Issue 2

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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Subcultures of monarch

WHO IS CASEY WILSON?

Pages 8 & 9

PAGE 15

Is starbucks making you broke?

PAGE 7

THE HOWLER A student publication of Monarch High School since 1998 Volume 15

Issue 2

Senior Matt Bennett has trouble concentrating on his math homework. (Photo by Katie Berohn)

A READER’S GUIDE TO ADHD Why is such an important issue so misunderstood?

by Oliver Ullman

Does This Thing Really Even Matter?

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es. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD, incites a set of symptoms that affect virtually every part of a person’s behavior. In

recent years, scientists have uncovered a steamrolling side effect of the disorder: ADHD has the potential to amplify other learning disabilities a person can have.

“Let’s say you have ADHD and you’ve got minor Dyslexia...maybe if you didn’t have ADHD that Dyslexia wouldn’t be as much of a problem,” Dr. Jeffrey Almony explained. ADHD is often coupled with other disabilities like Dyslexia or Autism, and symptoms

from one have a tendency to enhance the effects of the other. At Monarch students with these ‘compounding’ disabilities often have a tough time staying on top of their workload.

“I’m always battling with myself to stay focused and along with my dyslexia things are just harder and take longer,” said sophomore Chloe Hull.

Insomnia can be a major problem for people who

have hyperactive symptoms of ADHD. “A lot of people with [ADHD] have trouble getting to sleep at night and have to wake up very early in the morning.” said Almony. The most accurate answer to why is likely a combination of tendencies of people with ADHD, certain types of medication, and the hyperactivity itself.

“Getting to sleep is super hard for me,” said Hull. “I’ll stay for hours just lying in my (continued on page 16)

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Opinions

SNL: A Dying Show?

Saturday Night Live on the decline as actors leave the show

by Conner Lund Clockwise- Saturday Night Live logo Courtesy of NBC Universal. “Tina Fey” Photo Credit- Kirk McKoy (MCT Campus.)

“Amy Poehler” Photo Credit- Olivier Douliery (MCT Campus.) “Seth Meyers” Photo CreditCharles Bertman (MCT Campus.) “Bill Hader” Phot Credit- Alice Erardy (MCT Campus.)

S

aturday Night Live: a time when a family can make an excuse to stay up way too late on a Saturday night, watch a full hour of comedy sketches, and see old and new cast members grow in unexpected ways. Although this show has had this aspect in the past, the late-night comedy show is losing appeal, and fast.

Saturday Night Live has brought raunchy and humorous sketches to the American public for 39 years.

The most famous comics have come through the stage, including Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, and Bill Murray. All have contributed to the success of the show. Unfortunately this era of comedy sketches has ended. With recent comic veterans moving on from the show, SNL is ending a dynasty.

Recently, Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Fred Armisen have left already, with Seth Meyers moving on in February of 2014 to

Staff editorial The invaluable art of journalism

by The Howler Staff

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umans all have a fundamental need to understand the world around us. For many, in the age of the internet we turn to Facebook or Twitter for our news and information about what is happening in the world today, but true journalism sometimes gets lost in the endless chasm of the internet among so many unchecked facts and faulty information. True journalism and powerful reporting are still essential to the average person because it provides facts.

Journalism is the lifeblood of any healthy society.

The art of journalism creates a healthier society because it informs individuals. In our society, where we value democracy and liberty, it is essential that we also have an informed public to participate in that democracy.

Journalism can expose injustices that exist, such as in the case of the Watergate scandal. It was the work of Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward in a series of Pulitzer Prize winning articles that exposed the corruption and wrongdoing of Richard Nixon and his accomplices. There are countless examples throughout history of reporters working selflessly in the pursuit of an informed public.

Journalism has a powerful human presence as well. Journalism has the power to connect societies

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and the people of these societies on a human basis.

Photojournalists for example possess the power to create empathy for people and their plights through their work. Some of the most famous journalist pictures of all time have elicited emotional responses in their viewers. The portrait of a young Afghan girl with piercing eyes interested and enthralled people within the United States. As a result the harsh conditions of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan was brought to the attention of the American public. Without these timeless works of photojournalism and reporting we are left with a less empathetic and emotionally connected American public.

Just as journalism connects people across borders and between nations, journalism has the power to connect students. As a member of a student journalism staff it is your duty to be up to date on school news and have your ear to the ground regarding school happenings. Regardless of actual personal involvement in any club or activity you can still be a part of it through covering it for the paper. You become immersed in student life and become a more informed member of the school community as a result.

Invaluable skills are taught in newspaper class that simply can not be gained through traditional,

host his own show. Indeed, the show is quickly dying, as the only seasoned veteran left is Keenan Thompson, accompanied by a relatively young cast.

When people have moved on in the past, the show has gotten dramatically worse. This is extremely true with this struggling cast. Too many veterans are leaving, and subsequently viewers that have been able to relate to the actors are turning their heads away from the television. The loss of the crafty writer Andy Samberg has made the digital shorts a big hit-or-miss, and more times than not a miss. Kristen Wiig had a huge core classes. In core classes students work for the teacher, producing material that they will hand in to the teacher and be given back with a grade written on it.

In newspaper class students create work for a collective mixing pot of ideas and designs known as The Howler. Grades are given based on meeting deadlines, but all the work you create is seen by the entire student population and community at large. The work that is created in newspaper class is bigger than a grade, it is a priceless piece of history for the school. In 50 years when people look back at the archaic year 2013 they will read old newspapers and see what was important to students and the community as a whole.

Real work place skills are gained in newspaper class.

It is essential that when people go out into the world they know how to collaborate with a group of people.

Basic human interaction is becoming a lost art form of sorts. The ability to create a product that is a shared vision of multiple people and accurately represent each person’s original vision is a talent that many people struggle with. Even our Congress in the United States today struggles to create legislation that is a shared

role on the show, portraying classic characters that the audience always enjoyed seeing again, and as of now no one has been able to fill her big shoes. As Seth Meyers departs in February, Weekend Update, which he has been running since 2006, will fall to a new cast member, and could condemn the consistently good segment into another poor use of time.

All of the veterans who have left/will leave had a massive appeal to them. They could take a sketch that didn’t have as much content and still make it funny, such as the Gilly sketches. The idea of these skits was pretty bad, and relied heavily on Kristen Wiig to portray the character perfectly. She did, and the character of Gilly became much more popular than it should have been with someone else acting.

But with a young cast that no one really knows, it is very hard to relate to that person and laugh at even the decent sketches. It is going to take a few years until the viewer can really start getting to know the new cast. Keenan Thompson will help as the experienced comic, but he alone will not be able to maintain the certain quality of the show that it used to be.

As sad as it is to see SNL drop in quality, it is the inevitable truth. SNL has always had only a couple of really good sketches every week, but expect even this number to drop. As certain irreplaceable aspects move on to bigger and better things, the show will suffer. Already, SNL has been looked down upon, barely even able to compare to the old, glory days.

SNL will need a big step in writing and acting, as well as time, to gain prominence once again. Although this will be hard, it can be done, but it will be a while before SNL can recover from this devastating loss of cast members, writers, and personalities that SNL has hosted. For now, the classic tradition of watching a late-night comedy show on Saturday night is tainted, and people like myself will have to find other means of entertainment until SNL gets their act together.

“The pen is mightier than the sword.” (Cartoon by Terran Fox)

vision of all members. Compromising some of one’s personal beliefs in order to accommodate another person’s viewpoint is essential in life. In L205A when we are creating the newspaper all members bring their own vision and outlook to the table and we mash them all together to create The Howler each month.

The idea behind The Howler is to provide a voice to each and every student in the school, a lofty goal. By joining the newspaper staff, writing a guest column, or interacting with us online you can help us achieve this goal of creating a representative forum for student expression. What’s better is by joining the newspaper staff you yourself become a more wholesome, well-rounded person with applicable real world skills, not just a grade in the gradebook.

Opinions

one cares!

Orson scott card: No A senior’s frustration with the college kindly shut up procedure Is the “Ender’s Game” movie homophobic?

by Dalton Valette

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n eighth grade for Language Arts we were required to read the science fiction story “Ender’s Game,” which felt extremely out of place compared to other books we read that year, such as “To Kill A Mockingbird.” But I read the book, thought it was average, and I believed that would be the last time I’d hear about Buggars. In November, the Ender’s Game movie strikes screens across the country, and as I mildly tracked production of the movie (being a fan of both Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley who costar in the film) I found out more about the outspoken author of Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card.

I didn’t know anything about Card when I read the book years ago, but upon further investigation, I discovered that he has a few too many things to say about the growing gay community in America. He even went as far as calling Barack Obama a “Hitler or Stalin like dictator” who is “enforcing the gay agenda” in an Opinions piece called “Unlikely Events.” As far back as 2000, Card stated in an interview with Salon , “I do not believe homosexuals should be given a whole raft of rights analogous to what blacks have.” During that same interview, Card said, “The homosexuals that I’ve known well, I have found none who were actually made happier by performing homosexual acts.”

As each day passed and neared the release of the now controversial movie, more and more people began asking me what I thought of the movie, presumably because I’m gay. At this point, being out for nearly three years now, I’ve heard practically everything inflammatory towards gay people, but some of Card’s remarks are extremely offensive, and I am amazed that he hasn’t silenced at all with the release of his adaptation so near.

