Writing winners 2010-11, part 3

2010-11 Best of Colorado Personality Profile Samples

Nadiya Vahkrusheva:

In-Depth

The Crimson Report

November 30,2010

Page 8

Coming to America

Imagine starting elementary school knowing very little English and even fewer people. Imagine the hardship of learning a second language that is very different from your own. Now fast forward to your senior year in high school; you’re an honor student, you’re involved in extra curricular activities, and you have almost flawless English. Now imagine being on stage in front of a large audience that knows mainly English and reciting Shakespeare. Does it seem like an impossible task? Maybe, but it can be done.

Nadiya Vakhrusheva did all of this at a very young age. Nadiya and her family came to America from the Ukraine to reunite their family and to be given opportunities for a better life. She has four brothers and three sisters. Family is important in Nadiya’s life just as anybody else’s.

“I very much value my family, knowing that no matter what our differences are we are still going to love each other more than anybody else.” As anyone can imagine, life in America is much different than life anywhere else.

Life in The U kraine

“It was ok (life in the Ukraine). I don’t know much because I was young back then, but what I remember as a child is that it is much different from U.S.” Enjoying life in the U.S. for almost seven years Nadiya appreciates the opportunities she has been given “If you

An American Tale

In-Depth

The Crimson Report

work really hard you can achieve anything.” She finds herself missing certain things about the Ukraine though.

“I miss my brother that stayed there, my best friends from childhood, and the smell of new clothes; it’s different there.”

Schooling

Schools in Ukraine are different from those in America, “Grade 0-12 goes to the same school and it’s much harder, here we learn Algebra in 8th or 9th grade, they start in 6th grade.” She feels the same about school as any other student “I like them as much as any other student, otherwise they are interesting and you learn stuff everyday.”

M a c b e t h

Learning a second language is a feat in itself, “It was hard learning English at first, but you just learn it. You don’t even have a choice, because it’s everyday life.” Even though English is not her native tongue she decided to try out for the Shakespearean play Macbeth.

“It was just a matter of saying yes or no. Mr. Karasik told me that there would be a play and I thought about it and decided to audition.” In the play she had the role of murderer number 2.

The Acting Director Dave Karasik said, “I thought she did a fantastic job.

Native speakers have enough trouble with Shakespearean English. She never seemed to stress out about her

November 30,2010

Page 9

with a Scottish twist...

Photo Credit: Sarah Amorella

classes during the play; it shows that she is a disciplined, hardworking, intelligent student.”

Even though she knows two languages, Shakespearean English is different than normal English. She says it wasn’t hard on stage to recite the lines though. “When I am at school I think and speak English, but when I am at home I need to speak my other language.”

Some tasks may seem very hard or impossible but they can be done if you put your mind to it and try your hardest. Nadiya is proof of that.

Previous page left: Nadiya posing for a photography project Above right: Nadiya onstage in “Macbeth” Right: Nadiya posing for a photography project By: Steven Tienvieri and Meagan Priest

“I thought she did a fantastic job.

Native speakers have enough trouble with Shakespearean English.

She never seemed to stress out about her classes during the play; it shows that she is a disciplined, hardworking, intelligent student.”

-Dave Karasik, Theatre Director

Page 6 Sports

THE SENTINEL

Issue 3 Oct 2010

Friday night lights,

THE SENTINEL

Issue 3 Oct 2010

Sports

The Bulldogs offenses begin to break through the Stallion defense, driving for two touchdowns. The Stallion defensive line struggled to hold back the Bulldog runs, but it managed to stop a Bulldog field goal making the score 7-6. On their next touchdown, the Bulldogs would go for a two point conversion to make up for the lost field goal.

The Bulldog defenses also begin to crumble under he runs of Saunders and pass completions to Morton and Taylor.

Both teams scored 14 points in the quarter, foreshadowing the fight-to-the-death game that would come in the second half.

Saturday morning soccer

Senior Mario DeLaTorre pursues glory in two hardhitting sports DanielleRoss SportsEditor

As the stadium lights blaze and the crowd roars in the background, senior Mario De La Torre hears Coach Joe Roskam shout the words that he fears and loves: “Kick-off team!” and everything vanishes. De La Torre grabs the tee just before he and his teammates take the field. He lines the ball up on the 40 yard line and then, he says, “It seems that time stops for me.”

He feels scared, excited, and anxious. He thinks of all the things that could go wrong.

“What if I kick it wrong, what if I get it out of bounds, what if I kick the tee?

And then the whistle blows and he’s out of time. With his heart pounding, De La Torre takes his stance and approaches the ball as the Stallions watch from the sidelines, chanting: “Ahhhhhhh…. BOOM!” The ball flies through the air in a perfect arc, and the game is on.

“This is an experience of love, hate, sweat, tears, and adrenaline that I will never forget,” De La Torre says.

When the game ends, he finally gets to go home and rest. However, he’s not done for the weekend. On Saturday morning, De La Torre readies ON THE MOVE for a soccer game.

De La Torre takes He goes back to the school possession of the ball he left the night before, in the home game boards yet another bus, and against Falcon High heads off to the opposing School. He dribbles field. Even though he’s exhausted it down the field in an from the night before, De La attempt to take a goal Torre straps on his captain’s for the Stallions. badge, shin guards, and cleats in preparation for the sport that he loves.

De La Torre is a determined and dedicated athlete. He’s been on the soccer team every year he’s been at Sierra.

Now, in addition to playing soccer, De La Torre is kicking for the football team. Since he can’t go to all of the practices for both sports, he practices kicking with head football coach Joe Roskam during seventh period and attends soccer practice after school.

De La Torre says that his schedule is very hectic. After school, he has soccer and football, and during school he is an honors/AP student, taking both AP Biology and AP Statistics.

Each entail a heavy load of schoolwork and homework.

“I really don’t balance; I just go straight to work after a game or practice, even if I stay up sometimes until one or two in the morning,” De La Torre said.

Sometimes, having so much to deal with makes him feel overloaded.

“My stress level can be really high because I feel I don’t have enough hours in the day to complete the things that athletics and academics require me to,” De La Torre said. “And even though I just kick for football it adds on to my busy schedule, and sometimes that can be very stressful. Dealing with family and friends can also put on stress.”

De La Torre says that, though it helps to have strong personal motivation, the help of his mentors is essential.

Without them, all of the stress could no doubt pile up and cause a burnout or a breakdown.

“I have really appreciated the help of my teachers and coaches because they have been very comprehensive, and when I’m down they get me back up,” De La Torre comments. “I’d like to thank Mr. Pearsall, Mr. Brookens, Coach Roskam and Owens, and all of my teachers, friends, and teammates; they really help me daily.”

The football team definitely benefits from having such a kicker, according to assistant coach JJ Owens, who sings De La Torre’s praises. “[He’s an] unbelievable asset. We’re just a different team; we get points on the board every time we get down close. Having a solid kicker makes any football team better, and he has made us that much better this year,” Owens said.

De La Torre’s accomplishments are clearly reflected in his kicking statistics.

Sports Page7

1st Quarter

O-LINE! The offensive line sets up to continue the drive against Pueblo Centennial on game night. Number 51 Patrick Jackson prepares to hike the ball and keep Centennial’s defense away from his quarterback.

Stallions: Homecoming champions The varsity team pulls a win in one of the biggest games of the season TonyVillafan

EditorInChief

BOOM! De La Torre and the kicking team with a

powerful start to the football game against Liberty High School. Though the team did not go on to win this game, all of DeLaTorre’s kicks were accurate.

Statistics

Football Games Played: 7 Field Goals Made: 2 (32 yards and 22 yards) Field Goal Percentage: 100% Extra Points: 22 Attempted, 25 Made Soccer Games Played: 10 Goals: 2 Assists: 2 Shots: 34 “He’s amazing; he has set the school record for field goals in a game, field goals in a season, extra points in a game, and extra points in a season; all of the school records. [He’s] the best kicker we’ve had in the history of the program,” Owens said with pride.

Owens isn’t the only person that appreciates having De La Torre on the team; the rest of the players feel the same.

Owens says they’ve given him a nickname.

“El Capitan? It’s phenomenal; it’s what we call him,” Owens said, with all seriousness.

De La Torre said, “My favorite thing[s] about football would have to be the Friday night lights, the band, cheerleaders, fans, and the great experience of kickoff.”

De La Torre will graduate this year, but next year Owens hopes other soccer players will follow in his footsteps.

According to Owens, the plan for getting a new kicker next year is to “find another soccer kid.”

As for soccer, De La Torre says it’s actually his favorite sport.

He’s been playing for ten years, and he definitely wants to keep playing for years to come.

“My favorite thing[s] about soccer [are] the passion, the dedication, and the persistence it takes to play. I love this sport.”

De La Torre’s friends say he’s very well rounded overall. He’s a positive and upbeat person, and always has a good word to say.

“Mario is a great person, and he is a great teammate,” said senior Joe Ortiz. “He always motivates people and pushes them towards success. I like having him on the soccer team and I like having him as a friend.”

Athletics aren’t De La Torre’s whole life, but they’ve certainly given him some memorable experiences.

“Even after the Friday game, even if I’m exhausted, even if I wish I had one more hour of sleep, I love being on that soccer field. Of course there is no band, no lights, no crowd or cheerleaders that make football such a beautiful experience, but just being on that soccer pitch makes me feel a love that can never be compared to.”

JoshHood

3rd Quarter

Print Editor

The crowd is on its feet, cheering and yelling with excitement; the scoreboard glares over the field, 28 to 28 with a minute left to score…then 30 seconds….down to ten.

