November

Friday, November 16, 2012

www.mhshowler.com

SENIOR ADDRESSES THE POWER OF TRULY GETTING TO KNOW OTHERS

STUDENTS TALK ABOUT their identity beyond stereotypes

inside the head of a superfan

Page 3

PAGE 8 & 9

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The Howler Volume 14

A student publication of Monarch High School since 1998. 329 Campus Drive, Louisville, CO

Issue 3

Photo illustration by Katie Ciaglo

Student speaks Out About Stereotypes O’Connor sees benefits as well as downsides in making generalizations

by Katie Ciaglo

“I

f you really knew me, you’d know that I’m introverted,” stated senior Kevin O’Connor. “I have a lot of groups of pretty good friends, but I don’t have one solid group of friends that I’m with all the time or that’s always been there. I tend to migrate around to different groups consistently. I talk to people because I see the ways they can help me. I might seem outgoing because I recognize the value in relationships. I don’t just want to crawl into a hole, but I’m actually introverted.”

Like O’Connor’s introverted nature that lies under the surface of his outwardly sociable personality, every person has some aspect of their life that defines them in a deeper way than you could ever understand by simply passing them in the hallway or

sitting next to them in math class. It is easy to misjudge a person when you only get a small glimpse into their life, and in high school, these superficial judgments seems to be inevitable.

O’Connor sees stereotypes affecting how students at Monarch regard each other. “The people who are more outgoing, like who go to parties and stuff, [people think] that they’re stupid and throwing away their lives, whereas that’s not always the case.” He also sees a lot of labels being thrown around between sports teams. “Cross country gets a lot of hate.

Like every time we [would start running] the soccer players would actually heckle us. But they’re soccer players, and the football players heckle them for being sissies and ‘field fairies’ or whatever,” he said.

Though these stereotypes can often seem like crude generalizations, O’Connor

believes that many of them aren’t meant to be insensitive, but simply form because of the advantages people see in belonging to a certain group. “The macho man who’s really big is most likely going to go out and play football,” stated O’Connor, “so then there’s going to tend to be less of those macho men who are playing soccer, so then they’re going to call soccer a sissy sport.”

But not all stereotypes are so innocently intended, as O’Connor expressed that stereotypes exist for other reasons as well. “It’s fun to make jokes. And they’re funny jokes.

But a good joke is always at the expense of another group. To get rid of [the negative stereotypes], I guess it’s just important to learn more about those groups, because it comes from ignorance.”

Knowing what to say or not to say can be a challenge. “It’s hard to judge what is inten-

tionally mean spirited and what’s just a joke, because it’s a fine line.”

Though labeling somebody before really getting to know him or her can mean making an incorrect or unkind assumption, O’Connor believes that stereotypes are beneficial in many cases. “I don’t think that stereotypes should be removed,” he said. “People need that sense of identity and sense of a group.

Football players pride themselves on being very physically fit and strong, and if you were to take away stereotypes then you could never say that. It’s hard, because you don’t want the mean-spirited behavior, but at the same time, a stereotype is just a grouping of people, and people need that. People need an identity.”

OPINIONS The Dirty on Grinding Is grinding a good or bad thing?

Should there be regulations?

“I feel grinding is a bad thing! I feel like the dancing at Club Mo ruins our reputation, not only as a school but with people too! I have only gone to Club Mo once and I felt extremely uncomfortable because of the dancing at Club Mo. I also feel that the grinding at Club Mo is degrading to the girls who go to Club Mo. I have a conversation with with my friends and they call these girls less than flattering names!

I would like to see grinding stop and people dance with each other, not on each other.”

-Victor Brugal, 9

by Tori Ganahl

S

everal similar conclusions were made by students and some teachers regarding grinding. Teacher Tony Tolbert agreed with a majority of students interviewed that teenagers will be teenagers and they will rebel if more regulations are made. Also, people have suggested the music is why students dance like they do, but the dancing would happen no matter what.

Don’t like the music? Audition to DJ! Another idea from Junior Bree Emma was to dedicate a dance or Club Mo to different types of dancing, like swing dancing or line dancing.

There are boundaries that should be common sense for students. Freshman Ayden Bloom said that a boundary that every student should respect is the dress code, “top to bottom, bottom to top”. Although teachers like Barnes are strongly against grinding, students agreed that if you don’t like grinding or it makes you feel uncomfortable, you don’t have to go to dances or Club Mo’s.

As for formal dances like Homecoming and Winter Ball, people are interested in more slow songs. Finally, instead of standing around at dances or being afraid to ask someone to dance, just go for it! The more people there are dancing, the more fun it is for everyone!

“To all my students, past, present and future, out there: Please stop grinding on each other at Club Mo! It’s not dancing and I struggle to look at you in the eye after seeing you debase yourself, guys and gals alike, with your partner for three hours.” -Mystayn Barnes, Language Arts Teacher and Junior Class Co-Sponsor

Students dance at Club Mo. Grinding, the most popular style of dancing at these school functions, has caused controversy among parents, students, and teachers. (Photo credit: Tori Ganahl)

(What activities would you like to see happening as an alternative to grinding? Go to MHSHowler.com for a poll!)

“The lasting effect is that sometimes adults forget what it was like when they were young. We were doing the same things that you guys were doing, we were pushing the limits. That’s what teenagers do. And I think its up to us to understand that and come to grips with that. Teenagers are teenagers and teenagers are going to try to be teenagers. You guys might be doing the grind or something else here, but they were in the back seats of cars and doing other things at drive in movie theaters. In fact, all the same stuff you guys are doing, just in a different venue. It’s not abnormal behavior, it’s just in a location they don’t like, personally. It’s how you learn.” -Tony Tolbert, Science Teacher and Student Council Advisor

“I don’t think their should be regulations, when you go to a school event you should understand that there are boundaries and things that some people don’t want to see. I think it would be super cool to do swing dancing like how the Grizzly Rose does dancing, but I think it should be a separate event.”

-Bree Emma, 11 Cartoon Credit: Terran Fox

2

the power of truly knowing someone

How strong relationships get you through high school

Photo courtesy of Jordan Canella (taken by Vobril Photography).

by Jordan Canella My freshman and sophomore years of high school were amazing! I had great relationships with my friends and family, I was confident in who I was and who I wanted to be, and I had my future completely figured out… not.

They say hindsight is 20/20, and I think that’s true. Looking back on my freshman and sophomore years of high school makes me cringe; those were honestly some of the worst years of my life. I spent most of my freshman year crying myself to sleep at night I felt like I had no one to turn to, no one who could or would help me. I had friends, a group of people who I’d been friends with through elementary and middle school, but we didn’t know each other. Heck I didn’t even know myself. Over the past year or so, I’ve actually gotten to know my good friends. I’ve found out that if I had gotten to know them my freshmen year, I would have known that they were struggling as well, and I would have known that I wasn’t alone (as cheesy as that sounds).

High school makes it hard for people to really get to know each other. All the pressure

to succeed, the school work, all the extracurricular activities, and maybe even a job; all of those things put a strain on the relationships in our lives.

My freshman and sophomore years I played volleyball year round. During the school season we practiced every day of the week and had games twice a week.

Club season wasn’t much better; we practiced three days a week with Sunday tournaments or full weekend tournaments most weekends.

Having volleyball all the time meant I didn’t get to see my friends very often. I would see them in passing in the hallways, and if I was lucky for a few minutes after school. I quit volleyball my junior year because it was the only thing in my life and I was really tired of not having friends. I took a step back, prioritized and decided building strong relationships with the people I cared about was more important than spending all my time on a sport I probably wouldn’t continue past high school.

Once I quit volleyball I joined Ultimate Frisbee, which a lot of my friends played already, I got closer with the people I was already friends with and I made friends with an entire team of amazing people. People think Ultimate is a cult, but it’s not--we’re just friends.

My point in all this is that high school is hard; don’t make it harder on yourself by losing those important relationships. Get to know the people around you, don’t spend all your time studying, and if you’re doing something that is making you unhappy, quit and do something else. Life is a journey and the only way to make it through in one piece is if you have relationships you can count on.

“Calling All Allies” Creative Expression Contest

The Calling All Allies Contest is an opportunity for students to submit poetry, original artwork and essays that convey their experiences and feelings about name-calling and bullying. Only Mountain States Region No Place for Hate® school students are eligible to apply.

DEADLINE: Entries must be submitted by February 8, 2013.

OFFICIAL RULES AND GUIDELINES: Submissions can take the form of poems, original artwork, and essays that incorporates the student’s personal experiences, observations and feelings about name-calling and bullying.

• Students entering this category must be in K-12th grade.

• The student’s name must appear on the artwork, poem, or essay. It can be on the back, as well as on the entry form.

• If students are submitting an essay, poem, or other type of writing, it must be under 1,000 words, and if possible, typed in 12 point font, and double-spaced with 1-inch margins.

• If students are submitting artwork, please send the original art along with a photo of the piece. If possible, please also e-mail a graphic file (jpg) with the artwork to denver@adl.org • Only one entry per student may be submitted, and all entries will become the property of the No Place for Hate® Calling All Allies Contest and will not be returned.

JUDGING CRITERIA: • Thoughtful pieces that clearly address the topic of name-calling and bullying • Depth of feeling about the subject • Originality and imagination • Expression and style • Written work that is clear, articulate and logically organized • Written work that is carefully proofread • Entries are void if they are in whole or in part illegible, incomplete or damaged CONTEST WINNER RECOGNITION: There will be three winners in the 9-12 division. Winners’ work may be featured on ADL’s No Place for Hate® web site, in ADL’s Positive Impact! calendar or in other ADL publications. Winners will be announced March 1, 2013, and will receive awards at the No Place for Hate® Celebration Breakfast on April 16, 2013.