Firstly, calling a group of people by such atrocious arbitrary terms like “ the homosexuals” or “blacks” is incredibly degrading and makes people feel that they are nothing more than objects that are trying to be human which is not true. We are human, we have emotions and can communicate and dream and imagine and we can love and clearly we can hate so deeply as evident by Card’s outwardly views.

Secondly, about the whole “acts” situation. People do not choose to be gay because they want to perform certain sexual positions with one another. People are gay because that is how they are born, it is something that runs deeper than their own blood as it’s their core being. No matter what is said or done, no one can alter your inner being because it is you. You might as well try changing your eye color or hair style with just your mental capacity, it’s simply ludicrous. And for those

“homosexals” that Card knows that he swears are happier being celibate from their inhuman lifestyles, perhaps there are other factors to be taken into account as to why they are happier and no entirely because they choose to not engage in sex. For all you know, they could be happier because they’ve started watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Opinions are something we all have on various subjects, but some opinions really should be meant for yourself. I have opinions on subjects that I know a lot of people wouldn’t agree with but there’s a difference between having views opposite from most to having views that are meant to suppress the independence and pride of a group of people. Being gay myself, the comments that Card has made have affected me deeply.

What I don’t think Card understands is that his hateful comments can bring back anguish filled memories and corner people who are questioning their own sexual identity into feeling that if they come out, they’ll be bullied by people similar to the author. And that’s simply what Card is, a bully. He is intentionally speaking out to hurt other people that he doesn't even know as a way to feel better about himself or to try and create a world just perfect for him. Well I’m sorry to say, Orson Scott Card, the world isn’t tailored made for any one person.

Years ago, Card was a revered, award winning author who was loved by many young adult readers who relished in reading the adventures of a young boy in space named Ender. Now, Card has not only tainted his own name, but has forever tarnished his credible reputation as a writer and branded himself as a hateful person who may have ruined the love many had for his writing.

So, will I be seeing this Ender’s Game movie? No, I do not believe I will, but this is not because of what Card has said. I think Lionsgate, the studio releasing the movie, has done a terrific and noble job at distancing their film from Card’s views and have even catered specifically to LGBT communities to show their support for equality. And do not judge a piece of art for what the creator believes, art is meant to take a step back from reality and bring something new and exciting to the world. I will not be seeing Ender’s Game because I wasn't a fan of the novel, I don't like the over emphasis on visual effects seen in the trailer, and it simply doesn't feel like a film that I would enjoy. I’m sure the film is a fine film, I will just not be there to see it. And as for Orson Scott Card, stomping around like an irate child and cursing about gay marriage while you are blue in the face gets you nowhere, and is really just pathetic and an embarrassment to you and those around you. So please, kindly shut up.

Orson Scott Card Through the Years

1990- Card writes an essay in “Sunstone Magazine” in which he said that laws prohibiting homosexual behaviors “should remain on the books.”

2004- Card pens the essay “Homosexual ‘Marriage’ and Civilization” in which he claims, “Homosexuals first entered into [the] world through a disturbing seduction or rape or molestation or abuse.”

2009- Card joins the National Organization of Marriage (NOMA) which actively opposes same-sex marriage.

2012- Card says that same sex relationships are a “reproductive dysfunction.”

“Orson Scott Card” (Photo courtesy of MCT Campus)

by Josh Behrens

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’m going to make a shirt. It’ll have my top three schools, my intended major, and my intended career written on the back with “See back for details” on the front. I’ll wear it every day and it will answer the first three questions out of everyone’s mouth because when you’re a senior, suddenly everyone in your life seems to be reading from the same script, as if robots programmed to ask the same trilogy of inquires: “Where are you applying?”, “What are you going to study?”, and “What are you going to do with that degree?”

After a while, you just become numb to the same old conversation, complete with the same lines you monotonously Feeling Overwhelmed! (Photo Credit- Dalton Valette) repeat every time, psychically predicting the applied to directly correlates to how much self worth questions before they are a person possesses. Our competitiveness comes out in even asked. This constant barrage of post high school the worst way and has us judge everyone for their colinvestigations tends to get a little old.

But the worst part is that the majority of the ques- lege and career choices.

Now, granted, a lot of kids won’t attest to this, and tions aren’t asked by your parents, family friends, or great aunt Susan. I don’t think I would mind the in- many seniors aren’t a part of it in a sense, but collectivecessant questions from adults anyways. I understand, ly, all of us seniors make up this culture: a culture that dictates happiness and success are based solely in what they are just trying to connect with a younger person, college a kid goes to. and those topics are often the only questions they can To that I say: no one cares. It’s so simple and yet it’s think to ask about (besides perhaps if you “saw Miley true. Your parents and peers may be fretting over your Montana torquing at the VIA’s”). So I get it when older choices and hammering you to go only to the school people ask those questions.

It isn’t that. No, it’s your peers. They are complaining, that will give you the brightest future, but what is the same as you, that all they ever get asked is what college brightest future? In twenty years no one cares where you went to school, whether you studied Electrical Enthey are going to. Then they turn around and ask you the same question in their the next sentence. But the gineering or Particle Physics, and well, they won’t really thing is, the questions aren’t annoying, it’s the culture care about anything. Your employer will only care about that appears senior year; a competitive culture that how well you perform your job, your family will only somehow dictates that the colleges you are applying to care whether you provide for them, and you will only care if you are content with your life. The people who determines your self worth.

So in that sense, it’s not the act of asking someone will care about where you went to school won’t be the where they want to go to college, but the intention be- kind of people you will want to be around, and if you hind it. I find the climate at Monarch to be semi-com- only chase material wealth, you will be on a fruitless journey. petitive, whether that be through sports, academics, or Of course I’m not saying we should just pack up and other extracurriculars. We are usually pretty chilled out, but we still strive to be our best in whatever we do. go off on an “Into The Wild” transcendentalist trip to But when it comes to college, something a little dif- find our true selves; no, having a stable future is importferent starts to surface. I think it might be the stress ant. But will not getting into that “perfect” school rethat comes along with applying to college. We are de- strict you from having that future? Community college termining the future not just for ourselves, but our kids, or even immediate employment can be just as rewarding grandkids, and the whole country (or so it feels some- if not more rewarding than the collegiate alternative, as long there is hard work and genuine passion. College times), and that is a heavy burden to carry. Tacked onto will be what you make it, and anyone can make the most the already immense task school can be and whatever else fills up our lives, it can become pretty overwhelm- out of any college they attend; all it takes is a good attiing. (Next time you are walking through the hallways, tude and work ethic.

So I challenge you to not care. Work hard toward try playing a game I like to call “Whose college app your dreams, whatever they may be, but do it for you, deadlines are coming up?” Spoilers: they tend to look not for prestige. Because at the end of the day, no one kind of dead in the eyes, the so-called “thousand yard will care. And while that may sound depressing, isn’t it gaze.”) Maybe it’s the pressure put on by parents and friends to go to the best school and major in super-fan- equally freeing? To be able to just be… content. And cy physics (or whatever the latest poll says makes the that’s something worth caring about. most money). Nevertheless, there is this senior complex that dictates the perceived esteem of the colleges

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Opinions

creation compromise

NetflixThe Next Big Thing Netflix brings more people together as it expands

by Katie Berohn

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onversations usually begin with a hello, and progress into talking about mutual interests.

Lately, I’ve noticed that one of the easiest ways to connect to people is to bring up Netflix. If a conversation isn’t going anywhere or I don’t seem to be connecting with someone, I’ve noticed that if I make a joke about Netflix, almost everyone connects. Just about everyone is on Season 2 of Walking Dead or rewatching Gossip Girl for the 3rd time or watching any of the other shows offered on Netflix.

Is Netflix becoming a new way for people to connect with one another? When people like the same shows as each other, it seems like they share an instant connection. I’ve definitely befriended people over our mutual love of the same shows. I know people who center dates around watching episodes of shows they’ve talked about with each other. I haven’t gotten asked what my favorite book is in a long time. What I’m watching on Netflix right now, however, is something I’ve been asked too many times.

Lately, since Netflix recently hit 40 million subscribers, there has been talk of Netflix becoming even bigger than it already is. The corporation is worried that they might not be able to keep their ever-growing viewer population happy (I’m not sure how, considering Netflix is probably around number three on my list of top ten favorite things). Their stock has risen exponen-

Ethics of creationism and evolution

tially, and all this growing has given Netflix a little room to expand.

We all know that Netflix is relatively cheap, which is probably why people love it so much. It’s easy to watch your favorite shows on Netflix, since it’s only eight dollars a month for an online subscription. With so many people paying this fee, Netflix has been able to expand their movie and TV options without overspending.

Their original series, like “Orange is the New Black” and “House of Cards”, have been hits among their audience. So much success is leaving Netflix thinking that maybe they should start offering even more options.

Should Netflix start offering more shows and movies? Personally, I think it’s a great idea. There are so many shows and movies that I would love to have instant access to that I can’t seem to find anywhere else.

To me, it sounds like a good move for the company to start adding more shows that people want to see. I would love to be able to watch the Lion King whenever I want to.

However, I think that if Netflix raises their prices for more content, it might be a dealbreaker for some people. Like I said, many people like Netflix because it is so reasonably priced. I don’t think anyone wants to pay a lot of money to watch Netflix--they might as well just watch Comcast’s OnDemand. If Netflix can keep a reasonable price for the addition of new content, then I think that expansion is a great idea.