Seven seconds left and Willie Saunders, senior, shoots the ball into the arms of #25, Motique Morton, grasping the ball and holding it tight for a final touchdown.

The crowd goes wild, the team barely containing themselves for the last 0.3 seconds of the game.

Sierra’s homecoming game was one of the most intense and hard fought games of the season, displaying the tenacity and drive of the Stallion spirit.

4th Quarter

Sierra started off the fourth quarter trailing behind the Pueblo Centennial Bulldogs 21 to 28. Despite the score, both offense and defense played hard and kept up a good performance.

Defense dominated the Bulldogs, stopping them short of many a first down and refusing to let the Pueblo offense move past the fifty yard marker.

Offense was a bulldozing machine, with # 28, Willie Saunders, # 5 Treyon Taylor, and # 25 Motique Morton taking every gap in the Bulldog offense and blowing it up for an amazing game winning drive in the last 2 minutes of the game; tying it up 28 to 28, then driving it in for the game winning touchdown to Morton with 7.7 seconds left in regulation time.

Coming in to the second half, the Stallions led 21 to 14.

Despite the effort by the home defense, the Bulldogs completed a scoring drive to tie up the game, and another to take the lead, but with the Stallion defense making them work for every inch of the field, the touchdowns were no easy task for the Bulldogs.

The Stallions, while pushing forward inch by inch progressively, failed to get close enough to the goal to score a touchdown or kick a field goal. The Bulldog line was heavily defended with blitzes while the backfield was covered from every angle, allowing for only short runs and pass completions.

Half Time

Both teams, worn out and tired from the game head to the locker rooms for their half-time lectures on the positives and negatives, followed by the almost cliché “pep talk” on what we need to do to secure a victory.

The fans switch their attention almost immediately. The South-East gate opens up; the pound can be heard in the distance. The sparkle of gold trimming on maroon and black uniforms can be seen through the crisp night air.

The marching band walks onto the field, ready to wow the crowd.

While small in size, their spirit and work ethic reflects exactly what it is to be a Stallion. They quickly captured the ears and eyes of everyone in the stands, playing the hits from Michael Jackson, including ABC and I’ll Be There.

2nd Quarter

The Stallions enter the second quarter 7-0 over the Bulldogs.

ANTICIPATION Quintana

The motivation driving Stallion athletes to go the extra mile

Senior Chris Quintana has been playing sports since he was 7 years old. Having his father as his coach only pushed Quintana to develop a passion for football at an early age.

So why does he play football? Chris didn’t hesitate to state, “Point blank – I love the game.”

Playing on the varsity football team for his fourth and final year, Quintana continues to show his love and passion for football. Quintana hopes to carry on his heart TracyMarks StaffWriter and knowledge for football after high school at a division one university.

As for sophomore softball player Kijana Tavares, and junior soccer player Alfredo De Leon, both agree that playing sports has had a positive influence in their lives during school as well in the community. Both varsity players say that playing sports keeps their grades up, and keeps their behavior under control.

De Leon says “Playing soccer is much more to me; it helps with my grades, relieves stress, and gets me away for everything else.” De

is playing cornerback on the defensive line, covering Centennial’s widereceiver and contributing to the homecoming victory

Leon’s hard work on and off the field is obvious.

Sports are more than athletic activities; to some students, they are a way to manage and control their GPA as well as semester grades. In order to be eligible to play sports, one has to maintain a GPA of at least 2.5, which would be a C average. Coaches allow students time to not only make up tests and quizzes to boost their grades, but

condone the process of studying and completing work efficiently and effectively. Many students who participate in sports will agree that academics can be stressful and take time away from the athletics; however it is a necessity when one wants to play in a big game or keep a spot on the team roster.

Some athletes exercise to relieve stress or just get away from the outside world. De Leon would agree

strongly with this statement, and so do many of his teammates. Exercise is one of the most beneficial ways to help relieve stress both physically and mentally. According to MayoClinic.com, “One way to take control of the stress in your life is through physical activity. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.” Exercise not only pumps up your “happy times”, but it provides meditation in motion as well as improves your overall mood and satisfaction with yourself.

Above all else, there is one most important reason why people participate in sports, and it couldn’t be said better than from senior Quintana: “Point blank – I love the game.” For many, it’s the exact

The sound of whistles blow, the drum line steadily pounds for a drum roll, the crowd goes silent, and the game begins! Mario De La Torre, the Stallions kicker, sends the ball gliding through the air nearly 40 yards into the hands of the Bulldog receiver waiting attentively for the first touch on the game ball.

3 minutes into the game before the Stallions have the first flag thrown for a false start. Pueblo drives for about 25 yards before they punt the ball into the hands of Taylor, beginning the first offensive drive for the Stallions.

A mixture of short runs, yards lost, fumbles and pass completions led the Stallions down the field for a nearly 60 yard drive to the goal line, where Saunders would run the ball in for the first touchdown of the game putting Sierra on top of Pueblo 7-0.

SPIRIT Sophomore and varsity cheerleader JaNea Williams glances at the camera between the cheer routines that get the crowd so pumped up

The Aftermath

SOLO Senior Dinorah Taylor, Saunders, and Morton Gamez belts out her were three of the key players. trumpet solo during the “Everybody counts on us to marching band halftime score points,” said Taylor. “So we show featuring songs by the can’t upset the team and that’s what Jackson 5 we do is score points.”

Morton, who scored the game winning point, says that it was a team effort.

“We played as hard as we could play,” Morton said. “We needed a W over a big team, and it hopefully helped our chances of getting to the playoffs so we gave it all we had. Willie threw a good ball, and I made a good catch.”

Head coach Joe Roskam had a positive outlook on how the team performed, and what it said about the school as a whole.

“We put ourselves in a good position to win,” Roskam said. “Kind of like the resiliency of our school, we always come though whenever it’s on the line.” reason why they participate in athletic activities.

“When the team scores, it’s a rush that cannot be well explained,” Quintana says. “It’s just a great feeling.”

De Leon also has an extremely positive outlook on the team aspect of being a family. The team is made up of people one may not know at first, but over the season, the team grows to respect, honor, and love one another.

“It feels just like a family,” De Leon said. “I’m very proud of the team.”

Regardless of the reasons for playing sports, there is no doubt the positive aspects in one’s life.

Whether helping with grades, relieving stress, that feeling of belonging, or just plain loving the game, there is one thing that all athletes can agree on: the feeling and excitement from that first play is irreplaceable.

PLAYING

BY THE

NUMBERS

Number of Stallions playing fall sports FRESHMEN FOOTBALL

31 VARSITY FOOTBALL 65 VOLLEYBALL 41 GIRLS X COUNTRY 12 BOYS X COUNTRY 19 SOFTBALL 17 GOLF8 SOCCER 31 CHEERLEADING24

Page 4, The Pride, Peyton High School, November 1, 2010

People

Exchange student enjoys Peyton community M

Staff Writer

oving to a new place and becoming part of a culture different from your own would probably be a very difficult task. This is the life of Ronja Tangl, the foreign exchange student at Peyton High School this year.

“Ronja is extremely friendly and fun to be around,” said Senior Katie Knight when asked about her classmate. Tangl is a senior this year, but she should only be a sophomore, if classifying by age. Despite the setback of being from a for-

eign country, she is very fluent in English. “She is better than we are at our own language!” Junior Amanda Roark said after Tangl easily defined several difficult vocabulary words in English class.

“Relationships between teachers and students are more casual here [in Peyton],” Tangl commented when asked about the differences between German and American schools. Also, she has only seven classes at Peyton, whereas she had fourteen at her school in Germany, with up to nine per

day. Despite the imbalances in numbers of classes, Tangl said that the subjects in Peyton are equally difficult to those in her home country.

To live in America, Tangl was assigned to a host-family: a family that was willing to sponsor her for the duration of her stay in the United States.

The family she moved in with has raised several children, all who have moved out of the house by now.

Tangl’s future plans include working with children, but she has not

decided in what specific field she wishes to do this yet.

Options she mentioned w e r e teaching or some type of social Exchange student Ronja Tangl loves horseback riding and animals.By Tristan Moore work.

Tangl is joys spending time with her well-off in Peyton, because friends. Most importantly, she loves horseback riding though, Tangl enjoys school and animals, both of which here at Peyton, and she are prevalent in the Peyton brings cultural diversity to community. She also en- the Peyton student body.

Fitness and PE teacher likes sports

By Kristen Bowman Staff Writer

T

Coach Connie Phelan really likes sports.

his zany and enthusiastic fitness instructor is this month’s teacher of the month.

Connie Phelan teaches Women’s Fitness and Physical Education and has been teaching in the Peyton School District for 27 years. Phelan is married to her husband, Greg, and they have been

married for 25 years. She has two kids, Louis who is 23, and Lindsay who is 22.

She went to college at the University of Northern Colorado and majored in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. Her hobbies are running and riding horses and her favorite movie is The Sound of Music. Her favorite author is Dr. Seuss. When Phelan was a kid she wanted

to be a veterinarian when she grew up.

When Phelan found out that she had won teacher of the month she exclaimed, “Oh my gosh!” She says she loves teaching all of her classes. Her favorite, and her least favorite, thing about teaching is the kids. She also plans on retiring in three years. Sophomore Mary Schmaltz says, “Mrs. Phelan loves the kids

that play sports!”

She decided to become a P.E. teacher because she really likes sports. She coaches high school track and middle school volleyball and basketball. Senior Heather Magginetti runs track under Phelan.

Magginetti says, “Mrs. Phelan makes track fun!”

Junior Rachel Hawkins says, “Mrs. Phelan is my best friend!”

