The Herald - March 2017 by Arapahoe Herald

HERALD

VOL 53 Issue IV Arapahoe High School MARCH 2017

EDITORS & STAFF

CONTENTS

MAGAZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PAIGE PAULSEN MAGAZINE MANAGING EDITOR/ PHOTO EDITOR ABIGAIL GUADNOLA

PEOPLE 4-5 Search and Rescue: “...That Others May Live” 6 Students Embrace Their Passions 7 A Career in the Making: Cosmetology

WEBSITE EDITOR MACKENZIE CALLAHAN

8-9 Girls Lacrosse Eyes State Title 10-11 Interview with District Attorney George Brauchler

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 12 Featured Cartoon: “The Herald Ha-ha’s!” 13 Uptown Cheapskate: Thrifting with Style 14 Springtime Fashion Gurus

COPY EDITORS BECCA SCHWISOW HAYDEN PEIRCE XAVIER MAIER

15 Best of Netflix 16-17 Skillet: Rock Unleashed 18 Local Haunts: Restaurant Reviews

DISTRIBUTION & ADS MANAGER MADDIE EGERTON

19 Denver Art Museum: “Mi Tierra”

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

INDEPTH 20-24 Climate Change: From the Experts 25 Recycling Tech Waste 26-27 Local Energy Use 28 The Little Eco-Engine That Could 29 Adidas: Doing Good for the Earth 30 Veganism vs. Vegeterianism 31 Environmentally Friendly Burial Options

SYBRAND BRAAKMAN REPORTERS GRACE ADAMSON BRIANA BEEBE COURTNEY BROWN ABBY CASTER

32 Guide to Composting

KAELYN COLIZZO

OPINIONS 33 Under Pressure: Teens Face High Expectations 34 Family: Who Needs ‘Em? 35 Spring is the Time for Growth 36 Through My Lens

LAUREN DAVID DJ DEBONIS VIVI DENITTIS DELIA GUILBERT

37 Word(s) 38 Editorial: In Defense of Student Press

AVI HATHORNE MURIELLE HECOMOVICH

HEALTH

ALLIE HIGHSMITH

39 Spring Allergies 40 I Feel Pretty

HENRY KLINE

41 Do’s and Don’ts of Prom

EMILY KOKE

INFO 42-43 District Considers Later Start Time

TECH 44 Virtual Reality: Entertainment and Education 45 All Purpose Lithium 46 Are Smart Phones Really Making Us Smarter?

COLLETTE LEMANSKE ANNA MCCOLLISTER MEGAN NGUYEN RORY O’DONNELL ASHTON PHELPS KENDRA SULLIVAN

47 Apple vs. Android

HERALD

THE

WALTER WACASER LEA WOLFF

From the Editor Enough to Go Around... Who would have thought that climate change could cause such a massive rift between people, yet that is the case in many social and political circles. In especially heated debates, people are beyond the point of being able to offer facts and solutions. The known is muddled with the unknown and somehow exhaustively researched statistics arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to sway people in favor of the direction of reasonable action. Shifting environmental conditions as well as greater awareness of the very real effects of climate change have prompted a majority of people to recognize the severity of the global climate crisis over the past few decades. Yet there are still those that get caught up on the technicalities of climate change discussions rather than striving for active solutions. The world is growing smaller, at least that seems to be the case with increasing population density and greater demand for limited resources. Production and distribution of material necessities do not always meet demand. Water alone is a commodity that many people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t access or afford. Energy resources are another beast entirely. If people do not transition to renewable energy soon, it is predicted that oil generated power will last less than half a century based on current extraction and consumption trends. This is not a problem for the next generation. While the worst of the impacts may not be felt until decades down the line, there are still many immediate issues that should be addressed sooner rather than later. In the industrialized world the current standard of living may face significant decline as resource depletion becomes a more immediate reality. Meanwhile the luxuries many people take for granted are being compromised by factors beyond human control. For instance, food sources are at stake and the ecosystems that sustain them are facing destabilization. For the sake of the future, these issues demand less human interference with the environment in addition to more efficient and sustainable alternatives. While this may not be well received by businesses or industries that rely on cheaper but less reliable practices, people must learn to recognize the long term planning that is taken into consideration by conservationists and environmentalists.

All my best,

Paige Paulsen MARCH 2017

PEOPLE

The Arapahoe Rescue Patrol Serving the community through search and rescue

by Becca Schwisow

rapahoe county has a unique program that is not offered in many other places: the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol. The program is made up of high school students, several of whom are students at Arapahoe. Among these students are Captain Marlo Borton, senior, and Operations Lieutenant Bennett Smith, junior. Both have been dedicated members of the patrol since joining as freshmen. As the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol is the only search and rescue team in the country that is primarily run by high schoolers, it offers experiences that are unobtainable anywhere else. This all starts with the recruitment process. Since the program is open to teens 1418 years old, those interested can join coming into their freshman year. Members who are accepted into the probationary class face challenging situations and are pushed beyond their comfort zone. “We make [the first few trainings] very [intense] so people understand how hard it can be,” Smith said. The events required include classroom, “search and rescue school,” training, as well as two weekend-long expeditions in the mountains. The Patrol follows a semi-militaristic power structure. The captain is the team leader, followed by the lieutenants, the sergeants, regular members and then the probationary members. New members are set on “probation.” This means that, for six months they are focused on training to be better prepared for future missions. Following the probationary period, members take a test to become a “regular member.” These members are considered competent to operate in the

HERALD

THE

field, and can remain in this position as long as they would like. However, regular members can also apply for a higher position. Members on the patrol have a lot of responsibilities to take care of. Balancing both academics and other responsibilities can become difficult. “School obviously comes first, but during the school day, if you get a call, you just go to the call and make up your school work later. As long as you keep good grades it’s really not an issue,” Smith said. “This is definitely when you need to test how responsible you are and how productive you are in your free time because if you do miss school, you need to be responsible enough to go in to your teachers and make up that work,” Borton added. Members are committed to accepting a call at any time in the day - even during school. If an emergency comes up, they are expected to arrive to the headquarters within thirty minutes. After departing, the Patrol will face one of the several kinds of search and rescue operations they are trained for: mountain searches, urban searches or disasters, fires, and a variety of other emergencies. Another qualification for those interested in joining is a love for the outdoors and an interest in helping others. The Patrol spends a lot of time outside and up in the mountains, and follows the motto “... that others may live,” focusing on the safety of the community. Adapting to situations is another important quality, as the job has no set schedule, and situations can change quickly. “There aren’t generally

PEOPLE daily responsibilities; sometimes for a few weeks it can be if it’s really busy. It’s just whatever needs to be done,” Smith said. Members train to handle a variety of situations, ranging from searching for a missing person to providing medical care at local recreational events. The captain has an important role in getting the team out and ready for a mission. “If we were to get a call right now, I gotta make sure that everything that we have at our headquarters is set to go, make sure our members are ready, our gear and all of that,” Borton said. The lieutenants respond to the captain, and pass the message along to sergeants and the rest of the members. “I am basically a liaison. I can carry out various tasks for the team or act as a mission [coordinator]. It’s not exactly a set job as far as missions go,” Smith said. The officer staff divides tasks related to reports, vehicle maintenance and special teams operations while also sharing a lot of the responsibilities that keep the team running smoothly. Though there are different expectations for each rank, all of the members need to work together to prepare for missions in order to

complete them. Everyone has a role in the success of the team, as for the actual missions, “that’s the job of the regular members and the probationary members. They’re at the bottom level, but they’re the ones that get everything done,” Smith said. “Regular members will always be the people in the field. Sergeant’s positions tend to be more of the team leaders, the ones who are leading the regular members in the field. Captains and lieutenants can be in the field or doing the paperwork and other mission [planning],” Borton said. Though the program may seem tough, “what you put in is absolutely what you get out” [Smith]. The gained work ethic and ability to work under pressure in situations can prepare members for future jobs; joining the program also allows those involved to enter into the search and rescue career later in life and training prepares them for emergencies. It may not be a program for everyone, but if anyone is at all interested, it’s definitely one to check out, for all the benefits that come with being a member of a team dedicated to serving the community.

Recruitment Information Meeting Dates: Wednesday, March 29 at 6 pm Saturday, April 8 at 9 am Thursday, April 13 at 6 pm

Location: 6529 S. Broadway, Littleton, CO 80121

For more information: arapahoerescue.org (from top to bottom on facing page) ARP members train at James Peak for high altitude experience. Members practice carrying patients with a litter. Members respond to an assist with Littleton Fire Rescue. (below) ARP Members rest near the trail at a field training. Photos courtesy of the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol

PEOPLE

When People Meet Passion by David J DeBonis

Passion. It is the fireball of drive that burns deep in the hearts of people. It is also the reason that humanity has reached this point [in technology, science, medecine, etc.] because our largest leaps were inspired and influenced by people’s passions to do great things. These Arapahoe students have tremendous passion for a wide assortment of activities. Find out how they practice their passions, and how they plan to pursue them in their lives.

Delaney Michels Delaney Michels is an Arapahoe senior who is very passionate about self -expression. She uses different mediums, such as clothing, in order to display her thoughts and emotions to the world. Michels loves to sew, and has started to make her own clothes. She is also using her camera to create a collection of movies and videos, such as a music video for ‘The Also.’ Delaney’s passions go further than these activities, though. “My everyday passion originates from the love I have for things in my life,” said Michels. Michels plans to pursue her passion of film and study Critical Media Practice in college. Left photo: Michels ‘plays with paint’ to create a film effect Right photo: White paint on a Michel’s black shirt

Diego Schutz Diego Schutz has a burning passion for nature and the outdoors. He is an Eagle Scout, and has grown up spending his time in the mountains. “My experience in Boy Scouts has given me a lot of good opportunities in the outdoors.” Schutz has been on many multi day treks; from Kayaking through Moab, to an 80 mile backpacking trip on the Philmont Scout Ranch. Schutz takes every chance he can get to do activities in the mountains, such as skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and backpacking. Next year he will attend Fort Lewis College in Durango, and he is interested in their Geology school and Adventure Education program. “I hope to make a living doing something in the outdoors,” said Diego. Left photo: Schutz hits a jump on a trail near Deer Creek Right photo: Schutz hikes up Plymout Trail in Deer Creek Canyon State Park

Grace Pakola Grace Pakola is an artist who likes to paint, draw, and create art in many mediums. “I enjoy creating things, It makes me feel calm and content.” said Pakola, “I make something everyday.” Pakola has done a variety of creative projects, such as decorating a cello and designing her room. “I love being able to look at something I’ve made once I’ve finished it and allowing myself to feel proud of my work.” Pakola practices art frequently so that she can “have a chance in the competition of the art community.” She plans to pursue her artistic passion in the future. Left photo: Pakola holds two moon paintings for her Studio Art class Right photo: A small part of Pakola’s room design

HERALD

THE

Photos by David J DeBonis

PEOPLE

Beauty School by Kendra Sullivan

itchell Ritema, a senior at Arapahoe, is balancing both cosmetology school and high school. He goes to Colorado’s Finest Cosmetology Academy while he is still working to earn his high school diploma. Ritema first learned that he wanted to go to cosmetology school at the end of first semester his junior year. “My motivation for doing cosmetology was it ran in my family and I think I would really enjoy [being a barber] because I love working with people,” Ritema said. His favorite thing that he’s learned so far in cosmetology school is cutting hair, and his favorite subject in high school is American Literature. Ritema’s uncle is a barber and Ritema plans to work under him after getting his barber license. Lots of his family is in the hair business, including a couple aunts and uncles and even

This kid didn’t drop out

his mom. After Ritema graduates high school, he will have one more year of cosmetology school and then he can go on to a barber program. His goal is to open his own shop at some point in the future. Ritema plans to stay in Colorado whenever he opens his own shop. Since he is already on the path he wants to take, he finds it is a lot easier than if he had no idea what he wanted to do. Ritema discussed he benefits of starting the program in high school, rather than waiting, “The program is offered by the district and it is substantially cheaper than going somewhere like Paul Mitchell or other hair schools,” Ritema said. He has high hopes for his future and already knows what he wants to do. He is “shear” to make an impression.

