The Chieftain - February 2014 by Lynnette Palmer

Issue IV, Volume LXXXXIV

Chieftain

PO BOX 10500 Montrose, CO 81401

February 2014

Are we more than a score?

NEWS

Yak Attack MOBILE APP SHUTS DOWN SCHOOL PAGE3

To Carry Or Not To Carry? SENATOR PUSHES TO ARM TEACHERS PAGE6

FEATURE

Students Join Military

FROM DIPLOMAS TO DEPLOYING PAGE10

High School Sweethearts

COUPLES THAT HAVE MADE IT THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND PAGE11

SPORTS

Unknown Atheletes SPEECH MEMBERS COMPETE AND BAND MEMBERS FIGHT TO BE RECOGNIZED PAGE14

Super Bowl Secrets WHAT SPECTATORS MAY NOT BE AWARE OF PAGE15

OPINION

Slut-Shaming

PUBLIC SHAMING BECOMES RAMPANT ON MOBILE APP PAGE8

#America The Beautiful

A REVIEW ON COCA-COLA’S SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL PAGE8

SPOTLIGHT

How Teachers Are Rated

NEW EVALUATION PROCESS CAUSES ANXIETY PAGE2

Marijuana LEGAL ISSUES AND WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW PAGE16

. Fast and Easy Valentines . Your Monthly Horoscope Revealed

PAGE9

INDEX PUBLICATIONPAGE2 DISTRICT LETTERPAGE3 SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE4 YOUTH COUNCILPAGE4 REC CENTERPAGE5 REC OPINIONSPAGE5 OUR GENERATIONPAGE6 FOSTER HOMESPAGE7 POWER LIFTINGPAGE7 MILITARYPAGE10 NOW AND THENPAGE12 WINTER SPORTSPAGE13 BOYS DIVINGPAGE13 SPEECHPAGE14 BAND A SPORTPAGE14 SEX TRADEPAGE15 MARIJUANAPAGE16

Students express strong opinions on standardized testing Kaylynn Miller Co-editor in Chief

CT testing is right around the corner for Montrose High School juniors and for some seniors. For these test takers it is crunch time, and also time to stress. “When I saw my scores for the first time, I broke down. I thought everyone would see me as this stupid person, and I’m not stupid,” senior Aubrey Sullivan said. The juniors spend every Thursday access class studying for the ACT that will take place on April 12. Beginning last year, MHS implemented this course to help increase ACT success but has expanded both the time and rigor this year. Students spend hours preparing with practice tests, review questions and online programs. A practice test is being held this coming Thursday Feb. 13. “I think the juniors have a lot of stress now compared to the class we had last year. From what I’ve experienced, the class was not all that helpful. I think it would be more helpful if it was based less on technique,” senior Ty Cary said.

for admission. If students fail to meet these expectations, they may have to consider other postsecondary education options. “My fear is that students put so much pressure on themselves over GPA and ACT scores that learning becomes a secondary goal,” AP English teacher Gary Hokit said.

Ave ra g e A C T re q u ire m e n ts for Co lora do c o lle g e s: Min e s 30

DU 28

R e gis 27

U CCS 24

CMU 23

We s te rn 21

Many colleges rank these standardized tests as critical factors in the admission process. For students who do not view themselves as proficient test takers, the significance of these scores could mean they do not stand the same chance as other students for gaining admission to their college of choice. Some feel that this new age reliance on testing is benign. “Your scores absolutely do not reflect on your level of intelligence. They reflect your ability on a certain day as a test taker, and nothing more. If you love to learn, then follow that because that is more important than any number or test score,” Cary said. Much of the importance of a student’s criteria is based on academic performance. Some feel that they are only viewed as numbers, especially by admission offices.

“EveryIt is imthing is portant for “Your scores ab- a b o u t students to solutely do not re- m e a have decent uretest scores flect on your lev- sment. It when applyis much ing for colel of intelligence. easier to leges, espeThey reflect your make a cially when it comes to ability on a certain decision based on the ACT day as a test taker.” s o m e and SAT. t h i n g H o w e v e r, - senior Ty Cary we can this presclearly sure to perform well has its effects on stu- measure. It helps us not have to use judgment bedents. cause judgment is cum“There is this huge ex- bersome; it takes time. It pectation from my parents removes judgment, but it and teachers and colleges also removes emotion from to do well. It is so easy it. You don’t have to feel to feel overwhelmed by it good or bad about your deall,” junior Micah Wooten cision because you didn’t really decide it; the test said. did,” Hokit said. For many students, these stanWith these expectations it is dardized tests are the most important factor in furthering their easy for students to feel de-hueducation, and this can inten- manized. The pressure of their sify the pressure to do well. For academic performance can take many colleges and universities, its toll on how they view themstudents have to attain certain selves as people, and as Sullivan scores in order to be considered says, how others view them.

Fort L e wis 24 CU Bo ulde r 27 Colora do Colle g e 28

“It’s a constant competition. I hear kids all the time asking each other what they got. It can mean everything for some people. They get so worked up over what number they got and if your number isn’t high enough, you must not be worth anything,” Sullivan said. Although students may feel labeled at times by their test scores, it is important to understand that other factors matter when it comes to admission acceptance into colleges. Some strive to increase their involvement in activities they may be involved in such as sports or clubs. When considering an applicant, colleges also take into account a student’s activities and interests outside of academics. “I try to remind myself not to freak out about the whole college thing too

A da m’s 22

CS U 25

much. I get so stressed out about ACT’s, but I know they aren’t everything,” Wooten said. Some feel that there is so much pressure placed on students to do well on tests that the education system has strayed from the original goal of educating the youth. When so much pressure is enforced by administrators, Hokit believes that students may feel unmotivated and disinterested in learning. “What do we do to kids? My little girl is so excited to go to school, yet students are so uninterested in it, and it’s sad to me. It’s easy and it’s efficient to be reliant on scores. We love easy answers, and I fear that students are not as motivated by the sheer love of learning as I would like them to be,” Hokit said.

Spotlight

Page 2

February

What teachers think

Montrose High School teachers were asked to fill out a survey about their thoughts on the new teacher evaluation process. The following stats are the result of their responses.

4/5

of the teachers decided to remain anonymous, meaning they did not want their names linked with their opinions. 1/5 signed with their names.

How the graders are graded

New evaluation system causes anxiety among teachers

sible,” she said. The other two standards are dependant on the teacher. One of them is a reflection. Teachers ask themselves questions Co-editor in Chief such as, “How well did I take what is expected for kids to learn and be able to do, and how well did I teach it?” Teachtudents may believe that Montrose High School ers then look back upon that and think about how affective teachers have it easy; all they do is give tons of they were in their classrooms. homework and grade paper, right? Wrong, teach“There are various categories teachers have to reflect on ers are under more pressure than most students realize. and then demonstrate those to us in some sort of an artifact,” The 2013-2014 school year has been the first year of Barnhill said. implementation of a new system to evaluate teachers. To teachers, this specific part is time consuming. The teacher evaluation system has two major compo“It’s a lot of busy work that takes away from teaching time. nents. The first component is Professional Practice. This It takes a lot of administrative time as well,” a math teacher component involves standards one through five. Under said. this component teachers must provide proof of successThe last standard in the professional practice subsection is ful teaching and need to be evaluated by an administra- teacher leadership, which involves the efforts of a teacher to tor. collaborate with colleagues. According to Jim Barnhill, MHS principle, one of the All of these standards add up to half of the teacher’s rating. standards is how well teachers teach. The second stan- In other words, 50% of the evaluations derives from these dard involves the effectiveness of the environment they five standards. provide in their classrooms. The most major concern with When there is an administrathe new evaluation system is tor visiting the classroom, it is “It is not black and white; there that the other 50% of their rating likely for the purpose of evalu- are a lot of issues we do not depends solely on “student learnating and observing the teaching outcome.” This category has er. This happens a few times a have figured out yet, and its goseveral performance indicators. year, and administrators look ing to take a couple of years.” “Performance indicators are for various elements to support student achievement, which takes of the objectives on the teacher in account all the TCAP scores. - Principal Jim Barnhill evaluation rubric. Then there is academic growth, “I look for how well the kids which is also a score that comes are engaged in the lesson, and from TCAPs. There are academic also if the purpose of the lesson is visible and commu- gaps; how well we are closing the gaps between boys and nicated to the kids. I look for an understanding, the kids girls, rich and poor, IEP kids vs not IEP kids, and that is all understanding of the lesson, because a kid could look re- based on TCAP. The last category is post-secondary readially engaged but he may not be. I also look for what kind ness, and that takes in account ACT, which is the biggest of respect there is between kids and teachers. There are block of that, and also graduation rates and drop-out rates. a whole lot of things that we look for when evaluating, There are a lot of factors that go into just one of the perforand it is in those three standards,” Barnhill said. mance indicators,” Barnhill said. Some teachers, though, believe that this classroom Many teacher do not agree with this aspect being part of evaluation can be subjective. A teacher, name excluded their evaluation. by request, feels this way. “If the test bears no value to students I should not have to “It is subjective because there a various administra- take the hit for what students to not value,” a teacher said. tors, and they could all have a different opinion on my Overall this system has a few things to work out. teaching even if they do have a checklist,” she said. “It is not black and white; there are a lot of issues we do Yet another teacher takes the opposite view. not have figured out yet, and it is going to take a couple of “It is a series of attempts to create a way to evaluate years,” Barnhill said. teachers in a standardized way, as objectively as pos-

Abby Padilla

What students think

I think teachers should be graded in part by what us, the students, think of them. If we feel like they aren’t being very effective, then they probably aren’t.

Taylor Atwood Senior

For each teacher’s rate, they should take in consideration how many kids fail. If a lot of kids fail, then that is not a good sign of their teaching.

Joel Ramirez Junior

Publication Policy The Chieftain is the student publication of the Advanced Print Journalism class at Montrose High School. The staff of the Chieftain works to inform and entertain its readers. The staff understands and abides by the First Amendment, which protects our freedom of speech and press. The Chieftain is considered an open forum for student expression. It strives to express the opinions and views of each student at MHS. As student journalists writing for other students, staff members have the right to report or editorialize about hard issues and important events in the school, community, nation and world. However, as journalists, the staff must follow the same laws and responsibilities as the professional news media. Journalists must also avoid printing material that is obscene, libelous, presents negative stereotypes, presents a near or immediate danger to students or creates a substantial disruption to school. Our staff allows and encourages input from students in the form of letters to the editor. The editors have the right to edit for grammatical errors or libelous material and to choose which letters may appear in the publication. The Chieftain refrains from anonymous letters, unless otherwise approved by the editor-in-chief. All letters must be turned into the mailbox outside room 105. The voices section is reserved for our readers’ opinions. So go ahead; practice your right to have a voice. We look forward to hearing from you.

I think teachers need to be held accountable on how successful the students are in their next class, because they should prepare students for harder tasks.

Ryan Melvin Junior

When asked what they thought about the new teacher evaluation process, there were both negative and positive comments.