Senior Migliaccio aspires to make a difference

By Carly Neumann

S

Editor

enior Lauren Migliaccio can be seen around the school daily, rushing to get something done, or simply offering up a smile. All through high school, Migliaccio has been very involved in activities inside and outside of school. Since her freshman year, she has devoted her time to student council, having served as a representative her underclassman years and vice president and president her junior and senior years respectively. Migliaccio has

been a principle flautist in the band since freshman year, and this year joined choir as an alto. Music, she says, is her favorite subject in school.

Her busy schedule, however, doesn’t end with the final bell. On Mondays and Wednesdays Migliaccio attends a college biology class at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to earn college credit toward her intended degree. In her rather limited free time, she serves as 4H president and shows a variety of animals ranging

Senior Lauren Migliacccio has a busy schedule.

from chickens to dogs. Migliaccio aspires to attend Colorado State University at Fort Collins to major in bio-medical science and eventually become a large animal veterinarian.

“I want to make a difference,” says Migliaccio. “I was inspired to go into the medical field because both of my parents are in it and I love animals. There is just something about helping others, whether it is animal or human, that is immeasurable.”

Migliaccio calls her family “tight knit because

of experience,” and has an especially close relationship with her older brother, Talor. Their constant push to make each other better has helped each of them to achieve many accomplishments and to overcome obstacles.

Looking back on high school, Migliaccio is grateful for the experience, and given the choice, would not change anything about it. As daunting as the journey after high school may be, Migliaccio is equal parts anxious and excited to begin the next chapter of her life.

Soul

k o la c e a t h - tra d eno i t io n n a ( Ja n . 7) C h r i s t m l b re a d as D ay

Pride in Greek Orthodox Traditions

ich enija Pa sy of S te r u o c Photos

le n a n d E u rg h, a b ja i tt s Ma i th m e i n P w a ij ho S e n e ir o ld Da y s h t a in i s tm r h C rs o n s s i s te h r i s tm a r u o f C e t h s T r a’ s fi De s s

W

While many people enjoy Christmas on Dec 25, junior Senija Paich and her family are at the movies. This family tradition is because Paich and her family are a part of the Greek Orthodox faith leading them to celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7.

“Our holidays are based off of the church (orthodoxy) calandar, so the days that we celebrate Christmas and Easter are different,” said Paich.

Actually, all throughout the month of December, Paich family members; Maja, her husband Alex Buck, Elena, Senija, Dessa and their parents prepare for their Christmas with fasting and celebrating the religious holidays. Before the Saints Day, which is known as Sveti Nikola (Saint Nicholas) on Dec. 19, Paich and her family fast. This practice of giving up certain foods and products means no meat and dairy for the family.

“As I get older fasting gets easier because I know that it is purifying my body to get ready to receive the body and blood of Christ,” she said.

On Sveti Nikola, after the family goes to church they eat dinner, which includes a cod-like fish called Bacala and Kolach, a sweet bread with a cross on top that is blessed by the priest.

“Every year my mom tries to get us to eat the fish but she’s the only one who eats it,” said Paich. “We also get one present

Junior Senija Paich relates unique preparation for the customs of her faith during the holidays Erica | Rasquinha

each from Sveti Nikola, which is usually an ornament, but that’s more of a family tradition.

After this day, the fasting continues from Jan. 2-6.

As Christmas Eve arrives on Jan. 6, Paich and her family go to the Badnjak service. At the service they collect straw and hay to put under the dinning room table in order to represent the manger.

There is also a statue of Sveti Nikola set up in the Paich’s dinning room to honor the patron saint.

On Jan. 7, Christmas Day, the family goes to the Božic service and following that Paich said they just enjoy spending the day together.

“Once we get back from church we all get back into our pajamas,” said Paich.

“Maja and Alex get to go downstairs and look at the presents first and then they go wake Elena up to go back downstairs with them. When they continue the same process with me and Dessa, we all go into our parents room to wake them up.

“After opening presents in my room with my parents video taping everything, we all march down the stairs in order.

It’s sort of like the Sound of Music but without the singing.”

Paich also said that while completing this family tradition, there is a table of cookies and Serbian pastries awaiting them.

For Christmas dinner, Paich and her family feast on foods like ham, but also diverse items that are a part of Serbian culture as well.

“It’s so nice to have this meal with my family after we have been fasting for so

long,” Paich said.

They enjoy a cesnica and a cicvera as foods with a tradition that can bring good luck for the year.

The cesnica is a bread with a quarter in the middle, and after it is spun three times (representing the Trinity) the family pulls at the bread, and the person to gain the quarter gains the luck. Similarly, the cicvera is a practice with polenta where each person closes his or her eyes and scoops polenta into their soup, the biggest scoop of polenta wins the luck.

Even who is invited to Christmas has a specific meaning when it comes to tradition. Practicing Kumovi, a Serbian tradition, the Paichs invite Alex Buck’s family and other friends. This is so that they can honor close family friends through baptism and a best man or maid of honor.

As she continues to prepare for the upcoming holiday season, Paich said she loves her family traditions. “I am proud that we have kept to them all these years.” | Dec. 6 was the feast of St. Nicholas when presents are exchanged. This lasts through Jan. 6, which is the feast of Epiphany (Baptism of Christ). | In Greece, St. Nicholas is known as the saint of sailors. It is legend that his clothes are drenched with brine and his beard is dripping with seawater. | After 40 days of not eating meat, eggs or dairy products, pig, lamb and goat are served during a feast and women usually bake ceremonial pastries.

Information compiled by Pamela Shapiro

MVHSEagleEye

25

Arts And Entertainment

The Brewery Bar II — A Spicy Find It’s tucked away in under an unassuming awning on an unassuming corner near downtown Denver.

But the Brewery Bar II is a hidden gem once you discover it.

Located at 150 Kalamath, the Brewery Bar II is a dive, pure and simple. It’s cheap and delicious and quite unSophie Alexandra like anything else. From the Matuszewicz Kaewert outside it doesn’t look like Columnist Columnist all that much, but inside is the cozy, paneled décor that was there long before many of us were born.

The bar runs along one wall and this wall is filled with both cheery and humorous signs. You can choose between a booth and a table, or the bar.

The menu is filled with Mexican food, and be warned, even if you order mild, expect some spice. The service is extremely fast

and the portions generous.

The huevos rancheros are darn good, and the “Best of Denver” special is delicious as well. The huevos come with two lightly cooked tortillas — still warm — and are drenched in tasty salsa.

While the mild is above average in terms of spice, it is scrumptious whether you are a fan of spice or not.

The “Best of Denver” special consists of chili relleno, pork, and other staples of Mexican cuisine. The chili relleno is basically a fried wad of cheese, quite a bit more appetizing than it sounds.

The appeal of a dive like the Brewery is hard to articulate. Half the fun comes from observing the people around, maybe listening in on conversations, or reading the signs behind the bar. It comes in too large cokes and having to blow your nose every few bites because of the spice.

It’s in the adventure of finding these little tucked away places.

So check out the Brewery Bar II, but also head out and find your own dive in Denver, or anywhere else for that matter. It’s all in the search and the experience.

It appears that almost everything on the menu at the Brewery Bar II is covered in salsa, but if you do not mind a bit of zip in your food — or even if you do — this is a great restaurant to try.

Burning Questions For Ms. NeJame

by Melissa Lowe Margaret NeJame is known at school for her sweet and bubbly personality. Many students feel that she brings her own excitement for art into her classes and makes the class entertaining for everyone. She’s always willing to help her students and has a real expertise in the arts.

The Advocate decided to delve deeper and asked Ms. NeJame a few questions.

What made you decide to become an art teacher?

I always knew I’d go into art, but it was when I went into a classroom to help as a student teacher and saw the energy from the students; it made me want to teach to bring it alive. Before that I never would have thought I’d be a teacher. I enjoy teaching because it is very engaging and creative whether you’re actually teaching or just helping kids to problem-solve. It keeps

Favorites Favorite color: deep dark purples and greens Favorite Band/Musical Artist: Joni Mitchell Favorite Artist: Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe T.V. Show: Mad Men Food: Spicy foods and seafood Book: The Alchemist, Sarah’s Key Favorite Actor: Sidney Poitier

you from being an artist in a vacuum.

What is the best advice that you’ve ever received that you think students at Kent should take to mind?

In my first year of teaching, a colleague told me to take nothing personally.

In addition, she has her own advice to offer students who are interested in becoming art teachers.

It’s important as an art teacher and an artist, to keep working on your own art because it helps keep your work fresh and it creates respect for your instruction because you have the credentials. Instead of telling my students what to do, I actually do it too, and that has made a great difference in the dynamics in the classroom.

What is your favorite thing about Photo by DS teaching at Kent?

Margaret NeJame, left, works with junior Liz Beaver The close relationships I have in the metals shop. with the kids and the ability I have to teach at Kent? to work independently with each student.

Any of my advanced classes, whether As the teacher of both metals and ceramits ceramics or metals. The students are ics, what is your favorite media to use in really able to think more deeply about what your own artwork? they’re doing with their art because their If I’m preparing for my own show or skills are at a higher level. I also enjoy my something, I tend to go toward ceramics. beginning classes because it is fun for me Clay was my first love. However, I always to see the students’ personalities develop have several projects going in metals. through their art and it is exciting to see how students think visually.

Which class has been your favorite class October 25, 2010, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, Page 13

STUDENT FEATURE

11

Castle View’s Hometown Hero

Above, Matt Doran poses with family dog. Photo courtesy of Doran family.

Above, Matt Doran and father Larry walk their family dog. Photo courtesy of Doran family.