Mitchell Ritema, 12. Photo by Abigail Guadnola

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

PEOPLE

Girls Lacrosse Eyes State Title by Henry Kline

s the weather warms up in the coming months, spring sports will be in full swing. Athletes from Arapahoe will be competing at the highest level. However, one sport is grinding like never before: girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lacrosse. Many students do not know about the amazing talent on display with these ladies; a successful last season and a promising future gives the team hope. Junior Aubrey Donhowe sits down to talk about the season ahead:

H: New season, new opportunities, what are you most looking forward to for this season? : Well our team is composed of 13 juniors out of 24 total players, so we make up half the team and I feel like we have a really good chance at being a really good contender or possibly to win state. I feel like as a class, our junior girls are really working hard and pushing each other. This will be our second year with the same captains, so I also feel like everything is really cohesive. : You mentioned the large amount of juniors on the team, do you ever just get sick of being with these ladies? : Yes, I hate them all, no just kidding. I actually think it is really nice because a lot of us have been together since kindergarten, so being so close outside of lacrosse helps us not only keep each other accountable, but also on the field we know the best way to encourage each other and we know

H A

HERALD

THE

who responds to what and since we are so close as a junior class it really pulls together everyone else. : I understand there is a new coach in charge and a new assistant coach? Will it be business as usual or is there definitely a new feeling to the team? : [Coach] Bri has really taken the reins and made some changes but we still have the same team dynamics and a lot of the same goals. When Bri canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be there for us (because she works with 3d lacrosse as well) the new assistant can come. So I think it will be a well working pair. : What would you say is the best part about playing with this team? : Definitely how much fun we have. At practice players are always dancing, and yelling, and singing, and joking around, which is a lot of fun, and makes a good team atmosphere. We get down to business when we need to but we definitely get told to dance less rather than more. : Are there goals that the team has set that you all want to strive towards? : Yes, we have three main goals this season that we have set so far. First, we want to have better consistency this season. Second, we want to be a team on and off the field as much as we can, so helping out with each other at school and in class and then just in life too, not just at lacrosse. Then third would be to win the State Championship.

H A

PEOPLE

Photos courtousy of Aubrey Donhowe

H: That state championship is a big goal, I know the H: To those who have yet to see your team work,

men’s team was close last year, what will help you to get to that place? A: When I talked to the players from the [men’s] team from last year, they just seemed really close to each other, like brothers. We saw how much they had fun, and I think this atmosphere is really important. I think their spring break trip was really helpful for them, and this year, when we go on ours, hopefully it will be a good bonding experience. H: What is the biggest challenge in between your team and the title? A: I think the wide range of players on our team, and our new players. We have everyone from committed athletes, to new freshmen. I think it will be hard to bridge the team together and not focus on the stars. It is like the saying: “You are only as good as your worst player.” I think it will be important to grow together instead of as individuals.

“

You can be the fastest girl on the team, but if you don’t know the game and your role you won’t be as sucessful.”

what would you tell them, why should they come and watch you all? A: Well if you talk to the guys you might hear that it is kind of a “wimpy” sport, but I don’t think so. It is not like soccer in the way that there may be lots of contact but it is really explosive and the technical skills required is really cool. I mean you will see Lizzie make a run from the middle of the field to the goal in seconds, it is just really fast and explosive. H: This team, as you have said, is one of the strongest teams in program history. What makes a good team and a good lacrosse player: A: We call it Lax IQ. It is the basic knowledge of the sport and your position. You need to know the basics of your position and its limits. You can be the fastest girl on the team, but if you don’t know the game and your role you won’t be as successful. H: Which teams are you most looking forward to, which would you like the most people to turn out for? A: Probably Creek and Colorado Academy. Regis is really fun and we scrimmage them but I don’t think we have a regular game against them on our schedule this year. Fun fact: every year since girls lacrosse has been added as a state sport, Creek has been in the championship game, so it would be really nice to bump them, and do really well ourselves. MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

by Rory O’Donnell

Interview with District

n Feb. 28, 2017, District Attorney (D.A.)

changed by anyone else who’s

Colonel George Brauchler allowed an

Governor.” With a fast response,

important interview take place. Col. Brauchler

the next question was “Would you

is the D.A. for the 18th Judicial District, which

be that Governor?” Col Brauchler

includes Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and

than said “Ha…that ain’t up to

Lincoln counties. Col. Brauchler is also a

me. Hypothetically? Let’s say in

part of the Colorado Army National Guard.

a dream world where I’m elected

Col. Brauchler has done numerous cases

Governor? Day one I would

including the prosecution of the man who

rescind that executive order and

sold the weapons to the Columbine Shooters,

put him [Nathan Dunlap] back

and James Holmes who was the shooter at

on the path to death row…no

the Aurora Theater.

doubt in my mind.” In relation to a Governor like question Col.

During the interview, Col. Brauchler said that he had tried to get into West Point, Annapolis, and or the Air Force Academy. So when he failed to get into one of those academies, he got a ROTC scholarship instead and then went to CU Boulder to get a degree in Economics and Political Science. Regarding the rejection letters, Col. Brauchler said. “I have framed each one of the letters of rejection from each of the academies as a reminder to me that failure is a part of the game.” Amid the trial of James Holmes, Col. Brauchler was the prosecutor for the case.

Brauchler said that he had been

“

I have framed each one

2014?” Col. Brauchler said “That’s a tough one for me because we don’t get involved in the security the schools provide. Short of, and I suppose it’s conceivable if a high school

of the letters of the

knew they had a particular vulnerability

rejection from each of the

vulnerability led to the death or injury of a

and they did nothing to address it and that

academies as a reminder

child, could there be some arguable criminal

to me that failure is a part

or something?... I trust the Arapahoe County

of the game.” -Brauchler

In regards to the Holmes Trial Col. Brauchler

liability there for some sort of child abuse Sheriff. That’s Dave Walcher…one of the best sheriffs in this part of the country.” Having connection to the previous

said ¨I to this day think he deserves death

considering running for governor. He also

question, Col. Brauchler was questioned

for what he did. I believe that but I also

said “I’m giving it serious thought. In terms

if metal detectors would be helpful and

believe in our system.” When he said “I

of what a Brauchler Governorship would

he said, “Metal detectors are a significant

believe that but I also believe in our system.”

look like?... I would put Colorado first and

resource and logistics issue. Not just for the

He meant our republic has checks and

you would get a leader. Someone who can

acquisition of them. I think for the money

balances. He said no one man can say he

make decisions. Even the hard and unpopular

part, we could probably come up with it for

is getting executed because that would be

decisions that we just have not seen in the

that, but I want you to envision a situation

considered despotism.

last 6 plus years.”

where every single day, every single student

Relating to a serious subject, John

Now regarding Arapahoe High School, the

TSA guys there or something. That outlay

Hickenlooper permanently delayed the death

topic started off with the tragic death of

could be considerable. The delay getting from

sentence of mass murderer Nathan Dunlap.

Claire Davis. In relation to the subject, the

drop off to classroom could be considerable.

Col. Brauchler did not like this a single bit,

question asked was, “Since then, the school

Now at the end of the day, if the argument is,

so when questioned if it was possible to

has added guards at the doors, but no metal

if we have the chance of deterring just one

reverse the decision with a new governor,

detectors. Technically, a student could still

thing like this, isn’t it worth it?” He also said

Col. Brauchler said “All that the Governor

bring a gun or a knife into the school. Do

that he did not know the answer to that, but

has done is issue an executive order that

you feel that the school has done enough to

he said that if someone wants to do harm, no

has no more power than he does. When he

protect its students from another incident

one can do a whole lot to stop it.

leaves office, that executive order can be

happening like the one that occurred in

has to go through the equivalent of DIA, with

Attorney George Brauchler how it’s not being thrown away but it’s being sold through the use of the gray market, and Col. Brauchler said the gray market is something legal being sold in an illegal way. So all the marijuana kids get, comes through the gray market. When it comes down to car wrecks and DUI’s, Col. Brauchler said. “I think the incidents of DUI’s involving marijuana has gone up quite a bit.” He also went into detail and said that he has talked with other states that have been giving him information He said also said that the community can on these such things as well. In take smart and reasonable steps to provide relation, Col. Brauchler said marijuana was safety and security, but you won’t be able a gateway drug and the reason for that to reduce that number to a zero percent. is because all the reports he has seen it shows that marijuana impairs their victim’s In other regards to judgment which has Arapahoe High School caused users to explore and teens, marijuana a little bit more. The ability to make was the subject a good decision of discussion. In The last question asked response to the topic, was what advice he had sometimes gets in Col. Brauchler said for teens legally since he the hands of being marijuana was easier is a veteran prosecutor. to obtain than it used around good people, He said “Here’s what to be. Col. Brauchler so I would encourage I tell teenagers right also went into the now, and this is difficult more specific details of you to find people because it’s not your why and how it could that are real friends.” fault, but your brain is happen by saying “What built to think that the -Brauchler we’re seeing here is future is next Saturday a move away from 2 and that’s it, right? The things…the street swag, future is a lot farther for lack of a better term, that used to be than that, and what’s hard to convince available on the streets, and there was teenagers of, especially in high school, certainly more of a stigma to there even is the short term self-satisfying decisions being any marijuana around, so what you’d that get made right now sometimes have see is if somebody smelled like marijuana, consequences 5 years down the road, 10 or smoke was coming out of a car that years down the road, maybe forever... if smelled like marijuana, police could move you ever find yourself in and take action. That created some in a situation, where sort of limited availability to juveniles that even if it’s a group of doesn’t exist anymore. What you see now friends or so called are these “home grows” that exist, and it’s friends, and they are kind of a combination of what you get out about to do something of the medical marijuana, which provides that is criminal or stuff this caregiver protection... It’s [marijuana] that’s risky or unwise? not going to people that have glaucoma or Take a second. Take pain from cancer treatments, none of that a second and take a stuff. They are overproducing the amount deep breath and ask that can be consumed.” He also explained yourself, ‘What’s the

“

worst thing that can happen here, and is that something I’m willing to live with the rest of my life?’” “I had a bunch of friends who did, [referring to marijuana] and I never ended up doing any harder drugs. I never ended up driving drunk. All these things I never ended up doing, and it wasn’t just luck. The other thing is too, you have to surround yourself with good people... I remember one time I was drinking under age. I think I must have been 18, and I was at a party with a bunch of friends. Probably intoxicated…definitely intoxicated, and as I’m walking out, some other guys are behind this truck over there, and they’re smoking marijuana, and they’re like, “Hey Dude…c’mon over here man. Just take a hit off of this.” I remember it was probably the greatest moment of weakness I’ve ever had…probably because I was drunk. I sat there and thought about it for a moment, and then I started walking over there, and you know what happened? My best friend who was with me, grabs me and says, “Hey man, let’s go somewhere else...let’s just go somewhere else”, and we turned and walked somewhere else, and I remember thinking back, that’s what good friends will do for you. The ability to make a good decision sometimes gets in the hands of being around good people, so I would encourage you to find people that are real friends. Not the people you just have fun with, but the people who give a crap about you... That’s not really legal advice, but it’s how to avoid being in the legal system.” Take his advice. It might help you in the future.