Whatever Netflix chooses to do with their corporation, I’m sure people will still love it. Netflix brings people together. (Just as long as they don’t take off New Girl).

by Malachi Dray

T

here’s no surer way to stir up a storm than to take a stand on the heated controversy of our day, the debate between creationism and evolution. Ideological crusaders on either side will scrap without pause or mercy to defend their viewpoint. For an atheist, the stubborn refusal of scientific principles by creatianists is infuriating, and the cold and mechanical view of the universe promoted by the “faithless” is unnerving, unnatural, and disheartening to those who reject it. Both sides have compelling arguments and touching rhetoric, and so it’s a true shame that they can’t take a bit of wisdom from each other and reconcile their beliefs. The result would be --is-- more beautiful than one would think.

At the heart of the matter lies the false assumption that only one side of the controversy can be right. Either we’re here as the result of an impersonal process of random mutation and natural selection, or we’re the first and final draft, a perfect template well-constructed by knowing hands. In truth, a pleasant synthesis of these ideas is possible, and even preferable. Who is to say that evolution isn’t a guided process? Or that our divine creation may have included a developmental stage, a stepping stone to humanity as we know it?

It’s an attractive hypothesis. The objectively-oriented get the satisfaction of the affirmation of their time-tested and consistent scientific classification of truth, in the tradition of Darwin. The faithful have their belief of a greater purpose and intelligent design

supported, as well as a fine testament to the comprehensive and flawless planning ability of their Creator.

It does a lot to complement creationism; not only were we then created by a perfect artisan, but we are the final product of an intricate and infinitely complex equation.

We are the masterpiece, wrought delicately over time from simpler stuff than you or I. That fine-tuned manufacture, the assembly of our species, applies down to the individual level as well.

Not only are we as a species the calculated product of the evolution of our species, but every single one of us is a customized unit, with a maker’s mark in every tiny pocket of the self. All those fish and reptiles were just ingredients, and you’re the finished work, absolutely unique and sculpted millennia before you were ever born.

This is not a fringe position. The Catholic Church already accepts theistic evolution, or guided evolution, as truth. Jewish and Islamic scholars, while divided on the issue, often hold that evolution is compatible with their religions. And atheists could certainly gain from the powerful notions that their faithful friends have about our origin and purpose here. While this issue will not be resolved for decades if ever, maybe both sides could, if not accept the compromise position as true, at least appreciate it for the very pretty picture that it is, of a humanity impeccably engineered piece by piece, child by child, for this cosmic workbench circling the sun.

Ups and downs for November

by Will Bangs Icons by Will Bangs and Natalie Forman

A study done by Connecticut College reported that lab rats experienced a more euphoric and additive reaction when eating Oreos than when exposed to cocaine or morphine. Give me a bite of that double stuff and I’ll say anything you want me to.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie officially retracted his opposition of same-sex marriage in the state. LGBT couples have now begun to be lawfully wed as of October 21st. If any supporters of “traditional” marriage can take solace from this, it’s that nothing can put a damper on gay-marriage like New Jersey.

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Ukranian scientists discovered a 1,300 footwide asteroid that is expected to hit the earth in 2032 and wipe out all life on the planet, but NASA predicts the likelyhood of impact is minute. But even if it hits, luckily our rising sea levels will probably soften the blow.

Thirty-three year-old Toby Sheldon spent $100,00 on plastic surgery including hair transplants, botox, chin reductions, and eyelid surgery to look like 19 year-old pop star Justin Bieber. Good luck recreating that exotic Canadian look.

Starbucks opened its first teahouse in New York City and now plans on opening 1,000 more throughout the country. Great, now even more places people can refuse to go to because “it’s too corporate.”

After a long, frustrating shutdown the United States government reopened and resumed all federal actions, leaving many Americans relieved that they can be out of that crisis and back to being just on the verge of crisis.

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News

coding skills key to Building the Future of a virtual World

by Tyler Lund

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any companies and jobs in the workforce today involve computers or technology. A job that can help build the future of our world, along with having great perks, is coding. Coding

is a way for you to make computers and programs execute commands.

Computers are changing the world as we know it.

Almost any profession today involves computers. Yet

Junior John Honen works to create a roulette wheel game in C++ class. Photo by Tyler Lund

few people in this new world of computers know how to code.

“Over the next ten years there will be 1.4 million jobs in computer science and only about 400,000 grads qualify for this job. That’s a shortage of a million people,” according to Code.org in their short film called “Coding Stars.”

Due to this high demand for coders when very few actually are present in the workforce, companies like Google, Twitter, Facebook, and other companies are making their offices and perks of the job awesome. At these company offices, there are areas like recreational centers, video game rooms, hangout rooms, gourmet food, and other recreational activities. In addition to the perks in the offices, they also provide really good health benefits and retirement plans.

Thankfully at Monarch, classes like Java will help you learn how to code. “At first coding seems really hard just because its such an obscure concept just like with all the other things we have ever learned. But once you start to learn the basics of it other concepts start to become more apparent and once you kinda get over that hill just like how complicated programming is than a lot more things become easier,” said Tyger Roch, a junior in AP java.

Classes are not the only way to learn to code at Monarch. You can also join clubs like Robotics which teaches students how to create robots that perform

tasks like moving objects through engineering and programming.

“Coding is in our communication and computers are everywhere. Things are being run like our cars, our appliances, our cell phones I mean just about everything we are doing right now has some sort of computer or some sort of coding to it. And those people who know the coding, they hold the keys,” said teacher David Clark, one of mentors of the Robotics team who also helps with project management.

With all these classes and clubs in the area, anyone could start to learn to code today. But if there is no time for these classes there are all sorts of cool websites that help beginners learn to code.

Code.org gives information on coding and directs you to coding educational wesites. One of those websites is Code Academy. Code Academy is where you can learn many different languages of code like Javascript, Ruby, Jquery, and many more. In each course there are also projects that involve coding like making a webpage and applications.

Coding is the language of the future. With all this new technology coding will become more and more important and apparent. With all these easy options to learn code, anyone today can learn to code and work at any number of cool companies.

Marching to victory Monarch places sixth at 4a state tournament

by Arika Rooney and Ellie Oliver

T

he bright lights beam down on the sweaty faces of the players. As they stand on the green field ready to play. It’s the big night for them. No, I’m not talking about the football players, I mean the marching band.

This year the Monarch marching band has had quite a few successes. This is the first year in Monarch history that marching band got to skip quarter finals for state after placing in the top six at their regional competition. This year they have a handful of dedicated 8th graders, more than they have had in over four years. And according to senior snare drummer Sam Gefke, “ [They] have a new instructor who is very serious about making the band succeed, [more so] than the past instructors have been.”

Amy Karlzen said, “I’ve been doing it for the past three years. My sophomore year we got state over all in 4a State. I think it’s the highest we’ve ever placed.”

“There’s a lot of dedication. There’s a different sense of drive and we’re really trying to be the best we can be. Everyone’s really devoted and excited to be there. Our senior class is pretty great. We’re all really driven and most of us are section leaders,” said Karlzen.

“This is probably the best our band has ever been. We work harder and focus more during rehearsal and this is the best we’ve ever placed in finals and we’re doing really good,” said Jay Cunningham the section leader of the drum line.

The kids are putting in more effort because they

want to be better than they’ve ever been. “[Influence and leadership] started with the seniors and spread throughout the whole band. We’re kind of like their role models,” said Cunningham. Not only are the seniors stepping up and being leaders but the classes below them are too.

“We have a lot of strong section leaders. A lot of seniors and good juniors that are working just as hard.

Quite a few of the older kids are really stepping up,” Cunningham said.

“The students this year were great. Not only are [they] all lovely people but also each one was determined and dedicated to making this year a success,” said senior Christina Bartholomew, the first Junior to be elected a drum major last year.

Marching band students had to be at the school at 7:45am on Saturday, October 26th, for the state competition and did not make it home until 1am the next morning. “ [Finals] is the one time a year where we can focus on putting out the best show possible for sake of making music, leaving a memorable performance on the field and having fun,“ said Bartholomew.

Aftering moving on from the semifinal round, Monarch Marching Band placed 6th in the final Colorado 4a State competition. They had around 24 other schools who had moved past regionals, quarterfinals and semi finals whom they competed against for the state title. Obviously all the hype was correct about this years Monarch Marching band.

Monarch marching band puts on one of their final shows of the season at 4a state tournament on October 26th.

(Photo credit: Peggy Cai)

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News

Government shutdown Federal spillover, local effects How Washington’s shutdown impacted Boulder employees and their families

by Daisy Fuchs

W

hile Washington was in shambles from October first to October 17th due to a government shutdown, there were also many negative effects felt in Boulder County. Boulder is home to many federal offices including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, National Center for Atmospheric Research, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, and National Institute of Standards and Technology; along with being the home to CU which receives government funding for research.

There are also numerous companies in Boulder such as Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace that have contracts with the federal government. Science teacher Katharine Ellis said, “[Boulder is] a federally funded city.”

Ellis’s husband is a federally funded research scientist who has had issues being able to plan foreign trips and presentations for a while due to the sequester. And this is not a problem that ended with the shutdown either. “Even today, the 21st [of October], he still doesn’t know if he is supposed to go to China, and he is supposed to go in a week and a half,” said Ellis.

Trips were not the biggest problem that research labs had either; some scientists had to shut down all of the running labs. This includes having to properly turn off equipment, which is a difficult and technical process. Starting the labs up again could also cause complications, such as possible leaks of the small amount of chemicals that they are working with.