“I believe it will be a good process once it is completely understood. I hope there will be a section for special education.” “It is over-analysis in every way, and it is intimidating.” When asked to rate how relevant the content areas on the rubric are to the teachers’ personal content areas or teaching methods, the average teacher rate was a 3.15 (five being highly representative).

12345 “Most are relevant to every teacher, but a few seem more for elementary classrooms.”

“Some of the rubric items are a bit of a stretch for my content area.” When asked to rate how fair it is that student performance/growth on standardized tests was part of their individual evaluation the teachers had overwhelmingly negative comments and rated the fairness 2.3 (5 being very fair and 1 being not fair).

12345

“There are kids who do not make an effort, and their performance (or lack of) shouldn’t reflect negatively on the teacher.” “It is not fair for the students, let alone the teachers. Standardized tests are proven to do more harm than good for students, and it is worse to judge teachers by their results.”

1/5

of teachers thought that this new system of evaluation would make a positive impact on the overall state of education in Colorado. 4/5 of teachers thought that the system would make no difference or have a negative impact.

Chieftain Staff News Editor: Joe Arebalos News Reporter: Gabriel Go News Reporter: Samantha Huot News Reporter: Allyssa Taylor Feature Editor: Morgan Nichols Feature Reporter: Alex Waege Feature Reporter: Sarah Sebree Feature Reporter: Savannah Estle Feature Reporter: Brenna Cunningham Photographer: Adriana Flowers Photographer: Tyra Amaya Photographer: TJ Montes Photo Editor: Ella Lowenberg Sports Reporter: Jackie Romero Sports Reporter: Emily Annis Sports Reporter: Keenan Betz Sports Editor: Kasandra Miller

E-mail: mhs.journalism@mcsd.org Phone: (970)249-6636 ex. 4346

Editor In Chief: Kaylynn Miller Editor In Chief: Abby Padilla

News

Page 3

February

Yak Attack

How a mobile app shut down Montrose High Arebalos News Editor

n Thursday, Jan. 30 of this year, the term, “YikYak,” would mean nothing to anyone attending Montrose High School, but within 24 hours, nearly every student would be talking about it. Yik-Yak is a social media application that allows users to post anonymous messages to be viewed by other users in their area. The app quickly spread through the student body like a wildfire, with users posting hundreds of anonymous messages every hour. Most people saw the app as a tool created for bullying; others saw it as a way to communicate innocently, but that it was the users who were tainting it. For instance, users from the Montrose area posted, “this is the worst idea in the history of bad ideas. Someone is gonna kill themselves,” and “this just goes to show how terrible this school really is. Stay classy Montrose.” While most of the consequences of the app were rarely tangible or severe, the morning of Jan. 31 was met with a much more severe possibility.

A letter from superintendant Mark McHale

ear Montrose & Olathe School District Families, On Friday, January 31, 2014, the District received information that a non-specific bomb threat had been received over a social media application called Yik Yak. After communicating with our local law enforcement and school administrators, all of our schools were placed on a soft lockdown and shelter in place while we conducted searches

During third period, ‘shelter in place’ was called from the front office, telling all students to get to a classroom and stay there. The previous night, a Montrose area user posted to YikYak, claiming that there would be a bombing at Montrose High School during a passing period the next day. Montrose police officers and school officials scoured each and every room, making absolutely sure the threat was either falsified or contained. During the three-hour lock down, students texted and reassured worried parents, watched movies on their teachers’ projectors, and in some cases roasted marshmallows over Bunsen burners. Once the ‘all clear’ was called, students were told they would not be able to bring any bags back into the building after a late lunch break and would be searched upon returning. Faculty of Montrose High School attended a debriefing after the incident and discussed the response and cause of the event. In the weeks following, many MHS students chose to delete the app, and traffic in the area had slowed down significantly.

at each of our school sites to ensure the safety of our students and staff. When schools are placed on a soft lock down the following actions occur: •Teaching and learning occur normally within the classroom •Students are limited on traveling within the building •Students are not allowed outside or off campus When incidents such as this occur, the District attempts to communicate as soon as possible with parents/guardians to ensure that you are receiving accurate and timely information. With the onset of social media, texting, and emails it is sometimes hard to manage the messages. We encourage you to seek out District infor-

n an age when nearly every single student in any given school in America has access to a Smartphone and the Internet, the most dangerous item one could give a teenager is complete anonymity. As demonstrated this past month with the bomb threat at our school, not just teenagers, but anyone who knows that they are anonymous and have little to no consequences will say anything and everything. From sexist, racist, and homophobic slurs, some of the most horrible things that I

have ever read about people were posted to Yik-Yak on Jan. 30. One might say that this is nothing new, and that the only thing that has changed over the years is the technology, but this is not your average run-of-the-mill bullying or gossiping. The posts on Yik-Yak over the 24 hours or so that I had it on my phone were some of the most hurtful and shocking things I have ever read. Whether or not the claims were true, the thought that the only thing keeping anyone from saying those things is that they might have to own up to their words is shocking. We live in a world where nearly everything we do or say is recorded and archived somewhere in the gargantuan database that is the Internet. If the only thing stopping us from spewing hatred and wickedness is the fact that is attached to our own names, perhaps we need to reevaluate the way we see and treat people. In twenty years, will any of

the things said matter? Perhaps not, but they will be there, easily accessible and viewable to the generations ahead of us. So go ahead and post about who did what with who, or what you think about someone. Go ahead and tell yourself that it won’t matter in a few decades. But always remember that what you say and do online may not affect you directly, but it will affect how future generations view our ways and view us. Instead of being remembered as the selfish generation, always glued to their phone and talking about each other behind computer screens, or the generation who had bomb threats because of a phone app, let’s be the generation that changes the way we see each other, and the way people see younger generations. We’re better than this.

mation. The District utilizes the following communication tools: •Website-The District Website at www.mcsd.org is updated with emergency messages and updates. This is the most updated place for information and we encourage you to use our website for the most accurate and up to date information. •Messenger-This is an automated system, which will send out phone calls, emails or text messaging, depending on your personal settings. This system takes quite a bit of time when we have large numbers of people to notify, and if you have not notified the school of your correct information you

will not receive a call or text. •Twitter-Real time information is sent out via twitter @MCSDRE1J The District takes any threat we receive seriously. While we are pleased to report that the threat last Friday was unfounded and at no time was the safety of our students and staff at risk, we are using this incident as a learning opportunity to improve upon systems that we already have in place. The District will be taking the following actions: •Reviewing and updating current protocols regarding threats to schools •Encouraging parents to review their parent portal account setting for Messenger notifications •Improving internal and exter-

nal communication We are committed to making our schools as safe as possible. But this is not just a school problem. The entire community must focus on what is best for our students. Schools are a local concern and we welcome your input and assistance. I look forward to seeing you around school and around the community. Sincerely, Mark MacHale Superintendent

Is this a legacy we want to leave? Editorial

February 7, 2014

News

What to know when

applying Allyssa Taylor

News Writer

Mitchell Neal

s the end of the year approaches and one’s college applications come to a close, there are financial decisions one still may need to make. There is a wide range of awarded scholarships available, including merit based and personal essay scholarships, to help with the financial aspect

of deciding one’s future school. Many are not aware of what it takes to start this application process, but one can start as early as freshmen year or even before high school. “There is a whole lot of money out there for persistent and motivated students willing to take the time to complete applications. You can find a list of scholarships under ‘Guidance’ on our school web site as well as the daily announcements e-

mail that is sent out. We try to list opportunities for underclassmen in the announcements so they can keep them in mind as they go through high school,” Montrose High School guidance counselor Ms. Bernhardt said. The first step to this process is looking for scholarships that apply to or interest an individual. For example, one may have an outstanding grade point average or ACT score that qualifies one for certain merit-based

scholarships or a family member who has been affected by breast cancer that results in qualification for a scholarship from Bossom Buddies of Montrose. One can start the scholarship search by talking to a counselor about the different options and lists available, the financial aid office at a college or trade school, federal and state agencies’ financial aid offices, organizations that relate to one’s field of interest, community organizations, or an employer. It may be helpful to contact these various resources and make a list of scholarships that are of interest, then read the requirements of each. “I found my scholarship opportunity through Dr. B, so I would recommend that you talk to people and teachers for advice and opportunities as well as looking online and through the school lists,” senior Mitchell Neal said. There are also unique scholarships available through a business or place of employment. “I have been applying for scholarships specifically for the children of Wells Fargo employees, but so far I have only been offered merit-based scholarships from every school I have applied to,” senior Alexa Salstrand said. When applying, pay close attention to the deadlines of these scholarships. Each scholarship has a different deadline. The best possible time to look for scholarships is the summer between one’s junior and senior years. “It’s important that you have a résumé listing your goals and accomplishments throughout high school, write a personal essay, and have letters of recommendation available to you when applying,” Bernhardt said. Keep in mind each scholarship has its own requirements. The scholarship’s web site should provide an idea of who qualifies for

the scholarship and how to apply. Make sure to read the application carefully, fill it out completely, and meet the application deadline. “You can apply for an academic merit scholarship or a scholarship unique to a student talent or an obscure scholarship; for example, a loss of a parent who was a veteran as well as a number of scholarships targeting students who want to attend a trade school or community college. I encourage students to apply for anything and everything they’re eligible for,” Bernhardt said Money one receives from the scholarship generally go directly to one’s college, where it will be applied to any tuition, fees, or other amounts one may owe. Any leftover funds are distributed to the student. The scholarship provider should explain what is expected once the scholarship has been awarded. If not, one should ask to avoid any miscommunication. A scholarship can affect student aid because all of one’s student aid added together can not be more than the cost of attendance at a college or career school. When awarded a scholarship, one must let one’s school know so that the financial aid office can subtract that amount from the cost of attendance. Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. This financial assistance covers educational expenses including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. There are several types of financial aid, including grants and scholarships, workstudy and loans. Any amount left can be covered by other financial aid for which one is eligible. Students should contact the college or university’s financial aid office with questions about the process.

School?

Scholarship?

Goals?

“ I was accepted to the University of Chicago for the upcoming fall semester,” Neal said. This is a private institute with a 13% acceptance rate for over 25,000 applicants. The school is known for its outstanding social sciences, biological/life sciences, mathematics and statistics programs.

“The scholarship I applied for is called the Quest Bridge National College Match scholarship. I found it through Dr. Bollinger, and it’s a full ride to one of their 35 partnering colleges, which includes Ivy. There’s a $60,000 or less parental income requirement to be eligible to apply, but after that it’s merit-based, which means it’s based on school activity involvement. I scored a 35 on my ACT and have a cumulative GPA of 4.31. Along with my community service, weighted classes, and lab work experience, I was a strong candidate. Only 4-5% of applicants receive this scholarship. The schools that accept me notify the scholarship corporation, and they notify me about only the school ranked highest on my list, which in my case turned out to be the University of Chicago,” Neal said.