Photos courtesy of Jamey O’Donnell

A&E

Cartoon submitted by James Austin, 9

James Austin is an aspiring cartoonist whose art will be featured on ArapahoeXtra.com. His work is inspired by his family.

HERALD

THE

A How-to on Thrift Stores

A&E

by Vivianna DeNittis

uying clothes from thrift and consignment stores is making its way into mainstream culture. Thrift shopping (thrifting) is losing its negative connotation and gaining a new meaning of creativity and originality. Supporting thrift and consignment stores is promotes a cycle of reuse. Less clothes end up in the landfills and more clothes end up in new homes. It also allows for originality. People choose thrifting and consigning clothes more often now because it offers a chance to buy original pieces of fashion for half the cost of department stores. No two shirts, pants or shoes are the same in the entire store. Shopping at thrift stores gives clothes a chance to find new purpose. Clothes gain new personalities with each owner. Beverly, a store manager at Uptown Cheapskate, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;love your clothes because they will love you back.â&#x20AC;?

Tips and Tricks:

Be sure to look for high end brands. If a person has a careful eye for expensive clothing items, they can often find clothes at extreme discounts. For whites use the tissue test. If a piece of clothing matches the color of a white tissue, it has not been worn or washed many times. Check the hems. If the stitching is falling apart and there are threads hanging out everywhere, chances are that the material will come apart after a couple wears. Look at the soles of shoes. If you cannot see the brand of the shoe or treads on the sole, then they have been worn. Do not be afraid. Thrifting and consigning is an adventure. Try new styles and be brave. Always wash new clothes right away. Clothes from consignment and thrift stores have past lives, and a fresh start is always good. Photo by Vivianna DeNittis Sources: Beverly, Store Manager at Uptown Cheapskate goodwilldenver.org arcthriftstores.com buffaloexchange.com uptowncheapskate.com

Where to shop: Thrifting

Consigning

non-profit thrift store. They support Coloradas with intellectual/ developmental disabilities with employment.

buys clothes from customers for cash or store credit. They have new and recycled fashion in new or like new condition.

Goodwill is a non-

Uptown Cheapskate

profit organization that reaches out to at-risk teens and kids, struggling adults, and people with disabilities.

allows customers to sell clothes for cash or 25% more store credit than monetary value. They offer lightly used clothes from high end brands.

Arc is a Colorado owned Buffalo Exchange

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

A&E

Spring Fashion

by Sybrand Braakman

Amy Raymond has discovered her fashion sense through many influences from Japanese culture and through her many hours spent on Pinterest. “Everyone has an opportunity to dress better,” she said. By dressing to your taste instead of what is popular, you can start to develop a personal fashion sense. She encourages people not to estrange from dressing very uniquely and to not worry about the opinions of others when dressing. Grant Gulliot has worked towards a very nuanced “fit” through many repetitious visits to the the thrift store. His many visits to Savers will be missed, but he will continue his trips to Arc and Goodwill. Thrifting has exposed him to clothing that he would not normally wear and helps him find clothing items that are truly “one of a kind.”

HERALD

THE

Aaron Wolk has found that his sense of fashion has been driven into a passion though inspiration. Since the 8th grade, his friend Riley Holub has taken him along when going thrifting. This has inspired him to really find alternative look that matches his personal sense of style.

Graphic illustration by Sybrand Braakman

A&E

Top 4 Netflix Original Shows by Xavier Maier

here is no doubt anymore: Netflix is the most popular way to watch TV in the modern world. It is the most convenient and extensive collection of shows the average citizen can access. Some of the most interesting innovations the service provides are the original shows, uploaded one season at a time. The largest problem is the sheer variety it allows access to. No one has the time or desire to watch every Netflix original show just to weed out the good ones. In order to make the task of finding a watchable show easier, I have compiled a list of reviews for the best Netflix original shows I have watched. I now give the readers of the Herald access to this list in hopes of improving their binge-watching experience, and to provide some suggestions to those looking for a new show to get lost in. Keep in mind that many of these shows are in progress, and new seasons will be released soon.

1. Bojack Horseman

At first glance, this show may seem odd. In an animated world where humanoid animals live alongside humans, BoJack Horseman is the former humanoidhorse star of the 90’s sitcom “Horsin’ Around.” The show follows his life after his glory days on the show, after he has descended into depression and an unhealthy celebrity lifestyle. It provides a whimsical look into the off-screen lives of current and former celebrities, and forms a surprising commentary on what true happiness is. It is a serious show about the dangers of success, while still being hilariously creative in both complex comedy and animal puns. It is a lesser-known show that deserves far more recognition, and anyone looking for a fulfilling and weird journey from their next show should look to this one.

2. Luke Cage

3. Santa Clarita Diet

The superhero shows on Netflix have gained absurd popularity, and not undeservingly. The best of the three currently made is the most recent, however. Not only is Luke Cage an awesome, action-packed adventure, but it is also brutally real despite the fantastical powers and plotlines it implements. It is a gritty look into the streets of Harlem, and the mind of a man who has had powers bestowed upon him without his asking. The story is riveting, the character development is spectacular, and the soundtrack is one of the best in any show I’ve seen. Anyone looking for a legendary tale of justice, look no further.

The hilariously horrifying tale of a high-functioning zombie played by Drew Barrymore gets points just for its absurdity, let alone its humor and mystery. After vomiting an impossible amount of bile, the main protagonist Sheila becomes totally controlled by her impulses and unnaturally interested in eating human flesh. No one knows why, and her husband has to make sure she doesn’t get too hungry. The personalities of the characters are the highlights of the show, and the oddly casual atmosphere the show creates around such a strange and disgusting condition makes for a pretty interesting watch. If you are into horror movies and comedies, this show is the perfect hybrid.

4. A Series of Unfortunate Events

After the earlier flop of a movie adaptation, this show is a gift to fans of the original thirteen-book series as well as to anyone looking for a brilliantly, beautifully weird tragedy. This show has been gaining a lot of attention lately, but due to its execution, it deserves even more recognition. It follows the lives of the three Baudelaire orphans after the deaths of their parents as they drift from one guardian to the next, always under the pursuit of the despicable Count Olaf, whose greedy hands are only after their immense inheritance. A Series of Unfortunate Events is a suspenseful and heart-wrenching odyssey which every fan of the unusual and dramatic would adore. Neil Patrick Harris also stars as the main antagonist, Count Olaf. If that’s not enough to convince you, then I don’t know what to tell you, because that’s the sweetest deal since Shawarma opened. MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

A&E

Skillet: Rock â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unleashedâ&#x20AC;?

Classic rock and roll with a twist by Abigail Guadnola

ost everyone knows of at least a few rock bands such as AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or The Rolling Stones. However, many people have never heard of Skillet. Skillet is a unique group as it caters to both a Christian audience and a rock audience. Skillet was formed in 1996 by current lead singer John Cooper and former guitarist Ken Steorts. After only a month of performing, the band caught the attention of major Christian record label ForeFront Records. With such a long history, the band has gone through numerous member changes but current members consist of lead singer John Cooper - also on bass guitar, and acoustic guitar; Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar,

keyboards, synthesizers and occasional backing vocals; Jen Ledger on drums, percussion, backing vocals, and (depending on the song) co-lead vocals; and finally Seth Morrison on lead guitar. For songs that require a Chello, Tate Previous band members include Ken Steorts (as previously mentioned) from 1996 -1999, Kevin Haaland on lead guitar from 1999 - 2001, Ben Kasia on lead guitar from 2001- 2011, Jonathan Salas on lead guitar in 2011, Trey McClurkin on drums from 1996 -2000, and Lori Peters on drums from 2000 - 2008. The band keeps their music unique and relevant with lyrics that are, in a large sense, Christian, but can be applied to anyone in any situation

Top: Lead singer John Cooper; Bottom left: Lead singer John Cooper; Bottom right: Chellist Tate Olsen; Photos by Abigail Guadnola

16 24

HERALD HERALD

THE THE

In the last 21 years Skillet has released ten albums, won 14 awards and in February of 2016 gained recognition for having the biggest digital single in Christian Music history with their song “Monster” garnering 2.6 million sales. The band’s most recent album, “Unleashed,” was released on Aug. 5, 2016 and within 2 weeks was number one on Billboard’s “Hard Rock Album” chart. Perhaps the most popular single off the album, “Feel Invincible,” charted number three on the US Christian Rock Charts and on US Rock charts reached number 17. The song was so popular that the Denver Broncos started their season by running onto the field to “Feel Invincible” Additionally, WWE’s 2016 Battleground and TBS’ E-League announced that “Feel Invincible” would be the theme for both gaming events. Anyone looking to explore new music should look into Skillet. For those who may not necessarily enjoy rock music, Skillet has multiple songs that appeal to non-rockers. The album “Comatose” features the songs “The Last Night,” “Those Nights, “Yours to Hold,” and “The Older I Get.” “Awake” features songs such as “Lucy” and “One Day Too Late.” The 2013 album “Rise” features more relaxed songs such as “Good to be Alive,” “American Noise,” “Fire and Fury,” “Hard to Find,” “What I Believe,” and “Everything Goes Black.” On the band’s most recent album “Unleashed,” songs such as “Stars” and “Watching For Comets” are also songs that may cater to those with less love for rock. Most recently the band released an acoustic cover of “Stars” as a contribution to the soundtrack for the new movie “The Shack.” Skillet seamlessly balances different types of music to create excellent albums with perfect style blends and spectacular live shows. Regardless of your musical reference, Skillet has something for everyone and is certainly worth exploring.

A&E

Top: Lead singer John Cooper; Middle: Lead guitarist Seth Morrison; Bottom: Lead pianist and rythm guitarist Korrie Cooper; Photos by Abigail Guadnola

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

A&E

Arapahoe’s Local Restaurants by Walter Wacaser

any people do not know of the small, Asian-burger fusion restaurant, Sizzle Grill. It sits right next to Arapahoe High School, located in the same parking lot as Burger King. I was surprised to realize that not many students have heard of the small diner. The food is cooked wonderfully and they serve many unique dishes, such as a burger with peanut butter, or my personal favorite, a burger with a fried egg, fresh cooked onions and a well-seasoned patty. The restaurant also offers a free soda with a purchase of a burger for Arapahoe students when they bring their ID, similar to Shawarma Grill. The atmosphere is very cozy, and makes you want to stay awhile with a friend or two. It is a little on the expensive side of things, though. A burger can be around 9 or 10 dollars. Cooking also takes a bit of time due to the limited staff. Overall, the restaurant is a nice place to sit down and relax for awhile and enjoy a burger or some Asian cuisine.

HERALD

THE

While it is a bit far from Arapahoe, The Shack is a great bar with exellent food and friendly servers. The bar sometimes features live music, and it is a great place to go after a sports competetion or a long night of work. Its menu consists of classic bar foods: burgers, quesadillas, et cetera. My personal favorite is the ‘Kenny’s Quesadilla,’ which is a quesadilla filed with bacon, chicken and spicy mayonaise. The bar is very friendly and fun, and the waiters really make you feel like you have known them for a while. Overall it is a pretty neat restaurant.