“Some things you can’t shut down as easily. It’s not like you just turn out the lights,” said Wyatt Metzger, physicist from the National Renewable Energy Lab in Boulder. For the duration of the government shut down his lab had needed to spend money on planning how they would go about shutting down if they needed to. “It costs a lot of money to shut down a lab,” said Ellis.

Even though there were obvious problems with some research facilities, Metzger said, “[NREL wasn’t] that heavily affected.”

NREL is a private contractor for the Department

of Energy and receives funding from both the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. So, for them government funding problems are common.

“They [Congress] fail to get a budget passed so frequently that they have what’s called a continuing resolution. Which is that if there isn’t a budget, then typically they will continue the same amount of funding for a period,” Metzger said.

The biggest problem that NREL experienced was that there were fewer people working at the agencies that they receive their funding for research projects, causing funding to be more uncertain and to go much slower.

Due to Boulder being so federally linked, parents of some Monarch students were furloughed during the government shutdown. “[His parents] just chilled at home and did stuff around the house. They didn’t have any work to do because they weren’t working,” said senior Derek Plott.

Senior Logan McCoy said that when his father was put on furlough, his father was not allowed to use his cell phone because it was from his work Plott and McCoy are in agreement about the fact that, for families, the government shutdown was both worrisome and stressful.

When the shutdown ended the employees that had been furloughed received back pay which made the impact on the families much less. McCoy said, “Now that back pay has been signed in, it sort of looks like paid vacation.”

Another one of the effects that Monarch students saw due to the current budget issues was that the Science Research Seminar class has been affected. Ellis said that due to lack of funding, there was not enough grad students to be paired as mentors with the high school students.

Although, senior Anna Hogan said that she did not notice any difference at the lab for her Science Research Seminar due to the government shutdown.

Some things you can’t shut down as easily. It’s not like you just turn out the lights...”

-Wyatt Metzger

President Barack Obama convenes with members of the Democratic Leadership of the House in the Oval Office on October 15, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

World War II and Korean War veterans visit the World War II memorial October 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. Congressional members opened up the barricades of the memorial again and welcomed veteran groups to visit. Most of them came on Honor Flights from around the country, on the third day of the government shutdown. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)

“Can they do better than another continuing resolution, as these temporary budget patches are called? Doubtful.”

“...both parties need to find bipartisan solutions to critical problems in order to rehabilitate their credibility with the American public.”

Jared Bernstein, a a former cheif economist for Joe Biden, and a senior fellow at the Center for budget and Policy Priorities

Sanjay Sanghoee, author of “killing Wall Street, and a banker and political and business commentator.

By The numbers Photo quotation and fact gallery by Will Bangs

The National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL) in Boulder includes facilities for research on wind energy. NREL labs like these did not need to close due to the shutdown because they have a continuing resolution, although they still had to prepare to be able to stop research in the case that the government shutdown had gone on longer. (Photo credit: NREL.gov)

Sources: Huffington Post; New York Times

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76 million

3.8 million

In revenue lost per day from the Natioal Parks and their surrounding areas.

Veterans who did not receive disability compensation this month due to the government shutdown.

85% Americans dissaprove of Congress following the government shutdown.

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Life

A four step guide to wellness Easy steps to taking care of yourself

by Brody Coronelli

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hen alluring magazine covers paint the aisles with people at the peak of their personal and physical performance, the public comes running, often to admire the glamour and charm these spreads are designed to invoke upon the typical consumer. Behind much of this allure is falsified beauty, as body modification and cosmetics frame much of this culture. There is a second side to much of this, applying to more than the visual enchantment involved. This second step is the healthy lifestyles many of these figures in the public eye are leading. Whether this lifestyle is fetched through rich, regular gym routines, diets that eliminate all the bad nutrients and instead isolate the good, or creative outlets to bring peace and balance to emotion, there are many things you can do to start feeling better, living longer, and looking better.

Step 1: Routine exercise

STEP 3: Kale!

As America rises in the ranks of the most obese country in the world, Colorado is an exception as we rank one of the healthiest states in the US. But for the latter crowd, there lies a holy grail that can begin to lead people on the road to wellness: routine exercise. A poll conducted by Gallup.com in 2012 states that only 58.6% of Western Americans exercise three or more times a week for at least a half hour, which in fact is nearly 5% more than Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern Americans. This exercise can be achieved through cardio programs such as yoga and pilates, weight lifting, or other methods. Personal preference is the ultimate factor. It is fairly common knowledge that routine physical activity can improve mental health, diseases and health conditions, and even boost energy.

This delicious vegetable is a powerhouse of antioxidants, iron, vitamins, and fiber, along with sulfur for detox. It’s primary vitamin, vitamin k, is proven to support bone structure, prevent blood clotting, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It can make a beneficial topping to many dishes, be eaten like salad, or can be worked into nearly any dish. It’s the bee’s knees. The cat’s meow. Kale’s detoxifying nature even clears up skin, not to mention it’s non-fat and has only thirty six calories to each cup.

STEP FOUR: Find a Creative Outlet

The least covered of health-benefiting ideals, a strong creative outlet is necessary for many as not only an escape but for means of expression.

Specific creative outlets are what many frame themselves around, as these can provide a less generalized sense of self image, stress relief, self awareness, and freedom of expression.

STEP 2: A Nutrient Rich Diet

Not even the best exercise routine can counter a bad diet. No studies need to be done to prove that sugary, processed, and fast foods are delicious, but they can do more bad than good in excess. By taking these fatty, sugary foods in moderation and instead choosing a natural, organic diet rich in protein, good carbs, fruit and vegetables, fiber, and vitamins, you can feel and look better.

Kale can be an essential piece of a healthy lifestyle. (Photo credit: MCT Campus)

Starbroke

Your coffee addiction may be costing you more than you think

by Micaela Marquez

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ttention all Starbucks addicts! With literally thousands of possible drink combinations that your local barista can whip up behind that magical bar, it doesn’t take much to see why the chain coffeehouse is extremely well-loved by many.

So what’s the big deal about Starbucks? Senior Emmy Gazaway says “I honestly love coffee shops, I just go to Starbucks because it’s fast and easy!” Senior Nicole Manders voiced a similar statement, saying, “The people are really nice, they are fast at getting you your drink, and they have a lot of different yummy drinks!” In recent years, the Starbucks chain has blown up big time. However, have you ever thought about how big of a hole that Frappuccino could be digging in your wallet? We questioned a range of Monarch students about how much they are spending on their favorite drinks.

“The queen of Starbucks is Gail Hooke with her gold card.”

-Jane Felknor

“I live, love, and exist for Starbucks.”

-Brian DuFresne

*These numbers are estimates based off of students’ estimated weekly Starbucks expenditures, not exact values (Photo by Katie Berohn)

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sUBCULTURES OF mONARCH: Under the radar clubs uncovered

by Anna Blanco, Sophie Cox-Wright, Kellie Beswick, Charlotte Crist, and Mia Mulvahill

Game Club:

German Club:

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ou would be hard pressed to find a Monarch student that has never heard of our football team, Future Business Leaders of America, or the madrigal choir.

The students that are members of these organizations probably rarely have to explain what their club or activity is. But what about those students who belong to lesser-known groups?

Monarch is home to dozens of student and staff run clubs, activities, and goups, many of which the majority of students may have never heard of. Our staff looked beyond the typical clubs of Monarch to uncover the majorly unknown clubs here at Monarch.

Game Club was started five years ago by librarian Beatrice Gerrish. The club currently has eight members. Every meeting, members play games, but mostly it’s a place to hangout. Coming together over pizza and drinks it’s a good way to meet new people or meet up with your friends after a long day at school. Besides meeting in the library, the club will, on occasion catch a movie instead. Game Club does not interfere with academics and is very laid back.

Circle of Friends: Grill Club:

Grill Club members enjoy hot dogs on a sunny fall day. (Photo by Tyler Lund)

In early September of this year, seniors Mark Bowen, Gabe Wingert, and Henry Knauer, along with a group of sophomore boys known as “The Grillionaires,” started Grill Club. Grill Club meets once a week during second lunch on Thursdays, and into seventh period wherever the grill is. During this time, members of this club enjoy the single activity the name lists, grilling. Grill Club meets every week, no matter what the weather is. “Just join Grill Club, it’s warm meat and free love. One group, one grill,” said Knauer.

Circle of Friends was started at the beginning of last year by Lauren Boryenace, the school psychologist, and Andrea Mann, the school language pathologist. Currently about 20 students meet in room B103 every Monday during first lunch to enjoy lunch together while listening to music, socializing, playing games, and much more.

“Circle of Friends is friendly, and you can make new friends, and friends are awesome,” explained sophomore Chris Miller. In this club, students have the opportunity to build friendships and learn about their peers in the special education room. “Everyone is welcome in the special ed. room,” said Miller.

German Club has been around as long as the school has, even though many students still do not even know that German is offered as a language here at Monarch. German teacher Emily Stanley shares why she thinks German Club is just now being noticed. “I think a lot of people think that you can only be apart of German Club if they are currently taking German, but anyone can come,” said Stanley.

German Club does all sorts of fun activities involving the German culture. “This is a way for students to learn more about German culture outside of an academic environment. This way it can be more fun!” Stanley exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. German Club is held every Wednesday morning in the German classroom during tutor time.

Game Club members excercise their competitive spirit at a meeting. (Photo by Charlotte Crist)

Art Club: Have a passion for art?