HOW TO ENTER

Please download and fill out completely the entry form entitled http://regions.adl.org/mountain-states/pdfs/calling-all-alliesentry-form.pdf, which can be accessed at or from this QR code:

ADDITIONAL CONTEST GUIDELINES: The contest sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, damaged, incomplete entries. By entering, individual students and schools/districts release the contest sponsor and its project partners from any and all liability. The contest sponsor is not responsible for any technical, hardware, software transmission failures of any kind; lost or undeliverable submission that may occur in the processing of submissions, which may limit a participant’s ability to participate.

the fundamental aspect of unity: rEspect

by Katie Berohn

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rowing up, my parents always taught me to respect others no matter what.

I’ve grown up on the idea that even if someone dressed differently than me, Photo courtesy of Katie Berohn had a different opinion than me, or had different values than me, it didn’t matter—they still deserved the utmost respect. When I was a kid, I assumed everyone thought this way. Unfortunately, I’ve had to learn the hard way that not everyone thinks all people should be treated with equal respect.

Until very recently, I’ve been proud to be a Monarch Coyote. Although our school has always been very ‘cliquey’ and hard to fit into sometimes, I’ve noticed that in hard times, everyone seems to band together somehow and form a kind of family.

I’ve witnessed students being rude and disrespectful to their teachers and some of their classmates before, but in my three years attending Monarch, this is the first year I’ve seen outright hostility between students.

Lately, I can’t go on Facebook or any other social networking site without seeing people downright trash talking each other. I can’t walk down the halls without hearing at least one insult, and there is more and more talk of the administration becoming stricter due to student behavior.

Everyone seems to be looking for someone to blame, but the fact of the matter is, maybe we should check the mirror.

As humans, we are flawed by nature. I’ve noticed that sometimes people tend to use human flaw as a scapegoat, but I don’t think this is a viable excuse. My favorite quote is “I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.” (Augusten Burroughs). To me, this quote is right on.

Although everyone might be flawed, we shouldn’t be able to use it as an excuse, since we are able to choose to have good intentions.

I feel like lately, a lot of the incidents that have happened lately at Monarch are not backed by good intentions. Juniors made the choice to throw balloons at the last pep assembly. Seniors made the choice to retaliate.

Magnets for presidential candidates haven’t been stolen off of cars by accident. Our privileges at the student center weren’t taken away for no reason. We are very much at fault for our own behavior.

Although all of these incidents were motivated by different factors, they all exhibited the same thing: disrespect.

Every year, freshmen walk through a tunnel of 360 leaders and are made to feel like a family. Every year, seniors receive their diplomas and leave Monarch feeling like a family. But what about all the space in between?

I understand that with so many different personalities and backgrounds in the school, we will never be able to be completely unified. But we seem to be missing a fundamental aspect of community, which is respect.

Respecting all of the people around us is vital to the school community as a whole. Without respect, we’re like a broken family.

3

Colorado Goes Green Amendment 64: why Passing of Amendment 64 on November 6th Raises Questions, Concerns

Photo Courtesy of: Wikimedia Commons

by David Andrews

W

hile many eyes were glued to T.V. screens following the presidential election, an important side story was developing with the passing of Amendment 64.

Amendment 64 was contentious among voters due to the myriad of issues surrounding the legalization of marijuana. Amendment 64 effectively ends marijuana prohibition in Colorado. Local and state government will have the ability to regulate the sale and taxation of marijuana to people over the age of 21. Criminalization of marijuana possession for small amounts of marijuana will end. Essentially, the amendment regulates marijuana in the same fashion as alcohol.

A similar 2006 amendment failed to pass.

The key difference with this year’s ballot amendment is that it not only decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana but also regulates the cultivation of industrial hemp, a widespread and environmentally friendly agricultural crop. This would be a crucial step towards complete legalization of marijuana.

Arguments in support of marijuana legalization range from the fact that it will create tax revenue, to the fact that law enforcement has unfairly imprisoned minorities under current legislation for marijuana possession.

According to the Marijuana Research Project over 210,000 people have been arrested for marijuana possession in the past 25 years.

According to the F.B.I Center for Crime Research a person is arrested every 42 seconds for marijuana possession.

One main bone of contention is the disproportionate arrests of minorities such as blacks and latinos for possession. Despite lower rates of use among blacks and latinos they constitute high percentages of arrests.

During the years of 1986 to 2010 latinos were arrested for marijuana possession at 1.5 times the rate of whites, while blacks were arrested at 3.1 times the rate of whites. Also according to Colorado state records, during the same time period, blacks were 3.8% of Colorado’s residents, but 10.5% of marijuana arrests. While latinos accounted for 19% of the state’s citizens and 25% of arrests for marijuana. The key here is that while actual use rates among these minorities is lower, arrests are higher.

The punishments for possession are also unfair, according to proponents of Amendment 64. The federal government classifies the drug as “schedule 1.” Other drugs on this list, the highest possible categorization of controlled substances, include MDMA and heroin. Colorado law has made marijuana possession a Class 2 Petty Offense. In county courts marijuana possession carries a $100 fine. In municipal courts, howev4

er, judges can fine offenders $300, impose $50 per month in probation fees, require regular drug testing, and sentence the defendant to jail for several days.

Proponents of Amendment 64 focus on the tax revenue it could create. Ads, that aired in Colorado, promoted the measure with the slogan, “Strict Regulation. Fund Education.” State analysts project somewhere between $5 million and $22 million a year. An economist whose study was funded by a pro-marijuana group projects a $60 million boost by 2017. Skeptics abound on this particular point, however, saying that the legalization of marijuana will only create expensive bureaucracies to regulate the use and sale of marijuana as well as creating an expensive legal battle with the national government.

Those against Amendment 64 included Governor John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Education Association to name a few. This creates an interesting conflict of interest as tax money would go to education and the Colorado Education Association has openly opposed this possible source of revenue. Hickenlooper explained his opposition the measure in a news conference on September 12th, 2012, “Colorado is known for many great things –- marijuana should not be one of them, Amendment 64 has the potential to increase the number of children using drugs and would detract from efforts to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation. It sends the wrong message to kids that drugs are OK.” Opponents of the amendment oppose it on moral grounds as well as the simple feasibility of its application and enforcement.

Due to the fact that the federal government classifies marijuana as a schedule 1 highly controlled substance the legalization of its sale and taxation by the state of Colorado would create messy gridlock. In a recent teleconference call, former Drug Enforcement Agency administrators and directors of the Office of National Drug Control Policy reiterated that even if Amendment 64 passed marijuana would still remain illegal in the eyes of the government and this conflict could create a “Constitutional showdown.”

Former D.E.A administrator John Bensinger, who moderated the teleconference call, summed up the argument of opponents of the measure in terms of public safety, “ there is a bigger danger that touches every one of us — legalizing marijuana threatens public health and safety. In states that have legalized medical marijuana, drug driving arrests, accidents, and drug overdose deaths have skyrocketed.

Drug treatment admissions are up and the number of teens using this gateway drug is up dramatically.”

As of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6th evening the ballot amendment 64 was passed by a 53-47% vote. The laws surrounding possession and use among ages below 21 will not change as a result of the passing of the amendment.

it is a good idea

by Ashley Litoff

A

fter a lot of controversy and discussion, amendment 64 was finally passed on November 5, 2012 in Colorado. There seems to be valid arguments on both sides of this issue. Although it passed in Colorado, what it means is still questionable because of the federal law banning marijuana.

Colorado Amendment 64 is an amendment to the Colorado state constitution that legalizes small amount of marijuana possession with restrictions similar to alcohol.

Under the law, people ages 21 and over, are allowed to own one ounce of marijuana or have six plants growing in their home. As of now public consumption is still illegal.

Colorado and Washington State were the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes.

The statistics show that alcohol has more health related problems than marijuana. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds more than 37,000 annual U.S. deaths are caused from alcohol.

It seems like marijuana could be classified as the safer drug.

According to federal records, in MCT Campus 2007 there were 872,720 marijuana-related arrests in the United States. 89% of these arrests were for possessing marijuana. Prohibition costs U.S. taxpayers $41.8 billion per year in law enforcement costs, according to a 2007

estimate by public policy researcher Jon B. Gettman, Ph.D. Under the amendment, there would be a tax of 15% on marijuana sales.

The first 40 million dollars raised each year would go to public school construction.

One argument against legalization of marijuana, is that it will make it easier for teens to get access to it. Some statistics suggest this is not accurate. Independent studies by RAND Europe and the U.S. National Research Council have reported that marijuana prohibition appears to have little or no impact on rates of use. Sellers of regulated products like tobacco and alcohol can be fined or lose their licenses if they sell to minors. If they regulated marijuana instead of prohibiting it, teenagers would have a harder time getting it because unlike their dealers who don’t check for ID, they will now be carded.

It is difficult to prove that marijuana is worse than alcohol, which is legal and part of the economy. The number of people who are prosecuted for marijuana seems to be out of proportion to the facts regarding marijuana use. I believe that the trend of legalization of marijuana will gradually continue throughout other states in the U.S. in the next few years.

Marijuana should be legal, but regulated.

People should be allowed to use marijuana with some restrictions, because marijuana isn’t as harmful as some people make it out to be.

book club goes for guinness Monarch Book Club tries for World Record ered a typical book club by any means. In a traditional book club everybody reads the same book, and then discusses it. But the Monarch Book Club looks a little different.

“It’s an Un-Book Club Book Club really-mostly its about people who like to read getting together to have fun, eat snacks and talk about books we love or hate. We like to be flexible and open to all kinds of ways of doing things,” added Gerrish.