A&E

Mi Tierra: Contemporary Artists Explore Place New exhibit at the Denver Art Museum by Briana Beebe i tierra translates to “my homeland,” and this is exactly what the artists of the new exhibit express. Influenced by their Latino culture, thirteen different artists find ways to show the difficulties and beauties in their experiences with America. Even before walking through the glass doors, visitors could see how abstract the art was. Blocks of cement connected to pipes, long ropes and rainbow tissue paper covering walls are just some examples of the multimedia art included in the collection. “Uprooted” by Daniela Edburg tells the story of “displacement and adaption,” using seven materials that show up in Colorado’s landscape to represent the journey of migration and change through time. What appeared to be yellow rope snaked up the wall beside a collection of portraits. Also included was a fabricated wall, a dresser, and several shaggy rugs on the floor. One titled “Live/Work” by Carmen Argote was an intruiging work of art

that consisted of a screen divider with a several pictures, quotes, and messages attached. This divider was the one that seperated Argote’s work from his home life. His description of this work of art helped show the layers of culture added to the piece. Mi Tierra was a gorgeous exhibit with many thought-provoking topics. There was definitely a lot to look at, and everything had an important symbol to the artist. Denver Art Museum did a great job portraying the stories and hardships of people coming from a different culture, while trying to belong in American culture. Experiences are what drive the art, and these pieces can really help alter perspective on controversial topics. Every work of art had a meaning to the artist. They were connecting to their culture and background, making this one of the many reasons to love Mi Tierra. This exhibit is for anyone interested in comtemporary art. After all, it is called, “Mi Tierra: Contemporary Artists Explore Place.”

(From top to bottom) Plexus no. 36 by the artist Gabriel Dawe used around 65 miles of thread to create a piece of art that represents his ideas of gender equality.

Photos by Briana Beebe

Lupita by Ramiro Gomez uses carboard and bronze to depict the meaning behind jobs and the worke done. Live/Work by Carmen Argote’s piece focuses on the screen divider that seperates his home and work life.

Shockwave- Japanese Fashion Design (open until May 28, 2017) Star Wars and the Power of Costume (open until April 2, 2017) From the Fire- Contemporary Japanese Ceramics (open until October 1, 2017) Visit denvermuseum.org for more exhibits, pictures, and descriptions. MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

INDEPTH

Past the Point of No Return

by Megan Nguyen

THE ICE CAPS are melting, the water levels are rising, and the polar bears are dying. Though this is an unfortunate situation, not many people sympathize with polar bears enough to care about what is happening to the earth; our home. But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean this is not a dire situation, and in order to prevent global climate change from worsening, it is important to know what is actually happening. 20

HERALD

THE

INDEPTH

Can You Feel The Burn? “The idea of global climate change is that over

certain set of parameters, temperature being one.

recent history, being the last hundred years or so,

As you begin to change that, you’re going to change

we have seen an increase in global temperatures,”

how things can adapt to those temperatures. As

Courtney McKnight, a science teacher at Arapahoe

soon as you start changing temperatures, you’re

High School, said.

going to change chemicals. It’s a spiraling effect

The sun shines light onto Earth, which absorbs solar energy at the surface and radiates it back into the atmosphere as heat. Climate change is occurring

because temperatures affect how processes happen in your ecology.” Temperature plays a role in soil, humidity, and

because specific gases encase this heat in Earth’s

sunlight. It determines what life forms can or can

atmosphere, thus the title, “greenhouse gases.” As

not survive in the the rapidly changing environment.

the air pollutes, climate change worsens. There are

In a chain reaction, climate change increases

many greenhouse gases, but water vapor, methane

the temperature, which adjusts the expected

and nitrous oxide are most notable.

characteristics that an organism may or may not

Among these is the one of the most infamous and harmful gases: carbon dioxide. Many believe that these gases are a result of fossil fuels, and

have, and endangers those who are no longer suited to a specific environment. Rising temperatures also affect precipitation

climate change may be slightly alleviated if the use

patterns and will potentially lead to more frequent

of such fuels was reduced.

and severe natural disasters. An excessively warm

As the earth heats up, temperature patterns change. Simply stated, days of warm weather are increasing while cold days decrease. Though this

earth means that water levels are rising because ice caps and glaciers are currently melting. “The extreme events are because the

may not seem like a big deal because many people

atmosphere is dynamically changed by humans:

would enjoy warmer days anyways, climate differs

more greenhouse gases and more and finer particles

from everyday weather.

causes the atmosphere to be dynamically changed

Researcher Janae Csavina has a PhD in

both regionally and temporally. The atmosphere

Environmental Engineering with a minor in

as a result can hold more moisture/energy, which

Atmospheric Science. She works for the National

causes these more extreme events which includes

Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) funded by

droughts, heavy precipitation [flooding,] higher

the National Science Foundation (NSF).

intensity hurricanes/cyclones/typhoons,” Csavina

“There is a difference between weather and

said. “Higher carbon dioxide concentration in

climate. Climate change does not mean that every

the atmosphere means higher carbon dioxide

day is going to be warmer, the average temperature

concentration in the ocean [ocean acidification,]

of the entire world for the entire year is warmer,”

causing ecosystem havoc for things like reefs

Csavina said.

dissolving.”

This gradual change of overall temperature alters the

“The increased temperatures will increase the

features of every biome on Earth, threatening life

amount of liquid water and decrease the amount

forms of all kinds.

of ice formation. So not only are you going to melt

McKnight said, “Our world, as we know it- our biodiversity, our biomes are established with a

them [ice], but you are not going to be able to form them either,” McKnight said.

M.N.

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

By the Numbers

Ocean levels have risen about 17 centimeters within the last century and will continue to rise because the rising rate this decade is double that of the last decade. The top 700 meters of the oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface has rose in temeprature by .302 degree Fahrenheit since 1960. The aciditiy of of surface ocean has increased by 30 percent since the Industrial Revolution. The Earth began warming since the Industrial Revolution, but within the past 35 years, temperatures have rapidly increased. Since 2001, it has reached its highest point in history. Among other minor bodies of ice, Greenland and Antarctica has lost ice mass. Green lost 36-60 cubic miles between 2002-2006; Antarctica lost about 36 cubic miles per year between 20022005.

Looking at the numbers, there is no doubt that the Earth is changing.

2015 was the first recorded time that Earth is officially 1 degree Celcius higher than it has been since the 1890-1899 average.

INDEPTH

The End of Our Economy? A

s the sea rises many islands and coasts may soon be underwater. With less land available for development and the increased risk of damage to current living space, major cities will be forced to confront the threats posed by rising water. While the environment gradually declines in the face of global climate change, it also indirectly affects human life through the economy. Many nations depend on natural resources in order to support its citizens — whether it be agriculture, livestock or other food supplies. All of these industries are beginning to suffer from global climate change. “Drought will no doubt result in scarcity of resources,” Csavina said. Extreme weather can leave soil drained of nutrients or result in too much or too little humidity. Thus, many agricultural areas of the world will experience a decline in crop production. Livestock also suffer from this environment change. Animals have less to consume because pastures are dying and heat

stress causes many negative consequences such as infertility and milk reduction. While land resources are being impacted by global climate change, so are the world’s water resources. Nations that thrive off seafood sales will suffer because water temperatures cause marine life to migrate to areas best suited for their survival, leaving minimal resources for use. Also, the surface of bodies of water is where heat is most noticeable, making fish and other species move down deeper. This may put an imbalance in specific seafood seasons or minimize water supplies all together. Furthermore, this can result in an increase in produce prices, inflation, economic and social conflict, and an overall economic disruption. Not only will this severely impact economies across the globe, but it threatens a food security problem among citizens. Indeed, if taken far enough, global climate change endangers whether or not there will be enough food in the future to provide for world. M.N.

Graphic by Megan Nguyen

Stop the Harmful Habits:

Excessive

Heating

On average, heating an America home with natural gas produces 6,400 pounds of carbon dioxide. Using electricity produces 4,700 pounds.

Unhealthy

Transportation

Burning one gallon of gas creates 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, and the average car emits about six tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Human Deforestation

Over 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide are released per year from burning and cutting down forests.

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

INDEPTH

Protect Our Home

lobal climate change is an issue in need

start to clean up our act and not rely on

sacrifice from everyone to tackle the grand

of attention because it is killing the

these things that we have seen have adverse

challenge of climate change,” Csavina said.

planet and its inhabitants. It is up to humans

effects.’ [Youth] know more than we did when

to change the course of climate change.

we were younger, and definitely more than

extent of global climate change and confront

“The rate and scale of change is likely

Now is the time to realize the serious

your parents did and definitely more than

it. Though recycling one cup may seem like a

to increase as we continue to reach record

your grandparents did and so don’t be the

minimal effort in the face of this, if enough of

conditions. Humans are a main driver for

generation in which history repeats itself.

the world’s population is ready to put in an

climate change. People will argue that it is

Change it. You’ve seen that these things can

effort, than real changes can result.

our god given birthright to use all the natural

have adverse effects to our environment,

resources and take down all the forests we

regardless of what you think politically or not

you can go on and you can figure out what’s

need, and the results are what they are.

has a direct correlation. We know it can’t be

called your carbon footprint, and there are

Anyone that spends a moment in nature

helping. So what’s the harm in changing it?”

little things like “DOT,” ‘Do One Thing. Are

knows that we should respect it and do what

Though the next generation may be the

“There are tons of apps online where

you going to use reusable water bottles? Are

we can to protect it. It is well proven we are

one to make a difference, this will take more

you going to make sure you turn off your

currently impacting ecology, but if a respect

than a few adolescents. Climate change is

lights? Are you going to bike to work?’ So

of nature doesn’t drive someone to care,

threatening all of humanity, meaning it is the

all of these little things can build up to big

the fact is that future generations will be

responsibility of all humans.

things so those are things each individual

adversely impacted,” Csavina said. Though it is far too late to fully prevent

“This is a humanity issue. We can’t just

student can do. Bigger picture things are

shove it off for the next generation to worry

figuring out how to get composting for school

this from happening, the current generation

about it. While climate change has been

or figuring out how to turn Arapahoe High

of minds and technology has the power to

theorized since the 19th century and it has

School into its own sustainable building.

slow it down.

taken a couple of generations to firm up the

The way that that that change happens are

McKnight said, “I think we can

details of the cause and effect relationships,

from groups of students who get inspired

internalize that [gradually climate change]

science is there and we understand now

and empowered to make those changes,”

if we continue down this path doing the

more than ever what is going on with the

McKnight said.

things that we continue to do, we can only

climate. Do we understand everything- no,

expect the change to be the same because

and that is where adolescents can continue

may be occurring, it is inarguable that the

history will repeat itself and if we keep

to study or just support the science. It takes

effects are currently taking place and are

Regardless of how global climate change

changing at the rate we’re changing, then

negative. Now is the time to starting noticing

things are going to get scary. So I think what

and caring. Take action, be passionate, and

people- your generation is starting to see is, ‘Let’s not make the mistakes of our grandfathers and our fathers. Let’s Graphic by Megan Nguyen

HERALD

THE

make a change in order to protect earth, our only home, from global climate change.

M.N.

I Got Two Phones

INDEPTH

And I Need to Get Rid of One by Collette LeManske

lmost every year companies like Apple, Samsung or Microsoft come out with new, better technology and people rush to the doors to get the better pieces of wires and glass to show off their status. Because this technology is always being sold and people are always wanting the newest version, that means we are constantly throwing away the old phones/computers/tablets, allowing our landfills to fill up with dangerous toxins and metal scraps that could have been disposed properly. These toxins like methane fill up our landfills and eventually escape into the environment which is extremely detrimental for the environment. There are many alternative options to getting rid of technology safely.There are multiple technology recycling companies located in Colorado that will responsibly take care of unwanted tech. Blue Star Recyclers is right near Downtown Denver that began in 2009. Their goal is to reduce the amount of electronics being left in landfills, while also providing jobs for those who have disabilities. So far they have offered 25 local jobs and have recycled over 10 million pounds of technology. Data Deconstruction is another closer to Englewood. There they take most tech, but they also destroy hard drives and sanitize digital media. They will give you a certificate of destruction with the serial number on the tech to assure you that everything was safely and effectively cleared from you phone, hard drive, or CD.