Join Art Club! First started in 1998 by former teacher Virginia Schick, this club focuses on learning about cultural backgrounds and creating art projects. They meet every Wednesday from 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the pottery room. It’s great if you want to meet new people and you enjoy freely expressing yourself through your art.

Senior Kyra Treadwell and junior Caitlin Reilly enjoy their lunches at Circle of Friends. (Photo by Sophia Cox-Wright)

Socialist club: Senior Jacob Oligschlaeger looks for a pass around a Fairview defender. (Photo credit: Jessica Chesnut)

Teenage Republicans:

Ultimate Frisbee: Although there are said to be around 70 students currently involved in the ultimate frisbee team, there are still many students that don’t know Monarch has a frisbee team. Social studies teacher Matt Dicarlo, the adult sponsor of this “club”, has a few things to say about why this is. “ It still really isn’t considered a real sport, even though it requires lots of athleticism.” Ultimate Frisbee may not be considered “mainstream” yet, but it has quite a lot to offer. “ Ultimate Frisbee is special because it brings together all kinds of different kids. People belonging to all different kinds of sub-cultures are brought together. It also allows for some athletes to get away from the competitive edge that sometimes comes with most other sports,” said Dicarlo with enthusiasm shining in his eyes.

Introducing a new club to monarch this September, sophomore Chris Giles, said, “The purpose is to learn about the Republican Party and how the Republican Party is getting involved with issues occurring.” Giles and sophomore Ashton Warman started the club so that they could educate themselves and anyone else who is interested in the Republican Party. There are currently 15 members in the club and Giles hopes to see more join. Meetings for this group are Wednesdays in the library from 3:30-4:00 p.m.

Monarch junior Alexander Kennedy guards a Jefferson County high school player during a game. (Photo credit: Jessica Chesnut)

Two years ago the Socialist Club was started by senior Malachi Dray. Socialist Club meets on Mondays during tutor time in a classroom in the lab in downstairs C lab. “We normally have one to two main topics that we will discuss and debate when we have a meeting,” explains senior member John Bosshard. The members of the club bring up a real world issues and share their opinions. Occasionally a discussion may lead to a debate because of conflicting opinions. “A debate is a really stimulating conversation to have,” said Bosshard. The club is always open to new members, no matter what they believe. “We are always trying to find more people because the more people you have, the more opinions you have,” explained Bosshard. “All ideas and all opinions are welcome, no matter how ridiculous they may seem.”

Members of Socialist Club enjoy snacks while discussing important events. (Photo by Ellie Oliver)

Senior Ron Duron displays his unfinished work called The Void. (Photo by Charlotte Crist)

A Teacher’s view Of high school culture Joyce Stahler, world history, psychology, and economics teacher here at Monarch, shares her high school experience and the society of her high school as a whole. “ [ I went to] Broomfield High which is very much like MHS. We were isolated and didn’t know much of the world outside of our little community,” Stahler said. “ I was one of the ‘nerds’ and was always trying to learn as much as I could. I also loved sports; both participating and as a spectator.” Ever since Stahler has been a teacher at Monarch, she has noticed some good, as well as bad, things about the students and parents in the Monarch community. “I have seen that [people in the MHS community] can have a strong sense of entitlement. For example they feel that they deserve to have a good life, they deserve to get good grades even if they don’t put out an exemplary amount effort, etc.,” said Stahler. “They don’t really feel the push to help the less fortunate. But I think that the majority of the students that I have are really sweet and motivated.” Even though Stahler loves all of the kids that she has taught, she worries about their futures. “I think that MHS kids are a little isolated from ‘the real world.’ I am afraid they will go out into the world as if they are wearing ‘blinders’ to things like hunger. money, homelessness,” Stahler said.

Language Arts teacher Mary Prassa recognizes that social cliques and groups in high schools have been around since before she was a high school student, and sees the groups and cliques as unavoidable. “I don’t see anything wrong with this,” she explained.“People always gravitate towards others with the same interests.” Prassa hopes that even though there are many social groups here at Monarch, students will treat each other with respect and kindness. She said, “I hate bullying, [it] is completely unacceptable.” Prassa attended a large high school that was split into two campuses, one for freshmen and sophomores, and another for juniors and seniors. “Unless you were in a sport or activity, you didn’t get to know many people beyond those who were one year above or one year below you,” said Prassa.

(Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

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Arts and Entertainment

DIY Projects

Four fun and easy do it yourself projects

by Emma Gooding-Lord

Jewelry Cleaner

This is an effective way to clean jewelry and bring it back to its original shine.

Materials: baking pan aluminum foil 1 cup boiling water ½ cup white vinegar 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon baking soda Line a baking pan with aluminum foil, shiny side up so that the whole pan is covered. Place the jewelry in the pan. Mix water (remember it needs to be boiling), baking soda and salt together. Pour the mixture into the pan, covering the jewelry completely. Slowly pour in the white vinegar and wait for the mixture to bubble. Let it sit for five to ten minutes. Remove the jewelry and rinse with cold water.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

Homemade Hot Chocolate

This simple scrub makes your hands super soft and smell good too!

Ingredients: 2 ½ cups of white granulated sugar ¼ cup coconut oil (or almond oil) 1 whole lemon (or orange)

This is a delicious recipe for a warm drink this fall!

Materials: 3 ½ cups sugar 2 ¼ cups cocoa 1 teaspoon salt whole milk

Melt down the coconut oil (if using coconut oil.

Almond oil is already liquid) by placing it in a microwave safe bowl and putting it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Pour the sugar into a medium sized bowl and stir in the coconut oil (or almond oil), and set aside. Using a grater, zest the lemon or orange (rub the grater along the side of the lemon producing a small pile of lemon or orange shavings). Cut the lemon (or orange) in half and using a juicer, juice the lemon (or orange) and collect the juice in a small bowl. Mix the fruit juice and zest into the sugar. If the consistency of the scrub is too watery, add more sugar.

Combine sugar, cocoa, and salt in a large bowl. Stir until everything is combined. For each individual serving, pour one cup of milk into a microwave safe cup. Microwave the cup on high till the milk is hot but does not boil. Add two and a half tablespoons of the cocoa mix into the warm milk and stir until dissolved. For larger servings, heat three to five cups of milk on the stove on medium high heat, until the milk is warm, not boiling. Add in two and half tablespoons for every cup of milk. Serve warm. To spice up the drink, sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Air Freshener

This is a simple air freshener that neutralizes bad smells and creates a fresh smell throughout any room!

Materials for air freshener: ¼-½ cup of baking soda essential oil For container: a mason jar and lid thumbtack colored cardstock For the jar, pop out the middle section of the lid, trace it on to the cardstock and cut out the traced portion. Using the thumbtack, poke a bunch of holes into the cardstock so that there are about 30- 50 evenly spaced small holes. Fill the mason jar with with the baking soda till it is about one fourth full.

Mix in five to ten drops of any essential oil ( lavender or rose work nicely). If a stronger smell is desired, drop in several more drops of essential oil. Place the card stock inside the the painted lid rim. Screw the lid into the jar. Place the jar any where that needs a little freshening up.

Like these ideas? Check out these websites: (Photos by Emma Gooding-Lord)

An Unexpected Visit

by Seth Widner

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http://blog.freepeople.com/diy/ http://www.iheartnaptime.net/diy-crafts/

Arts and Entertainment

Thanksgiving Poll

What will you be doing for Thanksgiving?

by Ellie Oliver

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ot gravy flowing over buttery mashed potatoes and a juicy, steaming turkey as the center piece. No matter where you are, Thanksgiving dinner will be the main event of the break. To see what Monarch is up to, we polled 25 students about where they’ll be, their favorite Thanksgiving food and who they’ll be spending their time

Friends

Turkey

Home

Immediate Family

Mashed Potatoes

Different State

Extended Family

Pumpkin Pie

Different Country

A Christmas Carol- How It’s Made A sneak peek of Monarch’s upcoming show

by Seth Widner

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utting on a show is not just about some people memorizing lines and throwing on costumes; that is merely scratching the surface of what a play really entails.

Gwendolyn Lukas-Doctor, or as most students call her, Doc, is a theatre teacher as well as the director of the upcoming fall play “A Christmas Carol”.

From the moment the cast list is posted to first day of production, the cast only has one month to rehearse and fine-tune what will be “A Christmas Carol”. Lukas-Doctor explained, “We decided to move production up a week because of Thanksgiving break, some choir concerts and other stuff we wanted to work around. A month is not a lot of time for most productions, but they are working every day after school, Monday through Friday for one and a half to two hours.” Lukas-Doctor said confidently, “it will definitely be doable.”

But Lukas-Doctor is not the only one who makes

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the play become what it will be. Obviously actors are included. They are given lines and stage directions, but what about the technical side of the play? Are the movement of the lights powered by magic and fairy dust? If you consider the technical production team magic and fairy dust then you would be spot on. The students on the technical production team put together the costumes, run the lights, and create the environment where the play sparks to life. Lukas-Doctor points out that “the play is student run on the technical side, we give them the direction and they help create the show. They are a huge part of the production of the show.”

Lukas-Doctor wanted to let everybody know “A Christmas Carol” “will be a fun, retelling of a classic.”

Visually, the play will be done as steampunk. For those that do not know, steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, which usually takes place in a Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. Steampunk can be more easily visualized if you think about what the past would look like if the future would have happened

sooner, Victorian style clothing with advanced looking technology.