A

‘‘

Student’s courage, positivity continues to inspire Castle View

by Molly Dean

From left, Diane, Matt, Jerrod, and Larry Doran pose in front of their house. Photo courtesy of Doran family. bout four years ago, Matt Doran walked into the doctor’s office thinking he was getting new medications for a respiratory infection.

Instead, he found out he had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer that affects the tissue found in lymph nodes. Doran fought back and won.

Almost two years ago, Doran was involved in a snowboarding accident that put him on a Life Flight helicopter.

He survived, with a traumatic brain injury that has forced him to relearn simple life skills.

To say the least, life hasn’t been easy for Doran, now a senior at Castle View High School.

But even though the struggles have been great, Doran remains positive and determined to conquer life.

“I believe with all of my heart that Matt will do spectacular things in his life,” said close friend Alex Monroe. “He is a role model to so many of us, both adults and kids…”

Doran entered Castle View in 2006 as a freshman, an athlete who played football, basketball and baseball and who was socially outgoing, friendly and happy.

On Dec. 12 of that year, Doran was diagnosed with cancer.

It took everyone by surprise. “You never expect that to happen to someone you know,” said senior Marshall Thurston, a longtime friend of Doran’s, “let alone someone that vibrant.”

The battle with cancer was never effortless. “The chemotherapy made me weak,” said Doran, “and took away all my energy.”

The overwhelming exhaustion never slowed him down.

“We were all amazed that he never stopped doing everything,” said teacher Heather Wien, who has known Doran since his freshman year.

His close friends also were impressed. They rallied to-

Above, Matt Doran works on his schoolwork with help from Carolyn Moretti, para professional. Photo by Molly Dean

gether to make shirts saying “I Know Superman Matt” to show their support.

Seven months later, Doran was in remission, and this time it came as no real shock to those who knew him well. “I always knew he was the kind of kid who could beat it,” said Dean Ryan Hollingshead, who was coaching him in football then.

His health back, Doran was more positive than ever. “He was even more revitalized and optimistic,” said Thurston.

With his optimism came a sense of power. “After beating cancer I felt invincible,” said Doran. “I thought I could do anything.”

On March 16, 2009, Doran was snow boarding with a friend in Aspen. His mother, Diane Doran, was -Heather Wien at the basketball game of her other son, Jerrod. His father, Larry Doran, was at work.

Doran decided to snowboard without a helmet. No one knows for sure what happened on the mountain – Doran doesn’t remember the accident and his friend didn’t see what happened – but what is certain is that he ended that day flying to a trauma center with a severe head injury.

News of her son’s accident numbed Diane Doran. “At that point, I think I went into shock,” said Diane. “This was definitely the phone call that no parent wants to receive.”

The news spread like wildfire through Castle View. Those who knew Doran were devastated. “It truly killed me,” Hollingshead said. “I thought it would be fatal.”

Doran remained in a coma for 3 ½ weeks at Denver Health.

After two months in the Intensive Care and Long-Term Acute Care units, Doran was moved to Craig Rehabilitation Center in Englewood, known worldwide for its rehabilitative care. “Craig Hospital did a very good job of making us all feel comfortable,”

He’ s my hero, and I’m positive there’s something special that Matt is going to do.

’’

said Diane Doran.

At Craig, Doran spent hours in physical therapy. “I had to relearn how to dress myself, swallow, eat, walk and talk again,” said Doran.

On June 22, 2009, Doran was released to return home and, with his return, he was able to indirectly teach those around him the importance of positivity and optimism. “We try to be positive and find something good out of every day,” said Diane, “since you never know what is going to happen the next day.”

Doran was distraught when he couldn’t graduate with his Class of 2010. But he will graduate this year, a milestone he is excited to reach. When school officials expressed concern that walking across the Red Rocks stage would be too tiring, he told them “No, I can walk for hours.”

Doran said he regrets the choice to snowboard without his helmet. “My brain is my baby and I guess I took that for granted.” He gets frustrated from time to time with his recovery process. “Things are recovering slower,” said Doran, “and my patience is running thin.”

But much progress has been made, and not just physically. Doran also has worked his way back to having the same personality he always had. “It’s still the same Matt in there,” Thurston said. “He has the same personality; it just comes out in a different way.”

Despite the frustration and regrets, Doran remains positive and others continue to be inspired by him.

“I learn something new from Matt every day, I admire him so much for his journey and he has taught me above all to be patient with life,” said Monroe. “Not everything happens when we would like it to, but you can’t lose hope or else you will lose everything.”

From close friends to teachers and administrators, Doran has made an impact on all who know him.

“He’s my hero,” Wien said, “and I’m positive there’s something special that Matt is going to do.”

2010-11 Best of Colorado Lifestyle Feature Samples

Features

January 28, 2011

Move up the Social Heirarchy Kayla Barton Staff Writer

E

very school has a basic social structure. Since every school has one, Alamosa High School must have some sort of social hierarchy, too. And, we do!

For those who are at the school practically every day for about eight hours, the structure is pretty well known, though it is quite complex. For an outsider on the other hand, the whole thing appears simply, simple.

To someone who does not regularly attend our school, it would seem that we have the people standing or sitting under the stairs, and those who are not. This is not entirely true though, there is a lit-

tle more to the social orbit in AHS. A vast majority of our school consists of the people hanging out near the stairs. The next largest group is the people who are actually there. The stair people are the elite, the Hollister and Aeropostale junkies. Why is it that the people under the stairs are the ones sporting these labels? Well, they’re the only ones who can afford it.

Almost stair people are just beneath the stair people on the food chain. They’ll probably get there someday. The same day that their jeans get tighter and they buy a few overpriced T-shirts with the word Hollister somewhere on the front.

Alissa Sinclair, a current “almost stair person,” thinks differently though. “Probably not. Everyone under the stairs are usually your ‘popular’ people, and I like standing,” she commented on the prob-

It’s a Jersey Thing Kyle Nye Staff Writer

N

Photo By: Kyle Nye

icole (Snooki) Pizolli, the star of hit MTV reality show Jersey Shore, will fist pump like a champ in season three.

Season three started January 6. The first of the year in Jersey, a ball drop was put on by MTV. In the center of the glass ball was the already intoxicated Snooki dancing as the ball dropped to the ground.

Snooki is 4’9 and is normally the punch-line for jokes when Jersey Shore is brought up by people who dislike the show. For example, Snooki’s 57 inches the exact same number as her IQ. The show has been under surveillance because it seems that the Guidos and Guidetees of Jersey Shore are involved with the Italian Mob. J-Wwow and Mike “The

Situation” have been involved with three murder cases, although each time charges have been dropped and prosecutors have suddenly bought a new boat or a brand new car. In every murder case, the victims are beaten with baseball bats and then buried alive like the end of the movie The Casino.

Ronnie and Vinny have been involved in some theft charges which they have both served time for.

Somehow no other paparazzi have ever got their hands on this information.

How is this possible? The cast of Jersey Shore is funded by the Italian Mob. Through recent blood tests it has been discovered that the cast of Jersey Shore are all related and part of a bigger family.

Citizens of New Jersey: consider yourself warned. Do not insult the cast of Jersey Shore. Look at what happened to Brad Ferro, the man who punched Snooki; he was reported a missing person yesterday.

Disclaimer: The above story is purely satire and meant only for the entertainment of our readers.

Steve and Joe Hey, Joe, I got you a coffee from Starbucks!

Wow, thanks so much Steve!

ability of her moving to the stairs.

Following closely behind the almost stair people, comes the group of people who aren’t really in a group together. The “loners and floaters” of the school. These would be the people who have that quality that simply appeals to everyone and their dog, whatever that may be. They are the people who cannot be called stair people, because their social devotion does not lie with the stairs, and only the stairs. Or anything else, for that matter. They’re floaters!

Generally, one may get to the stairs by junior or perhaps even senior year. There are, of course, always some exceptions to the rule though. The stairs is pretty much the highest a person can go in the AHS social hierarchy.

Once you’re at the stairs, you basically no longer have to move.

The stairs grant the ‘Oh you need to get by? Well wait and go around’ privilege, among others I’m sure.

Another noticeable group of teenagers is the one that congregates at the senior wall. The people who stand in the morning, and sit on the floor at lunch. Sitting on the floor is somewhat of a hardship I would imagine, that’s a pretty low place to be. Not to mention the knee problems in the making from going from standing to sitting so far down. Pity the taller people, they have further to go!

Sitting on the floor makes it easy to day dream about the stairs.

How comfortable they look, and much higher up and easier to sit on.

But, being the “senior wall people” forbids them to move and sit on the stairs. Because that move alone would not make them stair people, it would make them dead meat.

Page 11

“I HAVE MALE PATTERN BALDNESS” Emma Smith Alamosan Staff

H

ello again my dears. It has been quite some time since I have last talked you through your high school dilemmas. I spent some time away and realized that I couldn’t bare to be away from you little lovelies and your gossip.

Dear Abby, I’m a junior at Alamosa High School and I am faced with an embarrassing problem. I have male pattern baldness. I was okay with the fact that my family has this problem, but someone failed to mention that it begins at a very young age. Abby, this is extremely embarrassing. I have tried Rogaine and Bosley and they don’t work!

Please help before my friends find out! BALDING IN BOSTON Dear Balding, what a terrible problem. I have never had this come up before. You see my husband has a rather thick head of hair and so do all my other 80 year-old male friends. I find your predicament quite sad for a young Gamers: 3% man. I did some research and found that there are several ways to fix this problem. I personally suggest the comb-over compared to surgery. The comb-over is a Library People: 4% simple way of taking what remainLunch Room People: 6% ing hair you have and wrapping it around your head like a turban. I hope this helped.