Photo from qz.com and http://iphonesev.blogspot.com

Genesis Recycling is a company located in Denver. They accept a variety of tech from phones to coffee machines to mainframes. The items that they deem useable you can also purchase from them if you go onto their website and request an item. Best Buy and Staples both take in old technology and recycle or reuse it. So far Best Buy has recycled over 1 billion pounds of technology, and Staples has recycled 40 million pounds.

Sustainability Recycling is a company that has a location in Arvada and Denver. After they dismantle all of the items they receive, they give them to recycling companies that make them into new items. They take anything â&#x20AC;&#x153;with a cord or batteryâ&#x20AC;?. Sustainability also provide jobs for people with disabilities DenverTech4All is a local E-recycling company that Arapahoe uses to get rid of their old tech. They reuse all the old tech and remake it into new computers and tablets for students that need them.

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

INDEPTH

Benefits of Carpooling

Araphoe Statistics For Driving, Recycling and Reusing

Saves money. Share the costs of driving with other riders.

How can we change these habits to help preserve the Earth? by Maddie Egerton

The more a person drives, the more they contribute to their carbon footprint and polluting the atmosphere. To fix this issue, groups can carpool, and diminish the amount of times a person takes unnecessary drives in a week. Results based on 321 Arapahoe student responses to a Herald survey on March 6 & 7, 2017.

How often do you drive?

Students

150

29.2%

17.5%

28.6%

15 Percentage of Students

Green = Recycling Blue = Reuse plastic bags/containers Purple = Use reuseable mugs Red = Reuse water bottles

“People have claimed chemicals inside plastics leach into food or drink causing cancer. In particular there have been concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA) and dioxins in plastic bottles or plastic containers. But there is no convincing evidence to show using plastic bottles or plastic containers increases the risk of cancer.” http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/ cancer-controversies/plastic-bottlesand-cling-film

HERALD

THE

Sources: sanbenitorideshare. org/carpool/advantages-ofcarpooling/

8.6%

1 Not Often

Prolongs the life of your vehicle. Reduces traffic.

16.2%

100

Saves time. As a carpool, you can drive in the HOV lane. Helps the environment.

Very Often 5

How many Arapahoe students reuse and recycle

Reduces stress. Read, listen to music, or relax when you’re not driving.

Only at

Home

School

Sometimes

Yes

Graphic illustrations by Maddie Egerton and Becca Schwisow

Colorado Recycling The most recent statistics for Colorado recycling are from 2012. In the state, only 26 percent of waste was composted or recycled and less than half (34.5 percent) of counties in Colorado offered recycling pickup.

Colorado Pollution In 2015, Denver was ranked as the 13th city with most ozone pollution. Just a year later, Denver jumped up five places to eighth. Another Colorado city, Fort Collins, ranked 10th. The dramatic shift is said to be caused by population growth over the last few years, vehicle pollution, the oil and gas industry, and coal-fired power plants. Living in unhealthy air can put people at risk for early disease and ailments such as, lung cancer, asthma, heart disease and reporductive harm. Cleaner power plants and cars have helped reduce air polllution.

Why Should I Care About Energy in Colorado? Colorado Energy, Recycling and Pollution Statistics Renewable Energy in Colorado as of 2015

INDEPTH

by Maddie Egerton

79.56% Wind

15.95% Hydroelectric

Sources: colorado.gov/pacific/ energyoffice/renewableenergy-1

3.09% Solar

cafr.org/resources/

1.40% Biomass

denverpost. com/2016/04/20/ denver-ranks-8th-mostpolluted-due-to-ozonecontamination-of-air/

Graphic illustrations by Maddie Egerton and Becca Schwisow MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

INDEPTH

The Little Eco-Engine That Could by Kaelyn Colizzo

t is not uncommon to frequently hear conversations debating environmental topics, often outlining the ways in which people are negatively impacting the planet and surrounding universe, especially in light of recent events. Bees are disappearing, animals of all kinds are dying, rainforests are being destroyed and chipped away, and habitats around the globe are shrinking. Everyday we see oil spills, natural disasters, various destructive man-made devices wreaking havoc on the seemingly unappreciated scenery, and it very rarely happens that people have reason to hear about the ways others are actively making conservation efforts and changing the way they live for the greater good. A small expeditionary high school in Buena Vista, Colorado, is setting out to prove people wrong, and to show that to do so there is one simple guideline by which to live your life: make a difference for good.

“

It comes down to a lot of little choices... over a whole lifetime.” The directors of the school, Bobby and Natalie Lewis, have been using their school as an opportunity to teach kids how to live with the environment in mind, and specifically teaching stewardship, which is defined as, “the job of supervising or taking care of something,

Photo by Natalie Lewis

such as an organization or property.” In a recent interview with director Bobby Lewis, stewardship, to him, is the idea of “being a part of it all,” and subsequently learning to take care of the things you are a inextricably part of. The Link School is remarkably different than generic public schools in the sense that each of its 12 students play a very important part in how the school functions. Each student fulfills a certain need in the community, and in addition to daily chores, which include recycling and emptying the notorious compost bucket, weekly community service, and let’s not forget the fact that the entire school is student-made, the staff and high-schoolers go on monthly outdoor expeditions into the backcountry. This feat is a vital part of the Link School curriculum, Bobby Lewis expressed during his interview, “One of the reasons Link goes out into the backcountry every month is that I don’t think people have much of a sense as to why to care about the environment and wilderness preservation unless they go out in it. When you experience the power, beauty, spirituality, and raw energy of wild places it gives you a sense of your place in things and that it is not in fact all about us humans. With that perspective adjustment and love for the natural world a person has a sense as to why to be a caretaker, a steward, and not just a user or consumer.” Most people will not achieve some great, aweinspiring environmental victory, and odds are nothing you do specifically will make any measurable impact at all. Still, as someone who has dedicated the majority of their life to being a part of and trying to be his best environmentally-friendly self, Bobby Lewis left with one final thought, “It comes down to lots of little choices… over a whole lifetime.” So explore, examine, research, and, most importantly, enjoy the outside world, and pretty soon everyone will be dying to make a difference for good, and become stewards themselves.

German Brand Adidas Doing Good for the Earth

INDEPTH

by Henry Kline

n a time where everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious, it seems like megacompanies and corporations are lagging when it comes to moving towards more sustainable means. However, not all companies. Adidas, the major shoe and clothing manufacturers out of Herzogenaurach, Germany, are making progressive steps to provide a healthier future for the Earth. Adidas began a process on Earth Day in 2016 to officially phase out plastic bag usage in their retail stores. Paper bag alternatives are more likely to be reused and recycled. Furthermore, at Adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, plastic bottles have been eliminated in effort to remove the environmentally unfriendly trash from their waste baskets. Most impressively and innovative is a partnership with environmental activist group Parley. Parley is an ocean conservation group whose goal is to clean up the dirty waste and trash in our oceans. They have had some success, recently speaking before the United Nations, but their partnership with Adidas is widely celebrated. Adidas and the Parley organization joined together to create a line of shoes that use recycled fishing nets and

plastics floating in the ocean to mold the sleek upper of the shoe. Adidas has released two pairs of these ocean plastic shoes and hope to add more in the future. The gillnets in the first installment of the shoe were intercepted by Sea Shepherd during Operation Icefish to fight illegal fishing in the South Pacific and given up for the cause. 7,000 pairs of the Adidas UltraBoost Uncaged were made last year, and sold for around $200 a pair. 95% of the shoe is made of ocean plastic and the only â&#x20AC;&#x153;virginâ&#x20AC;? material is the signature Adidas Boost soles. Around 16.5 old bottles and 13 grams of plastic go into each shoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upper. Adidas has told sources it hopes to make a million pairs by the end of 2017. The two have also paired to make upcycled jerseys for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid games and sold those jerseys as added promotion to their global cause In an age where many corporations avoid the environmental issue, Adidas is facing it head on. Small changes are necessary for big change. If more companies follow in the footsteps of the German brand, the Earth will thank us.

Photos from Adidas press release

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

INDEPTH

kgCO2e

Food and the Environment .

emissions 6.3% of all US emissions are from the agriculture industry

by Delia Guilbert

egetarianism and veganism are just as V often associated with environmentalism as they are with dieting, and for good reason.

Buying locally grown foods can impact your carbon footprint similarly to vegetarianism: post farmgate emissions, such as processing and transport, make up a large portion of food’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Meatless diets rely almost solely on nuts and plants to meet their protein requirements, and foods like legumes and almonds have much lower kgCO2e, or kilograms carbon dioxide per kilogram of consumed food, than meat and other animal based products. Because animals like cows and pigs consume greens to grow to slaughter weight, the kgCO2e of their food has to be accounted for when calculating their total effect on the environment.

Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are agriculture’s three largest emissions. Not all meat is created equal: chicken, for example, produces five times less emissions than beef per kilogram. Products from ruminants, or animals with hooves and multiple stomachs such as cattle and sheep, produce many more greenhouse gases than all other animal and food products, partially because ruminants’ digestive process produces large quantities of methane.

“

Eating all locally grown food for one year could save the GHG [green house gas] equivalent of driving 1,000 miles, while eating a vegetarian meal one day a week could save the equivalent of driving

kgCO2e: kilograms carbon dioxide equivalents per kilogram

1,160 miles. —Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan. 2016. “Carbon Footprint Factsheet.” Pub. No. CSS09-05.

of consumed food

WATER COST: LETTUCE:

= 0.1 GALLONS

BEEF:

RICE:

CORN: 0.032 gallons/ calorie

HERALD

THE

0.225 gallons/ calorie

0.089 gallons/ calorie

SOYBEANS: 0.0006 gallons/ calorie

0.680 gallons/ calorie

INDEPTH

Where Do You Go When You Die? Environmentally Friendly Burial Options Graphic illustrations by Vivianna DeNittis

The average weight of cremated remains is 6.6 pounds.

On average a body takes 8-12 years to decompose.

o matter how hard people try to escape its mighty grip, death is inevitable. Deciding where a person goes after they die is a difficult decision. In a future where environmental health is increasingly declining, the choice will become increasingly more difficult. When it comes to burying loved ones, families typically choose burial styles based on tradition. People believe that they need to be buried like their parents, grandparents and their grandparent’s parents. Jeana Lind, a Managing Licensed Funeral Director, said that people think “I gotta do what has always been done.” Lind said that most people are not educated on eco-friendly burial options. She said that even if her funeral home offered environmentally friendly options, she would not be able to sell the product. For people to start considering different options, they need to be made aware of the choices that they have. Traditional burial choices are no longer an option that can sustain the population growth Earth is facing. According to Lind, funeral grounds in Europe have begun to dig up older graves so that they have room for the new burials. She believes that if there is not a change in decision making, that will be a reality in the United States very soon. Of course, more progressive areas of the country will be more open to changes in burial tradition. Lind believes that it would be more

by Vivianna DeNittis

An embalmed body in a casket can take up to 50 years to decompse.

There are 3 Green Burial Certified funeral grounds in Colorado.

common to find green burials in a place like Portland, Oregon. She also expressed excitement in the fact that a funeral home in Minnesota that just bought a plot of land for green burials. The grounds will bury people, not embalming them, in the fetal position with seeds embedded in their bodies. The plants growing out of their remains help the body decompose faster. Environmentally friendly options are superior to traditional burial. According to Lind, the “green burials” and cremation costs significantly less money than traditional options. Newer and greener options take up less space in funeral grounds. Funerals are not confined to huge metal caskets six feet under ground. Cremated remains can be spread from sea to shining sea and among the mountain tops. People can be buried in suits with mushroom spores, so that the fungi can help decompose the remains. Decomposable urns and wooden caskets with non-embalmed bodies do not pollute the surrounding earth. The upcoming generations need to make a change. Eco-friendly burials are not just a cool fun fact to bring up in dinner conversations over the table; they need to become a reality. Sources: memorialpages.co.uk, greenburialcouncil.org Jeana Lind, Managing Licensed Funeral Director

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

INDEPTH

Composting

An Easy Way to Help the Earth by Anna McCollister

s global warming is becoming a bigger problem and human waste is increasing many people want to help, but do not necessarily know how. While most of us are not willing to give up our gas-guzzling cars or turn down the air conditioner in our house when it’s 90 degrees out, composting can be an easier way to assist the current environmental crisis, without necessarily having to give up much.