“It’s a nice fun group of people, we do [cool] stuff. We have book giveaways, we have authors come in, it’s just a fun place to be at lunch,” said junior Sean Latta.

Because Gerrish noticed the large size of her successful book club, she figured they could start aiming big. Last year she had sophomore Millie Rosenshein send an inquiry to the officials at Guinness World Records about setting a record for the biggest high school book club.

“We had to first create an account, then send an inquiry through email. And then Students in giant sized book club take part in a conversation with author Jonathan Maberry over Skype during lunch on May it would take four to six weeks for them to get to it,” explained Rosenhein. When the 11th, 2012. (Photo credit: Beatrice Gerrish) officials responded, the book club did not get

by Anna Blanco the answer they were hoping for. “The Guinness Book officials said they don’t have this he library conference room meant to anything. This is the Monarch High School category and don’t feel like adding this catehold twenty people at its three comBook Club. gory, so it isn’t official,” explained Gerrish. bined tables is bulging with fifty attendOver the years Book Club has increased Even though the record was not accepted, ing students. Chairs around the table and from six students a week to 50-60 students Gerrish still keeps count of how many stuagainst all possible wall space are occupied. every week. “We really don’t do much to dents show up every week, just in case.

Occasionally, there are even students on the recruit new members- mostly because our If you are interested in joining Book Club, floor and underneath the tables. Books of room is so small. People seem to come from meetings are every Friday during both all different kinds cover the table as they are word of mouth from kids in it,” said head lunches in the library conference room. passed around the room. The numerous conlibrarian Beatrice Gerrish. versations make it almost impossible to hear The Monarch Book Club is not consid-

Outdoor Classroom Proves to be Outside the Budget

T

Students Speak: The Election and its Outcome

by Dalton Valette

Photo credits: Dalton Valette

Are you personally aligned with any political party?

JB: “I’d say I’m more aligned with the Democrats. I’m more liberal than I am democratic.”

JG: “No” What issues are the most important to you?

JB: “Most importantly I’d have to say the economy and second I’d have to say social issues like gay marriage and women’s rights.”

JG: “Probably the economy nowadays” And why is that? “Because it’s sucky.”

Which candidate do you support more?

JB: “Barack Obama.”

JG: “Probably Romney.”

Are there any issues that you don’t support but your candidate does? And vice versa?

JB: “Obama is pretty hard on immigration and he’s been really hard and cracked down on marijuana a lot.”

JG: “Not really.”

Are you for Amendment 64, the legalization of marijuana?

Josh Behrens, Junior

JB: “Yes, yes I am.”

JG: “No.” Have political ads or any form of propaganda influenced you in this election?

JB: “No I was pretty much decided on who I would vote for before all that.”

JG: “No but they are not friendly and I don’t like them. The candidates are pretty much attacking each other and its really stupid in my opinion.”

Glad the election is over?

JB: “Yes, yes, so happy.”

JG: “Yes, I’m glad the election is over because all the attacks are over.”

So how do you think the election went as a whole?

JB: “I like the outcome but it was just grueling with attack ads all over the place, especially since we are in a swing state.”

JG: “Like every election before it but it’s been getting more negative.”

Why do you believe Obama won the reelection? Did Romney run a doomed bid?

JB: “No, I was a little worried but I knew he could pull it out. good natural speaker.”

Do you believe things will get better or worse over the next four years?

And if so why?

JB: “They’ll get better; the economy was going to improve no matter who was in office. I think Republicans will have to see that they can’t be too polarized otherwise they will alienate their base and they won’t win elections. So they’ll have to work with Obama and end the gridlock. Fingers crossed.”

JG: “I don’t think things will get much better.Well if we need a president that takes eight years to do something that should be done in four years, why are they president?”

Jason Gallmeyer, Junior

by Conner Lund

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he construction and renovations last year brought some new additions to the school, including four bigger classrooms, and an extended cafeteria. But this was only part of what was promised. Last year, the school was supposed to build “kiosks,” as well as an outdoor classroom, yet both of these have become a figment of the school’s imagination.

These kiosks were originally tv screens, mounted on the wall in front of the cafeteria. These screens were supposed to display calendars of everything going on during the day, informing everyone that walked into the building from the main doors.

The outdoor classroom, a slightly bigger project, was planned to be placed between the new classrooms. “It was supposed to be in that little dirt square outside of the new classrooms. It was a way to make use of an otherwise unusable place. And it was a really cool idea that teachers could just take their class outside and teach from a new environment,” said Mark Sibley. “There really hasn’t been a push for this classroom since. It’s just a lot of money that we don’t have.”

In fact, students are now wondering about the unfulfilled promise. “I think it’s a bummer that we don’t have the classroom. It sounded like a cool learning opportunity,” said junior Kendall Goduto.

Like the football stadium, this classroom proved to be too pricey to build. Future plans to build the classroom are unlikely, unless the administration can find the funds necessary.

5

Ridgeway Murder Impacts Community

The community expresses their emotions on how the Ridgeway murder has affected them

by Ellie Oliver

I

t was supposed to be just like any other day. She would walk to school, spend the day learning, and walk home. But before the young girl could barely walk 1000 feet, she was taken.

On October 5th on her way to Witt Elementary School, ten year old Jessica Ridgeway was abducted in broad daylight. Jessica’s disappearance was reported just hours after she did not come home from school. Less than a week from the day she disappeared, her body was discovered on October 11th.

Laid in an open field in Arvada, the body of Jessica Ridgeway was found in an open field only a few miles from the location of her abduction. The condition of it was disheartening and shocked the community. Although the murder happened in Arvada, the nearby communities of Louisville and Superior have felt the effects of the tragedy.

Senior Meredith Krautler-Klemme described how her job at Night at the Rec has been affected since the murder. Night at the

Rec is a place for kids third through seventh grade where they can hang out, dance, and play games.

The attendance at Night at the Rec has decreased recently and Krautler-Klemme thinks it might be due to the recent abduction in Westminster. “The Friday before last [October 19th] we definitely did not have a big attendance,” said Krautler-Klemme.

For social studies teacher David Farrell, this murder hit close to home, having a ten year old daughter of his very own. “I have two [children]. My daughter is ten, she goes to Fireside,” said Farrell. “We pick up one or two other kids. They used to walk home from the bus, but their parents called us and asked us if we could drive them home and we do.”

Farrell felt he could relate to the parents of Ridgeway. “I feel a lot of things. I’m horrified by it for one. It makes me very insecure. You hear about these things happening and you never expect it to happen in your own neighborhood. I kept thinking I needed to wake up from a bad dream or walk out of a movie theater. It was that kind of scenario. Now that

this person’s been captured, do I feel any easier? Yeah, I do, but I’m still not taking any chances,” said Farrell.

Junior Rachel Ducey got very close with the case after her neighborhood had been swarming with police cars ever since Jessica had disappeared. “After she disappeared, there were a lot of police forces in my neighborhood. I saw a lot of search dogs. A police officer knocked on our door asking us if we’d seen anyone. I got my picture taken on the way to school by a police[man in a] car. They were monitoring everyone coming in and out of the neighborhood and I was just simply on my way to school.”

On October 24th, the suspected murderer was arrested. Austin Reed Sigg was charged for the murder of Jessica Ridgeway October 30th. Police also believe he was involved in a sexual assault attempt last May. Many in the community have been affected by the murder of this young girl, and they are taking precautions to keep themselves and their families safe in the aftermath of these troubles.

ups and downs of november

by Joy Wineman Icons by Natalie Forman

Colorado state employee salaries are up this month by about 1.5%. This raise is part of the new $21.9 billion budget released by Governor Hickenlooper on the first of the month. Education is also receiving increased funding as well as higher-education assistance for National Guard members. Teachers and policemen alike should now have modestly more expendable income. Get your apples and donuts now before they are all bought out.

Viruses are gathering in great numbers this month. Flu season is officially here! These advanced organisms have been mutating all year in preparation for this chance to wreak havoc in the lives of millions of people. Common flu symptoms include, but are not limited to, fatigue, nausea, fever, aching, sneezing, coughing, and excessive groaning. If you wash your hands, get your flu shots, and cross your fingers then chances are you may make it through the season unscathed.

Seasonal creativity appears to be up this month as Pinterest is overflowing with Fall baking recipes and Thanksgiving craft ideas. It seems that everyone is vicariously living the Martha Stewart dream through their “To Make” boards. Minus the extortion charges, that is.

Sharks are having a hard month as NBC news has reported two separate incidents of sharks getting punched in the face. Both aggressors are Californians and both sharks were great whites. The man involved in the first altercation is claiming self-defense; however, because none of his vital organs were damaged, it seems a little unnecessary. No word yet on the condition of the shark. The second scuffle involved a woman. She says her martial arts experience came in handy and she admits to hitting the shark not once, but twice.

November is prime for movie watching. Many highly anticipated films are hitting the silver screen. Twilight:Breaking Dawn Part 2, The Life of Pi, and Red Dawn are premiering within the month. They each have very distinct and different plot lines, settings, genres, and characters, but are generally marketed to a similar demographic. That demographic being, action loving, vampire-crazed, classic novel enthusiasts.

The east coast endured a very trying month. First there was anticipation of a monumental hurricane named Sandy. An underwhelming name, yes, but life-changing for many people all the same. Sandy was then re-classified as a tropical storm, because she was so much more than just a hurricane. The combination of low and high pressure systems to the west and northeast of sandy increased her strength and impact. Sandy was measured to be upwards of 1000 miles in diameter. There were mandatory evacuations in Manhattan, New Jersey, New York City, and other coastal areas, however at least 90 people still died in the U.S. because of this storm. Lots of reconstruction and cooperation will be necessary in order for victims to recover.

