Eagleeye.2010-2011.no.1 by Mark Newton

Mountain Vista High School 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge Highlands Ranch, Colo. | 80126 Issue 1 | Vol. 10 | November 03, 2010 www.vistanow.org

years in the making

Prevention in the Ranch

The

Silly Craze 21

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eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

table of contents

Epic photos

Editorial

Continuing the legacy in decades to come

Capturing Eagles in action

Word

4-6

11 Budget | cuts

Tired of the endless list of MVHS fees

Consequences of fighting in school

12 Managing | life

Suicide

Stopping the trend in the ranch

8-9 Segregation

Balancing the stresses of school, work and sports

Facebook

The classroom experiment

Celebrating MVHS’ ten years in business: looking back at the accomplishments and milestones of the past decade

Soul

15-18

Cheerleaders: who was hot, who was not

Silly | Bandz

13 The craze for the crazy bracelets

The battle to allow social media

Homecoming

Anniversary

21 14

A final thought on the first dance

Fashion

Adjusting to season on the sidelines

22-23

27 Seniority | in | sports

Who’s hot in the hallways

24 Pulse

Field hockey a team among seven schools

Ice | hockey

Injury

Chances of becoming CHSAA sport

Varsity athletics: talent vs. tenure

28 Men’s | soccer

Varsity squad dominates league

29 Fantasy | football

Rating the MVHS pros

Myles Crane, senior, and the football team warm-up before the homecoming game against Rocky Mountain Sept. 24.

Photo by Sierra Thronsleuy

In the groove

Kreg Flowers, senior, was 15-2 at #3 doubles in the 2010 tennis season. “Tennis is the rhythm of life. Once you get in the beat and the groove, you can’t get out,” Flowers said. Photo by Amy Markowski

Stack ‘em up Lauren Dalton, senior, was nominated for 2010 homecoming queen. The nominees had to play Minute To Win It games, balancing seven doughnuts on top of their heads in under 60 seconds. Lauren was the only girl to finish the task. “(Being nominated was) a dream come true for me,” she said. “Obviously, it has been a long time coming, and my parents were really proud.” Photo by Amy Markowski

Take it Head On A.J. Sack, junior, warms up before the Pomona game, with the opposing team right behind him. A.J. is a guard on the “o-line” for the varsity football team. “I just like hitting people,” Sack said of playing in the trenches.

Photo by Trevor Zalkind

Word

Students face consequences of fighting, suspensions

THE

B EN T

Caleb | Williams

NEEDLE

Jake | Smith

Legg’s fear of disease to come from vaccinations

“Side effects from vaccines deter me,” junior Paul Legg said. Guillain Barré. Meningitis. Seizures. Encephalitis. Death. These are the dangers of vaccines, though almost never — one to two people per million — do these casualties occur. Society fears all these syndromes known to be side effects of vaccinations, so much so that many people are completely avoiding receiving vaccinations this year for the seasonal flu and H1N1. “It’s pointless (to receive a vaccine),” Legg said. The experts, however, beg to differ. Governmental and state agencies, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Tri-County Health Department, overwhelmingly support vaccination for healthy people (those without a compro-

mised immune system). Dr. Tista Ghosh of the TriCounty Health Department in Greenwood Village said encourages students to get vaccinated. “(One of) our biggest concerns for schools this fall are influenza,” she said. Still, students like Legg refuse to receive a vaccination. “I have a strong immune system,” he said. “I don’t need a vaccine.” Ghosh disagrees with people not choosing to receive vaccinations, “(Flu vaccines) save certain people who may go through serious complications of the flu otherwise,” Ghosh said.

“Kids talk about fighting all the time like it’s actually legitimate at this school,” said Andy Miller-Bissell, senior, “but it’s more of a couple people talking big and resorting to throwing maybe one punch before administration shows up to save them both.” Despite the student body’s general consensus that “real” fights do not typically take place at Vista, any violent confrontation alone can lead to consequences. “They (administrators) put you in this tiny room in the office called ‘The Box,’” said Sarah Nelson, junior, who revealed she was involved in a fight earlier this year. “I had to stay there until my dad came to get me.” Nelson also said she received an out-of-school suspension. “The Box,” as it is referred to by most students who have been involved in a fight, is one of two forms of in-school detention. The second one is located in a lower 500s classroom. “’The Box’ is just a more intensive form (of detention),” said Administrative Dean Heidi SchusterBeckman. “It’s just a way of us to keep a closer eye on things and make sure they don’t erupt again.” In addition to the consequences of fighting alone, there is a somewhat newer concern of videotaping the fights. Schuster-Beckman said videotaping a fight can be met with either positive or