Dear Abby, I am beginning to notice a large hump on my back. It’s very painful and I go through several Bridge/Upstairsians: 8% shirts a day due to its large and abnormal size. My mom took me to the doctor the other day and we found the news quite disturbSenior Wall People: 9% ing. The doctor told me I have Hunchback Syndrome due to the Loners & Floaters:11% heaviness of my backpack. There is no cure and once I have it, it will never go away. I am going to be a hunchback for the rest Stair People: 21% of my life and the taunting will Almost Stair People: 38% only get worse. It’s all because of the books my teachers make me carry day in and day out. And I use a locker! Please, Abby let GREG GOODWIN others know about my aviodable THE VALLEY’S EXPERT WITH INTEGRITY problem. I don’t want them to be called Quasi for the rest of their lives. And Abby, please tell the (719) 580-5395 teachers to lay off on the books!

GREG@CENTURY21VALLEYREALTY.COM LUMPY IN LOUISIANA WWW.MAINGROUPREALTY.COM Dear Lumpy, This is quite Residential different from all other problems I Farm / Ranch have helped with. I asked my lady Commercial friends at the Salon and they all agreed you should go in hiding for One of the Valley’s Top Producing Realtors a while. Just until the lump goes away, which you did say would go away right? You may not like this advice, because you will be cut off from your social life, but It’s so cold out here they’ve frozen solid! trust me it’s better for everyone I guess now they’re this way. Now you don’t have iced coffees. to sit at home and waste away.

Instead you can volunteer all unwanted jobs in Alamosa. I don’t recommend jobs where you are seen very much though. I saw in the news paper that Sacred Heart Church is looking for a bell ringer and the cemetery is looking for a night gaurd to scare off the grave robbers.

S

ociability

By Tonya Sisneros

Page 10 Features

Santa’s new workshop is busy

Issue 5 December 2010

THE SENTINEL

CONT’D from PREVIOUS PAGE

Bright cars are being made to be rolled around by kids.

The big doll houses are being made with care to look like real million dollar houses, and there are other toys that just stick out and catch your eye.

This week, Johnson finishing the a rocking horse. When it’s done, it will be so big and strong that a two-year old can really ride it.

She is sympathetic, caring, and always has something nice to say. She A rocking horse that is says she puts quality into sure to make a child feel everything she does, even if it’s as simple as a toolblessed this Christmas box. It represents her as a person and shows how she care’s because of how much work is going into it.

Johnson takes her time seeing what the horse needs, and she isn’t just building it because it was an assignment. Johnson says because she didn’t have a rocking horse as a child, so she wants to give one to an underprivileged child.

She makes sure her measurements are correct; she takes time to see if the horse will rock and if the horse is pretty.

She says making this horse to go to a child makes her feel warm and cozy inside knowing she’s doing a good thing. She feels as if this child could pass the horse down to become a family air loom.

“I love making this horse, if someone made it for me it would show they care about me,” Johnson said.

Students put Sampson has been doing this quality in their pieces since he was a teacher at Haras shown in the rison. He truly cares about these details of the doll children and will continue the house (Above) project for as long as he teaches wood shop.

Sampson’s students do most of the building, and he helps on little things like final touches.

Sampson feels that a gift made by hand means more than just any store bought toy, He also says that his students react well in giving their time and effort in building things for the orphanage.

Sampson takes these projects to heart. Sampson is showing more than just his “soft” side by perusing this. He understands how the children feel.

“As a homeless teen, I did not get gifts; I know what it’s like. Now it’s possible to help others and let them know that Sierra kids care,” Sampson says.

Hope and Home will continue to get handmade gifts from Sampson’s workshop as long as his elves are willing to work.

Professional construction workers gave students hands on experience and gave instruction on how to drive and operate top construction vehicles (Above)

Construction Day Mr. Sampson took a select number of students off to a field trip where they experienced working on a construction site. Once there they shadowed actual workers who took the students on a tour through multiple tutorials on construction basics.

Students learn how to cut wood pieces and fit them together to form a small box (Above)

Putting two walls together is a twoman job, as students learned with two professionals to over-see (Right)

Students experience a whole new level career building CONT’D from PAGE 7 Randi Reid, one of the founders of the Career Building Academy speaks highly of the young men and their abilities. He says he would hire anyone of them for a job in his profession as a construction worker.

Reid founded the program, because when he was younger, construction was a very popular field of work, and in today’s society, people can go to school for this type of education, but not learn like this, with actual hands-on experience in different fields.

Dominic Hernandez, junior, especially appreciates the program.

“It’s for kids, like us, who have trouble paying attention in the classroom, and need hands- on learning experience,” Hernandez said.

This year is the first year that the Career Building Academy has existed and the participants were selected because of their prior knowledge, and past experience, and desire to build; but it’s not just about the homes, the group also uses their building abilities to provide community service.

On their free time, some of the young men volunteered for two events that in the long run helped less fortunate people, and receive little praise for it. The first instance

VOGUE. Working together has turned this group into a tight team who work hard and play harder.

was for a young woman trying to raise money to walk in a marathon to cure breast cancer. The young lady’s goal was to set up a lemonade stand, and the guys made that possible by building her entire stand for her.

Recently, the boys volunteered to serve food for disabled people, to enjoy for the holidays. They chose to do this

because T.J. Turner’s mothers, Lucy Locke works at the mosaic, a shelter that helps aide people with disabilities, and they are all so close they wanted an opportunity to do something good for the community this holiday season.

To Turner, along with other boys in the program, The Career Building Academy is an opportunity to, not only graduate, but on time with both high school and college credits.

During the winter they will have to put a pause on building and learn in a classroom setting, but the boys don’t seem to mind much, because they will still be getting to do hands- on work. The program is designed to take a freshman who starts in a classroom through his or her senior year, ultimately providing them an opportunity to complete real life certifications in master electricians and master plumbing which could mean serious job opportunities, and a serious paycheck, after high school.

For Justin Kelty, the whole cycle isn’t possible because he started as a senior.

But for Kelty’s step brother, Justin Land, it’s a different story. He’s a sophomore, also in the program, and three more years of this could mean more than a diploma. It could mean a career.

Page 08 Features

Issue 5 December 2010

Features

THE SENTINEL

THE SENTINEL

Issue 5 December 2010

Features Page 09

THE SENTINEL

A day in the Life of a Construction Worker An essay without words. Photographer Brandi Burgard spent a day with the Career Building Academy BrandiBurgard StaffWriter and recorded these images as a dozen students worked on the ultimate DOL: Build a house.

Dustin Scott and Justin Land working together to cut wood in order to complete one of the walls in the house.

Shantel Johnson works to perfect the rocking horse she built for a child in foster care

Instructor Jeff Johnson goes over the days tasks with the students ( Above)

Tinkering Toys

Woods class takes on the role of Santa’s elves for children in foster homes.

Sophomore Shantel Johnson is one of Sampson’s little elves and she knows Christmas is just around the corner. She has a big house and a rocking horse on her hands.

She is taking her time getting the detail right, but she doesn’t have much time left.

Still that doesn’t stop her from sanding, cutting parts, and painting the house and rocking horse for a child who doesn’t have a family of their own right now.

Johnson is part of a team of students who worked on a two story doll house that will be painted and furnished in time to be a Christmas present for a young girl living in the child placement This old fashioned center called car will be waiting Hope and under a tree Home. for a child this Mark Christmas Sampson, woods teacher or Coach Sam, as you may know him, has his wood working class making toys for Hope and Home which finds homes and families for children in foster care. These toys include fishing poles, cars, doll houses, fooseball tables, and mini statues.

This is not just a program or another class assignment, it’s a kind jester made by Sampson.

For months, students from Sampson’s wood working classes have made toys that kids will have fun playing with.

JohnniceDenzmore StaffWriter

Blake Burgard concentrates hard on cutting plywood with a 15 AMP skilsaw.

Burgard is a sophomore and could continue with the program until his senior year, completing a number of master certifications along the way.

T.J Turner takes matters into his own hands by wielding a power saw in order to correct the measurement mistakes of the wall

To contribute to safety on the construction sight, it is important to move cords out of the way from busy feet.

Physical strength as well as well as dedication is handy on this job as Justin Lands hauls plywood to be measured.

Jeff Johnson instructs on how to properly align wood to be cut ( Right)

CONT’D on NEXT PAGE

Tenderfoot Times Page 6 September 24, 2010 Feature Smartphones are more than just a necessity; they’re a part of life Josh Killorn Staff Reporter

Phones in Salida High are becoming more of an issue than they should be. If student are caught texting in class, or even just caught looking at their phone, it’s immediately confiscated. What is the point of this?

The dilemma with the phones is that they can be used for cheating, a source of distraction, and become the pinnacle of disrespect. The scare with Smartphones today, is that the students who have them won’t have to study for homework, or can easily grab every answer off of the test.

Well, because cell phone companies created the ultimate 4th generation (4G) distraction device, has there been any other significance given to them? Students are carrying

around an unlimited source of knowledge in their pockets including the dictionary, a personal schedule, and instant access to current events and news around the world. Social media is something that most teachers can’t offer. Yes, they can give their students dictionaries, planners, and allow access to the internet on the school’s computers. But frankly, all of these sources of information are, 1st generation (1G), or outdated.

The students in Salida High are now accustomed to 4G. This is the term for the fastest way of sending and receiving information. Instead of looking something up on the computer, they can type it in to their phone and receive the answers immediately. “It’s a

tool we should learn where and when to use, it’s not just for texting,” said Lynn Stagner, Salida High school business teacher. “We have to adapt to it using and utilizing more technology.”