6

Monarch is No Place For Hate New club introduced in October

From left, Cayla Wilson, Claire McConville, Corey Jones, and Andy Kim participate in a roleplay about guys commenting on girls’ looks during a No Place For Hate training exercise.

(Photo credit: Bonnie Katzive)

by Anna Blanco

M

onarch High School is now one of the fifty schools in Colorado that has started a No Place for Hate program.

What is No Place for Hate? “[It] is a movement and a program that was started by the Anti Defamation League to help support a positive, anti-bullying environment in schools anywhere from kindergarten all the way up to twelfth grade,” explained co-sponsor and counselor Alexandra Cyr. Twenty-three students participated in a two day training to prepare them to lead programs and train other students and staff on October 22nd and 23rd. Two trainers from No Place for Hate joined these students and taught them how to understand and stand up to prejudice and stereotyping through a series of skits and games.

These students make up the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee decides what direction they want to take the club in.

They plan all the activities that the club will do, and decide how they are going to communicate with both students and teachers.

“The training was amazing, at the end we felt like we were a family,” said freshman Giovanni Silva.

Other students have the opportunity to take part in No Place for Hate even if they did not take part in the two day training. “This is something that will be successful, and only will be successful with the support of students,” said Cyr. Participation in this club will give students a chance to take a stand against bullying, and will encourage community building.

“I would encourage others to join because it is a great club full of wonderful people and wonderful leaders. But it’s not just that; its a place where you can really talk about what the problems are at Monarch,” said sophomore Heraa Hashmi. “This is something that anyone can do.”

Club meeting times and locations have not been decided on just yet, but those looking for more information may contact co-sponsors Alex Cyr or Bonnie Katzive, or any of the students on the Steering Committee.

An activity planned by No Place For Hate will be taking place on November 26th. The purpose of this activity will be to get people to share ideas and experiences that relate to prejudice and discrimination.

E.R.T. TO THE RESCUE

Teachers on call for medical emergencies

by Bridget Anthony

F

ive teachers, five administrators, one security guard, and one nurse all freeze as soon as they hear a request for the Emergency Response Team come over the intercom. Though each of these people go through a very different process of events after they hear the announcement, they all have one common goal: take care of the person who needs help.

When an ERT call is made, teachers have an average response time of two minutes maximum, and those two minutes are always a frantic rush. However, teachers can never just drop what they are doing and run; they have a class to tend to as well. Physics teacher Kevin Lowe said, “Sometimes you just can’t drop [things] right away. Other times you’re in a position to run out right away. And we are lucky enough that we have people in the department that know we are on ERT and they come in right as I’m worried about what I do and they can cover my class so I can get out and run.” Anatomy and Biology teacher Laszlo Vass agreed, but said that when teachers cannot come cover his class, “Sometimes I have to trust my class, and just leave. Sometimes I can’t leave, and that’s why there are a lot of us.”

For Vass and Lowe, the hardest part of the job is leaving their class. “A lot of people are okay with the First Aid piece because they understand they have done it and done the training. What they are not fond of is the fact that they have to leave their classroom at a moment’s notice,” said Vass. There is more to being on the ERT than just tending to an

illness, it also involves coordination and timing.

Security guard Steve Abeyta joined the ERT this year, and, as a security guard without a class to worry about, can usually get to the student in “thirty seconds to a minute.” However, since Abeyta is new this year, he will “sometimes sit in classes for the teachers.

I will go cover the class because they obviously are more experienced in the ERT. Vass or Lowe, if they are in class, I have gone and sat in their class before.”

The ERT process is not an easy one, and not one that works without all teachers on the same page. “It just flows. There are different responsibilities and stuff. I will kind of make sure students aren’t coming around [the affected student] once Vass gets there because he is like a paramedic on staff,” said Abeyta.

Kevin Lowe demonstrates ERT techniques on Laszlo Vass.

If the illness is serious and an Both teachers from the science department are members Emergency Medical Technician is called, of Monarch’s ERT team. (Photo credit: Joy Wineman) at least two teachers will stay with the student until the EMT arrives. “We need er, she has learned not to panic because to communicate to the fire fighters or EMTs she knows she can handle anything. “To and tell them what is going on so they can be in the health room I had First Aid and take over effectively instead of them having to CPR classes and I get recertified every figure it all out on their own,” said Lowe. three years.”

Most times, however, the student is taken The ERT at Monarch is now a wellstraight to the nurse, Janet Moskovics, and oiled machine. They know exactly what to she will take over and tend to them. Moskovdo at all times, so whenever there is an ics has been a school nurse for many years so ERT announcement, there is no need to she knows the drill. “When they bring a stupanic. Moskovics said, “The ERT here and dent down, they kind of pass it on to me and the teachers that are on it are so good at usually it is fainting or something and I take what they do and they are just so efficient care of their symptoms then,” said Moskovics. and have worked together for so long.”

When she hears the call over the loud speak-

No Substitute For dave Wood Longtime Monarch sub strikes a chord with students

by Olivia Coleman and Ashley Litoff

W

hat’s your first thought when you walk into a classroom and see a substitute in the room? Are you worried that they might be strict or might make you work in silence the whole class? If that substitute is the well known Dave Wood, things might be different from what you might expect.

Mr. Wood has been a substitute for thirteen years at multiple schools, but decided that Monarch is where he belongs. “Five years ago I said no other schools for me,” said Wood. Wood is one of the most common subs used at Monarch, and many students think fondly of him.

When students see Mr. Wood in their classroom, they all have the same reaction. “It always brings a smile to my face just to know that he’s subbing and that he’s going to be there facilitating my learning,” said senior Nik Lesch. “It’s always a relief, and not [because] we’re not going to do anything, but just that whatever we do is gonna be really laid back,” said senior Quinn Farrell. Some teachers may question whether or not work gets done when Mr. Wood is there, but Farrell backs it up.

Students who have never experienced Wood as a sub may ask what makes him so special. “I try to think of some trivia questions for the end of the period if someone wants

Substitute teacher Dave Wood catches up on his reading while watching over a math class on October 17th.

(Photo credit: Chloe Leuthaeuser)

to leave a little bit early. And I play guitar, tell jokes, tell stories,” explained Wood.

“You get to hear lots of really cool stories and it’s nice because you can talk to him,” said senior Natalie Rudd.

Wood is special not only because of all the fun things he does when he subs, but also because he leaves an impression on Monarch students. “I first met him two years ago and probably about a week later, he already knew my name, first and last. And then I realized he knows almost every kid in our schools name,” said senior Jimena Mohedas.

“He actually cares about the kids. Even though he’s not a teacher, he actually cares about us,” said Rudd.

While seniors are upset to graduate because they no longer see Mr. Wood, the rest of Monarch still has time left with him.

“I got four more years on my certificate, then I’ll have to think about it. Maybe I’ll retire for good, but maybe come in once in awhile as a volunteer,” Wood said.

“I’m bummed that he won’t be my sub anymore but I feel like I might stay in touch with him,” said Farrell. “I’m really sad, but he’s signed my yearbook every year so I’ll always remember him. I’m definitely gonna come back and visit him when I can,” explained Lesch.

It’s hard not to like Wood when you meet him. He’s a big part of Monarch’s community, and fortunately will be for more years to come. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, Mr. Wood is always able to brighten your day. For the seniors especially, he is an unforgettable man.

Getting to Know Tristan Kaler

by Tori Ganahl

S

enior Tristan Kaler has always had a passion for business.

Between business classes, internships, and business clubs offered at school, he’s (Photo courtesy of Tristan Kaler) on his way toward becoming a CFO, “Chief Financial Officer”, of a Fortune 100 company. The Howler will follow him on his journey through his senior year as he prepares for college and beyond. Step one of this journey? Getting to know a little about Kaler.

What are you interested in pursuing in college?

I would like to double major in Finance and International Business. There are some really cool five year programs that would allow me to gain both undergraduate degrees and a Masters in Finance in only five years, which really interests me.

What are you interested in accomplishing with your education?

My ultimate career goal is to be the Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 100 company.

When did this interst first start?

Well, I have always known I wanted to go into business. Sophomore and junior years I really became interested in finance and pursued it further through an internship, and really discovered it’s what I want to do.

What colleges are you interested in?

Right now my first choice is the University of Denver; they have a great five year program. I am also seriously looking at Notre Dame and Emory, though those would be reach schools.

I am trying to get an Air Force ROTC scholarship that will really help me with paying for private school tuition. I would really love to serve my country and possibly stay in [the service] for 20 years to get the pension, then pursue business interests.

What clubs and activities are you involved in?

I’m a co-Vice President of DECA, and I’m also a member of National Honor Society.

What are you doing outside of school to pursue your career?

I’m the Senior Data Acquisitions Manager at Camp Bow Wow corporate, which really helps me apply the skills I have learned in my business classes to real life situations. I also hold an internship with Kevron, Inc. which is an international industrial machinery company.

To learn more about Kaler and his journey, follow up with the next issue of The Howler

7

IF you really knew me...

In the spirit of fostering a healthy community at Monarch, a variety of students were asked to share something about their lives that their peers would find surprising. These students were asked to complete the sentence ‘If you really knew me, you would know that...” This is what they said.

by Joy Wineman and Arika Rooney

MADDIE DAVIS junior

“I’m Mormon, [so] people make fun of me.