What you will need

1. Brown materials providing nitrogen (fall leaves, shredded newspaper, sawdust, and coffee grounds) 2. Green materials providing oxygen (grass clippings, plant based kitchen waste, flowers, vegetables, fruit peelings, and tea leaves)

Finished Composting Composting Outdoors with Compost Outdoors without a bin a bin Steps: 1. Begin with a layer (several inches thick) of brown material 2. Top with several inches of green material 3. Add a thin layer of soil 4. Add a layer of brown 5. Moisten the layers with water 6. Begin piling brown and green until the pile is 3 ft. high by 3ft wide by 3ft long 7. Every few weeks, use a gardening tool to turn the pile 8. Try and keep the pile moist most of the time (but not soggy) 9. Earthworms should begin to make their way into the pile

Although compost bins have become expensive, bins can help keep the compost warm and help the materials break down faster. Steps: 1. Add an equal mixture of brown and green material, layering them like you would without a bin. 2. Moisten the layers but be sure not to soak them 3. Every few days you will want to turn the bin on its side and roll it around.

Over time the compost should turn black and crumbly; this indicates that the compost is finished. Once you have enough finished compost you can add it to your garden as a kind of fertilizer.

Bad Smells? If you begin to smell “bad smells” that usually means that something has gone wrong. If your pile begins to smell, stir the pile and make sure all food waste is covered by a layer of brown.

The beginning of a compost pile. Photo by Anna McCollister

HERALD

THE

Stars Shining Bright Above... Your Crippling Anxiety

by Emily Koke

ithin this past month, I’ve had many negative descriptions about my character thrown at me. In some instances, I’ve been accused of being bitter, cynical, and spend too much time aimlessly browsing the web than paying attention to people. In other instances, I’ve had some whisper that they hate me because there is nothing about me for them to hate. Perhaps those people are right. I’m generally the kind of person to blend into the woodwork and hope no attention is drawn to me. I’ve also grown up in a generation where we are constantly accused of ruining things and said to be uninterested in accomplishing anything. We have all been subjected to a highly opinionated world where you drown in the obligation to mold your personality to fall into place with someone else’s standards. High school is unapologetically painful. It is like running a gauntlet through negative comments and a workload large enough to push people to a breaking point. The stresses

“

to overachieve and maintain a certain level of socialness have become crippling. The number of times I’ve heard a student complain of being tired has moved to the exponential levels and the anxiety of this group is only increasing as well. The obligation to fit into many different extracurricular activities, maintain high grades, and still be a part of a community has worn many students thin. We are being stretched over such a broad and busy schedule that it is difficult to slow down. The facets of these many expectations leave no room for things important to being young. It is difficult to take time for ourselves and mental health is neglected. We are falling into a rabbit hole of sleepless nights and stress. As teens, we are intended to have our heads in the clouds while simultaneously having our feet on the ground. We walk among the stars but along the way we have been guided to a darker living. Students are spending too much time trying to grow up when they should be valuing the youth they have.

As teens, we are intended to have our heads in the clouds while simultaneously having our feet on the ground.”

OPINIONS

Family: Who Needs ‘Em?

Why it’s okay to cut certain people out, even family by Maddie Egerton

ecently, a friend of mine was ranting to me. This is a fairly common activity for most friend groups, because sometimes, you are just angry and need to let it out. The thing about this time in particular, was that my friend was brought to the point of tears and blubbering (to put it softly) and where I nearly started crying along with them. I do not cry often, but there’s something about seeing someone you love tear themselves down and to back that self destruction up with things their family has said. Now, I’m all for “blood is thicker than water,” but there has to be a point when the people who raised you and who you grew up with just aren’t family anymore. This isn’t the first time this friend has come to me with problems within their family and it was this last incident that pushed me over the edge. I started yelling, “How can you love them still?!” I was fuming, because I love this person more than the people that take care of them and to see them believe what their “family” said to be true not only exhausted me, but broke me as well. I can personally say that my mom and dad are probably the people that love me most in this world and, unfortunately, from what this friend has told me, I know that our small and insignificant friend group loves them more than anyone in their household. It might be hard to accept, but there are probably people in your life that you love more than certain family members. There are points when, no matter the relation, if someone is treating you poorly, they are not your family. Family supports and loves you unconditionally. They don’t resent you because they are the ones who decided to have you; heaven forbid you take care of something you created. When you tell them you want to aspire to something that is far fetched, they don’t shoot you down and laugh in your face. When you make a joke about yourself, calling yourself “trash,” they aren’t supposed

HERALD

THE

to agree with you. If anything, you should have to explain it to them. Your family is supposed to believe in you and motivate you to follow your dreams, while occasionally taking the role of a realist. I have an uncle and, if it weren’t for his two beautiful daughters, I wouldn’t talk to him. He’s given me panic attacks, insulted my brother and I and not to mention he drove my two aunts, my mom’s sisters, apart. My family was split in two because of him and as I’ve grown older I can understand why. I’m not trying to persuade you to start questioning everything your family members do, but please realize, not everyone in your family is going to be as considerate and accepting as they should be. As we all eventually enter adulthood, we can make the decision to cut certain people out and move on with our lives. What I am talking about here is a very fine, gray area. I want you to stand up for yourself and what you believe in, without being maliciously harassed at the dinner table. But there are times when mom and dad are nagging you about certain colleges, friends, activities, etc. where they are 10,000 percent right. Most of your family members, hopefully, have your best interest at heart. They have been doing this whole life thing much longer than any of your friends and most of their advice is sound. Don’t be blinded by the fact that they have the same last name as you when sharing your opinions or, in my friends case, simply living your life. I am not trying to preach to you that family isn’t important. It is fundamental and when you are able to grow yours by including your friends, family becomes an astounding aspect of your life. Family is something you create. Just because you are related biologically to someone, does not mean they get to set your worth as a person. That is up to you, and you alone.

Graphic illustration by Maddie Egerton

OPINIONS

Springtime is the Best Time to Grow by Courtney Brown

AND

SPRING IS

HERE

pring is the best organizational, motivational season of reinvention. I am of the opinion that every student’s life can be improved from starting a new beginning this spring. Spring is a tool, with water as a metaphor, for out with the old and in with the new. Spring break is often a time of travel and relaxation, a much needed break, but it has the potential to be so much more. I’m excited for spring showers, flowers, and even spring cleaning. After all, we only get nine days to do all the things that get pushed aside by normal obligations in this tragically overlooked season. The solution to this problem is not complicated: participate in spring cleaning. Look through your closet for clothes you don’t wear and give them away to those in need. Make your desk, dresser, and places where junk seems to accumulate in your room clean, clear and breathable. I have been pleasantly surprised by the unique variety and beautifully creative solutions at Ikea and the Container Store for managing clutter. After your room has more space, go shopping and add some things to your spring wardrobe. It does not just have to be about cutting back, but should also involve adding to. I find that having good personal habits will allow a person to accomplish whatever they wish and still have a full and exciting life. In school, especially second semester, it is easy to stay in a rut of bad habits, and as a result always feeling behind and doing less of what makes someone happy. For this phenomenon, I would highly suggest participating in Lent, a Catholic event for fasting and self-reflection, where you give up something that is not a positive part of your life for 40 days. One does not necessarily have to be religious, it is about breaking a habit or taking something out of your life that does not need to be there. So enjoy the happy colors and picnics in the park, but also get busy. You do not have to stop wearing sweaters, skiing and drinking tea, but it is time to accept what spring has to offer. I dare say that spring should wake you up. We are not properly using our spring break. Having a week off is the perfect time to clean out the clutter in your life, literally or metaphorically.

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

OPINIONS

Age is but a Number I

had a dream once. By once I mean about two weeks ago and it was closer to a nightmare than a dream. Overall it was odd, frustrating, and stressful but the most irritating piece was when a woman looked me dead in the eyes and said “you’re just a child, it doesn’t matter.” It was just a dream... right? Not entirely. So many adults have that same attitude and are quick to remind anyone younger than them that they could not possibly be capable of intelligent thought. I am, of course, exaggerating- though not by much. As high school students we are often treated by employers, customers, and adults in general as if we just came out of the womb and can’t read let alone hold an informed discussion. I may be 17 years-old but I promise I am competent and capable of an intellectual discussion- as are many of my peers. In classes we talk about big issues and amongst peers we have discussions revolving around polarizing topics. Within the walls of Arapahoe, a vast majority of students are incredibly nuanced and will halt discussions with peers in order to research and fact check — skill that adults

HERALD

THE

frequently lack. I can understand where the elder generation is coming from, we haven’t walked the earth long enough to have as many experiences as they have. I completely agree, I haven’t been around all that long. But quantity doesn’t outweigh quality. Most adults will never travel on service trips to third world countries, more than 20 of my

“

I haven’t lived as long as my parents, teachers or coworkers, but that doesn’t mean I am any less intelligent than they are.

peers have. Some will never teach English to foreign students or spend their nights and weekends dedicated to helping young people as they grow up. Again, at least 20 of my friends have done something along those lines. My point in all of this? We have experience, perhaps not as much, but true, real and meaningful experience. As a middle school leader I have walked my girls

Abigail Guadnola

through extremely difficult family situations, mental and emotional struggles as well as social struggles. As a 17 year-old that is a lot to handle, and not something many people experience. I don’t think intelligence or experience can be measured by age. There are ten year olds living in Detroit that have very different experience than I will ever have and probably even greater knowledge in certain areas than I will ever have. We may be young and stupid sometimes, however that is not a justification to degrade our thoughts. My thoughts on religion, immigration, government, taxes and a host of other topics, are valid. I work and pay taxes, someday my generation will be running the country and I’d rather not have a big mess to clean up, I have a religion and system of beliefs as well as a desire to learn more about others. I have a right to have my thoughts, and I have just as much a right to say them as someone 20 years older than myself. I haven’t lived as long as my parents, teachers or coworkers, but that doesn’t mean I am any less intelligent than they are. My thoughts are valid. No matter my age.

OPINIONS

Seeing Life from the Bottom of a Barrel Learning to appreciate a more positive perspective longer belong. I will not be stuck again. I rid myself of the people who were toxic in my life that did not deserve my time of day. I cannot tell you that losing those people from my everyday life was a loss, because it was not. The weight of their childish disaster was lifted off my shoulders and I no longer had to concern myself with their high school drama. I have come upon some realizations that I wish I had before this point in time. Life is not about how much planning you do. It is not by Mackenzie Callahan

here is this pendulum in my brain that throws me back and forth between composed self-confidence of what I

know I am capable of and harsh self-doubt of what I know I have done. It is like a nonstop hourglass that will never have all of the sand on one side. There are times when nothing can stop the momentum in my spirit, and I feel as though I can conquer the world. And there are times when the slightest thing will interrupt my inertia and I will be dragged back to square one. Recently, it was not square one, but more of a rock bottom. When everything in my life seemed to be caving around me, it felt like the only place I had to go was down. That was where I went. And I sat at the bottom of that barrel for a minute, thinking about all of my life choices. Was I going to graduate on time? Was I going to have people in my life that did not use me for their convenience and benefit? What exactly was I doing? After writhing in self pity for what seemed like an eternity, my peace of mind came back to me. I know how much of a struggle it will be, but I will graduate on time. I will not be stuck in a place that I no

about how many friends you have or how many people like you. And life is certainly not about pleasing anyone. Life is about moments and memories and the happiness you find within them. It is about finding what you yearn for and running with it. It is about only paying attention to your own opinion on yourself is and not caring about anyone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s judgement on your character. Toxic people do not deserve to take up space in your life. If they reside in your life, only churning up chaos and drama, get them out. You will not be plagued and dragged down with their conceited and hateful motives. With all of the recent and distant events that have shaped my perspective on life, the only thing that I needed to do was appreciate the difficulty. Appreciate the difficulty of breathing through situations where I normally would have erupted in a momentous amount of anger. Appreciate the difficulty of losing people who I thought were going to be permanent in my life. And appreciate the difficulty of living a life that was never meant to be simple. My pendulum will never stop. It will come up with new ways to put myself down and different ways to lift myself up. But my life will no longer live in spite of or for anyone else. And with this security in my person, the only thing I am obligated to do is appreciate the difficulty.