“My goal is to help the world. I want to be part of helping to end disease and make the quality of life better for everyone on the planet. I’d like to be a part of helping the human race reach the next steps in space exploration and improve our understanding of how the universe works. When the time comes that we discover life outside our solar system, an understanding of genetics will be key to understanding how life everywhere functions,” Neal said.

Montrose Youth Council would like to inform MHS Sarah Sebree Feature Writer

Page 4

February

he City of Montrose Youth Council wants to spread the word about their organization. “I would like for Youth Council to reach out to other teenagers and encourage them to be active members of our community. I would also like for Youth Council to spread the word and build awareness of its existence and incorporate youth participation to city council decisions,” council member Vale Schmidt said. There are four active committees that address different areas around Montrose to meet the needs of the council members. The organization has accomplished many goals since it was founded in 2011. One of the goals is

the Teen Opportunity Expo that occurs in the spring each year. The Teen Opportunity Expo is an opportunity for teens to find summer jobs, community service opportunities and internships available to local teens. “Youth Council has defined its mission since our beginning. This year we are really going to focus on achieving those goals and innovating them for the future,” Ty Cary, Youth Council member said. The Montrose Youth Council meetings are open to the public on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 4-6 p.m. in the Centennial meeting room. For more information contract Vale Schmidt, Ty Cary or any other Youth Council member. Or contact Carolyn L. Bellavance with questions and for an application to join the council.

Carolyn Bellavance Phone: (970) 240-1420 Fax: (970) 252-4720 Email: cbellavance@ ci.montrose.co.us

News

Page 5

February

Montrose Rec. District proposes new community recreation center Proposed site will cover 26-acre area

Joe Arebalos News Editor

n December of 2013, the Montrose Recreation District approached the City of Montrose with plans for a new community recreation center to be built off of Woodgate Rd. at the southern end of Montrose. The proposed 26-acre complex would include an eight-lane lap pool, a warm leisure pool with a lazy river, therapy and spa pools,

a fitness area with weights and cardio, modern locker rooms, a three-lane walking/jogging track, a multi-purpose gymnasium, two racquetball courts, multi-purpose and active community rooms, an indoor playground, a family game room, and a climbing wall that will all be available to the public. Along with 85 new or enhanced recreation programs, the MRD is using the new recreation center to completely overhaul their current programs and activities, as well as to fill the need for

a new recreation center. The current recreation center, the Montrose aquatic center, is nearly 25 years old, and according to the MRD is nearing the end of its proposed lifespan. The estimated cost to renovate the existing facility is $800,000 to $1,000,000. As well as the current state of disrepair, the MRD claims the population of Montrose is too large for the existing aquatic center and a new facility would be economically logical to the com-

munity. The new Community Recreation Center would be paid for by an increase in city sales tax of .3 percent and would pay off the $2 million down-payment that the MRD would pay out toward the CRC. The proposal to go ahead with the construction of the Community Recreation Center will be up to vote in the next year. For more information on the Community Recreation Center plan, visit montroserec.com.

1. The front of the proposed Montrose Community Recreation Center. (Graphic/montroserec.com) 2. The outside pool area of the current aquatic center, covered for annual winterization. (Photo/TJ Montes) 3. The main pool area of the current aquatic center, which is around 25 years old. (Photo/TJ Montes)

Montrose residents react to proposal Samatha Huot News Writer

hen it comes to the plans to recreate the recreational center, the public is torn between two opinions. At the City Council meeting on Jan. 21, people expressed varying perspectives on the plans and brought up voting issues pertaining to the situation. The generation gap is obvious when looking at the different viewpoints across the district. While students and swimmers are desperate for a change, others around the community disagree with the sentiment. “I see the pool falling apart under my feet everyday,” MHS sophomore swimmer Maggie Bynum said within her speech during the City Council meeting. As a swimmer, Maggie and many of her peers depend upon the pool daily. Montrose High School swimmer Allison Hammett said, “I go to the pool at least once every day, a lot of the time I go twice.” “The rec center that we have now affects me as a swimmer because we share the swim lanes with the marlins every night, and

3 both teams are really big. And this is really frustrating because we have to fit like 30 girls into three lanes, and it just doesn’t work,” swimmer Courtney Fitzgerald said. Maggie Bynum’s mother, Barbara Bynum, has been working tirelessly alongside Montrose Recreation District board member Jason Ullmann to secure a new rec center. Their campaign is called the Friends of the Montrose Community Recreation Center, and the organization has been logging thousands of hours of effort into making the new recreational center a reality for the students and swimmers of the future. An issue brought up during the City Council meeting was the desperate need that parents have

to give their children something to do other than video games and watching TV. A more expansive recreational center would open up worlds of opportunities to kids who now lack those options. Community member Colleen Burk expressed her concern about the health of local youth. “Low to moderate income children are at high risk because they lack equal opportunity,” Burk said. The same idea that children of the community have obesity issues simply because they lack a place to exercise was echoed throughout the meeting. However, while the community feels the children’s plight, many view a new rec center as unnecessary and some see it as taxation without representation. The .3%

sales tax increase was the main point of debate. “It is important to live within our budgets,” Becky Waugh, community member, said during her speech, and the same sentiment was shared by people who believe the new sales tax would reduce funding for more important projects such as Columbine Middle School, which some believe is in dire need of renovations. During a striking speech in negation, it was stated: “Can our kids wait for new schools? I guess they can just go swim.” This comment stirred up quite a few whispers from around the room, as the negative effects of approving the new facility had been previously overshadowed during the meeting.

Another large portion of the debate centered on the fact that county residents will not vote on the sales tax yet would be forced to pay it., hence the claim of taxation without representation. “The Rec District is more than willing to accept money from all county residents with a sales tax invoked by only city residents,” stated an unnamed community member. As of the January city council meeting, there were 10,061 registered voters, and this means a variety of perspectives will decide the fate of the plans. The council affirmed the resolution to put the new rec center before the voters, and voting will occur in April. Until then, the debate over the new recreational center will continue.

News

Page 6

February

Senator pushes to arm school teachers in Colorado

Proposed bill to allow public school teachers to carry concealed firearms on campus Gabriel Go News Writer

push by Colorado senator Ted Harvey may just lead guns into the hands of teachers. Although a bill which would allow teachers to carry firearms in Colorado public schools was introduced prior to the shooting in Arapahoe High School, Senator Harvey expressed his stance on the issue, saying, “It [the incident]validated why I think an armed person in the school is a good thing.” Harvey’s children also attend Arapahoe High School. The bill was scrapped, but the message it carries lives on. Are armed teachers needed to ensure the safety of students? Senior Derek Hawkins believes that is the case. “I would feel safer because, you know, there is that chance that if they do have a concealed weapon,

they can have that better chance to protect us,” Hawkins says. “They have that fighting chance.” When asked if he feels safe now, Hawkins says he is, “fiftyfifty. It’s nice we have a police officer and a security guard, but I don’t feel that safe because we have one officer, and he can’t protect all classrooms.” However, arming schoolteachers may prove to be a liability. Officer Trevis Booth, Montrose High School’s Special Resources Officer, has some reservations. “People that aren’t trained properly and continually keep that training up, they’d probably be a hindrance to me,” Booth said. “If you’re thinking about carrying a gun to school, you need to be trained on things to be seen... active shooter type of things.” Armed teachers may not even be a viable option according to Dean of Students James Pavlich. “I do not see how a district, with our current levels of funding, could add in and adequately

manage a weapon program,” Pavlich says. “I am saying it is not a feasible way to secure buildings. In order to arm people, they do training on a weekly basis for eight hours. We’re talking about a lot of training.” Pavlich also says that there are more reliable methods of protection. “The biggest way to make schools more secure is an actual force protection program that educates not only staff, but students on what to look for.” Pavlich adds, “If you’re on Facebook and see someone posting crazy stuff or threatening things, it’s not blowing off, it’s reporting it to me. What makes this building safe is us being perceived as a lion versus a lamb.” Whether it is a teacher with a weapon or a police officer on campus, students make up an important part of a school’s protection. Being safe means observing and cooperating, and that alone can lead a long way.

2 million Americans less likely to work by 2017 because of Obamacare, CBO predicts Congressional Budget Office predicts fewer people to hold full-time employment in the next three years Story by Gabriel Go

he year 2017 may see fewer workers in the United States labor market. According to a report by the Congressional Budget Office, the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, may result in the reduction of 2 million workers in the United States by 2017, and that number is expected to rise toward 2.5 million by 2024. The report projected that because many workers rely on employers to provide health coverage, fewer Americans would hold full-time employment, as government-provided coverage would reduce job-lock, or the holding of one’s current employment due to health care benefits. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the CBO foresees that lower-income workers would be able to spend more on other expenses. Workers would worry less about health expenses, thus allowing them to focus on other expenditures. Said

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States labor force has been shrinking in the last ten years, from 2004 to 2014. (Graph/Bureau of Labor Statistics)

report also anticipates that labor supply will be affected by “subsidies for health insurance, expansion of Medicaid eligibility...” So what does this mean? Simply, it means that Americans are more likely to choose to work less. “So just to understand this, it’s not that employers are laying people off, it’s that people aren’t working in the workforce,” said Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Although the non-partisan organization projects the reduction of labor supply, interpretation of the report falls in the hands of liberals and conservatives, sparking intense deliberation between the two sides. The National Republican Committee stated on Twitter, “Nonpartisan CBO report admits Obamacare is hurting the economy, will cost 2.5 millions jobs.” Likewise, many argue that it is better to allow greater opportunities when it comes to

working hours. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, economist Dean Baker states, “It helps older workers with serious health conditions who are working now because this is the only way to get health insurance... this is a huge plus.” Douglas Elmendorf, director of the CBO, even suggests that the Affordable Care Act will reduce unemployment by increasing demand for labor. Page 124 of the report states, “The ACA also will affect employers’ demand for workers, mostly over the next few years... by boosting overall demand for goods and services (which will increase labor demand).” Amidst all the data and figures, predictions regarding the employment future of the United States remain uncertain. The CBO claims, “No, we are not sure that our current estimates are accurate, because our estimates are always uncertain.”

The finesse of balleT, The MaGiC of MYTholoGY, and MeChaniCal enGineerinG.