There are a lot of misconceptions about [the religion]. People think that we have too many rules that ‘don’t allow us to have fun’ but in our eyes those rules are there for our protection and to help us be the best we can be. A lot of people think it’s too bad we can’t drink or whatever because ‘it’s fun’, but my friends and I have a ton of fun without doing any of that. People always bring up polygamy too, and that’s something my church doesn’t practice. There’s a church that does practice polygamy that claims to be , but we have no affiliation with them. It’s hard sometimes to explain these things to people without feeling like I’m shoving my religion down their throat, because I’m not trying to. It’s my choice to live the way I do and I don’t argue with them about the god they believe or don’t believe in.”

Mormon

SEAN ANASTASI junior

“I was born in Oswego, New York, and was adopted at three weeks old. I live with my Mom, Dad and my little brother and sister who . It doesn’t were also really have any effect on my life-it’s just something that makes me different. [My parents] have always told me [that I was adopted], and I’m glad they did. Growing up adopted was normal, except that my brother and sister were also adopted so I wasn’t with them for their whole lives so far.”

adopted

CHLOE HULL freshman

“I’m Jewish [and] at my old school I used to get bullied for it. In the South it wasn’t accepted. I would go into class and there would be swastikas on my desk and people would do the heil Hitler sign around me. A lot of people would make a lot of jokes like, ‘oh, you must do this,’ or ‘oh you must do that’. I’m more held back about being . It’s just another way for people to bully [me].”

Jewish

ROBIN SILK sophomore

almost died

“I of Rotavirus, a form of dehydration, when I was six months old.The doctors had to put an IV in my forehead so my brain wouldn’t shrivel up.

[Now] I have a weak immune system, I get sick and cold really easily, [and] I have to be careful around my family and stuff when they’re sick.”

DEREK GERLEIT senior

lost my mother

“I freshman year. We don’t really know why. It [has had] a big impact on my life and I feel like some people don’t really know how much of an impact. If people really knew me they would know how much of a change and how much of a different person I am since that happened, because most people didn’t really know me before it. I feel like a lot of people know me as I am today but [don’t] know how I acted before. There’s just a very big change in me.”

O

ur names are Jaci and Cayla, and we are juniors at Monarch High School.

We are in No Place for Hate, which is an organization that helps raise awareness for bullying, prejudice, and stereotypes amongst school age kids.

We originally joined No Place for Hate because we wanted to see a change in the world and its views on verbal and physical violence.

We went through the leadership training with about twenty other students, and learned a lot of different things including how to speak to large groups of teens, how to manage a group of rowdy kids, what to say when teach-

“I’m really passionate about a lot of things in my life.

Sometimes I might

take things too seriously. I try to live up to my sister. I push myself and am my toughest critic, [and] even my best isn’t good enough for me.”

SETH KEENER SEAN GENTRY senior junior

“[Even though people stereotype me as a ] I’m actually a really smart person, like I got a 30 on the ACT’s my first try, and I didn’t even have a calculator. Administration has pulled me out of class because I looked like I was high, I looked like I was a stoner. I had to go to my doctor and get a letter saying my eyes were always bloodshot. I’m not even kidding.”

stoner

“I don’t feel like there’s much diversity at Monarch. I can feel . It can be hard to not have people to relate to-- but that doesn’t bother me as much. Sometimes the racial slurs get to me but I’m still proud of my heritage.”

outnumbered

“To actually understand someone, sometimes that can be hard, because people are deep and everyone is different. So a stereotype is a shortcut. An unfair shortcut.” Junior Clara Horst

students seek to encourage Acceptance

by Jacquelynne Isola and Cayla Wilson

MIRA GUHA sophomore

ing, and how to use appropriate language with friends.

We truly believe that Monarch can become a school that embodies a no tolerance policy on bullying. We feel that as a whole, we can make a change around us, starting with facing the issues at our own school. We want to show that we are here to help those who need a helping hand, and for those who feel alone.

No one is alone, and no one has to be alone.

We think that this group is the start of something big that will last at Monarch and spread to the surrounding schools, and we are proud to be a part of something that will help.

We joined No Place for Hate because we feel we can make a difference; even as sin-

gle individuals, we can at least make a small change within our school. But with No Place for Hate, there are multiple teenagers willing to do this for our school, willing to make a change, and willing to take a stand. We know for a fact that with our increasing numbers and support, including support from our staff and administrators, we can make the biggest difference in the world. Just starting with a simple club, even with just a few members, just a few kids, makes all the difference.

That is why we are here. We are here to let Monarch know that everyone is accepted,

no matter how diverse you are, no matter what your background is, no matter what your race, gender, sexual orientation or even religious beliefs are. Why does anyone have to be alone for being different? Why does anyone have to be alone or feel alone for having a disability or even for their skin color? That’s just it--you don’t have to be. We are here, No Place for Hate is here, and many other kids are here, willing to help others, because that is what we, as Monarch students, stand for. We stand for respect, diversity, equality, inclusion, and compassion. What do you stand for?

ALEX ROSS senior

VIRGINIA SPONG senior

My family kind of fell apart during middle school. We’ve all suffered because of it.

My Dad wasn’t exactly close to me ever, and after [my parents’] divorce I kind of had to grow up and be the father figure my brother never had; be the . [My brother] was always the sports guy, [my dad] would always coach, they were that duo. Once my brother drifted away from sports, they really had nothing to work with. [My Dad] really doesn’t know how to deal with us except for talking about school, or sports, or grades.

I’m accepting of it now.”

“People see me as quiet, just kind of as ‘the good girl’ [but] I’m not happy all the time, [I] kind of put on that face. I’m just like anyone else. I have feelings. Sometimes I feel left out when all my friends are partying. It’s a real commitment I make to kind of avoid all that stuff, but it’s hard and it can be sometimes. [People shouldn’t] judge anyone just by how they look to you or what their actions are because everyone has feelings. High school is hard for everyone, and we should never just make judgements.”

man of the house

lonely

Breaking Stereotypes

Programs help build stronger communities in schools across the country

by Natalie Forman

“I

f You Really Knew Me” began as an MTV show in the fall of 2010 and was the inspiration for some of the stories in this issue. It followed a few stereotypical students and revealed their true stories. While the show was not renewed, the program Challenge Day (which the show was based on) still exists along with other programs that tour the country to help unify school communities.

Challenge Day is a program that aims to teach compassion, acceptance, and team building. The mission statement on their

website says “The Challenge Day mission is to provide youth and their communities with experiential programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.” When the program is done, the school should be a place where the students feel safe and believe that they are celebrated.

More info can be found at: http://www. challengeday.org/ Over the summer for Monarch 360 Leader training, the leaders and commissioners participated in an activity which involved “If You Really Knew Me.” They stood in a circle and each leader completed the sentence with

what they thought people might not know about them from just a cursory glance. Senior Rachel Ruske was one of the participants in the summer program. After the program, Ruske said, “We had a bunch of different emotions. [The program] makes you look at yourself and understand that [you] need to be more observant because people are hurting from things [you] can’t see. It evokes a lot of emotion.”

Breaking Down the Walls is another program that visits high schools and helps teach them how to build a stronger community.

On their website, the program is described as “a comprehensive program designed to

bring unification to your campus. This program invites and empowers not just some, but all of your students to create a positive and supportive climate at their school.” The program begins with a school wide assembly and breaks down into smaller groups as it goes on. By the end of the program days, the goal is to have no more walls separating the student body.

More info can be found at: http:// learningforliving.com/programs/breaking-down-the-walls/

artsANDentertainment

From left to right: David Kim practices his cello skills in Orchestra. (Photo Credit: Aleiya Evison) Director Natalie Rudd talks to actors Josh Behrens and Jordan Gotski at One Acts practice. (Photo credit: Aleiya Evison) Quinn Farrell and Lauren Evevard put all their hard work to show in the final One Acts performance. (Photo credit: Christina Rodie)

DEMISTIFYING THE “FREAKS”

Students in the arts explain how their stereotypes don’t always add up

by Aleiya Evison

T

here’s the band nerd, the gay theatre diva, the misunderstood artist, and the wanna-be-Mozart violinist. Students involved in the arts are consistently handed a heavy dose of labeling, and those at Monarch are no exception.

When asked how theatre kids are perceived, junior Josh Behrens said,”First of all, definitely out there. Many people think we’re crazy, because a lot of us are. A lot of us are loud. A lot of guys in theatre are gay, so the rest of us get thrown into that, too, even if we’re not. Crazy, kind of loud, and gay.”

Senior Natalie Rudd added, “People think that we’re all artsy freaks that just have sex with each other and smoke a bunch of pot.”

Behrens and Rudd have both been a part of theatre since they were freshmen, and they agree that the best part of theatre is the community that comes with it. Rudd said, “Everyone [in theatre] is very accepting and no matter who you are or what you look like or what you do they will accept you. It doesn’t matter if you wear designer clothes or have a nice car, everyone here just loves you for whoever you are, no matter what.”

Behrens agreed. “I love the community of theatre. I honestly think that the theatre community is the strongest in the school.” He added, “It’s the one place where I’ve found I can truly be myself, all the time.”Rudd and

10

Behrens explained that since theatre kids tend to be so open, stereotypes of “freaky theatre kids” are intensified. However, being a theatre kid is more than just singing at the top of your lungs and talking in strange accents. As with anything that someone devotes their time to, being a part of theatre is a real

“To actually understand someone, sometimes that can be hard, because people are deep and everyone is different. So a stereotype is a shortcut. An unfair shortcut.” -Clara Horst commitment. “We probably put in as much if not more effort into a lot of our shows- especially the musical- than any athlete [puts into their sport[. We work out before every practice, then we work until six every day. In order to be in a musical you have to be a dancer, you have to be an actor, and you have to be a singer, and you have to be good at all three.