What the world is slowly seeing with the production of Smartphones is the decrease in use of laptops.

“I use my phone for everything now,” said senior, Kyle Fear. He uses a Droid, one of the most advanced phones today. It has over 10,000 apps, an 8 megapixel camera, a customizable interface, and HD video.

The Droid is able to connect with any possible social networking site including Facebook and Twitter, which makes it even more of a necessity to teens.

It also seems to create a social networking site within it-

self. It can sync numbers from friends, and social profiles as well.

When asked what it is useful for in school, Fear replied, “I use it for the dictionary, managing my emails and agenda all in one place. I never have to worry about forgetting something.” It seems that if the school was able to utilize the use of Smartphones, we wouldn’t have to worry about funding for new technology.

The students would have already bought them with free will.

“Students will have to step up to the plate and use it maturely, and so do we,” Stagner said. If the school was able to find a bridge with itself and these responsible, viable learning tools, it could easily create a better learning environment.

Soon enough the schools can see that phones aren’t only

used for texting, like how they found out that paper wasn’t just made for passing notes.

The students of a Boulder school were saved because of the social networking site ‘Twitter’. There was a fire moving towards them, and of course reverse 911 was down that day, so there was pretty much no way of them knowing until it got there. Twitter sent out a message telling everyone to evacuate, and because of that no one was harmed.

This may be an extreme example of how phones can be a positive use.

Peace comes with agreement. If the teachers of Salida High allowed phones in school, students would be happier. Happier students lead to happier…teachers.

There must just be a mutual agreement where learning is the first priority.

guarana seed, and more.

Don’t let this fool you though.

They contain extremely high amounts of sugar and caffeine.

Scientists say that any boost you get from the drink comes solely from these two ingredients.

Alone, energy drinks are potentially pretty dangerous.

Now days, people are creating ways to make them even more dangerous and possibly fatal. Many younger people have been mixing alcohol with energy drinks. The energy drinks can blunt the feeling of intoxication, which may lead to heavier drinking and also severe dehydration.

When asked if he thought energy drinks were dangerous, Kevin Thonhoff, the Salida High School Auto Shop teacher, stated, “the potential is definitely there. Too much

of anything is a bad thing.”

Thonhoff teaches around 40 students on an average day.

According to his observations, students in his class drank energy drinks way more last year compared to this year.

He also went on to say that seniors were the primary consumers of these beverages during his classes. He described energy drinks as “faddish”, meaning that one person will bring some to class and then the next day a different person will bring one too and so on.

These companies target high school students. They try to market themselves as hip and cool, making them appealing to teens and young adults. Professional athletes and celebrities often endorse these energy drinks.

So why do people drink energy drinks? David Schardt,

with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said, “A lot of kids use some of these energy drinks to get a buzz, to get a high in a sense.” Many athletes say that it gives the the extra energy boost they need to perform well. Thonhoff said, “I don’t like them.

They demote individual’s lifestyles. If your lifestyle requires energy drinks, then something is wrong.”

There are many healthier alternatives to energy drink: getting more sleep, eating healthier, getting more exercise, that will help improve your natural level of energy and get you ready for any day.

So maybe its time to exchange those energy drinks for tea and add a little run into your afternoon. Energy drinks just may not be the answer.

Energy drinks are more than an instant delivery system Issac Stackonis & Reh Vanatta Staff Reporters

What do musical artists, fictional characters that are thought to live under beds or in closets, and cherry colored animals all have in common?

Energy drinks! Rockstar, Monster, and Red Bull are only a few of the many energy drinks being produced throughout the world.

Energy drinks are on the rise asmore and more people are finding ways to advance their abilities. Many drinkers claim that these beverages are effective but the question is: Are they safe?

Energy drinks started to become popular in 1962 in Asia when Taisho, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, released its Lipovitan D drink. This

drink was created to help employees work hard well into the night.

It wasn’t until the 1980’s when Jolt Cola, a different energy drink, was introduced to the United States. The product spread like wild fire through work places and college campuses. Before too long, companies all over the world were producing mass amounts of this newfound phenomenon.

In reality, energy drinks are not too different from soft drinks. Actually, when you look at the ingredients in most energy drinks, it appears to be part soft drink and part nutritional supplement.

They contain things like ephedrine, taurine, ginseng,

Stay tuned for the next issue of the Tenderfoot Times to hear about the students’ opinions on the BEST grant and current condition of the Salida High School.

10 Paw Print November 22, 2010

News

Linked to Ink; Culture of the Needle

By Anthony Calacino Assistant Editor

By Savannah Hanson Staff Writer

There has been a lot of talk about the yearbook photos changing to be printed in black and white. This is now not the case as they will be in color after all. STUGO has decided to pay yearbook $2000 toward full color yearbook photos. There is still a $1000 gap however.

Yearbook adviser Darcy Hall said, “Next year we are going to try to have better communication, in order to plan our budget better so we know how much money we are working with.”

In a letter to Newspaper, STUGO adviser Kelly Allerheiligen wrote, “We felt like we came up with a good compromise for everyone…”

In order to raise the other $1000 needed, yearbook students are joining STUGO students in their fund raiser with the Women’s Bean Project.

The fund raiser includes selling foods in order to raise money for the organization, but also help women across the world come out of poverty.

In a recent survey of 30 students, 52% said that there is no area which is off limits to a tattoo as long as the person receiving it is happy. But recently, when Oregon man Matt Gone tattooed his own eyes in a risky procedure, many people say he went too far. “I don’t see why you’d get a tattoo you can’t show in public, and places like your face should kind of be left alone,” said junior Nick Goetz.

Gone already had 98% of his body tattooed, but this step took him to a new level. Gone originally started getting tattoos to cover birth defects that he was self-conscious about. Now from his tongue to his ears, his armpits to his belly button, Gone is thoroughly inked. From the survey, 43% of students think people get tattoos just as an outlet of personal expression.

“Different Reasons” was a writein which reached 16%, second most popular.

68% of students surveyed think getting a tattoo is safe. But is it safe both physically and emotionally? “I guess getting a tattoo is safe, but I’d guess it de-

Would you ever get a tattoo?

Make a difference for Colorado women in poverty. Use code PAL10 and order online at www.womensbeanproject.com.

They make great holiday gifts!

Freshman Bobby DeSantis Yes, it just depends if it has to do with family.

Sophomore Shannon Rhodes No, it looks trashy

pends on the ink and where you go,” says junior Mecia Dearth.

According to Courier Mail and Fox news, an Australian man trusted his friend to do his tattoo of a “ying and yang symbol with some dragons”, and ended up with a 40 cm tattoo of penis and a misspelled slogan proclaiming a false sexual orientation in an obscene way. The man who did the body art was not

“

Walt. “I just don’t think tattoos look attractive on girls. I don’t think I could do that to my body, but it’s fine with me if guys do.”

In Mesa County, there is a law stating a person must be over 18 to get a tattoo, unless he or she has written parent or guardian consent. “It’s an irrelevant law. Tattoos are just for free expression and no other ways to express yourself are off limits to young people,” said Junior Ryan

...I don’t thin k could do that I to my body...

a certified tattoo artist and is now being charged on two counts of assault.

“I was nervous when I got my tattoo, but I knew the guy knew exactly what I wanted and the place was clean and safe, so it wasn’t too bad,” said Junior Garrett Mulnix.

60% of those surveyed either have a tattoo or would consider getting one. “I have no desire to get a tattoo,” said junior Lindsey

Junior Cole Cummins Yes, but it would have to do with my family.

“

Yearbook Update

Hughes. That said, 88% of those surveyed said this law is a good one to keep.

It is believed that tattooing originated in Egypt, 2000 BC, and ancient Greeks also had knowledge of this technology. In various Indian cultures tattoos have significance, from a tribe in Borneo whose women advertise their special skills in tattoos on their arms to find a husband; to

Senior Wednesday Martinez Yes, I’ve always wanted one, plus they look cool.

Ainu people is Asia who state their social status in ink. Concentration camp identification tattoos were in a way, stamped to the chests of Nazi prisoner’s.

Tahitian tattoos serve as a rite of passage into manhood while the early romans tattooed criminals and slaves.

Whether boldly displaying artwork or expressing an opinion in ink, tattoos are linked into our culture as both trendy and for the most part, permanent. The procedure to get a tattoo removed is expensive and often painful. Many celebrities such as Hayden Panettiere, Britney Spears, and Rihanna have misspelled tattoos, due to a language barrier. Panettiere’s “live without regrets” in Italian is notorious for its extra ‘I’.

Mishaps with Chinese symbols are familiar to both Spears and Rihanna.

Like everything else, there is opinion regarding tattoos. Some may find them extremely sexy and others think they’re trashy.

Some think they’re beautiful while others see them as tasteless. However, opinions aside, they are indisputably a part of international culture and history.

Sophomore Zach Pellowski I want to join the military so I want a tattoo to represent that.

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Behind the C

By Ana Elfring

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heater director Rex Corr sits leisurely at a desk placed halfway back in the audience, eyes trained resolutely on the lighted stage spread out before him.

A group of 20 or so students meanders playfully around the base of the stage, and at 3:15 p.m., when rehearsal officially begins, they climb up onto the edge and run through warm-up stretches. They arrange themselves onstage, voices falling silent, expressions effortlessly focusing in on the task at hand. There is a laidback kind of seriousness in the air, an underlying buzz of excitement, which ultimately focuses on achieving one goal: perfecting the performance as best they can.