We believe in the arts. We also believe in a diverse curriculum. Which is why we offer programs from Physics to Energy Management, Art History to Computer Science. Regardless of which program you choose, expect to be challenged. As western Colorado’s selective university, we believe in high academic standards. And we know that when more is expected of you, more effort is given by you. So if you’re ready to push yourself, we’re ready for you. future.coloradomesa.edu

Feature

February

Page 7

Opening arms to others Savannah Estle

The Quezada family foster home

or other reasons. “You have to be careful because he word “family” is most some of the kids come from troucommonly used to describe bled homes or abusive parents, a group of people, large or and you have to work really hard small, who love and care for each with them,” an anonymous foster other unconditionally. Just be- family member said. A foster family can sometimes cause this group is unrelated does not mean they are not considered adopt children and become the legal parents. Most choose to a family. A foster family provides a safe do this because it gives the child place for kids to go when life be- more freedom, and they do not comes too difficult in their bio- always have to continue checks logical households. Foster fami- with a case worker. “There are more freedoms that lies take kids into their homes and let them stay for a while. come with adoption because in They provide shelter, food to eat, the foster care system if you want clothes to wear, and toys to play to do anything, you have to ask with. The parents also take care your foster parents, and then they of doctor and dentist visits and have to have it approved by your case worker,” junior Michael make sure the kids go to school. “I have two blood brothers, two Eide said. T h o u g h adopted brothin ers and one ad- “You have to be care- children opted sister. As ful because some of foster care are not with their of right now we have two more the kids come from birth families, on the way,” troubled homes or s o m e t i m e s are alsophomore abusive parents, and they lowed to visit Simone Quezayou have to work re- them. da said. “After we While some ally hard with them.” adopted my Montrose High - Anonymous brother Julian, School students we went to live in foster families, others are part of a fam- Denver for his 18th birthday, and ily that takes care of a foster child I met his biological brother. It was awesome for me to actually meet in their home. “I love being a foster family him. Just seeing how your foster because my family can provide brother or sister acts around their a life for a child that never had real family was such a great feeling to see them so happy and at one,” Quezada said. Becoming a foster family is a peace,” Quezada said. Families come in all shapes and long, rigorous and time-consumsizes, and even if some are not ing process. “I had to attend a lot of meetings related, to them it is the love and and go through a lot of training care that counts. “There is a greater sense of bebefore we could start,” Quezada longing when you are adopted insaid. Children are placed in foster care stead of being just a foster kid,” because of crime, health abilities, Eide said.

News Writer

GatherAround The Quezada family smiles as they gather for a photo on their final camp-out of last summer. “My family and I aren’t secretive at all, we’re very close,” Quezada said. (Photo/Simone Quezada)

Lifting the Sarah Sebree

To qualify in the IPF, there are certain competitions one must Feature Writer win including a state powerlifting competition. In Colorado, it own. Up. Down. Up. is the Colorado State Powerlifting Championships. Down. Up. One must also win in one’s relPowerlifting can be a weighty sport in which com- evant age class. Age sections conpetitors have three attempts to sist of Teen 1 (14-15) and Teen 2 complete the tasks consisting of (16-17). At age 17, Lowenberg competed in the Teen 2 section. bench press, squats and deadlift. There is also a certain weight Montrose High School senior Ella Lowenberg has dedicated class in which one’s body weight has to be the exact amount of the her life to lifting weights. Lowenberg first started when weight class or less. While Lowenberg is experishe was 14 years old and began Olympic lifting for fun. Later she encing the IPF training, there took on powerlifting. Ever since has been a growing number of she was 15, powerlifting has be- female weightlifters at MHS in recent years. come a fascination for her. Physical education teacher “It (powerlifting) drew me in,” Joshua Nething has been the Lowenberg said. It all started with a fascination, weights teacher at MHS for eight but she has come a long way to years, and he has seen a steady earn her spot on the team for the rise in the number of girls who International Powerlifting Fed- lift weights. He notes that girls are starting to realize that there eration this upcoming summer. “I am going to Johannesburg, are benefits in weightlifting. “Self-confidence is the probSouth Africa, to compete in the IPF, which is an international ably the biggest thing. That they governing body for the sport of have self-confidence with themselves and are able to do certain powerlifting,” Lowenberg said. It is presumed that Lowenberg things they have never done beand her team are leaving around fore and just feeling good about May 28, and will be gone until how their body feels and looks are the biggest pieces,” Nething around June 9. Lowenberg’s team consists said. Besides there being benefits to of 29 women and 36 men from throughout the United States. lifting weights, some of the guys The youngest participant is 15 in the weights classes have noticed the girls starting to lift. years old. Senior Ben Silva has been in “I have met some of the competitors on the team but not all,” Nething’s weight class throughout his high school years and has Lowenberg said.

RaisingBars Lowenberg deadlifts 135 lbs in the Montrose High School weight room. This past weekend she maxed her deadlift to 275 lbs and her squat to 214 lbs. (Photo/Adrianna Flowers)

recently noticed the change. “I feel that everyone should stay in shape, and I encourage girls to lift weights,” Silva said. Students and teachers are encouraging girls to lift weights, but there are inherent risks. When anyone lifts weights, there are some precautions that need to be followed. “Not knowing what you are doing is the main danger, and that is why we are doing what we are doing. There is always a risk in the weight room because of all the heavy equipment. It is moving, and there is multiple moving parts, and people are all over the place,” Nething said. Lowenberg started powerlifting early and is sure it is something she will continue for the rest of her life. “When I first started, I never imagined being where I am now, and I am looking forward to what I can accomplish later. Powerlifting is a sport where an individual has to go against themselves and push their bodies to the ultimate limits. The feeling of getting a new max on a lift is exhilarating because you just feel stronger, and there’s nothing I would rather do,” Lowenberg said. Lowenberg definitely wants to continue competing in powerlifting. “I want to continue to do it and see how far I can push myself. I hope I can make it to the elite level and hope I can a mentor the ones who want to compete in it,” Lowenberg said.

Opinion To The Editors: Today in access we had four kids in our class complain to the teacher that both the boys and girls bathrooms were filled with smoke. The teacher called the principal and complained, she told them that students said they smelled both marijuana and cigerette smoke in both the hallway and the upstairs bathroom. I do not know if anyone came to take care of it. I unfortunately was one of those students who had to smell the smoke, and I got really ill. I suffered from a very bad headache and a runny nose, this made it harder for me to concentrate the rest of the day. This is not fair to me or other students. It keeps happening again and again, and when it happens people who do not smoke or who are allergic to it feel sick. Unfortunately our school does not seem to bother with this mat-

ter which is part of the reason I am writing to you today. another reason is to state a few solutions to this increasingly rampant problem. One solution would be to have someone monitoring the bathrooms at random times, so they can check for smoking and make sure no one is doing it. Another solution would be to put smoke detectors in both the girls and boys bathrooms, therefore if kids would try and smoke they would see them and decide not to, or at least not to do it inside. One final solution would be to have a smoking section outside for students, so if they really need to smoke they are not bothering others and making them sick.

Thumbs up

-Hala Bishop, MHS Junior

to the four day weekend. I couldn’t be happier to not go to parent teacher conferences!

If you write a letter to the editors, remember to sign it with your name. If your name is not on the letter we will not print it. We have recieved a couple of letters recently that had no name, therefore we were unable to print them. So when you want to put your opinion in The Chieftain, write a letter, sign it, and drop it off in the mailbox outside of room 105.

to the awesome DJ at Winter Formal. Can I get a hell yeah?!

Stop yakin’ at MHS Chieftain Staff Editorial

he Chieftain staff at Montrose High School believes that the bullying on the app named Yik Yak was out of control. The bullying has affected several individuals at the high school and all of them negatively. It was devastating to see that there were four or five individuals being bashed on over and over again. It is not okay to single out people and gang up them, especially when the things being said attack personal lives and chocies which should not be of a concern to any one else. Being able to post annoymously may allow kids to feel like they are entitled to say whatever they want. We, as a newspaper, agree with free speech and we like when students express their opinions. But when free speech interfers with the well being of others, the responsibilty of using free speech appropriately has been compromised. Anonymous or not, people should keep harsh comments to themselves. And think about how hurtful those words could be to someone. It is also important that the readers realize that what is posted may not be true. the simple fact that the author decides to be annoymous reduces the probability that what they posted is true. Yik Yak started as an app that was not intended for bullying… or as the designer said, but as the students started to use it, it became a cyber attack on individuals. People used the app in the wrong way. It’s a way to connect and interact with your peers, to share moments that may be embarrising but not humiliating or to suggest changes without being held accountable. It should not be

used to insult people and that’s exactly what happened. Yik Yak not only posed a huge problem with bullying and gossip, but the security of each person at Montrose High School was at risk as well. A bomb threat posted on the app, caused the whole school district and surrounding areas to go into a three-hour shelter in place. Not only was the app a threat to the schools, it was also a threat to people. People don’t think about the damage that can be done. It can change a person’s mood when things are said about them, which can lead to making some people want to say hurtful things to defend themselves. Annoymous cyber-bulling is a cycle that can be hard to break. An aspect of Yik Yak is that when you connect, you’re connected to everyone in a fifteen mile radius via locations on your phone. When you post something, everyone see’s it. Teachers and parents were seeing the things people were saying about others. It’s one thing when it’s a whole bunch of high school students are involved, but when the higher authority people of the Montrose community are connected, it becomes a serious issue. As the Chieftain staff, we believe that a lot of problems in the world would disappear if we talked to each other and not about each other. Social media can be a dangerous place for anybody of any age and these anonymous social media sites can be extremely risky. Social media is the newest excuse for cyber bullying and it is also a place where opinions are taken to a whole new level. MHS studens should start thinking in terms of the “golden rule” and do onto others as they woukd like done onto them.

STOP

slut-shaming Kaylynn Miller Co-editor in Chief

ith the download of the app Yik Yak, students can publicly bash their peers by posting snide remarks onto the apps continuous news feed. The site has not only been an outlet for threats and bully-

ing, it has become an outlet for slut-shaming. Upon my first visit of the app, I noticed a common trend among bashes, whenever a post was made about a girl - bashing her for being a “slut”- most users joined in. This enraged me and also brought up a question: why do we feel the need to voice are opinions on what others are doing in their private lives?

Thumbs down to the Broncos losing the Super Bowl. Some one should have told them that the game started at 4:30.

to affordable candy the day after Valetine’s. The perfect way to spend the holiday... in bed with my chocolate and Netflix!