We’re working in all of those, and we have be physically fit as well as vocally and emotionally prepared,” said Behrens. Rudd and Behrens

find it disconcerting that the theatre depart-

ment seems to receive less credit in comparison to other activities. Behrens said, “I find it frustrating a lot of the time. We just don’t get respected as much as a lot of the other factions of the school. We just get called gay and stupid.”

Rudd added, “I feel like people really don’t understand us and we aren’t given as much credit as sports are, even though we work just as hard, if not harder. People don’t realize that we come to school on Saturdays and attending, for example, football games, came to shows, work for eight hours to get a show together, and then no one [from the school] comes and sees them. Even though we have put our heart and soul into these shows, people just think, ‘oh, it’s a dumb theatre thing.’”

Rudd and Behrens agree that if even half of those attending, for example, football games, came to shows, the theatre department would gain more credibility. “People definitely respect football so much more than even any other sport, which I think is cool and all, but it’s also kind of obnoxious sometimes.

A lot of people think the only way to support the school is to go to a football game, whereas we could use a lot more people at our shows.” Rudd added, “I wish people could understand and realize that we’re just normal people, and that we aren’t some alien race. [If they] could understand that we really just love being on stage, and we love the theatre, [it would help]. If they realized how hard we

worked I think they would come more [to shows]. If they treated coming to see theatre shows like they treated going to football games [it would be great].”

Junior Becca Cauley also knows what it is like to be overlooked for her hard work.

Cauley is a part of marching band and drumline. She said, “It’s a lot [of a commitment]. I like to tease the football team saying we use the field way more than they do.” Freshman Kendall Haight, a trumpet player in marching band, added, “People don’t realize how intense marching band is. It is listed as a physical activity.”

According to Cauley, band kids are often stereotyped as, “kind of geeky.” Haight added, “People think of us as nerds [that are] physically unable.”

What people don’t necessarily realize, however, is how much work goes into marching band. “Every week we have Wednesday and Monday practices that are three hours each. Then, every Saturday we have practice from seven in the morning to three thirty in the afternoon. States week we have practice every single day from five thirty to nine thirty,” explained Cauley.

Both marching band and drumline consistently rank in at least the top five at competitions, but their achievements aren’t always recognized. “The basketball team last year, they got a whole pep assembly just for making it to state, and the drumline, well, last year was our third year in a row winning state and I don’t think anybody even knew that. [It] is kind of frustrating because I feel like we have so much talent, and we practice so hard and for so long. I think the school is definitely centered around sports more than it is [around] appreciating music, which is a shame,” said Cauley.

Sophomore Emily Lindeman, a cello player, explained that out of all the arts, perhaps orchestra is the one that receives the least recognition. “ I think the band and choirs do [get respect] because people care more about them. We’re not disrespected, but people just don’t really think about us,” said Lindeman.

Senior David Kim, the principal cellist at Monarch, added, “I think stereotypically a lot of Monarch students view us as more antisocial, or at least socially awkward, or that we are really quiet, or just really asian.”

He thinks such stereotypes “can be true with a lot of people, but some of my closest friends are in orchestra and a lot [of them] are really cool. Of course there’s a lot of shy people, but they’re really cool once you get to know them, just like [anyone in] any clique.” Kim has been playing the cello since he was five, and practices every single week.

The hard work has lead to Kim making it into the Colorado All-State Orchestra for the past three years and he said, “It’s probably my biggest, most important extracurricular.”

Like Lindeman, Kim agreed that Orchestra players don’t always get attention for their hard work. He said, “I think that just like athletics, and just like band or singing, or being a thespian, there’s a lot of work that goes into playing a string instrument as well.

We all deserve equal light.”

Junior Clara Horst, an artist, said, “I’ve always known I really like drawing. I liked other subjects in school, but art was always by far my favorite.” She added, “My favorite part about an art project, or art as a whole, is that it’s completely customizable. You have your own style and you can express whatever you want through it, or you can interpret another person’s idea. I have a lot of fun with that.” Horst’s passion for art has helped her see that, “art is such a broad interest, there’s so many different types of artists that you could be, that anyone could really be interested in art,” and that although, “there’s the stereotypical introverted sort of crazy artist, but like most stereotypes, those aren’t always necessarily true.”Horst thinks she knows why kids in the arts are stereotyped so often. “Because,” she said, “ it’s a lot easier to not think complexly about someone.

It’s a lot easier to have a stereotype and not have to think more about it. To actually understand someone, sometimes that can be hard, because people are deep and everyone is different. So a stereotype is a shortcut. An unfair shortcut.”

BOND,JAMEs BOND

50 years of gadgets, martinis, and women

by Dalton Valette

F

or five decades, 007 has captivated the hearts (and wallets) of millions around the globe with his charm, killer looks, and high stakes thrills that crisscross dozens of countries. And of course, these exploits lead him to sultry women and psychotic villains. In celebration of James Bond turning the big 5-0, MGM is releasing the twenty third Bond film Skyfall, in theaters this November.

Now, what is it about this lone debonair British assassin that has created the second highest grossing film series in history, bringing in over five billion dollars*, that has survived for so many years? How has the series not hit a major, major low point and wilted away? To find out, one must go to Bond’s origins, when a British naval officer named Ian Fleming penned the first James Bond novel.

It was 1952 when Fleming, wanting to distract himself from marrying his pregnant girlfriend, started to write his first spy novel, Casino Royale. Published a year later, the first novel featuring James Bond became a massive success with the first and second printings selling out within a month of its release.

This spawned eleven other novels and two collections of short stories. Then, in 1962, a young, unknown actor named Sean Connery was cast to play 007 in the movie Dr. No, the first of twenty three James Bond films.

Connery was initially slammed by Fleming himself as being a poor choice for the role of the reclusive secret agent who could blend into the crowd undetected. After viewing Dr. No, an adaption of his 1958 novel of the same name, Fleming is quoted to have said that the movie was “dreadful. Simply dreadful.” And though a modest success, grossing roughly sixty million dollars globally, it was enough to allow for the much higher praised sequel From Russia with Love to be made. Some would argue that the Bond series wouldn’t have continued if not for President John F. Kennedy who said that the novel From Russia with Love was one of his top ten favorite books. MGM, the studio behind the

Bond series, touted this as an extra incentive to see the film.

With the success of From Russia with Love, Connery continued the role as James Bond for three more films, taking a slight hiatus for George Lazenby to fill in the role for a single performance in the much underappreciated On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

In 1973, a TV actor by the name of Roger Moore officially took over from Sean Connery Daniel Craig stars as James Bond in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions’ action adventure “Skyfall.” (Francois and star- Duhamel/Courtesy Columbia Pictures/MCT) red as James can take care of themselves and kick some enter a life that is filled with mysticism and a Bond for seven films, the ass if need be (Halle Berry in Die Another gritty beauty. James Bond, with his share of longest actor to do so and Day.) shaken martinis, sultry ladies, and sensationplaying the character well There is, however, one thing that all the al gadgets, has been able to stay alive for 50 into his fifties.

Bond girls throughout the ages have in years and has captivated the hearts of those When Moore bowed common that draw in the masses of testosall across the world because he is the quintout due to his age, the terone to the theaters, and that is looks. All essential human being. younger Timothy Dalton the girls are stunningly beautiful which always *Reported by http://www.the-numbers.com/ took the helm for two helps with a film series. A good looking secret movies/series/JamesBond.php gritty Bond films that agent for the British intelligence can’t be seen were commercial flops. In walking around with someone who is only order to keep the series mildly attractive, right? That doesn’t sell. alive, the fresh, easier on So, Bond’s stayed alive because of girls? the eyes face of Pierce Possible. But is there something that can Brosnan was cast in 1995 draw even more guys into the theater and and he starred in four open up their wallets? Well how about some films. In 2005, Daniel nifty, never before seen gadgets of course, Craig was announced to supplied none other the wizard like man Q. take over from Brosnan Yes, the Bond gadgets can at times be outin Casino Royale and is landish and unrealistic (invisible cars, x-ray currently signed up to glasses) but a lot are actually very conceivplay the Double-O agent able, when one’s in the right mind set. Seeing for two more films after a suave looking guy carrying a cool gadget this year’s Skyfall. unleashes a man’s inner child that makes Six actors have each him jump for joy at the sight of some of these brought their own unique (shoes with daggers in them, the famous Wallook and feel for the charther PPK, the sleek Aston Martin.) Men, simply acter of James Bond for put, want to be James Bond. They want to live better (“martini, shaken an adventurous, action packed life filled with not stirred”- Connery) hot babes and go around shooting at things or worse (really? Does should be to their hearts content and then James Bond need to wear celebrate their conquests of women hearts a kilt? - Lazenby) But the with a tall, dry martini. But a series, in order question remains, how to stay alive for long, has to attract the other has a series which has gender as well. had half a dozen actors In order to counter the gadgets and play its lead character the Bond girls that draw in droves of men, survive? Countless other James Bond appeals to the ladies as being films have tried to replace the ultimate, ideal man that they seek out their leads in a sequel in life. Don’t believe me? He’s smart, classy, and they have bombed sexy, cheeky, brooding, mysterious, wealthy, horrendously. What charismatic and deep down utterly human. If makes Bond special? there could be a “man on the hill” in place of Maybe it’s the ladies. a “city on the hill,” 007 would be that man. He There is always at least is the Holy Grail for a large array of women, one lucky lady per Bond and women love him to death. Men want to film (on multiple occabe him; women want to be with him. sions whoever, there have There are a lot of factors to consider been two or three other in James Bond’s continued success and one Bond girls) who gets could go on for hours just bringing up all the strung up in the violence little things, but in the end, simply put, James surrounding James Bond.