Corr kicks things off with a pep talk that urges them to keep their goals in mind and know just what they are expected to accomplish.

They run through drills involving a slick dance routine, which will eventually incorporate singing into the final product. From there, a hearty discussion about the inclusion of props commences, and as this all goes on the commitment these students are making towards their production comes through loud and clear.

“It’s something I would like to do for the rest of my life,” said Brenna Hill, a junior. “It’s the one thing I’m passionate about.”

Running for five years and counting, the Castle View theater program aims to produce five student productions every year. So far this year, one big show – “Rumors” – has been successfully produced, along with dance and thespian showcases. Students are now working on a new musical production called “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which debuts Feb. 17.

CV’s theater program is earning a stellar reputation among other programs in Colorado, thanks to its hardworking students and talented production team.

“The students we have brought to the state conference (for theater) each year have done very well and raised the awareness of CV’s program across the state,” said Corr, a professional actor before becoming a teacher.

And they stood out this year: The nine seniors who performed auditions at the Colorado State Thespian Conference, the second largest of its kind in the country, received more than 80 callbacks among them from prestigious theater programs from schools such as Pepperdine University in California to the New York Conservatory to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles. In the individual events competition, two students qualified for the National Thespian Conference in June in the duet scene category. More than 3,000 students attended the Denver conference.

“From our theater program, students should hope-

fully take away knowledge and background to make them successful later in life,” Corr said. “By developing good theatre skills, they can help keep the arts alive in the community.”

They are definitely keeping it alive at Castle View.

“The energy and enthusiasm that you find with a performing arts student is contagious,” Corr said.

The “Thoroughly Modern Millie” cast includes 41 members. Every member must attend rehearsals, some more than others depending on their role in the production.

Since early January, the thespians have met near the school theater every day after school to practice vocal, acting and dancing skills. Their dedication has spilled over into the weekends, with an extra practice session from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday.

“This is my passion and it brings people together,” said Kolton Cook, a senior. “I love to make people laugh.”

Behind the scenes, a crew of equally dedicated students guides the technical aspects of each production.

They build and paint sets, prepare props and make sure every scene will run smoothly. Assistant Stage Manager Lizzie Page guesses the tech crew spends at least 100 hours per show preparing sets.

But, said Page, a sophomore, “just knowing you accomplished all this, knowing you were there to make it all possible” makes the hours worth all the hard work.

“Seeing the production follow through from start to finish . . . gives it all meaning,” she said.

Matt Davis, a junior who designs the music and sounds behind each production, agreed. “I definitely want to pursue this for a career,” he said. “It’s something I will enjoy for the rest of my life.”

At the end of rehearsal, the thespians settle down, feelings of accomplishment mixing with the exhaustion of a good day’s work. The tech crew swiftly and efficiently sweeps the stage and closes the red curtains. The cast gathers in the front rows of the audience, and Corr turns to the other directors, “Anything for the good of the order?” he asks.

“Sing to the parking lot!” choir director Heath Walter says.

“Practice, practice, practice,” choreographer Sabrina Gentry says.

The cast remains mostly quiet, then slowly filters out of the auditorium.

One more day down. Just a few more to go until opening night.

The cast members of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” bring all their talents to the musical, from dancing, singing and acting to painting and building the set. The teamwork combines passion, dedication and hard work to produce a quality production.

Sarah Carothers, Brenna Hill, Lindsay Goodwin, Alina Burgos, and Allie Fuller

Daniel Burgos

Daniel Rudolph, Matt Davis, and Melanie Schwarz

Meagan

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Curtains Cyler Criswell

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Mary Mackin

n Traver and Katherine Sutton

enior Cyler Criswell acted in his first show, a community theater project in Salida, when he was five. “After that, I was just hooked,” he said. “I’ve been doing shows ever since.”

He’s participated in all of the CV theater productions since his freshman year. And he’s well on his way to making theater his life’s work. Among his many awards and honors, Criswell was recently accepted – and given a top scholarship – into the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles. He also has won another top scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, whose theater department also is nationally known.

His favorite role so far was as Arnold Wiggins in last year’s production of “The Boys Next Door,” about the lives of four mentally challenged men living under the same roof.

On stage, Criswell feels like he’s walking in someone else’s shoes.

“Depending on the story, you can bring a different way of life to the audience, you can change the way people feel,” he said. “You can make people feel happy, and you can make people cry.”

By Ana Elfring

In the cover photo from left are Tony Ryan, Kyssa Slechta, Chris Mercer, Cyler Criswell, and Meredith Trujillo Photos by Alyssia George and Yvonne Brenneman

Tony Ryan

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his is Tony Ryan: “Every day after school I’m doing something with theater. I live at that end of the hall.”

Ryan, a senior in VPA, started doing theater in seventh grade with the Castle Rock Players, a community theater group in Castle Rock. He played the role of “Hunk” the Bull Frog. Since that play, Ryan’s done everything from tech crews, acting, singing and dancing, to stage management.

“It’s good for learning,” said Ryan. “It opens up creative thinking.”

Ryan has been involved in every CV school production over the past four years. He won the “Top Sophomore” and “Top Junior” awards for theater/ dance. Ryan qualified for nationals at the Colorado State Thespian Conference for a One Act and has won a prestigious scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado’s nationally known theater program.

One of Ryan’s favorite characters to play has been Ali Hakim from “Oklahoma” because “he was really bouncy and outgoing,” said Ryan. “It was a completely different character than I’ve ever played.” His other favorite character was Norman Bulansky from “The Boys Next Door.” This character had Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism, “so I had to do a lot of research to portray him truthfully without offending anyone but still make an entertaining performance.”

Being on stage is exhilarating, Ryan said. “It’s fun to portray another character because you build a connection. There’s a push-and-pull effect with the energy (from the audience). When you make them laugh that energy comes back and feeds the character.”

Allie Fuller

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enior Allie Fuller, who last year attended Palmer Ridge High School, feels like the stage is her home.

“It’s somewhere I’m supposed to be,” she said, as she scurried around the school stage on a recent day during rehearsals for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” “I belong here . . . It feels unreal.”

Fuller, who is starring as the lead role Millie Dillmount in the musical, said an especially memorable role was as Cinderella in Palmer Ridge’s “Cinderella” production last year.

Fuller’s passion for acting started back in the eighth grade. “I fell in love,” she said.

“I’ve been doing every show I could ever since.”

She wants to pursue acting, particularly in the field of musical theater. “It’s the only thing,” she said, “I can picture myself doing.”

By Ana Elfring

By Kelsey Pepper

Jordan Hannebaum

Alllen Peterson

Brenna Hill

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Arapahoe Herald | Friday, February 11, 2011

Relationships: Melting the Ice Coping with intimate regrets Sydney Streicher Arapahoe Herald

*Some of the students’ names in this ar-

ticle have been changed at their request. ust and love constantly confuse many teens. At times it can feel like the difference between hormones and emotions is practically nonexistent.

“The excitement of sex replaces relationships and everything else gets lost,” senior Sue Taylor said. “Lust inevitably takes the place of love.”

When Taylor was in middle school, she was in an intimate relationship that affected the rest of her life.

“I had my first intimate relationship when I was 13 years old,” Taylor said. “I was only in middle school, and I had no idea what I was doing. After that, my relationships spiraled out of control. It took me awhile to realize that I was only hurting myself. Guys only wanted me for my body or sex -- not my personality.”

However, Taylor’s struggles ultimately helped her grow into a stronger person.

“My past experiences have definitely made me more careful about who I chose to be in a relationship with,” Taylor said. “I now focus on myself instead of what guys want from me.”

Other teenage girls had experiences that are similar to Taylor’s.

“Intimacy is something that has had a huge effect on my life,” senior Cindy Beard said. “In some ways, it puts pressure on me to try to satisfy people. It’s not a problem with my family but it was an issue with the past two boyfriends that I have had. I felt the need to

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satisfy them and I was more intimate than I was ready for.”

After experiencing intimate relationships, both teens wish they would have waited longer to be intimate.

“I regret both of my intimate relationships,” Beard said. “Intimacy is not what makes a relationship special. Intimacy is emotional and should be saved for someone special. It results in more heartache when you allow yourself to be connected in an extremely deep way to somebody else.”

In a 2000 Reuters survey, 72 percent of American girls ages 12 to 17 who have had sex said they regretted it, psychology teacher Jeff Corson said.

“

teens to deal with.

“It’s been hard on some of my friends [dealing with intimacy],” Beard said. “They have also felt similar pressures to do things they don’t want to or they regret being intimate. Others of them desire intimacy and become intimate for the physical part of it and not for the person or they feel inadequate because they are not intimate with anyone.”

Taylor said that it is important to value relationships because it shows the value you place on yourself. She says that if you are just going to give yourself to someone without true meaning, it lowers your self-worth.

“When men use women, they literally see women as objects to use and their end in

The excitement of sex replaces the relationship and everything else gets lost.”

– Sue Taylor, senior

“I hope people can learn to not jump into intimate relationships,” Taylor said. “Just because you think you are ready, it’s difficult to handle the emotions that come afterwards.

You might be ready physically but most of us are not ready emotionally.”

Senior Nicole Havens has not been in an intimate relationship, but she has seen the difficulty that intimacy has had on her friends’ relationships.

“If you’re going to do an adult action then be prepared for the adult consequences,” Havens said. “If you don’t want those consequences don’t move towards [intimacy] until you’re ready to deal with that.”

As Havens has observed, the consequences of sexual activity are difficult for most

this use is solely sexual pleasure,” senior Chad Smith said. “By doing this we lower humans from the intelligent and willful beings we are to objects. We are objectifying humanity and implying that humans are no more than a way for the individual to receive sexual pleasure.”

