activities, making Homecoming 2015 one of the best. So many man hours were invested in an ef-fort to not only welcome home former students, but to cre-ate a sense of “home” for current ones. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all who were in-volved in making this week one we will never forget. Your effort, tirelessness and dedication are truly irreplaceable qualities.

Be well until next time.Advisor: Mrs. Keel