Bond has stayed alive for 50 years because But they are drawn to him he is the person everyone wants to be. He is as he gives off the cool, completely human, he can get hurt physically mysterious, brooding, and emotionally, best shown in 2006’s Casino (and in Moore’s case Royale, but at the same time, he’s better than comical) essence that all girls seek in a hunky human. He is a man on a pedestal that evman. eryone can almost grovel to. And that’s what Some of the Bond girls are not the toughdrives people to stick with him, to spend their est or sharpest tools in the shed (I’m talking money on seeing one more Bond adventure. about you, Tanya Roberts, in A View to A Kill) It’s a way to escape one’s ordinary life and but others are lethal killing machines who 11

JAMES BOND FUN FACTS

*Timothy Dalton, in License to Kill, got his finger cut off accidentally by one of the villain henchmen, played

by Benicio Del Toro. *Casino Royale is the only James Bond movie where 007 cries. * 14 Bond girls have wound up dead throughout the series. * The James Bond films have seen people killed from a bowler hat, a fire extinguisher, a power drill, and a snowflake. * GeorgeLazenbydid almost all of his own stunts in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, even breaking his arm skiing on the set.

ARTISTS PAINT THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS Monarch artists create their own success

by Mia Mulvahill and Katie Berohn

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magine what the world would look like without art. Everything would conform, everything would look the same, and everything would get a little boring. But more importantly, what if the world lacked artists? Artists are always creating, exploring, and bending the rules. Everyone knows artists like Picasso and Warhol, but what about young artists? Everyone has to get their beginning somewhere, and many Monarch artists are on their way.

Wyatt Scott

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any may know this young artist as a thespian who has been in multiple plays, but what they may not know is that senior Wyatt Scott has been interested in art since his early years. Describing his art style as “most closely contemporary, with a little bit of surrealism,” Scott has taken a specific interest in graphic design, but also dabbles in drawing and photography. “I’ve been creating pretty much my whole life,” said Scott. “In middle school is when I really started to realize that I had a knack for it and that I wanted to pursue it.” Scott has been in multiple art shows, including the Jared Polis Congressional Art Show last year. Scott designed this year’s Student Council shirts as well as the logos for the class of 2013’s senior shirts. He often works with Alkaline, a clothing company operated by former Monarch students, but mostly, he likes to keep his art for himself.

“I’m really selfish about [my art]. I work really hard on it, and I like looking at it and keeping it,” said Scott. Scott is applying to multiple art colleges and hopes to pursue a career in digital art or photography. Scott loves surrounding himself in art culture, and to keep his creative juices flowing, he has painted one of his bedroom walls orange, which Scott says is the color of creativity.

Roni Burgener

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onarch’s photography program has helped senior Roni Burgener uncover her artistic abilities. After taking the Photo 1 class her sophomore year, Burgener is taking Photo 2 first semester and photo 3 second semester this year. Burgener takes photographs in a variety of places, including her recent trip up to Estes Park capturing the elk bugling. Her favorite subjects are nature and her younger sister. A major source of inspiration and support for Burgener is her mother. “I use my mom’s camera. She bought it brand new when she was in high school and she used it all her life, and now I’m using it,” said Burgener. Burgener also find inspiration in local artwork. “When I see cool photos like… in the rec center, or coffee shops and places like that, those are inspirational. And everyone in [photo] class has cool photos too that inspire me.” Burgener hopes to minor in photography after high school and continue to capture the world in her own unique way.

Alana Chen

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enior Alana Chen has had a unique experience with art. “Ever since I was little, my mom would always give [me] stuff to test what [I] liked. Whenever she gave me drawing stuff I just liked that best, then in middle school I started realizing that I was actually good at it,” Chen explained. Chen mostly paints, but also makes collages. She likes to paint people and her favorite medium is watercolor. Chen has had times when she’s considered giving up on art, but her parents have always pushed her to keep doing what she’s good at. “I kind of wanted to quit art sophomore year, and then my mom kept bugging me and telling me to keep doing it, so then I decided to take classes and now it’s my favorite class,” Chen said. Even though Chen does not plan on studying art in college, she will keep creating art on her own.

HERAA HASHMI

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lthough Heraa Hashmi is only a sophomore, she has already taken huge strides in the artistic world.

She has won two awards for her art already, one given to her here at Monarch and one when she was in middle school. She has a very distinctive art style, which she knows exactly how to define. Hashmi explained, “My art style is primarily realistic, and shading. I put a lot of emphasis on making things seem 3D, I don’t do a lot of abstract, it’s mostly realism. And I do some anime on the side.” Hashmi has been passionate about her art since she was young. “I just love trying to take something from real life and capturing it onto a piece of paper,” said Hashmi. Unlike many artists, Hashmi gets inspiration from something unprecedented. “I usually get inspiration from books, actually,” said Hashmi. “When I read about characters or when I read about different scenes, or even manga, I just try to put it down on paper.” Hashmi is undecided about whether or not she will pursue art after college, but even if she decides not to continue with art through school, she knows that she will continue to do what she loves.

(All photos by Katie Berohn and Mia Mulvahill

DECEMBER HOROSCOPES Astrologist in residence: Narcissa Luna After waking up one day, I, Narcissa, felt that I had obtained all the knowledge of the stars that I could ever need, despite the fact that I have never read a single book or taken a single class on anything space-related. My calculations are taken simply through observation, intuition and a small bit of guessing. Enjoy.

Sagittarius: (November 22-December 21) Watch out Sagittarius! This month any pets you own will feel a surge of longing for the wilderness and may try to make a daring escape as the fourth moon of Jupiter enters your orbit. On the bright side, during December you will look great in whatever color you choose to wear, and all your shoes will fit comfortably.

Pisces: (February 19-March 20) December is a great time for Pisces to consider becoming vegan. Intestinal troubles are wildly common for Pisces in December following the completed orbit of the North star, and cutting all animal byproducts will definitely quell your tummy rumbles and will also serve as an interesting topic for holiday parties. Who needs Christmas ham anyway?

Capricorn: (December 22-January 19) December will be an exciting month for you, Capricorn. Expect multiple party invites and a plethora of Facebook friend requests as the stars align in your favor. Make sure to buy a new outfit, preferably something sparkly, to sport during your multitude of social outings this month.

Aries: (March 21-April 19) This month may be the peak of 2012 for you, Aries. Your hair will be silky smooth, your nails will grow long and strong, and your morning breath will be reminiscent of daisies and lavender. Thank the love moon of Mars for this month’s luck.

Aquarius: (January 20-February 18) Although you may be an Aquarius, this month you should watch out for water. As the tides of Pluto rise at the beginning of December, beware of spills, leaks and tidal waves that may be aimed specifically at you! Lucky for you, water wings and life jackets will be on sale this month, so be sure to stock up.

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Taurus: (April 20-May 20) Beware of mental confusion during the month of January...

I mean December. Due to the astrological orbits, Taurus are prone to a foggy psyche right around the holiday season. So be sure to check with a friend before you whip out the 4th of July decorations in a fit of confusion. Every cloud has a silver lining, though; December brings outstanding hand-eye coordination for you, Taurus, so get out there and show it off in a friendly game of frisbee.

Gemini: (May 21-June 20) You’re in need of some serious positive karma this month, Gemini. The stars recommend frequent gift-giving (extra points if the gift-receiver is a redhead).

Giving stray dogs baths and tying strangers’ shoes while they eat at a fancy restaurant are also top-notch for some positive mojo this month.

Cancer: (June 21-July 22) December is a great time for you to get famous, Cancer. The stars have changed their orbit to revolve around you and you should bask in the glow! Get out there and dance, sing or act your way to the top, others will be sure to take notice.

Leo: (July 23-August 22) Unlike unlucky Sagittarius, your animal sensibilities are strong this month, Leo. All species and breeds will be drawn to you; you’re like a modern Dr. Doolittle!

Find a good way to put your skills to use this month by volunteering to soothe wild animals at your local zoo; just make sure you don’t wear bacon-scented perfume, as the animals will most likely still tear you to shreds despite your special skills.

Virgo: (August 23-September 22) December will be filled with four leaf clovers and horseshoes for you, Virgo. All your endeavors will pan out nicely for you this month, so take a risk and reap the reward. December will be an all-around jolly month for you, as long as you avoid everything made of wood. (The tree spirit of the moon is angry around the holidays. Blame the Christmas trees.)

Libra: (September 23 -October 22) Prepare for absolute disaster this coming month, Libra. Good things are not coming your way. My best advice is to stay indoors, get a helmet, and stock up on snacks and Redbox movies.

Scorpio: (October 23-November 21) Despite your gender, girls will love you and boys will hate you this month due to astrological confusion in your orbit during December. This month would be a great time to spend some time shopping, getting your nails done, or watching Mean Girls and John Tucker Must Die with your lady friends.

(This applies to you too, boys, there’s no shame in having well-groomed nails.)

Sports SuperFan Craig Ford

Q u o t a b l e

by Conner Lund

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raig Ford has been at the forefront of the school’s fans, starting all of the chants, especially at the Broomfield game. He has been extremely energetic, and has been able to get the whole crowd behind him. We interviewed him about being a crowd leader at sporting events this year. The spirited senior shared his thoughts on school spirit, his legacy, and trash talking.

Q; What drives you to lead the fan base?

A: I was born with the talent of being a leader, so I lead.

“If you’re a fan, you should trash talk.”

“I was born with the talent of being a leader, so I lead.”

“Let’s get hyphy.”

Q: What’s the story behing the helmet?