MHS please remember

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February

to nice teachers during the lockdown. I could spend a couple more hours watching movies in Mrs. Gabers. to Eccher’s “twin brother Maurice” and his debut performance in the music industry. Never have I seen such intereseting moves...

to the bomb threat. I had to listen to a 3 hour lecture in Physics class... Thanks guys...

to “shredders’ senior ditch day” for exiling all those who can’t afford Telluride ski passes. Be sure to update us about the trip to Breckenridge. to New Year’s resolutions. How am I suppose to lose weight when my love for chocolate is in the air?

to the drink machines. Maybe I don’t want berry pomegranite watermelon twist water. Can I just have regular water? Written by Chieftain Staff

#Americathebeautiful Abby Padilla Co-editor in Chief

f one were to describe the 2014 Super Bowl, three words could be used, it was ugly. Our beloved Broncos got destroyed, and Seattle took the win. Also, most of the ads were mediocre, definatly not worth the $4 million dollars per 30 seconds of ad time (outrageous in my opinion) that companies pay to have their ad shown during this annual game. One company though, knew how to make a perfect ad keeping the rules of advertising in mind. Coca-Cola’s 2014 Super Bowl ad started off quite “American.” The well known patriotic song “America the Beautiful” being sung in the background and a cowboy riding his horse in the mountains. Can you say ‘Murica? In the advertising world though, this had been done. It is typical for companies to appeal to ones patriotic side. Coca-Cola knew that and so they decided to appeal to everybody’s (and I mean everybody’s) patriotic side, but with a twist. After the cowboy scene, Coca-Cola goes on showcasing various American families and individuals enjoying everyday life and drinking Coke. What they did differently though, was sing “America the Beautiful” in different languages

Now, let me clarify something here, I am not encouraging sex among high school students. Mainly, because we do not have the level of maturity to deal with it. Do you know why I think we are not mature enough to have sex? Because we constantly bash others for partaking in the same activity. Unless someone is in a monogamous relationship with you or they are having sex with you, why is it your place to say if what they are doing is wrong or not? Guys are constantly glorified for having sex while girls are shamed for it. Which does not make much sense does it? After all, if it were not for us so-called “sluts” who would the boys have sex with? There are obvious double standards when

and the families were of varying descents. This caused controversy all over social medias. A new twitter hastag, #wespeakenglish flooded the twittersphere with negative comments. Many argue that it was an insult that their “national anthem” was not being sung in America’s official language. These comments were filled with ignorance. First of all, the song “America the Beautiful” is not our national anthem. It was written by Katherine Lee Bates after she traveled to Colorado and was impressed by what she saw and decided to write a poem about it. Second of all, the United States has no official language. Yes, English is spoken the most but that does not mean it is the official language. According to the Pew Reseach Center, 21% of Americans age five or older speak a language other than English as their primary language. This means that 1/5 of Americans speak a foregin language. So why wouldn’t Coca-Cola try and appeal to everyone? That is what good advertising does. Coca- Cola’s ads have always been known for promoting unity. It does not matter if they do it for the money, afterall it is advertising, or if they do it for the good of the people. What does matter is the message that it sends. Although we may all speak different languages and have different cultures, we are at the end of the day, all Americans who have pride in our home and it does not matter in what language we express that.

it comes to sex between girls and boys, and often times, girls are held to a higher innocence where anything remotely sexual is intolerable. But then let us turn the table. What about the girl not having sex? She may be referred to as a prude. So we have two types of girls: sluts and prudes. My concern is that we are never just referred to as “women” or “girls,” we are only ever one of two labels, sluts or prudes. Do you find anything wrong about that? Ladies, is it not the least bit de-humanizing to constantly be referred to by these demeaning names? The problem not only stems from society in general, holding us to these labels, but it stems from ourselves. We have to stop calling each other names. It only

makes it okay for guys to call us names, for everyone to call us names. To make a change with this phenomenon we must first make a change with ourselves. Agree not to bash other girls from partaking in things that may be against your morals, and avoid calling girls names for things they do behind closed doors. My hopes are not that this problem will go away, that is unrealistic. My hopes are that if we begin advocating things like equal rights and begin to bash things such as slut-shaming, that maybe in the future, this problem will be less prominent. Think about this, when you have a little girl of your own, or maybe a niece, do you want her to come home crying because someone called her a slut?

Fun Page

Horoscopes Aquarius

Page 9

February

Looking for a sweet gift for your Valentine? Look no further! The Chieftain staff has put their heads together to make sure you have something great for that special someone with these one of a kind cut-out cards!

January 1st - February 18th

You may be disappointed to find out that all of the valentines day gifts you expected to get “got lost in the mail”. Better luck next year!

Pisces

To:

February 19th - March 20th

From:

Aries

Will you Murray me?

This upcoming weekend may be a good time to get some things straight with someone who means a lot to you. Let them know what you’re feeling and move forward.

March 21st - April 19th The next time you see the person you like, you may benefit from talking to them. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Taurus

(Photo/ Paul Sherwood from Welland & Toronto, Canada)

I want to be Tangled up with you all night!

April 20th - May 20th

Remember those new years resolutions you made? This week may be a good time to get back on track and move forward toward your goals.

To:

Gemini

From:

May 21st - June 20th

You may be alone on Valentines day but keep your head up because chocolate is always cheaper after the 14th!

Cancer

June 21st - July 22nd

Tomorrow you may feel a little bit out of place, but that’s okay because it’s probably just a sign that something weird is about to happen. No suspicion or anything.

Leo

July 23rd - August 22nd

Check your attitude Leo. That may be the reason things haven’t been going your way.

Virgo

August 23rd - September 22nd

Don’t be afraid to take some risks this week. Do something new. Cross something off your bucket list.

Libra

September 23rd - October 22nd

If you’re feeling a bit anxious about something recently, take a step back and breathe. Everything will turn out to be okay. A few bumps in the road are what make you a stronger person.

(Photo/ Paul Sherwood from Welland & Toronto, Canada)

Editor’s picks of the month:

Poem:

Movie:

A Patch of Old Snow

Endless Love (out Feb. 14)

Song: Thanks For Your Time -Gotye

There’s a patch of old snow in a corner That I should have guessed Was a blow-away paper the rain Had brought to rest. It is speckled with grime as if Small print overspread it, The news of a day I’ve forgotten-If I ever read it. - Robert Frost

Lunch Option: Subway - 6 Inch BLT Subwich - Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie - Sour Cream and Onion Lays Chips - Medium Root Beer Soft Drink

Comic:

Scorpio

October 23rd - November 20th

Scorpio, you need to laugh more. Today may be the day to reintroduce the “new” you to some old friends and look back on the old memories you have.

Sagittarius

November 21st - December 21st

February may be rough so far, but March is the month for you. So hold on through the rest of this month and keep your head up because there are some good things heading your way.

Capricorn December 22nd - January 19th

Be happy Capricorn. Really think about what you want, longterm and keep your eyes on the prize.

Comic by: Megan Ruiz

Feature

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February

diploma to serve Montrose students graduate to join the Armed Forces Morgan Nichols

Feature Editor

any Montrose High School graduates have moved on to serve our country. We have all heard the words loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and courage, as they are used in a variety of different ways for different reasons every day. As we navigate through our daily lives, we are able to enjoy the freedom we have, to do everything we feel is necessary for our happiness. The seven terms listed below are some that define a Military Personnel; a person serving in the Armed Forces. “I want to fight so that this land can stay free. I am in the Infantry, and we fight so that everyone

can live a normal free life,” Cody Rollo-Tilson said. Rollo-Tilson was born on March 23, 1995, in Scottsdale, AZ, and graduated from MHS in 2013. “My grandpa and my cousin were in the Army, so I wanted to follow them,” Rollo-Tilson said. As a senior, Rollo-Tilson knew he wanted to join the Army and is now serving in memory of his grandfather. Though many military men and women grow up knowing what they want to become, for some, it was a decision they made at the last minute. “I joined the U.S. Navy last minute to be honest. My senior year, I was still very unsure in what field I wanted to major in and colleges, even with scholar-

ships, are extremely expensive. Knowing that I couldn’t afford it, a friend of mine was also considering joining and showed me what she was looking into. I weighed the pros and cons and decided the military was my best option,” Suji Campbell said. Campbell serves as an E-3/Seaman and her rate (assigned occupation) is Master at Arms, which consists of Military Police. “I am attached to a Marine Corps battalion, so my job has certain aspects that accommodate to the Marines’ and Sailors’ ways of operation,” Campbell said. Campbell graduated from MHS with the class of 2012 and is now living in Silverdale, Washington. “I am a U.S. Navy Sailor, and not many people can say that. Even though I am tired and have

Loyalty: feeling of devotion to someone or something Duty: obligation Respect: attitude of admiration towards someone or something

Selfless Service: a task performed without any expectation of recognition Honor: high-respect Integrity: honesty and fairness Courage: the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger; bravery

had a long day, I still don’t mind wearing this uniform or volunteering to represent everyone that has served or is serving with me.” Montrose High School has many students involved in Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, better known as NJROTC. The class is focused on giving students a general idea of life after high school while educating them in Navy Science. “ROTC is my inspiration. We help people by doing community service. Talking to sailors, soldiers, and Marines really made me want to do something big with my life,” sophomore Aaron McClenathan said. Jacob (last name withheld by request) graduated with the class of 2012 and was deployed to Afghanistan in December. “I’m a cultural kind of guy, so I loved the experience I had in Afghanistan. It opened my eyes to a whole different world. If people saw what I saw when I was there, let’s just say they would be a lot more thankful for the freedoms they have in America,” Jacob said. Being deployed can cause a variety of emotions. Many military men and women suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can cause problems with family relationships and affect the emotional stability of all family members. “When my dad got home from Afghanistan, I could barley even recognize him because he had aged so much over that one year. He was so torn by PTSD that he couldn’t sleep or eat most of the time, and he had to get all these surgeries. A lot of the time he slept all day or stumbled around the house, barely able to talk,” junior Shelby Kenny said. “My

parents marriage became really tense. After my dad got home, they did a lot of fighting, and it was just really awful. But my dad is still a hero to me.” Being away from home can also be difficult. “Being in the Army made me have to grow up really fast. There was never really an option not to. I like being on my own and making my own decisions, but I miss my brother and it’s sad not being able to see him grow up. Montrose has always been boring to me, so I like traveling,” Jacob said. Campbell agrees. “Home is something we all think about once we’re away. But this is my chance to find myself without anyone trying to influence my choices. I miss home, but I love being on my own.” Rollo-Tilson also misses home. “Being away from home is hard. There is days that we’re in the field for two weeks straight, sleeping on the ground in the cold, and all I can think about is a nice hot shower and a warm, comfy bed.” Sophomore Maggie Beyer’s brother, Tyler Banks, serves as a U.S. Marine. “I love my brother. He’s turned into someone so selfless and kind. He’s less brotherly now and more like a father. He checks in on my family a lot, and I am very proud of who he is and how he looks at the world,” Beyer said. Montrose High School has had many heroes walk its halls, and there will be more to come. Thank you to each of these individuals, and all the more going unnoticed, for their hard work and devotion to this country every single day.

“I like being on my own and making my own decisions, but I miss my brother and it’s sad not being able to see him grow up. Montrose has always been the same for me, so I like traveling.”

“Being away from home is hard. There are days that we’re in the field for two weeks straight, sleeping on the ground in the cold, and all I can think of is a nice hot shower a warm, comfy bed.”

“Home is something we all think about once we’re away. But this is my chance to find myself without anyone trying to influence my choices. I miss home, but I love being on my own.”

“For being in the Army for a year, my commitment hasn’t changed. I still want to serve this country just like my grandpa and cousin did.”

“My commitment in the Navy has definitely grown in a very positive way, and I plan on re-enlisting. I love serving this country.”

“When I first began, the Army was such a cultural shock, but now I’m fully committed, and I will sacrifice my life for this country.”