Lukas-Doctor believes the play “is a great way to kick-off the holiday season. We want to see people come out and help support us.” There will be a senior night where the seniors will get free admission and there will also be family-pack deals.

The play will be shown on November 14th,15th, and 16th. Lukas-Doctor hopes everybody will come and see her twist of “A Christmas Carol”.

Some of the cast of A Christmas Carol working hard on lines. (Photo by Seth Widner)

December HOROSCOPES

Astrologist in residence: Narcissa Luna ne morning, I woke up with the ability to read all stars and constellations though I’ve never formally learned how to. These are just my predictions based off of what I feel from the stars, so although I may not be a pro, these are the readings I’ve received.

Sagittarius: (November 22-December 21): If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of a game show, this month is the time to enter. You’ll be spitting out trivia left and right, spinning big wheels with prizes on them and maybe answering questions on Jeopardy before the contestants do. Use your luck to your advantage, Sagittarius!

Capricorn: (December 22-January 19) Have you ever seen Star Wars?

Well, Yoda tends to structure his sentences a little differently.

Unfortunately, doing this you will be. This might be subconscious, but just be careful not to confuse anyone too much.

Aquarius (January 20, February 18): Be expecting a bit of bad luck this month, Aquarius. You might step into the shower with your socks on, step in a huge puddle

on the sidewalk or only be able to park in the back of J lot. Try to stay positive; this should only last for this month!

Pisces: (February 19-March 20): This month will be tough for you as you will want to buy absolutely everything you see, Pisces! Just be conscious of your decisions.

Although a few new shirts might be necessary, you might want to overlook that stuffed monkey that sings “Happy Birthday” over and over that will just sit in your basement.

Aries: (March 21-April 19): Winter is quickly approaching and you are absolutely prepared. You’ll be getting into the spirit by wearing parkas everywhere you go and drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate.

Being prepared is fine, but make sure to enjoy the rest of autumn!

Taurus: (April 20-May 20): This month, Taurus, any song you hear will automatically get stuck in your head. The classics of course being “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus and the “Cup Song” by Anna Kendrick. The best option is to distance yourself from all music to keep your sanity.

Gemini: (May 21-June 20): It may be that you have read one too many Dr. Seuss books, Gemini, because you will be talking in rhyme all month. Frequent conversation topics will most likely include truffula trees, the zizzer zazzer zuzz, and possibly even the mayor of Whoville.

Leo: (July 23-August 22): Whether or not it’s something you like, you will be an artist this month.

You’ll be sketching everything you see, using water color, and most likely playing around with your ketchup at dinner. If it does happen to be at the dinner table, keep it clean or at least hide the mess from your parents.

Cancer: (June 21-July 22): You’ll seem to be an expert photographer this month. You’ll be snapping pictures left and right of nature, art, and maybe even your breakfast. While your work might not be published on a high scale, you’re sure to get quite a few new followers on Instagram.

Libra: (September 23 -October 22): There seems to be some type of disturbance in the stars this month. I can’t quite calculate what this upcoming month will bring to you. I guess it’s a sign for you to live out your own destiny. Good luck Libra!

Virgo: (August 23-September 22): This month you will have a positively exquisite vocabulary. You’ll be squeezing in all those words into your dinner time conversation but the catch is that they’ll all be completely out of context.

Although it might seem pretty cool, make sure you keep updating on dictionary.com.

Scorpio: (October 23-November 21): Hygiene has always been really important to most people, so be aware of yours this month.

One shower a week just doesn’t cut it, so make sure to keep yourself properly groomed, if not for yourself, then for the sake of your peers.

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Arts and Entertainment

Dressed In Black From Head To Toe The new British poster boys?

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by Brody Coronelli

lthough they’re brand new faces in the spotlight, The 1975’s achievements as a band over the past year have been monumental -- It being nearly unheard of for a band to achieve such rapid success over a short time in the limelight. The precise release of four renowned EPs(Extended Play), one of which including a top 20 single, and their debut album selling #1 in the UK has drawn many eyes from all over the world. Other feats include opening slots on tours with The Neighborhood, Two Door Cinema Club, and even a single show with The Rolling Stones.

By many, the group is being recognized as the fresh face of pop music. Currently their debut, self titled album, The 1975 stands #1 in the UK and remains on the US charts. It’s these achievements that illustrate the group’s dreams coming true undeniably quickly.

The Manchester quartet consisting of frontman Matthew Healy (commonly known as Matty), Ross MacDonald, Adam Hann, and George Daniel, formed when they were just teens around the age of 14. Over the course of this period, they played in punk rock bands throughout the heart of England, creating a tight knit core following. Over the course of the ten years the members have been playing music together, they’ve undergone a number of changes with their name as a band; Bigsleep, Drive Like I Do, Talkhouse, and The Slowdown have all been fronting titles.

However, they never thought to begin releasing music until their current persona, The 1975, came to be. The standing name was formulated when Healy stumbled across an old, obscure, handwritten collection of Beat poetry dated “1st of June, The 1975.” Through all the titling and stylistic fluctuations, one thing is clear.

These four musicians are connected brilliantly, and are producing a product that’s arranged equally as it is cinematic. The cinematography of their music video for “The City” is skyline bound and obscure, harnessing the visual power of silhouettes and a shortage of color in a way that introduces The 1975 to a new listener luminously.

The 1975 has consistently cited 80’s film maker

John Hughes, the mind behind some of the generations most influential teen movies, as a driving force behind their musicianship. “We wanted to make a record [that] was almost a soundtrack to our teenage years. If he made a movie about us, this would be the soundtrack,” Healy told Radio.com. This is partly expressed by the band’s dreamlike, black and white stylistic approach as they wash themselves out as people, and instead draw out a picturesque image lit by fantasy. Among others, the group also draws influence from other 80’s pop icons such as the Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Michael Jackson and Prince; the band does not believe in a single, predominant influence. “We didn’t grow up listening to one type of music, and I think were of the generation where we kind of create in the same way we consume – you don’t listen to one type of music, you don’t consume media in one linear way, so it’s difficult for us to express ourselves in one different way or genre because it’s too limiting. I think having a lack of identity is something everyone can relate to, so I think people are beginning to understand that you don’t have to do that,” Healy declared to Sounds Of Now Music.com.

The band even goes to lengths of parody and criticism towards the style of and sensationalism of the pop industry in the “Girls” music video -- exploiting it in neon, sexualization and a perpetual amount of color typically not utilized in their past work.

Altogether, The 1975’s music has to deal with the audacious, adventurous and tender youthful stigma.

By romanticizing it and citing the ups and downs, the product is honest and ambitious. It’s with the influence of the 80’s titans that the band has framed themselves around reimagining and creating along with their own stylistic drive that became apparent when The 1975, the band’s debut full length, was released back in September. The purpose of each of the four EP’s the band has recorded over the past year was to surround and create an environment to the full length’s three singles -- “The City”, “Chocolate”, and “Sex”. The full length album, differing from the EP’s(Extended

Play) by it’s cinematic completion, plays like a romantic, atmospheric, and quintessential greatest hits collection; something that seems impossible without prior listen for a band’s first album. “Everything’s very true to our vision. It’s an extension of ourselves, so when people support that it instils a lot of confidence in you,” Healy said to Clash Magazine when their styles were questioned.

The album fails to ring the least bit nostalgic or out of focus, covering all the band has identified themselves as and more with a confident sense of swagger, youthful sincerity, and glossy glamour.

Songs like “She Way Out” and “Chocolate” carry as small town alternative pop anthems. “Heart Out” tracks the measures like a three minute John Hughes movie. “Settle Down” is a Michael Jackson attributed number of glossy guitar riffs and buoyant verses. “Robbers”, the sleazy anthem “Sex”, and “Girls” all pay homage to reckless, teenage romance. The band even goes to modern pop lengths with “Menswear” and “M.O.N.E.Y”. The instrumental interludes “12” and “An Encounter” give the album breathing room all while the album adds up to a moving, movie-like product with the

Photo by Elaina Funk

November Music Calendar

by Brody Coronelli

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A$AP Ferg w/ A$AP Mob, Joey Fatts & Ashton Matthews, 100s at the Bluebird Theatre The Eagles at the Pepsi Center

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Rihanna at The Chopper Center Tonight Alive w/ The Downtown Fiction, For The Foxes, Echosmith at The Marquis

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Misfits at The Summit Micheal Buble at The Pepsi Center

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The Glamour Kills Tour w/ Mayday Parade, Man Overboard, Cartel, Stars & Stereos at The Summit Music Hall Kingsfoil w/ Get Along, SR3 at the Marquis Theatre

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John Legend at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Yelawolf / Hopsin at the Ogden

Rusko at The Fillmore

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3OH!3 w/ The Summer Set, Wallpaper, New Beat Fund at The Summit Black Crowes at The Ogden Selena Gomez at the 1st Bank Center

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Every Time I Die w/ Let Live, Code Orange Kids at The Summit

The Story So Far w/ Stick To Your Guns, Such Gold, Rotting Out, Souvenirs at The Summit Music Hall

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Anthony Green at The Bluebird Steve Aoki w/ Waka Flocka Flame at the Ogden

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Polar Bear Club w/ Citizen, Diamon Youth, Sainthood Reps at The Marquis

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Lupe Fiasco at The Ogden Relient K and Motion City Soundtrack w/ Driver Friendly at the Summit

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sentimental, closing piano ballad “Is There Somebody Who Can Watch You.” Along with the outstanding musicianship The 1975 presents, their character is backed by surreal and coordinated live performances. For a band exercising simplicity and stylistic priority, their sets are varied, well paced, communal, and similar to the timeless pop icons they praise. Often, the band can be seen performing with a large, bright white rectangle on stage.