In high schools and health classes, the importance of abstinence is stressed, even if it may not be universally practiced.

“I truly believe that we should not have sex before marriage even though I haven’t demonstrated it,” Taylor said. “I think the pureness of marital sex takes out the drama that comes along with premarital sex. If you do what God wants, then you won’t have to live with intimate regrets.”

Smith also believes that having sex outside of marriage is wrong.

“To have sex before showing the willingness to lay down one’s life for the other through marriage is only a show of someone wanting sexual pleasure without love,” Smith said. “Only the formal institution of marriage can provide certainty of commitment, to the end, by both partners.”

However, abstinence is not actively supported in today’s teenage culture. “[It is realistic for teens to be abstinent] if they make a conscious decision,” Corson said. “If teens just go with the cultural flow, it probably won’t happen.”

No matter if teens do or do not believe in abstinence, it is important for them to have healthy relationships where each person gives the same amount of effort and care into the relationship, Taylor said.

“When sex is involved, it seems to be that one person usually gives more and it usually leads to that person’s heartbreak,” Taylor said. “I think it’s important to give and take equally in a relationship.”

Taylor also believes that relationships should move slowly and that the relationship should not be built on sex.

“It seems if you rush into things sooner, you don’t build a strong relationship,” Taylor said. “The faster you go, the sooner the relationship typically ends.”

A healthy relationship is based on friendship.

“Intimacy is not what makes a relationship special,” Beard said. “A close-knit relationship built on friendship is what makes intimacy special.”

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Arapahoe Herald | Friday, February 11, 2011

Many teens unaware of life-changing risks Dakota Moran Arapahoe Herald

Through their high school years, many teens engage in romantic relationships, but many are unaware of the possible consequences and appropriate boundaries. Some of these teens are aware of the physical dangers for which they put themselves at risk, but not all comprehend the lasting emotional and social damage which is possible.

“Teens who choose to be intimate risk many factors,” physical education teacher Brad Jansen said. “They are putting themselves in danger of contracting a STI (sexually transmitted infection), becoming pregnant, or having an emotional relationship with a partner that they are not ready to commit to at that time.”

According to the American Social Health Association, one in four teens will contract an STI each year. Chlamydia is statistically the most common sexually transmitted infection among teens.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online, Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common curable STIs among teens.

Chlamydia often has no overt symptoms, and if untreated can cause sterility in both males and females.

Contracting STIs isn’t the only physical risk factor that has a high frequency. On average, each

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year, 750,000 girls ages 15-19 become pregnant.

The physical consequences often impact the emotional effects as well.

“STIs can lead to depression, and also self-doubt,” Jansen said. “Being intimate is a very emotional act. Some are not ready for this and this can lead to depression as well.”

Though the physical risks seem more dangerous for females with the possibility of pregnancy, the emotional consequences can have a great impact on both men and women.

“The need to belong affects one’s thoughts and emotions,” psychology teacher Christine Zisch said. “Engaging in an intimate relationship for a male may be emotionally damaging to his self-esteem if he is later rejected or if the intimate relationship does not meet his expectations.”

Females can suffer from similar after-effects.

“A female may be hurt if the physical intimacy does not include respect and acceptance,” Zisch said. “If the female is later rejected, she, too, may experience damage to her self-esteem and maybe an even greater emotional loss because the relationship would most likely involve love.”

Though some feelings experienced through the intimacy appear more influential on a teen’s health, none should be ignored.

“The risks are all dangerous,” Jansen said.

“Many people overlook the emotional strain or the mental hurt that can happen.”

Some think they can escape the emotional tragedy of a relationship gone wrong, but they don’t understand the internal damage that can be done.

“A male or female could benefit from an intimate relationship because it would enable them to experience physical and emotional closeness,” Zisch said. “Due to their youth and many changes that occur at this time, however, the intimate relationship would probably not last. The break-up of the relationship might result in emotional trauma for them.”

Even if the physical and emotional damage can be avoided, there are still social influences that could negatively damage teens.

“If you contract an STI you must deal with telling your partner, friends and parents,” Jansen said. “It will put you in situations that you shouldn’t have to deal with at such a young age.”

These potential negative consequences sometimes are not enough to detour teens from indulging in physical intimacy, especially with the outside influence of the media.

“There is a huge social pressure for teens to be intimate,” Jansen said. “MTV shows like ‘Teen Mom’ or ‘Jersey Shore’ are showing you all about an intimate thing that has been abused or is seen now

as a cool thing to be doing.”

Some relationships can cross the boundaries unknowingly.

“An unhealthy teen relationship would be one where there is dependency of either the male or female on the other,” Zisch said. “Emotional or physical abuse and/or control over either party in the relationship would be unhealthy…Poor communication and abusive language would also be part of an unhealthy teen relationship.”

Though there are high risk factors, not all teen relationships end with these troubling outsomes.

“A healthy teen relationship encourages openness, honesty and good communication,” Zisch said. “It allows each individual to be himself or herself and to grow. It is affectionate, accepting, genuine and relatively free from criticism.”

Healthy teen relationship do exist, and some see them as beneficial experiences.

“Teen love is a good thing,” Jansen said. “It is important to be able to be in a relationship. It is good to be able to share feelings, laughs and time together…It is a part of a relationship, but being intimate does not mean having sex. So many times teens see ‘love’ as ‘being intimate’ or ‘sexually active,’ but there is a huge difference between the two. Love and intimacy can be so many different things than just being with a person.”

Committed couples defy high school relationship norms Paul Albani-Burgio Arapahoe Herald Many people would readily admit that the teenage years are some of the most turbulent, challenging and exciting times they have faced in their lives. There are plenty of reasons for this, one of the most important being that it is during these years that many students begin to explore a new and important facet of their lives for the first time: the relationship.

For most high school students, one common theme quickly emerges in these first few relationships, the fact that they rarely last more than a few weeks.

This can be attributed to a variety of factors such as the constant changes students go through during this period of their lives as well as the endless pressures and temptations they face every day, factors that can combine to make it hard to maintain a long-term relationship. Some students, however, have managed to do just that and thus prove the exception to the rule.

Arapahoe senior Erin Oliver is one of these students. Oliver met her boyfriend Silas Getz, an Arapahoe senior, last year when she saw him sitting alone in the cafeteria one day and offered him a cupcake. They started dating about a month later and have now been together for nine months.

“Our relationships works because Silas is one of my best friends,” Oliver said. “It comes easy that way.”

Oliver believes this friendship is one of the major reasons her relationship with Getz has lasted so long. She also cites the trust that exists between them as another element of there relationship that has contributed to it’s success.

“In any relationship, trust is definitely important,” Oliver said. “You also have to make sure to keep things unpredictable and make each other laugh in order to keep things from getting too serious.”

While Oliver is definitely happy with her relationship she admits there are some challenges.

“When you’re together for so long you start to miss those exciting, nervous feelings you get when your first meeting someone,” Oliver said. “But our relationship gives us so much more because Silas and I really love each other and he always accepts me, even when I have nervous freak outs. Most of our friends are also in long term relationships so that makes it easier.”

Despite the fact that they are seniors, Oliver says that she and Getz have not decided if they will remain together after high school.

“We both know that we need to go to college

for ourselves but beyond that we really haven’t talked about it and wont until we decide where to go for college,” Oliver said. “Still I think because we really love each other, we would probably be willing to try to stay together and make it work.”

Junior Robert Lindeman and senior Nicholas Broady are two other students who are currently in committed relationships. For them much more sacrifice is required because their girlfriends live out of state.

“During the second semester of my sophomore year I went to Singapore as a foreign exchange student and that’s where I met my girlfriend,” Broady said.

“At first I didn’t want to date anyone when I was there because I was only going to be there for a short time, but at the very end of my exchange I decided to ask her out and we have been together ever since.”

Broady says that being in a relationship with someone halfway around the world requires patience and communication.

“Its tough not having her here because you can’t be together for important events and celebrations or give her a hug when she is having a bad day,” Broady said. “Still we try to compensate by posting videos on each others Facebook walls, skyping every weekend and visiting each other every few months.”

Lindeman’s girlfriend, Ellen Cromack, lives in Texas but he met her at a Colorado summer camp where they have both gone for several years.

“We had always been friends at camp but this year I noticed her and felt attracted to her and it just felt different,” Lindeman said. “We decided that I would go visit her over Thanksgiving and we both had a great time so we decided to officially start dating.”

Rob’s experience has been similar to Broady’s in that he says his relationship requires constant communication. He also agrees that the hardest part is waiting so long between trips to see Cromack and not being able to share special events such as school dances with her.

“The upside of waiting so long to see each other is that every time you do it is just really amazing and the rarity of it makes it feel more special than it would if you were seeing each other every day” Lindeman said.

Prior to dating Cromack, Lindeman had a few minor relationships but he says there is a major difference between this one and the other ones he has had.

“It definitely feels stronger than any other relationship I have ever been in,” Lindeman said. “We really love each other and talk about everything so we are really like best friends.”

1 Joe Redmond | Arapahoe Herald

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1. Senior Erin Oliver and senior Silas Getz pose for a picture before Arapahoe’s winter formal. They met in the cafeteria last year and have been together ever since. 2. Senior Nicholas Broady poses with his girlfriend, Corinne Weber, during a recent Christmas visit. Broady met his girlfriend in Singapore where he spent the second semester of his sophomore year. 3. Broady kisses Weber in a recent summer visit. Photos courtesy of Nick Broady & Erin Oliver

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