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

EDITORIAL

Whether You Agree or Disagree With Us, We Want To Hear From You T

he last issue of The Herald in February started some and they are issues that need to be covered, even if they bring conversations and raised some controversy throughout a bit of controversy and discussion to our door. Furthermore, the school. Most of the concern and questions were directed an issue does not cease to exist simply because it is not towards two articles, “The Trump Pence Era” and “How Teens covered in the news. However, we as editors understand that Can Know If They Are Ready for Sex.” there are many different and strong opinions on these sensitive The two articles were controversial because one featured a matters. picture of the American flag being set on fire at an anti-Trump The editors and reporters at The Herald encourage rally, and the other article discussed teen sex and the factors students and teachers alike to send a letter to the editor via teens should consider when deciding between abstinence and email should they have anything to say to us, good or bad. If intimacy. you are willing to sign your name to it and it is not explicit, The Herald staff would like to explain a few things about we will publish it in our next issue. We also may publish it on publishing controversial items, and about what to do when you our student-run website, ArapahoeXtra.com, where it would be disagree with what we publish. more timely, especially if the letter writer requests it. Because of the Colorado Student Free We also encourage you, if you really Expression Law, passed in 1990, the want to share your opinions with the Disagreements are how we editors of student-run publications have world, to consider joining our staff for the final say on all content decisions advance as a society.... Without the 2017-2018 school year and publish without needing the approval of nor your own opinions and articles! We newspapers and other forms facing censorship by the school. also are willing to have guest writers In Colorado, student journalists of media, it would be impossible who send us opinion pieces or other have just as many rights as professional articles which we will certainly consider to get an opinion heard and for journalists. Outside of obscene publishing. language, slander, defamation, and Many responses to the survey sent us to advance as a whole.” invasion of privacy, public school out on March 6 share opinions that student journalists may publish anything that a journalist at disagree with some of what The Herald has published, like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal may. We as the following: “There’s never a variety of opinions and I, for students do not leave our First Amendment rights of freedom example, feel strongly about some topics, yet the way I feel is of speech and press at the doors of Arapahoe High School. never written about. It’s not necessarily because I don’t fill out In a Herald survey conducted on March 6-7, to which and submit my answer through surveys either. It’s not fair and 365 Arapahoe students responded, we found that only 37 sometimes the things addressed in the Herald are repulsive percent of those students knew that in Colorado, the editors and many of my peers can vouch for that.” Another student of student-run publications have the final say on all content wrote, “I believe that all sides of the controversial topic should decisions. So we know we need to do a better job of educating be provided, not just many biased articles all fighting for one the student body about the law we operate under. side. If you’re going to write/authorize something that not But we are pleased that the majority of students believe in everyone agrees with, at least show the readers the other side student journalists and free expression. The survey results of the story, not just yours.” showed that 60 percent of the Arapahoe students surveyed Some other responses from the survey were, “I respect believe that student-run publications should have no everyone’s opinions, even if I don’t always agree with them. censorship at all. Disagreements are how we advance as a society. When people In a national study conducted by the Knight Foundation in have different opinions it allows for the spread of ideas, and 2016, 66 percent of students surveyed strongly or mildly agreed encourages new ideas to take shape. Without newspapers and that student journalists should be able to publish information other forms of media, it would be impossible to get an opinion about controversial topics without approval. heard and for us to advance as a whole.” Another student said, It is important to remember that we live in a changing and “...America runs on opinion. How can we evolve as a country, divided culture. Protests, flag burning and decisions about sex developing ideas and promoting well-being, if we don’t have a are parts of American culture and they are happening today, conversation?”

“

HERALD

THE

Please do not hesitate to contact us at arapahoeherald@gmail.com

HEALTH

Spring Allergies by Grace Adamson

Sneezing is the most 59.2% of AHS common symptom students are affected by spring of spring allergies for AHS students allergies With spring and summer approaching us, that means warm weather and spending more time outside. However, it also means spring allergies. Spring allergies can be from a wide variety of reactants. The most common are from tree pollen, dust and plant spores. They can cause a reaction such as itching or sneezing. Here are some simple and easy ways to help prevent your spring allergies from taking control of your life. Tip 1: One way to avoid having your allergies get too bad is to leave doors and windows closed on days that have a high pollen count or even just leave them closed for all of spring to stay safe. Also, think about putting allergy filters on your air conditioners. These will help to reduce the amount of pollen and dust in the air. Tip 2: Avoid going outside and exposing yourself to allergy triggers. If you have to go outside, take a shower when you come in and wash your clothes to get rid of the pollen and other things that evoke your allergies. Tip 3: If avoiding your allergies does not work, try an over the counter medicine to help. The two top rated medications are Claritin and Zyrtec. Both of these are antihistamines and will help to reduce itching, sneezing and other allergy symptoms. Tip 4: If you have severe allergies, think about going to your doctor and talking about approaching a more effective solution. This could be allergy shots, prescribed medicine or something else. Based off a a survey that was sent out to all AHS students, the four most common home remedies that students found worked best were using essential oils, drinking hot tea, eating honey, and using a humidifier in their room. Graphics by : Grace Adamson Source : everydayhealth.com

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

HEALTH

Pump It Up

by Ashton Phelps

The Busiest Times of Gyms Around Town

1 24 Hour Fitness

3 3 Eastridge Rec Center

2Goodsen Rec Center

4 Lifetime Fitness

The Streets at SouthGlenn, 6839 S Vine St, Centennial, CO 80122 **open 24 hours Monday-Wednesday: 5-6pm is the busiest Thursday and Friday: Not very busy Saturday and Sunday: 9-11am is the busiest

6315 S University Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121 **open 5am-10pm Monday-Wednesday: 6-7pm is the busiest Thursday: 10am and 6pm are the busiest Friday: not very busy Saturday and Sunday: 10-12pm is the busiest

9568 S University Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 **open 5am-10pm Monday-Wednesday: 6-7pm is the busiest time Thursday and Friday: Not very busy Saturday: 9-11am is the busiest time Sunday: Not very busy all day

5000 E Dry Creek Rd, Centennial, CO 80122 **open 12am-11:30pm Monday- Wednesday: 5-6pm is the busiest Thursday and Friday: Not very busy Saturday and Sunday: 10-11am is the busiest

Hair Growth Serum How to Get Your Hair to Grow Fast

Want to grow your hair a couple more inches for the summer? Try this at home remedy and grow your locks in weeks! Mix together a little bit of each oil into a small glass bottle. Massage your scalp with your head upside down for four minutes. This gets the blood flowing to your head causing your hair follicles to open up and get ready to grow. Then massage the oil mixture into your scalp with coconu your head upside down for two minutes. You can t oil do this before bed and sleep with the oils in your v i tamin hair with a shower cap on, or you can wash out E oil the oils 20 minutes after the process. tea tre e oil Graphic illustrations by Ashton Phelps castor oil

HERALD

THE

HEALTH

The Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts of Prom by Abby Caster

Do Not

Keep your beauty routine consistent - in the two weeks leading up to prom, keep your beauty routine consistent and do not make any major changes. Now is not the time to try out a new pimple or anti-aging cream because you do not want to develop a reaction, leaving your skin red and irritated.

Stay away from the tanning booth - in many states, they have now made it illegal for minors to use artificial UV beds to tan. In Colorado, there are no laws restricting teens from tanning, but it is not advised. Research shows that overexposure to UV rays throughout childhood greatly increase the chances of skin cancer or uneven skin tones later in life. Therefor, getting a spray tan or applying a self tanning lotion is definitely your best bet.

Eat the right foods to reduce bloating No girl wants to feel bloated, especially on the night of prom! Stick to foods that reduce bloating and avoid food that causes it. Cucumbers, vegetables, grapes, greek yogurt, watermelon, avocados, and almonds are all great choices to reduce bloating. You should stay clear of foods such as coffee, salt, artificial sweeteners, junk food, dairy, and fizzy drinks. Get enough sleep the week prior to prom - Sometimes it is hard to get enough sleep, especially when you have school work, athletics, a job, and you have so much to do to get ready for prom. You need enough sleep to keep your skin healthier and your mind more positive. If you do not get enough sleep, you will be moody and irritable. Not getting enough sleep will also contribute to weight gain. Teenagers should be getting 8-10 hours of sleep each night.

Do not gorge or starve yourself the day of prom - On the day of prom, make sure to eat, but pay attention to what you eat. If you eat excess amounts of food, you will feel lethargic by the time the evening rolls around. You will also be too full to dance or have fun all night. On the other hand, if you avoid food all day, you will be cranky, light headed, and your cravings for junk food will go through the roof.

Remember: Eating less carbs will not help you lose weight alone. You will not lose weight if you over do it. Strike a balance between food and exercise. Instead of going for crash diets, try to change your lifestyle and food habits slowly. In short, keep your goal of getting healthier simple and realistic.

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

INFO

Changing The Clock and Calendar?

LPS Considers PLC and Start Time Changes by Hayden Peirce

but at this point we are strictly talking about changing the PLCs,” Ewert said. In a survey taken by the district of high school students from Arapahoe, Heritage and Littleton, 55 percent stated that starting school one hour later would be better for them, while 44 percent said that it would be worse for them or did not care. This comes Start Times in stark contrast to the responses from the same Initially, the LPS Board was considering four survey when asked whether ending school one hour separate plans to delay the start times, two of which later would be better or worse. 62 percent of students were deemed as viable options. Plan 1C, the first of stated that ending school one hour later would be the two viable options, was to delay the start times a half hour. School would have started at 7:51 and ended worse for them, while just 13 percent stated that it would be better for them. at 2:58 under plan 1C. Under Based on the results of plan 1E the second plan, surveys of students, staff and Did the waters get muddied school would have started at parents as well as multiple other 8:20 and ended at 3:27. Under around start and end times? factors, Ewert said at the board both plans, transportation meeting that the district would be Absolutely. And I’ll own that. It schedules would have been “uncomfortable moving forward adjusted to accommodate was a good conversation, it got with changing the start times the new times, according us moving in the right direction, without further study.” Although to a presentation on the district website. Despite these but at this point we are strictly the Board does not take action on the matter until March 23, at this considerations, the district is talking about changing the PLCs.” point it appears highly unlikely that not ready to make a decision the start times will be changed regarding the start times for the upcoming year. The time for the 2017-2018 school year without further study, changes have not been ruled out for the 2018-2019 according to Superintendent Brian Ewert. “Did the waters get muddied around start and end school year, however. PLCs times? Absolutely. And I’ll own that. It was a good The Board has also been considering changing conversation, it got us moving in the right direction, the schedule of PLCs throughout the Photo by Abigail Guadanola year. The change would come in the form of a weekly hour-long PLC. Options being discussed include both an late start and an early release. If the weekly PLC option is implemented, the length of the school day must increase by a few minutes to comply with Colorado law, which requires students to be in school for a designated amount of minutes per year. ecently, the Littleton Public Schools (LPS) Board of Education has been considering different plans to move start and end times back and implement weekly, hour long PLCs. On March 9, the Board met to discuss the potential changes. Here’s what we learned from that meeting.