This adapted logo seems simple in essence; however, it does the favor of isolating the musicians in a collective, animated light -- drawing fans to the stage and allowing for a irrefutable connection between the traditional elements of live music.

One thing is clear when listening to The 1975: While they’re out traveling and charming the world, you’ve never heard anything quite like them. Be on the lookout for these up and coming Manchester pop rockers, and be sure to check out their self titled full length album along with their four EP’s, as they could be the soundtrack to a late night drive, an introspective night in, or a momentous night out.

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Aaron Carter w/ Carson Allen, Ashtree at The Bluebird

Nine Inch Nails w/ Explosions In The Sky at the 1st Bank Center

August Burns Red w/ Bless The Fall, Defeater, and Beartooth at The Summit

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25 Photo credit: Reliant K, via Instagram

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Sports

Varsity XC Gears up For Nike Competitions

Monarch hopes to qualify for Nike Nationals a second time

by Mia Mulvahill

A

s the regular interscholastic cross country season winds down, Monarch’s varsity team has begun setting its sights on the fast-approaching Nike Regionals, set for November 23rd in Phoenix, Arizona. The varsity boys and the varsity girls will compete separately, but both will compete in the Southwest region along with schools from Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Nike held its first regional cross country competition in 2004. Before the creation of this competition, only individual runners could win national championships at the FootLocker National Competition. Nike’s regional and national competitions provide an opportunity for high school cross country runners to compete and qualify as teams, instead of as individuals.

The Monarch varsity Cross Country team competes yearly in the regional competition, but has only competed in the national competition once, when the varsity girls qualified back in 2010. Any team can run in the regional competitions, but in order to be competing for qualification for the national competition, a team must be selected to run in the elite racing pool, a pool that both gender teams of Monarch runners have qualified for this year.

The top two teams from each of the eight regions around the U.S. qualify for Nike Nationals, which are held in Portland, Oregon two weeks after regionals, as well as four teams that Nike selects to receive an “At Large” bid, allowing them to compete in nationals without having placed first or second in the regional competition.

Senior runner Kaitlyn Benner competed in Nike Nationals in 2010 as a freshman. “[Nike Nationals was] like the greatest experience of my life. Nike pays for everything. Your hotels, plane tickets, everything.

And they give every runner a ton of free gear. When I went freshman year I got spikes, trainers, warmups, a backpack, all for free from Nike. There are also ten or more olympians that hang around the competition that are kind of like your mentors while you’re there,” said Benner.

At the competition, runners are also given a chance to preview new gear from Nike as well as design their own pair of shoes, two of which Nike chooses to actually manufacture.

Besides being an exciting, all-expenses-paid trip, Nike Nationals also provide an opportunity for high school runners to compete with the best of the best.

“It awesome to know that you’re staying in a hotel with some of the best high school cross country kids from around the nation,” said Benner. The last time the Monarch girls competed at nationals in 2010, they placed 15th in the nation.

While both the boys and girls from Monarch hope to qualify for nationals this year, the girls’ chances are looking especially good. Cross country coach Kevin Lowe explained that the girls are ranked very highly in the nation, placed 4th on some lists and 9th on others.

Although the Monarch boys have never reached nationals, they are continuing to train hard in hopes that this will be the year that they qualify.

Lowe explained that the region that Monarch competes in is very competitive, making it harder for teams to qualify. “Colorado is a very good cross country, long distance running state. Our whole region is very good,” said Lowe.

In preparation for these competitions, the Monarch team has been practicing harder than ever. “We have designed our training so that [the runners] peak at regionals, and then again at nationals,” explained Lowe.

According to Benner, the regional course is usually a very flat, fast course, at low altitude. As a result of this, the team is practicing less hills and long runs, and focusing more on speed. “The race at nationals is always really muddy. I don’t know why [they make it that way], but it’s a lot more fun,” said Benner.

Monarch students interested in watching the regional and national competitions can watch them on runnerspace.com. Regionals will take place on November 23rd, and nationals will take place on December 17th.

“The race at nationals

is always really muddy.

I don’t know why, but it’s a lot more fun.” Kaitlyn Benner

Senior Kaitlyn Benner runs through the muid in the NXN Championships for Monarch Cross Country in 2010. This is the last time the girls competed in the national competition. (Photo Credit: John Elvig)

is it The Best of Both Worlds?

Soccer exchange aims to advance US Soccer

by Will Petersen

S

hahid Khan, Pakistani born American Billionaire gets to see the best of both worlds and is paid for it. Not only is he the owner of the very young Jacksonville Jaguars soccer franchise, he is also the owner of the Fulham Soccer Club in London. But that isn’t all. Khan plans to fuse these two sports together by bringing the English footballers here, and the Jaguars to England.

Most importantly, Khan is bringing the Fulham

Club here to the states. Many soccer fans from the U.S. enjoy watching international soccer. As a soccer player, I know that I and many other players especially enjoy viewing international games; whether it be a club or a countrywide. People living in the US enjoy the competition that international soccer brings to the plate, as many believe that in other countries it is more interesting to watch and they have progressed farther in soccer than we have in the states.

So what does this mean for the United States and the sport of soccer? Because soccer is rapidly growing more popular in the U.S., the friendly matches being

played here by Fulham and other clubs will keep soccer fans here more and more interested.

Senior Nik Lavrisha, a Monarch varsity soccer player, believes that the sport of soccer can only grow greatly with the help of Khan. “In every way European soccer is better,” said Lavrisha. “In Europe it is a different style of soccer, it emphasizes strong defense and physical play,” Lavrisha explained. He went on to say that the technique is “better,” the passing is fluid, and “the creativity is a class above.”

Lavrisha also believes that Fulham and other European clubs playing here are important to the growth

of soccer. “It will increase the interest for the sport, creating a want for European quality play, translating to the MLS investing more into youth soccer programs here,”said Lavrisha.

To many, the progression of soccer in the US is important. People want to see the MLS and soccer here get to the level that European soccer is at. What Khan is doing now is going to change how soccer is played here as well as how it is viewed.

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Sports

Redskins: Derogatory Name Or Honoring Tradition?

by Tyler Lund

A

ll over the media, there is a huge debate about the Washington Redskins. The Washington Redskins are an NFL team that have been playing since 1932. Their current owner is Daniel Snyder.

This year the team has been undergoing a lot of debate on their name the “Redskins” and if it is offensive enough that they should change the name.

This is not the only time this debate has occurred. In 1992 The Washington Redskins made it to the super bowl in Minneapolis facing the Buffalos. At the game there were multiple protests and many people boycotted merchandise from the Redskins.

The Redskins are not the only team that has been asked to change their name. There have been many other instances in history. In other years names have been changed such as The Saint John’s Redmen becoming the Red Storm. Stanford and Dartmouth were both the Indians but then changed their names to the Stanford Cardinals and the Dartmouth Big Green.

The name “Redskins” has been taken offensively by many Native Americans. Even though the fans and

Official logo for the NFL’s Washington Redskins. (MCT Campus 2013)

think about changing it,” said President Obama on a the team have not meant to offend anyone, interview with USA today. after all this debate Obama is not the only public and attention, they will figure expressing his perchange the name.

“If I were the owner of the sonal opinion on this issue.

The owner of the team and I knew that the name “Ask yourself what team has said that of my team -- even if they’ve the equivalent would be if he will never change had a storied history -- was ofdirected towards African the name but fans fending a sizable group of peoAmericans, Hispanics or have come up with ple, I’d think about changing Asians or any other ethnic several new names it.” - President Barack Obama group. When considered that the team could that way, “Redskins” can’t possibly use that are possibly honor a heritage or less offensive. One noble character trait, nor can idea for a new name it possibly be considered a neutral term. It’s an insult. is the “Washington Warriors.” The colors A slur, no matter how benign the present day intent,” of the jerseys would be red and yellow with said Bob Costas during the halftime of the Redskins vs. an army man logo. The second popular fan name is the “Washington Renegades,” which Cowboys game on October 13.

Since this NFL team is changing their name, could would also have red and yellow jerseys with this lead to high school and college teams like the the letter “R” as the logo.

Redmen and the Reds to change their name due to the “If I were the owner of the team and offensive messages they send?

I knew that the name of my team -- even if they’ve had a storied history -- was offending a sizable group of people, I’d

Kayne Mouiga: Football Enthusiast

by Tyler DeBord

W

e all have our differences whether it be activities that we enjoy, the friends we have, or even where we come from. Meet Kayne Mouiga, Monarch’s newest Australian exchange student, and the newest member of the Monarch football team.

Perhaps the most distinguishing factor about Mouiga is that he is from Australia. Brisbane, Queensland is where Mouiga resided before moving to Colorado.

The state of Queensland lies on the outer part of the Australian continent, surrounded by the Coral Sea. When comparing the two places, Mouiga said, “It’s a lot different, I lived in the city (in Australia). Coming out here in the middle of the country, there’s no beaches.” Despite the lack of beaches, Mouiga likes his temporary home. “I love the people here, everyone is really nice and welcoming. It’s really nice, I’ve enjoyed it so far.”