- Cody Rollo-Tilson - 11B Infantry, US Army

- Suji Campbell - E3/Seamen, US Navy

- Jacob - 11B Infantry, US Army

We thank you Page sponsored by Bong, Eileen and Samantha, the Go Family of Montrose

Feature

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February

High School Sweethearts Alex Waege

Feature Writer

rue love is a rare occurrence, and healthy high school relationships are something that not many people get to experience. Only a lucky handful of people will continue their relationship after graduation and marry their high school sweetheart, but when it happens, it is magical. Montrose High School 2012 graduate, Kassie Mumaw, and her fiancée Andy Soto, will be celebrati n g their six-year dating anniversary in March. They are a prime example that it is possible to maintain a healthy relationship even with the stress and difficulties of high school. The couple will be tying the knot in June. When asked about the keys to making a relationship last throughout school, Mumaw stresses, “commitment, honesty, trust, and having time for your friends and family and not just each other,” and Soto concurred with “commitment, trust, and having love for one another.” According to the Pew Research Center, only

15.4673% of relationships will survive beyond high school; whether it be that the couple continue to date, or get married. According to Mumaw, her relationship with Soto has been better than ever since she graduated. “We are like best friends. We do everything together, and we are going to become a married couple in June,” Mumaw said. After graduation, a lot of factors can affect the relationship, since it is officially in the “real world.” “The couple could end up going to different colleges, and since most people cannot handle long distance relationships, they will not even try,” Soto said. Even with all of the gossip, drama, and other obstacles that one can face throughout a four-year experience in high school, if the love between two people is strong and true, it can rise above anything. “If you actually care for the person, you will always adapt and overcome any obstacle to be with them,” Soto said. Another example of a strong relationship that has withstood many obstacles is the marriage between Mrs. Ginger Bollinger and Dr. Mark Bollinger. The couple met in high school, which back then started in the eighth grade. “We started dating in the ninth grade, on and off like most high school relationships are,” Mrs. Bollinger said. Even though the chances of marrying one’s high school sweetheart are slim, there are some advantages to it. “We had the same friends from high school, so now when we go to reunions, we both know everybody,” Bollinger said. “Also, since I already knew his family, I did not have to go through the process of meeting his parents and getting to

know them.” Bollinger also explained why she believes that even if teens do end up marrying, the marriage may not last. “Personally, I think that teenage marriages have a low chance of success because the people are not fully grown up yet. They grow and change, and if they do not change in the same direction, they will have a hard time staying married.” Even though the chances are slim, there is always a possibility of marrying the person that one dates in high school.

dos and dont’s DO keep your grades up DO make time for your friends and family

DO make sure that you are compatible

DO make sure that you know the person well

DO keep your parents updated Don't rush things Don't pressure your girlfriend/ boyfriend into doing things that he/she does not want to do

Don't control your partner or let him/her control you

Don't become too dependent Don't let them change you

DIFFERENT TYPES OF RELATIONSHIPS “WELL, WE REALLY LIKE EACH OTHER, BUT WE ARE NOT OFFICIAL.”

This happens when two people obviously like each other, but have not taken the next step to actually dating yet. They probably text a lot and are each other’s best friends on Snapchat, but they need some more time to see if they would last in a relationship and if they are fully compatible with one another.

“WE ARE BASICALLY MARRIED.” These people have been dating for over a year, and they are completely comfortable around each other. They trust each other and have had their fair share of fights, but always seem to find their way back into each other’s arms no matter what.

“WE HAVE ONLY BEEN DATING FOR A MONTH, BUT I THINK WE ARE IN LOVE.”

This couple has just started to date, and hopefully they are taking it slow. They may think that they are in love, but the challenges that await them may be great, and their relationship may not have experienced any strains yet. They are in what the experts call the “newlywed stage.”

“ALWAYS TOGETHER, NEVER APART; MAYBE IN DISTANCE, BUT NEVER AT HEART.”

Despite the many miles between them, couples in long distance relationships are determined to make their love for each other last. It may be hard, but if both partners are fully committed, they can be just as successful as any other relationship.

“TOGETHER ONE WEEK, BROKEN UP THE NEXT."

Often known as the “on and off” couple. They will break up over every little fight or disagreement, but always end up getting back together within a few days. They may be a little overdramatic and take everything too seriously, except their relationship.

How To Deal With A Breakup:

5 tips to help you move on

Spend time with your friends

Do not rethink your decision

They are obviously your friends for a reason, and they will be there for you in your times of need and hurt. Plan to go out with them; it will take your mind off of things and open your eyes to the happiness that you had and will continue to have even after your relationship is over.

If the breakup was your choice, then it was for a reason. Do not over think it just because you are sad about it. If the breakup was not your decision, do not blame it on something that you did. Sometimes people grow apart, and remember that everything happens for a reason.

Freshman Gabrielle Duran and her girlfriend Tania Torres have been together for two months. Even though Torres resides in Louisiana, they still make time for each other through Skype and other activities pictured above. “It is pretty hard since she lives so far away, and I cant hug her or physically be with her, but she is definitely worth it,” Duran said.

Find other happiness

Get some space

Learn to cope with the pain

Read a book or go out and enjoy the sunset. The world has so much to offer, and wasting your time being sad over something that you can not control is not going to help. Take your mind off of things or call a good friend to talk things through.

Even if you and your ex are “still friends,” distance yourself for a while. If the feelings are still there, they are bound to come up eventually in any sort of conversation you two may have.

You may have made mistakes, but you probably are not the only one. It is okay to feel sad and to cry but you have to know when enough is enough. Engage in healthy activities that take your mind off of everything and remember that acceptance is key to moving on.

Sports

Page 12

February

Bigger Faster Stronger

The principles of training season will make you so much better on the field,” junior Mike Annis Rocha said. Sports Writer Rest/Recovery is the third principle, and it says that an adequate ost athletes at Montrose amount of rest is needed to maxiHigh School train for mize improvements. their sport with the team “[When I was injured], I still and individually. The coaches worked on mobility. I think it is also develop new ways for ath- very important to take time to letes to train in their spare time. fully rest and heal,” junior Mack“Certain aspects of training enzie Lyons said. can get you more muscle, and The Tapering Principle is the other aspects can give you more fourth, and it explains that an strength,” sophomore Andy athlete should gradually decrease Locke said. “With all of the training before an event in order training that an athlete can do, it to reach one’s peak performance could only benefit them in their for the actual event. games.” The fifth principle is the IndiAccording to www.elitefts.com, vidualization and Ceiling Printhere are six principles of train- ciple. It states that the athlete will ing in order for an athlete to be as benefit more if the programs are successful as possible. planned to fit the individual athThe first is lete. “One of the main “The reathe Overload Principle. This reasons people train sons to train principle states are different is for injury preven- if you’re just that if an athlete wants to tion, and of course doing it for see improvebut to become stronger. health, ment, they either way, The more you work training is must push themselves in on technique you’ll still very bentheir training. eficial,” said be better [as well as] Nething. “One of the main reasons faster. It’s important The sixth people train is final printo work on those and for injury preciple is the things to become a Reversibility vention, and of course to beor Detraining better athlete.” come stronger. Principle. This The more you - Teacher and Coach, Josh principle recwork on techognizes that Nething nique, you’ll when an athbe better [as well as] faster. It’s lete has not trained for a period important to work on those things of time, the fastest way to recover to become a better athlete,” is with extended periods of trainweights teacher and coach Josh ing. Nething said. “During my bulking, I work The second principle is the out three times a day, and when Specificity Principle. It explains I’m trying to maintain, I work out that an athlete should try to keep twice a day,” Locke said. their training as sport-specific as An athlete can follow an indipossible. vidual method of training, but in “Football is all speed, power, order to be the most successful, and agility, so anything you can one should have an organized do to improve those things in off- training schedule.

Emily

1951- The Pulldown Machine was invented by Jack LaLanne

1890

1899- The Barbell Bench Press was invented by George Hackenschmidt

1950- The Smith Machine was invented by Jack LaLanne

2014

1968- The Treadmill was invented by William Staub

1995- The Elliptical Machine was invented by Precor Incorporated

2004- Jacob’s Ladder was invented by Steve Nichols.

(Photo/Adrianna Flowers)

Kasandra Miller Sports Editor

Five things you did not know about the Winter Olympics

The most expensive Olympics in history. 2

What is the Sochi gold medal worth?

12 new events debuted in Sochi. 3

Winter Olympics in warm Sochi?

BMW designs the Olympic bob sled. 5

1. With 11 new venues and a price tag of $51 billion, the Sochi Olympics are the most expensive games ever, even beating the Summer Olympics in Beijing (4.6 billion). 2. Containing 516 grams of silver and 6 grams of gold, the Sochi gold medal is worth a whopping $122 thousand. Gold medalists of the London games only received $25,000. 3. Twelve new events including the previously male-only women’s ski jump debuted at the 2014 winter Olympics. 4. Sochi is considered a subtropical resort town known as the “Russian Rivera.” Even in the winter, temperatures never reach below 12 degrees, making a snow machine a must. 5. BMW designed the Olympic bob sled. It is wrapped in carbon fiber and optimized with advanced aerodynamic engineering. (Graphics/Kasandra Miller)

Sports

Page 13

February

Diving into a relationship Team bonding that will last forever

Jackie Romero Sports Writer

ontrose High School has many sports that bring students closer by playing together, but the diving team has a unique bond. The boys on the diving team

have grown to be particularly close through their passion for the sport. Sophomores Layton Combs, Chase Harding, juniors Nick Zowada, Jack Wolanin, Ryan Ormsbee, and Ethan Erickson are among the MHS students who dive together and have an extremely close friendship.

“The whole team is really close. Before we started diving, we were all friends; diving just brought us closer,” junior Jack Wolanin said. Other teammates share similar opinions on the brotherhood among the divers. Sophomore Layton Combs concurs with Wolanin.

“The whole team shares a really close friendship. We are like blood brothers,” Combs said. Every sport has some sort of team bonding sessions, and with diving it is not much different. They participate in a variety of activities that help to bring everyone together. “We have team dinners, and it is fun because we are all good friends, which makes it a lot better,” Wolanin said. Combs agrees that team dinners provide time to relax together outside of practices and competition. “The team is really close, so when we hang out, we bond. We usually have a lot of team dinners which is a good time,” Combs said. For junior Nick Zowada, the most memorable times together are the road trips. “The bus rides are what we would consider the best bonding activities because that is where we learn the most about each other,” Zowada said. Having a team with a close relationship creates a fun environment to be in as well as a team that is supportive. “We are all good friends. It is a whole lot of fun, especially the bus rides and staying in hotel rooms. Since we are all good

friends, messing around is our team bonding experience,” junior Ethan Erickson said. This team has been diving together since they were young, making them stronger and able to perform better. “Diving brought us together a lot more and because of that, I think that the whole team does better. The guys will cheer you on whether or not you go to state,” Erickson said. Having a support system is key for any team to be successful, and this diving team cheers each other on when the competition is most challenging. “Having the closeness and security of a family watching me while I dive definitely helps me perform better,” Zowada said. “Being really good friends helps a lot with our competitions. I think that everyone maintains a positive attitude, which is very supportive because it encourages us to do better. With everyone being close, we do better as a whole because we thrive to be better.” Wolanin agrees that the team members’ strong bond results in stronger individual performances. “We are really good friends and are supportive of each other which makes us do better,” Wolanin said.