“

HERALD

THE

Littleton Public Schools Superintendent Brian Ewert listens to feedback from Board members at the about the plan to change the PLCs at the Board meeting on March 9.

INFO Increasing PLC time throughout the year would also increase cost, most of which would “be absorbed not by [teacher] salary increases but by training,” according Ewert. As for how much the increase would cost, Ewert said that he “...couldn’t put a number to that yet,” but that LPS would want to “compensate teachers for their extra time and pay them equitably and fairly.” The additional PLC time, if passed, would be intended to allow for more collaboration between teachers of different grade levels at the elementary and middle school levels. According to a group of teachers from Peabody Elementary School that were present at the Board meeting, this inter-grade-level collaboration does happen, but is rare. Members were torn regarding the advantages of increased PLC time for high school teachers. Some Board members and presenters which argued that high school teachers did not need an increase in PLC time because there are, according to those members, not enough high school PLCs to justify an increase.

Other members argued that high school teachers did use PLCs time effectively, saying in regards to the high school teachers that did not make use of the PLC time, “I think we are talking about an outlier group here. I think most high school teachers have very robust PLCs.” Board treasurer Kelly Perez said during the meeting that she had been “disappointed in the decision making process so far” and did not want to “mess with families’ calendars until [the Board] had talked about... PLCs, bus schedules, and late starts.” Secretary of the Board Robert Reichardt echoed that statement, saying that it was better to “go slow to go fast” and thoroughly discuss all advantages and disadvantages of adjusting the PLC time throughout the year. The Board is expected to take action regarding the matter on March 23. At this point however, it is unclear as to which of the PLC plans, if any, the Board will vote for.

School Start Time Change

What The Student Body Really Wants By: Murielle Hecomovich

As many of you know the school board is thinking of changing the start and end times of the school year 2017-18. We asked the school what they thought about the time changes and how it would affect their day to day lives. This is what they said.

Freshman

Athletics Stay the same “It would interrupt hockey and time with my family” - Tyler Tritz

Sophomore

Athletics Start 1 hour later “I would be alright with doing Softball later in the day. We can still practice pretty well until 6 which would work fine with an hour late start. I naturally do my homework later at night, so it would help having the extra hour of sleep.” - Mikaila Kuhl

Junior

Clubs Start 30 minutes later “I would get more sleep and still get out of my extracurricular activities at a reasonable time.” - Caroline Riley

Senior

Athletics, Drama Start 30 minutes later “As I participate in an early morning bible study (LDS Seminary) that starts at six now, a later start would mean a world of difference in terms of sleep quantity. That being said, as a spring sport athlete we still need to be outside practicing for a good amount of time.” - Michael Gibbs

MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

TECH

Virtual Reality: From Entertainment to Education by Avi Hathorne

n the summer of 2016, Niantic’s release of Pokémon Go caused an explosion of interest in augmented reality- technology which allows developers to impose virtual images over the real world and create the feeling of a half real, half digital environment. Virtual reality is a step beyond augmented reality, a fully immersive experience that many eagerly - or fearfully - regard as “the future of technology.” Although virtual reality has existed in some form for years, the industry is growing faster than ever. According to the Statista website, the number of virtual reality users worldwide was 2 million in 2015 and is predicted to reach 135 million in 2020. There are obstacles to the success of virtual reality (VR), as with any growing technology. Opponents of VR worry that complete immersion will deepen the rising dependence on technology and, in essence, encourage people to detach completely from real life. VR is also very expensive; the HTC Vive costs $799, the Oculus Rift costs $600, and neither price includes the additional cost of owning a computer or phone powerful

HERALD

THE

enough to be compatible. Many people, including Rachel Metz of MIT Technology Review, have also complained of dizziness and nausea caused by using the Rift, which makes prospective buyers more tentative. Virtual reality is still far from a perfect medium, but it is still exciting and useful enough to have garnered significant support and enthusiasm. The world of entertainment, particularly video gaming, is virtual reality’s most avid proponent, but the interactive environments of VR open its potential to another field: education. In high schools, VR activities can supplement science labs by allowing students to conduct experiments and studies that would be too dangerous or too inaccessible in reality, such as creating certain chemical reactions and looking through a virtual electron microscopes. History students can view reconstructions of battlefields and monuments in three dimensions. Art teachers can demonstrate light and shade on any object in a perfectly controlled setting. Just as it has done for the world of gaming, virtual reality can eventually open a new realm of possibility to education.

Lithium: The Emerging and Dynamic Metal Powering the Modern World

TECH

by Allie Highsmith

Uses of Lithium

Grease

Lithium Ion Air

Litrhium Ion batteries take

Treatment (4%)

up 43% of the demand for

Lithium can be used to absorb water in labs and pharmaceutical processing. Not only that, but

lithium. Their demand is expected to increase by more than sixfold by the year 2025 due to Tesla

lithium can also be used to

and other companies that use

destroy bacteria in such settings.

(11%)

Batteries (43%)

exclusively lithium ion Polymers

batteries.

(4%)

Medicine

Lithium polymer batteries have many of the same uses as lithium ion batteries, but costs 10-30% more to process.

(5%) Lithium can be used to treat manic episodes of bipolar

Methods of Extracting Lithium

Using lithium in mechanical lubricants

Glass and

minimizes waste by withstanding more heat and resisting

reasons, including lower funrance

Lightweight

temperatures, and therefore more

Metals (3%) Lithium can be used in bikes, planes, trains

Adding lithium when making glass is beneficial for many

water.

an alloy to make light

Ceramics (22%)

effective use of the energy that is required for the process. As a result, less energy is used.

and cars. Other (8%)

disorder.

Demand for Lithium

By 2020, lithium demand is expected to double from the 2013 industry of $20 billion to $40 billion, and increase sixfold by 2025. According to FuelFreedom.org, by 2025 Norway plans to ban all sales of gasolineRecently, companies have In the past, lithium has powered cars, while The Netherlands has the same goal in addition to been finding new ways to been extracted from being rid of coal by 2020. Likewise, Germany will ban sales of dieselunderground salt ponds. withdraw lithium from the earth. Such methods are less powered cars by 2030. India has a more extreme goal, which is to not The liquid in the pond only ban diesel car sales, but to only have electric cars on their roads contains lithium and, once costly and use less energy by 2035. Countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Germany and India brought to the surface, is and time, in addition to being more environmentally are a key piece of why demand is predicted to increase exponentially. left out to evaporate for friendly. Newer methods many month, or maybe even years. Although such boost efficiency and methods are tried and true, sustainability while lowering they are also less efficient costs. Although there is a Lithium-ion than newer ways of oding certain element of concern batteries in cars for the new method, which the same thing. Using have become a has never been tested the underground ponds key player in the takes up to two years, in before, the technical risk future of society. addition to having a high is manageable. Although With the whole magneiusm to lithium ratio, the costs are predicted to lower, it is possible for them world advancing about 8:1. This means towards lithium-ion that it is more expensive to get slightly higher in the batteries, emissions beginning. However, the to process because the will never be an demand will eventually pay magnesium must be Photo by Doc Searls/Flickr issue again. MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m 45 off. filtered out.

Lithium and the Environment

TECH

Are Smartphones

Really

Making Us Smarter? by Lauren David

Photo by Lauren David

hen Steve Jobs released the very first iPhone on June 29, 2007, the world had no idea how to react. It was a new concept - one that no one could predict would become revolutionary in the years to come. Now, touchscreen phones are one of the many necessities we use in our daily lives, manufactured by several companies (Samsung, Windows, etc.) all of which doubted the success of smartphones. As teenagers, we rely in our phones for practically everything. Want to talk with friends? Send them a text. Trying to find the nearest Starbucks? Open up the Google Maps app. Need to remember a gift for Grandma’s birthday? Your phone will remind you. Forgot important information for your next history test? Just ask Siri. Phones have taken over the need for us to remember these simple tasks, which people our age (years ago) had to write down everything they needed to remember for the next day. Technology makes our lives easier, but are we depending on our phones (and not to mention spell check) too much? In many cliche sci-fi movies, it shows humanity in the distant future, where humans can travel to planets millions of light years away and technology rules our lives completely - in good and bad ways. We may not be close enough to travel to faraway galaxies, but there are many theories on how artificial intelligence can grow to a point where it is smart

HERALD

THE

enough to take over mankind. In the modern world, we have become so dependent on electronics that without our current phones or technology, it’s pretty reasonable to believe that we would have zero idea how to function. Our dependency on technology has grown dramatically, to a point where if anything were to happen - like the sun frying our satellites - to take this luxury away from us, the world as we know it would end. This actually almost happened. Four years ago, on July 23, 2012, the most powerful solar flare we have seen in 150 years erupted from our sun. This storm had the potential to destroy all of our modern technology. Thankfully, it had just barely missed Earth. However, if this flare had occurred a week earlier, Earth would have been directly in it’s line of fire (based on our rotation around the sun). If it had hit us, it would have wiped out our satellites, GPS signals, and power grids causing a worldwide blackout. But this blackout would last for years. That means no functioning phones, communications, computers, lights, or even toilets. And the worst part is, we had no idea this crisis was happening that day until a few days later. So maybe it’s time to find other activities that don’t involve the internet, since we never know what life, or the universe, could throw at us.

TECH

Apple vs. Android: What is the Deal?

In the current age of smartphones, two common devices compete Apple and Android. The debate between the two has gone on for years. The only problem is that people are not informed on what the difference between the two products are. by Lea Wolff

Android

Apple Only Apple apps can be used

Access to software

Has alternative app stores that can be used

“I really like how there’s a lot more customization [in Android]. When I had an Apple I really couldn’t customize it more than just having a different wallpaper.” - Mitchell Ansay

Shorter battery life compared to Androids

Battery Life

Longer battery life than Apple products

“I would say that from experience Android phones have a better battery life. Apple phones have the issue of decaying battery life.” - Jordan Melvin

Apple devices are in the higher price range and most of them are not cheap.

Price

Variety of prices depending on desired device.

“[Android] seems to be a more efficient, organized, generally cheaper device. I have some issues with Apple as a company.” - Ryan Snow

Able to clearly capture light and color in photos. Generally has a better pixel quality than most Android devices.

Camera Quality

Most devices have a lower pixel quality than Apple devices. Sometimes devices do not show color and light clearly in their photos.

“Androids take pictures and they’re really pixelated and blurry and don’t look that good compared to Apple.” - Kayleigh Owen Sources: http://www.diffen.com/difference/Android_vs_iOS http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-smartphone-os MARCH 2017 a r a p a h o e x t r a . c o m

SAY

WHAT?! Ridiculous, out-of-context comments overheard throughout the school.

“I’m as fake as press on nails, but I’m still going to talk to you like you’re the best thing since sliced bread.” -C1456

“Homicide is an acquired taste.” -Cafeteria

“Chewing croutons makes my eyes vibrate.” -Cafeteria

“Girl Scout cookies are my favorite kind of child labor.” -E-Wing

“First you start throwing chairs, then you invade Poland.” -E1288

“Angrily cutting vegetables deﬁnitely solves it.” -C1460

“Here’s a random thought: does Mike Wazowski wink or blink?” -W1882

“We’re window shopping for cheese.” -King Soopers