Australian football is played with nine men instead of the standard eleven men rules used in America.

Australian football can be compared to rugby. Players don’t use pads, and using any part of the body to take another player down is legal. Mouiga said, “I came from nine man football,” a big difference from American football. “Coming to eleven man is sort of the same, but the pace is just a lot faster.”

In America, we tend to obsess over sports, especially football. In contrast, Australian football fans aren’t as much into it. Mouiga said, “Football isn’t as big there, it’s a lot bigger here, it’s even a professional sport.”

Monarch has treated Mouiga well thus far. Mouiga plays linebacker and defensive end. Perhaps two of the toughest positions on the defensive side of the ball are these two, as a large amount of responsibility rests on the shoulders of these position players.

Mouiga moved this year. “I moved here pretty much because of football.” The move has paid off thus far. However, “It was just me that moved,” Mouiga said. He added, “I miss my brothers and my Mom.” “The team, the experience, and the fun of it,” are some of Mouiga’s favorite parts about his new team.

He loves his new home and his new team, saying, “They’re really good, we’re hoping to get another state championship.”

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Defensive end Kayne Mauigoa encourages his teammates from the sidelines during the 4th quarter of Monarch vs. Broomfield game on October 25th, 2013. The Coyotes beat Broomfield by a score of 48-12. (Photo by David Andrews)

Sports

Flipping Out with Casey Wilson An athlete’s insight to a whole new type of sport

Casey Wilson jumping from one roof to another. This move is considered running precision (Photo Credit: Ollie Neben)

by Claire Green

G

yms. They suck, right? They’re hot, they smell, and they mean working out. Well, not this one. APEX Movement is a Parkour gym in Boulder, and Monarch senior Casey Wilson is one of the gym’s most advanced members.

Parkour, or free-running, is a sport of growing popularity. “Parkour is the art of overcoming obstacles the most efficient and creative way possible, including flips too because they are fun,” Wilson said.

Unlike other sports, there is no “handbook” for parkour.

“Freerunning is different because there are no set rules like every other sport. You can do whatever movement and flip you want to try, rather than being forced to do what a coach tells you,” said Wilson.

Wilson was inspired to start freerunning after seeing a friend show off some moves.

“I got into parkour after I saw my friend do a wall flip (a backflip off a wall). He took me to a parkour gym called APEX Movement and I loved it. From that moment, I have trained ever since.”

After practicing parkour for four and a half years, Wilson has recently become sponsored by Move to Inspire, a parkour group with a mission of sharing the sport with as many people as possible.

“It’s really fun being a sponsored athlete because you get free clothes. I’m also lucky enough that my sponsor finds performances for me to take part in where I can go show people what parkour is if they don’t know. If they do, then I’m glad to show them what I’m capable of doing.” Wilson said.

Although parkour might appear different than other types of athletics, the competition is no less intense. The goal of a competition is

to earn as many points as possible while maneuvering yourself around obstacles in the gym. Four judges score you based off of four categories: difficulty (“How hard the move is.”), creativity (“How creative was the move, and has anyone done the move before in the competition.”), execution (“Good landings rather than landing on your back or head.”), and flow (“How well you connect the moves rather than looking around for what to do next.”).

“Competitions usually consist of two rounds, each round being 60-90 seconds long. Both rounds you are

“Parkour is the art of overcoming obstacles the most efficient and creative way possible.” Casey Wilson

constantly moving around the course, doing very difficult moves that require huge bursts of energy, like flips, so you get tired really fast.

Typically after the first round, the top half move on to the second round,” Wilson said.

Learning new tricks for competitions is all about breaking Casey Wilson flipping off one rooftop to another. This move is called a side flip. (Photo Credit: Ollie a skill down into Neben) small steps, and perfecting each part before you put them together on a real terrain.

“In the gym we have a foam pit which is basically a pile of little foam cubes. They squish and move around when you land on them, so there’s a very small chance you can hurt yourself. Then I practice the move onto a mat on the ground. Next I do the move on the ground, but typically a little mat rather than going straight to cement. Finally, I do the move outside when I can land it consistently in the gym.

I typically do my first attempt onto grass or wood chips; any surface that is softer than concrete,” said Wilson.

Competition is obviously a huge part of the sport, but there is more to parkour then nailing the sickest moves. Expressing yourself with movement and creativity is the heart of the sport. This sport takes incredible strength and dedication, and as it is so much more dangerous than other sports, a willingness to take risks. “Parkour is mentally challenging because you have to overcome fear all the time.

The fear of heights and the fear of doing a new flip are always being put into your head and you must Senior Casey Wilson doing a double aerial twist (Photo overcome it.” Wilson said. Needless to say, adrenaline credit: Chandler Murphy) junkies, this is the sport for you. inspirations.”

Every athlete has inspirations that they aspire to The future is bright for Wilson and the sport of be like. For Wilson, these include his teammates, and parkour. Casey’s dedication is already paying off, and some of parkour’s pioneers. “I am inspired by all of Monarch is excited to see what he achieves next! the people that originally started putting out videos when parkour first came into existence, such as Daniel Ilabaca, Phil Doyle, and Ben Jenkin. I have a ton of

Parkour dictionary double aerial twist: a flip with one and a half twists running precision: jumping from one object to another, normally done on roofs or rails

rail precision: a precision where you land on a

Wanna see Casey showing off some more moves?

rail

side flip: a flip performed horizontally as opposed to vertically

Interested in trying out parkour for yourself? Look up APEX Movement to find more about classes and parkour.

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A reader’s guide to adhd continued from page 1 bed trying to fall asleep,” This can cause fatigue, and at school can worsen other symptoms like inattentiveness.

Another risk for kids with ADHD is being behind the wheel. According to studies published by the NCIB (National Center for Biotechnology Information), teenagers with ADHD have a significantly increased risk of Motor Vehicle related incidents while driving due to inattentiveness and increased anger while driving. Data from the American Psychiatric Association shows that nearly half of all adults with ADHD each year are involved in a traffic collision or citation each year, much higher than those without ADHD.

What about ADD?

High school students will claim to either have ADD or ADHD, usually implying a difference between the two. The real truth is that the two are completely the same. In 1994 scientists discovered that many people with ADD also had problems with hyperactivity, so they added an “H” creating the ADHD that many people know today. Generally, ADHD is becoming more widely regarded as the correct term, but many doctors still use ADD to refer to the inattentive subtype of the disorder.

How do we Treat it?

Medications like Ritalin and Adderall have became well known drugs because of their ability to treat people with ADHD. A major problem for children using these types of medications is the lack of long-term positive results, especially when it comes to school. Numerous short-term studies show increases in test scores, but over long periods of time studies have shown powerful stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall to have little or no effect on test scores. The big factor that links the two type studies was age. Scientists are now starting to see that the older a child begins with taking medication, the less of an effect the medication will have. In some studies, like one published by the SSRN (The Social Science Research Network), drugs like Ritalin were shown to make test scores worse and cause emotional problems.

A new way of treating ADHD, called behavioral therapy, is gaining attention over its success without the use of medication. Behavioral therapy operates on a simple premise: Parents and other adults set clear expectations for a child’s behavior, while praising and rewarding positive behavior and discouraging negative behavior. Maintaining a routine is also an important component of behavioral therapy.

“If they learn how the technique of, you know, always putting their keys in the same place, always putting their wallet in the same place….That really helps them,” explained Bucknam. “So for kids with [ADHD] you’ve got to break down instructions. You have to give it to them one at a time,” said Bucknam. Since each case of ADHD is unique it is recommended to find and create new techniques for yourself.

“Right now what I do [to be more organized] is I have a folder for each class and it’s very simple. I have one notebook that’s divided into sections. said George Bangs, a senior at Monarch. “I just think….if I feel less cluttered I feel more organized.”

-The CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports about one in five high school boys and one in ten high school girls have been diagnosed with ADHD, a 41 percent rise in 10 years.

-There are three subtypes of ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive type (the one mentioned above), Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive type, and the combined type.The primary reason that ADD has stayed as a common term is ease of use, it’s much simpler for someone to say they have ADD than to say they have ADHD Predominantly Inattentive type.

-One explanation for the changes is different levels of neurotransmitters (the carriers of information between pathways of neurons).

-In recent years, there has been a twentyfold increase in the consumption of drugs for ADHD.

So What’s the Upside?

ADHD carries many harmful attributes, but it can also bring life-changing benefits. Going into adulthood many people find that their symptoms fade or go away, and their ADHD has less of an effect on their life, while still retaining the ability to focus very well on many things that they enjoy.

“ADHD can be very helpful in certain things.” said Psychologist Rick Cohen. “A lot of kids with Attention deficit can focus very intensely on certain things. A lot of times when you have [ADHD]… There’s the ability to kind of hyperfocus.” said Cohen. The ‘hyperfocus’ allow people with ADHD to spend hours on activities ranging from video games to reading or to playing piano.

“When I get something that I’m passionate about….the tangents I get on to, the ideas sort of diverge off of other ones….really helps me in creative ways when I’m working arts or graphic design,” said Bangs, a senior at Monarch. “[ADHD] helps get a flow going with that.” Bangs said.

“That’s the kind of people ADHD people are. They’re usually the people with great imaginations, and they’re very creative, and they can think outside the box.” Bucknam added. “[ADHD] might mean that you have to work harder in certain areas, but usually people with ADHD are really successful people.” Said Bucknam.

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