Cold nights & hot games

Montrose athletes dominate despite the cold Kasandra Miller

Sports Editor

ver the course of the school year, the seasons fly by. Currently, the unusually chilly winter sports season is in full swing. But the weather

has not negatively impacted the Montrose High School basketball, climbing, swimming and diving, and wrestling teams whose athletes spend countless hours practicing their respective sports. And this winter season continues to be a success for athletes, students, and fans.

The athletes at MHS establish specific behaviors and use them game after game to make winning look easy. First, the athletes play every game until the final whistle blows. This allows for the buzzer beater shot or the finish of the most complicated climbing

route. This is what makes Montrose stand out. Second, attitude is a priority. The prime example is football season 2013, Pueblo South, the final score: 39-38. This was by far the most thrilling game of the season as well as the gateway to the state championship game.

Shoot&Score Going for three, senior Donovan Kattner takes a shot against the Grand Junction Warriors on Jan. 31. Teammates Kyle Freeburg and Ryan Porter are ready to attempt a rebound. The boys lost but did not go down without a fight, as the final score was a close 56-58. (Photo/TJ Montes)

LookingBeyond Looking for her next hold, junior IvAnn Garcia-Dickerson attempts to finish her route at the home climbing meet on Jan. 25. Several MHS climbers qualified for regionals this season. (Photo/Ella Lowenberg)

DivingIn Attempting a backwards dive, junior Josephine Schreber finishes her season off well. The girls swim team went to districts this past weekend, where they placed 5th overall. (Photo/Alisha Neal)

With a mere one-point difference in the score, perseverance and the will to win is what affected the outcome. So to all MHS athletes, keep up the hard work and motivation, and to all of the fans who attend and cheer at games, thank you for your support.

RisingUp Taking a shot, sophomore Elise Hill scores two points against the Grand Junction Warriors on Jan. 31. Montrose enjoyed an easy second half and won the game 70-35. (Photo/Ella Lowenberg)

LockingUp While trying to win his match, senior Matt Sandoval locks his opponent in a Double Chicken Wing. On Feb. 8, varsity wrestlers travelled to Cortez to take 4th place in a tournament there. (Photo/Brianne Ryser)

Sports

Page 14

February

Time to speak up & Speak Out Montrose Speech team competes Q&A Kasandra Miller

Sports Editor

imilar to athletic sports, speech and debate activities are challenging, competitive in nature, and require regular practices. The now CHSAA-regulated “sport” is commonly questioned by athletes who participate in more physical and commonly known games. There are many different elements involved in speech and debate including humorous and dramatic interpretations, original oratory, congressional debate and public forum. Each event requires a unique skill set and a different approach to the specific form of public speaking. There are district, championship, and national championship tournaments in which one may participate. Just like more developed sports, athletes of speech and debate practice and compete with emotion and dedication. “It takes a lot of time and effort. You have to put in the practice hours, you get trophies, and it is CHSAA sanctioned. It can be considered a sport,” junior Samantha Rice said. Rice has placed second, third, and fifth in her event, drama. “Overall the season has been good. We have had people placing all year,” Rice said. The MHS Speech team has faced some struggles this year. The number of new members has increased, resulting in a less developed team. This is a common occurrence for sports teams as well. “We have had a lot of new members, but they have all been placing well,” Rice said. Sophomore Kylie Myers is among the first-year speech team members. “My season has not been amazing, but the team’s overall season has gone really well,” Myers said Many speech members believe that speech and debate is considered a sport depending on the amount of effort one may put into it. “It is a sport sometimes. We all put in hours of practice. We work really hard to get where we

can place just like a normal athletic sport,” Myers said. Montrose hosts its own home speech and debate tournament. This year the tournament was extremely successful despite the challenging aspects of setting up for a meet. “The home meet went really well. You need 40 judges for one meet, and you only have six people in a room with a judge at a time. There are nine sections one may perform in, and every section of speech has its own rules,” speech coach AJ Smith said. The intensity and time span it takes to participate in a tournament is comparable to any sport. “ It is a very intense, competitive activity. When I coached volleyball, we went to maybe five tournaments; but for speech and debate we go to 18 different tournaments throughout the season, and we are there all day. We leave at six and do not get back until nine,” Smith said. “Some students compete for up to six hours.” The MHS speech and debate team competes with determination and dedication just as any regular sports team. Although some athletes and others may continue to question the abilities and athleticism of members of the speech team, success speaks for itself.

“

(Photo/Tyra Amaya)

Does band deserve to be called a sport? Sports Writer

tudents at Montrose High School often question the athletic demand that a marching band member may claim to endure. The definition of a sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. The definition does not specify how much physical exertion is necessary for an activity to be considered a sport, and the Montrose High School band does in fact engage in physical exertion. It also competes against other schools while performing in front of an audience and judges for entertainment. “We do the same amount of physical work as some other sports do,” senior Savanna Edgar said. Marching band practices like any other team; they have practice during class and after school.

“During our season we practice about two hours a day, three hours on Thursdays, and five hours on Saturday. Our first camp is in June, and then we have two weeks of band camp in August from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Edgar said. Physical exertion is shown on the field during competition as well as during practices. The band team members also have to be in sync on the field while moving around to get into the required formations. “By the end of our show we are out of breath. It takes a lot of work to hold an uncomfortable posture while running around with heavy instruments,” Edgar said. The basketball team plays games throughout the regular season, followed by regional competition to see if they will qualify for state. Band is no different. Band has a regular season during the three months of the fall semester. The marching band then goes to regionals to compete for a chance to compete at the state level.

Q: Is there any physically demanding aspects to speech and debate? A: It is the same amount of competitive work as any other sport. Q: How often do you practice and for how long? A: We practice every day from 4-5:30. Q: How has the season been so far? A: I have been coaching for 35 years, and have never had such young athletes; but considering, our season has been really well.

”

Kansas is the destination for the Montrose speech and debate team. The 2014 speech and debate national competition is in southern Kansas, “There is no place like nationals,” is the team motto for 2014 and is derived from The Wizard of Oz.

through adversity

Betz

Q: Why do you consider speech and debate a sport? A: Because it is. It is a competitive activity with gain at the end, it is directed by a coach not a sponsor, and we have regular practices.

There is no place like nationals

Marching

Keenan

with Mrs. Smith

“All of our competitions are in September, October, and November. We then went to regionals where we qualified for state this year. At state we were able to make it all the way to finals. We did not win state; however, it was a huge accomplishment for us to get to get to finals,” Edgar said. In football, the quarterback has to communicate to his offense to get the right play called so the team can succeed. It also takes teamwork between the offense, defense, and special teams to win the game, and it is the same for band as well. If the marching band members do not communicate with one other, then their formations look out of order. The drum major acts as the band’s quarterback. “Teamwork is essential to marching band. If there was not teamwork, the show would fall apart. We all have to work together to make different sets and shapes on the field,” Edgar said. However, some high school students disagree with calling band a sport. One of the main arguments is

that band is a class in high school, while high school sports are considered extra-curricular activities that take place largely outside of class time. “I do not have an opinion on whether they should be a sport or not. It does not affect me. I know they have practices outside of class, but so do other activities that are not sports. At the same time, band includes physical movement,” senior Lindsey Rummings said. Golf is considered a sport at Montrose High School, and although the golf team does not have a class during the school day, golfers often miss entire days of school to play in tournaments. Band meets during a class period but performs and compete outside of school hours. Defining any activity as a sport or not based on so many variables seems confusing. “I think people involved in band care about if they are a sport or not, but other people really do not have an opinion on the subject. Outside band world, other people cannot really judge if band should be a sport or not because they do not know how hard they actually work,” Rummings said. Students at Montrose High School argue that there is not a true one on one competition between bands during competition. The definition of a sport states that a team competes against another or other teams, but it never states that they have to be in physical contact with an oppo-

nent. Fans also watch band competition for entertainment just as they watch sporting events for the same reason. “Band would not be considered a sport because it is more of an activity. I understand they compete against each other in competitions, but band has more to do with performing arts than sports,” Rummings said. Students like to argue that marching band is easier than other sports. Students should understand that comparing marching band to soccer is like comparing apple to oranges. “You cannot argue whether it is easier than other sports, and I know they have some tough physical practices,” Rummings said. Students continue to argue whether or not marching band is a sport, but the reason is vague. “I think because it is change. I think because it is change and change is very hard for people,” counselor Kathleen Pirani said. According to a survey of 200 MHS students, 61.5% consider band a sport. “I think students are ultimately fair to their peers, and they know how hard the band students work. They also have insane practices,” Pirani said. Whether or not one views band as a sport, dedication and hard work should be acknowledged. “I do not think we should look at a sport as some kind of athletic powers or skill, but to practice and perfect your art,” Pirani said.

band a sport? s I 38.5%

No, band is not a sport

61.5%

Yes, band is a sport

Survey of 200 MHS students

Sports

Page 15

February

The Super Bowl’s dirty little secret What every spectator needs to know Jackie Romero Sports Writer

hile most people who gather for the Super Bowl participate in tailgate parties and game winning touchdowns, others participate in a highly illegal and invisible act. Human trafficking and sex trade has been a growing problem at sporting events such as the Olympics, the World Cup, and the Super Bowl. An estimated $32 billion a year in international trade sales come from those who participated in this appalling illegal activity. Human trafficking is the trade in humans, most commonly for the purposes of sexual slavery and forced labor. Victims of human trafficking are generally forced to work for or provide services to the trafficker or others. They are held against their will through acts of coercion. Trafficking is a lucrative industry, representing an estimated $32 billion per year in international trade, compared to the annual $650 billion for all illegal international trade circa in 2010. “[The Super Bowl] is the single largest human trafficking incident in the United States,” Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said in a story in The Huffington Post. Here is an example from a previous year: A trafficker was arrested and imprisoned for selling two girls, ages 14 and 18, as “a Super

“The Super Bowl is the single largest human trafficking incident in the United States.” - Attorney Greg Abbott Bowl special.” Or there is the story of A.H., who was involuntarily taken to Dallas/Fort Worth last year where she was beaten, raped and enslaved not far from the Dallas Cowboys stadium. Bluntly speaking, these are lost and broken children whose profit value is magnified on the week of the Super Bowl. Studies of events surrounding past Super Bowls, the Olympics and two World Cup games show increases in both prostitution and trafficking. The U.S. Department of State estimates that more than 50,000 men, women and children are trafficked into the United States every year. That amounts to between 600,000 and 800,000 worldwide. A scandal as serious as illegal sex trade attached to the Super Bowl is not what the organization needs. Celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have created programs to help those victimized by human trafficking. To g e t h e r, Kutcher and Moore developed the DNA Foundation, which has a mission of endi n g h u m a n trafficking affecting children, especially their sexual exploitation, whether through child sex trafficking or child pornography. The foundation has a clear mission according to its statement on www.demiandashton. com. “We aim to disrupt and deflate the predatory behavior of those who abuse and traffic children, solicit sex with children or create and share child pornography. As these crimes are increasingly facilitated by technology, we invest in and deploy the latest technology as part of our ongoing fight to end child sexual exploitation.” This football season, Ashton Kutcher’s and Demi Moore’s DNA Project has teamed up with Adrian Peterson to launch Football For Good, which is raising money to support atrisk kids. So far their campaign has raised $278,136 of a $500,000 goal. Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson has committed $5,000 per touchdown to the cause; Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore will match his contribution, and Victor Ortiz will donate $2,500 per Peterson’s touchdown. Other participating players include Michael Huff of the Oakland Raiders, the Chicago Bears’ Roy Williams, Jermaine Gresham of the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Clark of the Indianapolis