A: I just wanted to start a tradition, it’s going to be a Student Council tradition.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do at football games?

A: Start the chants. Get everyone as hyped as possible, as I did at the Broomfield game. Let’s get hyphy.

Q: What do you think about Monarch’s representation at away games?

A: I think it could be better, I think it should be better, but….

Monarch.

Q: Is trash talking just a part of being a fan?

A: 100% yes. If you’re a fan, you should trash talk.

Q: What do you think about Monarch spirit this year?

A: It’s a lot better than it has been in the past, but we could get more people at away games.

Q: What’s the legacy you will leave behind at Monarch?

A: Craig Ford.

Q:What sport are you most excited for in the winter?

A: Women’s basketball because we’re taking state this year.

Photo credit: Conner Lund

Fredericksmeyer Proves to be a factor on court

by Mia Mulvahill

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fter playing for both the sophomore and J.V. basketball teams last year during his freshman season, sophomore Sam Fredricksmeyer’s talent was quickly recognized.

Fredricksmeyer will be playing point guard on this year’s varsity team. Fredricksmeyer’s success on the court can not only be attributed to his impressive ball-handling and striking agility, but also to his admirable work ethic. Fellow varsity player and point guard junior Ben Beauchamp said, “[Sam]’s a hard worker and always keeps his head up. He always gives his best and we expect a lot from him this year.”

After being pulled up to the sophomore level team last season, as well as swinging J.V. for multiple games, Fredricksmeyer spent all summer working with the Monarch coaches and playing for the Colorado Titans during the offseason.

Monarch J.V. coach Bailey Clarke feels confident in Fredricksmeyer’s ability. “His attitude is amazing. He’s a lot of fun to be around, he works hard, he gets after it. He’s a really good athlete and one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever met,” said Clarke.

“He’s the first one in and the last one out every day. He probably has one of the best attitudes on the team, he’s always looking to get better. He really plays for the team and not himself,” said sophomore team coach Robert McCrudden.

Although he’s younger than many of his teammates, Fredricksmeyer has no trouble fitting in. “You’re a team, and so you don’t really notice that stuff. Other than

the coaches calling me ‘freshman’ last year, I wasn’t really treated differently,” said Fredricksmeyer on the subject of the age gap.

“He’s still really young, so he’ll make young mistakes, but he’s a great player,” said Clarke.

McCrudden said, “He’s tall, but he’s skin and bones. He struggled a little last year with getting bulked up like the bigger guys, but now he’s in the weight room every day.”

So what makes Fredricksmeyer a good player physically? According to Clarke, Fredricksmeyer’s long arms do wonders for his game as a point guard, as well as his natural athleticism. “I love the physical nature of the game. It’s really fun to be a part of that, but I hate running and there’s a lot of running involved [at practice],” said Fredricksmeyer.

Fredricksmeyer’s strength, according to him, lies in his ball-handling and defensive skills, but he hopes to improve his shooting as the season progresses. “He’s a real point guard, he just plays that position very naturally,” said Clarke. McCrudden said, “[Sam] will probably be one of the first guards off the bench this season.”

Fredricksmeyer’s self-proclaimed competitive nature and love for the game are sure to be valuable attributes for the 2012-2013 season, and may be the extra push the team needs to be competitive in the Front Range League this season. The Coyotes have lost seven seniors from last year’s 14-11 team.

Marcus Stewart and Alex Krason will be the lone seniors on this year’s team. With fellow sophomores Shawn Kirkman and Kylor Johnson figuring to be factors as well, the Coyotes will be looking largely to youth this season.

Sophomore guard will provide spark off bench for Coyotes

Despite his youth and the fact that he has never played in a varsity game, Fredericksmeyer will be a factor on this year’s team. Photo credit: Mia

Mulvahill

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8 Things you should know about being a statistician with Monarch football statistician Chuck Scarpella 24 50

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“The most important part of the job is being fair and honest. I’ve known problems before at schools where they’ve had false reporting to newspapers. I have nothing vested, I’m not related to the kids. I’ve known a lot of kids who played, but I don’t really get involved too much with them on the football field.”

2. …But I can still be a fan “I like to see the team do well, and I hope they win every game. I don’t really cheer much, but I enjoy watching a lot of the players. Especially the defensive backs like Colin Hart, Geoff Clary, and Peter Mitchell. They’ve really stepped up their game this season. Plus, the views from the sidelines are great.”

3. I’m not the average fan, though

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“You have to see the game in a different view because you have to watch who’s running, you need to figure out the yardage on each play, and if you’re by yourself you have to figure out who made the tackle. You have to be very concentrated on the play itself. A lot of people just want to watch the game and they don’t really care about those things.”

4. I’m also a coach…and scout… and ref “I’ve been at the school watching film with the team, seeing what I can spot.

I help position our players for kicks and punts by looking at the other team’s kicking stats. I’ll also come to practice and help punters, where they’re dropping the ball and where they’re hitting it on their foot. And a lot of times in games the officials miss calls and I have to help. Last year at Broomfield the refs miscalculated yardage after a penalty and they mis-marked the ball. We called time out and I helped get it straightened out.”

5. I’m here to help “I go home after games and I total up the stats, then I email them to Bravo. If he needs something special then I’ll find it. Like before we played Wheat Ridge this season he asked me for Wheat Ridge stats from last year. He wanted to know how their team stacked up from last year compared to this year.”

6. I need help, too, though “I keep play-by-play. Who carries the ball, how many yards are gained or lost on the play. My wife Betty helps record the tackles. When I was younger I could do all of that. My eyes aren’t as good as they used to be then. Things changed so I need two people now to make it work.”

7. I’m also an athlete “It’s not too easy getting through the bench area. I’ve had a few collisions over the years. The hardest things though are the punts because I’m there for third down at the line of scrimmage, and as soon as they don’t convert it I have to start running down the field to mark off how far the punt is, how far the return is, and who the returner is.”

Monarch football statistician Chuck Scarpella has been recording stats for local prep teams since seventh grade, when he started as an assistant at Louisville High School (he later took the same job at Centaurus, then followed Coach Bravo to Monarch when it opened). He has taken only two of the last 50 years off from the job, when he played football for the high school during his junior and senior year. Photo credit: Charlie Light

8. I’m working for a championship “I have one championship ring. The coaches got together and bought me a ring when Monarch won the title in 2002. Last year I wore it to the state playoff games to show our players ‘hey, you’re playing for this.’”

As told to Charlie Light

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How Often Do You Cry? Monarch athletes measure out their emotions

by David Andrews

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season the Cowboys released Owens and since then he has played for three different N.F.L. teams, had a brief stint in the Indoor Football League, and is now out of the league all together.

Another moment of supposed emotional weakness that comes to mind is Brett Favre’s retirement speech on March 6, 2008. Favre had finished his last season with his long time team the Green Bay Packers. A man that held at the time, and still holds, the record for most consecutive games started let his emotions rise to the surface, and the facade of manliness was broken. For many it was odd seeing Favre cry, a childhood hero reduced to tears. Favre eventually returned to playing but never returned to his former glory while with the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.

We set out to see if athletes at Monarch conformed to the same stigmas that surround crying in professional sports.

he images of professional athletes crying have been burned into the collective psyche of the American sports fan. The behemoths of our society, who have been elevated onto pedestals of physical and emotional strength, showing emotion in such a way is a hard thing to handle. Sports culture glorifies toughness and the suppressing of emotions. In a memorable scene from the 1992 movie “League of Their Own” Tom Hanks explodes on right fielder Evelyn Gardner and repeatedly screams, “there’s no crying baseball.” Hanks’ tirade is one example of the age old bias in sports against crying.

Any sports fan can recall the memorable breakdown of former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens in 2008 following a 21-17 loss to the New York Giants in a divisional playoff game. From behind tinted glasses Owens broke down and cried in the face of what he perceived as an unfair bias the media had against his quarterback, Tony Romo. The following

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“There is definitely a stigma against crying in wrestling.

Honestly, I don’t cry though; it’s been a long time since I’ve cried.

“I don’t like crying in front of people, but I guess I cry kind of easily, not super often.”

Kennedy Selby, Sophomore, Girls’ Volleyball

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“I only cry when things are really unfair or I remember tough memories. I know sometimes people get really emotional and I can’t understand what they’re going through so I don’t want to judge them.”

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Since I play more individual sports it’s harder to get emotional because you’re only affecting yourself”

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“Really I only cry in family matters and also when I’m deep in thought pondering life, not too often but, ya, that’s about it.”

“It’s not as much crying for me, mostly anger. I broke two rackets this year; anger is more prevalent on the tennis team than crying. I do cry, just not in sports; they don’t mean enough to me. I cried a little this summer when my best friend moved.”

Steve Smith, Senior, Boys’ Tennis

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“I don’t cry every day, I haven’t cried in a while, it’s only stress that will really get me to that point. Cross Country actually helps me relieve stress in my life.”

9 10 Illustrations by Michael Maulsby

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Howler Staff

Print Editor-in-Chief Aleiya Evison Online Editor-in-Chief Charlie Light Opinions Will Petersen News Bridget Anthony Features Katie Ciaglo Arts and Entertainment Katie Berohn Sports David Andrews Copy Mia Mulvahill Business Tyler Debord Reporters Anna Blanco Olivia Coleman Natalie Forman Tori Ganahl Jack Howard Ashley Litoff Conner Lund Ellie Oliver Christina Rodie Arika Rooney Dalton Valette Joy Wineman Advisor Bonnie Katzive

The Howler strives to inform, educate, and entertain the student body of Monarch High School as a monthly student-produced newspaper and open forum for student free expression. The paper will also provide a forum for community opinions.

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