Colts, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ DeSean Jackson. On Jan. 5, in preparation for the game, the Indiana Senate passed a bill making it unlawful to arrange for a person to engage in any forced sexual acts. Until then, the law only prohibited prostitution and forced marriage, not sexual slavery. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flocked to the area around East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the week-long build-up to the big game. The party environment provides an opportunity for those attempting to exploit others. Human trafficking is not limited to the sex trade, and experts urge people to be alert to the possibility that workers in local motels, restaurants or even domestic workers could be employed against their will. According to NBC News, after the 2014 Super Bowl was announced to be set in the MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey, officials set up training for law enforcement personnel, hospitality workers, high school students, airport employees and others to help them spot signs of sex trafficking. Churches handed out fliers highlighting warning signs as well. New Jersey implemented measures designed to reduce the forced prostitution and the selling of people at the Super Bowl this year. Over the years, human trafficking has become more popular, yet it is not a commonly discussed problem among high school students. “I never knew that people participated in human trafficking or sex slavery,” MHS freshman Isaiah Gonzalez said. “I had no idea that stuff like that was happening at the Super Bowl,” junior Matthew Maestes said. Students express their feelings and thoughts about being at a game with people participating in illegal activities around them. “No one wants to sit next to someone who is a rapist or even a human trafficker and not know it. There should be requirements for big events such as the Super Bowl,” Gonzalez said. But identifying these people is difficult and requires diligence. “I think ticket holders or sellers should run background check on people to see if that person has the right to be able to participate at Super Bowl games o r other games in genera l . Even though i t sounds stupid t o r u n background checks over people, it could probably prevent this from happening,” Gonzalez said. “I think that there is definitely a solution. I think putting more security in places where it is bound to happen could help prevent it,” Maestes said. The human trafficking is a dangerous and illegal activity that impacts everyone. So many are at risk for being trafficked. “The Super Bowl is supposed to be exciting, and selling people while it is going on isn’t American,” Gonzalez said.

Myths and truths about human trafficking • Myth 1: Human trafficking only happens in other countries.

• truth: It happens everywhere.

• Myth 2: Only women are trafficked.

• truth: Men and children are trafficked too.

• Myth 3: Prostitution is always voluntary. • truth: People are forced or tricked into prostitution everywhere.

• Myth 4: Sex trafficking is the only form of human trafficking. • truth: People are sold for labor as well.

Feature

Page 16

What do you really know about your February

Rocky

high

Mountain

Allyssa Taylor

News Writer

arijuana is a popular drug attained and abused by some high school students. With the recent Colorado legalization of the drug for adults, some feel it has not been any easier for minors who intend on using the drug to attain it. “There really is not any difference because you still have to be 21 to legally buy it unless you have medical cards. Most kids still buy from their regular dealers off the street. It is only when you have a card that it is convenient to go to dispensaries, but why would you go all the way to Telluride to buy more expensive marijuana from a dispensary when you can just as easily buy cheap quality weed from your normal dealer,” an anonymous student said. Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in the United States and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans.

Pros

According to government surveys, some 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14 million do so regularly despite strict laws against the use of it. Although Marijuana is perceived as far less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco, it is included under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 due to the fact that it has a high potential for abuse. Around 50,000 people die each year from alcohol poisoning, and 400,000 deaths each year are attributed to tobacco smoking. By comparison, marijuana is nontoxic and cannot cause death by overdose. The perception that people may have on marijuana is that it is easy to get hooked and become a “pothead,” and it begins to dominate users’ lives. Yet, alcohol has been legal for some time even though it has strong addictive qualities. “To me, marijuana makes you

feel better compared to drinking; it makes you stupid, whereas smoking makes you happier and more fun to be around because you aren’t as stressed. I wouldn’t say I am addicted, because people drink alcohol regularly and that is not grounds for an addiction; it is just fun and relaxing,” another anonymous student said. Early anti-drug laws were written to regulate narcotics and marijuana, though marijuana, which is not a narcotic, was described as such. The association remains between narcotics and marijuana, and there is now a wide range of influence in the American consciousness between “normal” recreational drugs, such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, and “abnormal” recreational drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Marijuana is generally associated with the latter category, which is why it can be convincingly portrayed as a “gateway drug.” “Who really knows why marijuana is still banned? Alcohol was banned for a while, but because of such high demand, I feel as though the same thing will

happ e n with marijuana. I haven’t heard any probable cause to enforce the legalities of it other than it’s addicting or a gateway drug, which neither have been proven,” a third anonymous student said. There is, however, research to show that the gateway drug argument is valid. According to a study cited on the Foundation for a Drug-Free World website, youth 12-17 years of age who use marijuana are 85 times more likely to use harder drugs such as cocaine. The anti-marijuana movement of the 1930s corresponds with the anti-Chicano movement of the 1930s. Marijuana was associated with Mexican Americans, and a ban on marijuana was seen as a way of discouraging Mexican-American subcultures from developing. Today, contrary to the public popularity of marijuana among whites during the 1960s and 70s, marijuana is no longer seen as an ethnic drug. The groundwork

for t h e anti-marijuana movement was laid down at a time when marijuana was seen as an intrusion on the U.S. majority white culture. It seems as though advocates for marijuana legalization rarely present an appealing case. To hear some advocates of marijuana legalization say it, the drug cures diseases while it promotes creativity, open-mindedness, and moral progression. That sounds thoroughly unconvincing to people who don’t use the drug themselves, especially when the image to some is that a marijuana user is a loser who risks arrest and imprisonment so that he or she can artificially supplicate an endorphin release. Marijuana seems to have medical benefits for many Americans with ailments ranging from glaucoma to cancer, but these benefits have not been readily accepted on a national level. Medical use of marijuana remains a serious national controversy to many.

. To smoke or not to smoke? .

“The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS -- or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.” - Joycelyn Elders, MD, Former US Surgeon General

Cons “Although I understand many believe marijuana is the most effective drug in combating their medical ailments, I would caution against this assumption due to the lack of consistent, repeatable scientific data available to prove marijuana’s medical benefits. Based on current evidence, I believe that marijuana is a dangerous drug, and that there are less dangerous medicines offering the same relief from pain and other medical symptoms.” - Bill Frist, MD, Former US Senator (R-TN)

LOOPHOLES in legality Brenna Cunningham

ment 64 mentions for medical and retail shops, there are several s many people have no- important rules missing. ticed, marijuana is becomRetail marijuana shops have a ing a major market in legal- loophole through which they are izing states such as Colorado and able to launder money and not be Washington. Colorado’s Amend- charged for it. ment 64 allows for both the medMerriam Webster Dictionary ical and retail sale of marijuana defines laundering as, “to put under many guidelines, yet it also (money that you acquired by doallows for illegal acts to be coming something illegal) into a busimitted. ness or bank account in order to Retail marijuana shops have hide where it really came from.” been given certain rules that they Under Amendment 64, banks cannot vioare allowed late or they to accept any face civil amount of penalties. money up to Such rules five thousand include not dollars from selling to marijuana anyone unshops. The der age 21, only recourse not selling banks have is over one to require the -John Ingold, Denver Post ounce to a owner to fill Colorado resident, not selling a out a form to allow monitoring fourth of an ounce to out-of-state of financial activity. It is a sort of residents, and labeling their prod- security blanket to try and catch ucts to keep customers informed. potential money launderers, Amendment 64 addresses prop- but even in that there is a hole er labeling as follows: through which money laundering “Marijuana sold in this state can still be achieved. will be labelled and subject to For the Colorado state governadditional regulations to ensure ment, regulating the amount of that consumers are informed and marijuana produced and sold by protected.” each shop is difficult. Each cannaDespite all of the rules Amend- bis plant is different; the amount

Feature Writer

“The tracking system does have its limits, though, which is why officials say it is just an enforcement tool, not a whole regimen.”

of saleable product varies from plant to plant. The difference in the amount of product each plant produces makes regulating it virtually impossible. Government officials have no way of knowing whether the money deposited by retail marijuana shop owners was obtained illegally or not. According to John Ingold at The Denver Post, “...the state rolled out its $1.2 million marijuana-tracking system called MITS, for, uncreatively, Marijuana Inventory Tracking Solution. It works like this: Every plant that a commercial grower sticks in dirt gets a radio-frequency tag that moves with the plant through its life cycle. Once the marijuana is harvested, everything is weighed, then it is weighed again after drying out and at other points during processing until it is all packaged up to leave the grow. The packages shipped to the stores cannot weigh more than a pound, and they get their own RFID tags. At the shop, store owners are required to weigh their inventory every day. All of this data is entered into MITS. Stores are also required to have some type of point-of-sale tracking system to chart sales. In theory, every purchase in the pointof-sale system should have a corresponding drop in inventory

in the marijuana-tracking system. It is up to the state’s pot auditors to actually scour the books and make sure it all matches up. The tracking system does have its limits, though, which is why officials say it is just an enforcement tool, not the entire regimen. And, embarrassingly for the state, holiday shipping delays mean that not all plants in the commercial system were entered into MITS by Jan. 1. Obviously, there is a system to try and prevent money laundering from occurring, but if a store owner was to think out the situation, it would be ways to go around the laws. There are many products a person could make with marijuana, such as edible substances (cakes, oils, butter, etc.), lotions and teas. Marijuana shops in Colorado are allowed to sell edible substances made with marijuana, thus raising the prices of their items. Nearly any amount of money could be made through the sales of these products, making regulating it even more difficult. Where laws are concerned, there are varying factors to be considered. In states such as Washington and Colorado, marijuana is legal. According to the federal government, however, marijuana is still

illegal. The lines between federal and state law cause a blurring in enforcement lines. After a state makes a law that contradicts federal law, the federal government steps back and does not enforce their law until a problem is brought to their attention or a change in political climate arises. According to the Department of Justice, the only issue the federal government is willing to enforce is preventing the selling of marijuana to minors, preventing money from sales from going to criminal groups, preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal to states where it is illegal, preventing criminal groups from using state law as cover for trafficking of other illegal drugs, preventing violence and the use of illegal firearms, preventing drugged driving and marijuana-related public health problems, preventing the growing of marijuana on public lands, and preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property. In any aspect, money laundering could be a potential issue. There is no way to know yet how a shop owner is obtaining money, but under an investigation and conversations amongst government officials, Amendment 64 may be fixed to resolved this issue.