negative consequence. If the fight is recorded in order to potentially hand over footage to administration or law enforcement, there never will be any punishment. However, recording a fight so it can be posted on the Internet or saved for personal entertainment will be met with definite consequence, she said. SchusterBeckman said the consequence for fighting is almost always an out-of school suspension and possible referral to law enforcement. Despite obvious consequences, some students continue to stand by their decision to fight. “It was definitely worth it,” said Nelson, “but I had a purpose, I don’t just go around fighting everybody. There’s always a real reason (to fight).” Some students, like Nelson, can understand the motivation behind fighting. “I think the school’s whole policy of ‘don’t do anything and walk away,’ is kind of dumb,” said Alex Littrell, junior. “If somebody throws a punch at you it’s going to be your natural response to defend yourself. That’s just human nature.”

How administration and security feel about it “There is a line between standing there and recording a fight for your own entertainment or to hand over to administration,” said Administrative Dean Heidi SchusterBeckman. “If you’re just taping a big fight just so you can possibly give the Gardner footage to authorities or administration, there is no consequence there. As opposed to taping it so you could put it on MySpace or YouTube or something, in that case, there is definite consequence.” “We have maybe only had about one or two ‘real’ fights in the school’s history,” said security guard George Gardner. “About 99.7 percent of the students at Vista are here to get an education, but occasionally you’ll have emotions fly over a boyfriend or girlfriend or something and people act on those emotions. Despite that, the confrontations never really seem to get anywhere.” Photos courtesy of MCT Campus Graphic design by Tori Dorrell

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

way TO Prevent With the numbers of suicides at an all time high, Highlands Ranch makes efforts to stop teen suicide Joanie | Lyons

Every 15 minutes someone in the U.S. dies by suicide.

| NEED HELP? | CALL

| 1-800-273-TALK (8255) | youth support line, 303-894-9000

| TALK

| to a school counselor | to family member who you can trust

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

Word

With the numbers of suicides at an all-time high, Highlands Ranch makes efforts to stop teen suicide and reach out. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention in 2007, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death. For teenagers between 10-19, suicide is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. and in Colorado. Thoughts of suicide are on the increase as. 24.1 percent of students have thought seriously about attempting suicide, according to Center for Disease Control (CDC). “Just in a day, I get 100 calls about people thinking about committing suicide, so in about a week I get 625 calls,” said Tammy Corsentiano, a Douglas County counselor for 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a suicide prevention hotline. “The amount of calls I receive from teenagers is on the increase even in off months. In the wintertime (the rate) even drops some since suicide rates seem to be higher in June and July.” In Highlands Ranch, seven students have taken their life of suicide in the past four years, including one who attended Mountain Vista. In early September, Highlands Ranch High School hosted an Out of the Darkness Walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) that raised more than $67,000. “AFSP plays an role in seeking to reduce suicide rates through initiating and participating in projects to develop, innovative approaches to suicide prevention,” said AFSP board president Charles F. Reynolds. “AFSP is working in partnership with many other individuals, organizations and institutions in the U.S. who share our dedication to finding new and better ways to prevent suicide.” AFSP recently decided to work with Douglas County sheriff officers in schools by creating a program called Y.E.S.S.. or Youth Education and Safety in Schools. Y.E.S.S. is active in training Douglas County School District staff and the public in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, an evidence-based suicide intervention program. “The Y.E.S.S. program started three or more years ago,” said Phyllis Harvey, Y.E.S.S. coordinator. “It’s been more active of a program since the six deaths in November 2008 to June 2009, but we have absolutely been seeing progress (in the program). I think the awareness is a huge success and we are getting more people forming with the Douglas County Suicide Prevention Alliance (SPA).” For more information on Y.E.S.S., go to: http://www.dcsheriff.net/Youth_ Education_and_Safety_in_Schools.html.

Photo Illustration by Cody Enboden

MVHSEagleEye

“First of all there are a lot less distractions without the boys. Also, it is easier to talk in a group.”

“You don’t have to worry about what the boys would think or if they would judge you when you’re expressing your feelings.”

“Boys and girls have different perspectives so it would be nice to get a whole new view on things.”

“There needs to be a women’s perspective in Socratic seminars.”

One gender, one class Single-gender classes at Vista evoke a variety of responses

10 eagle.eye

program,” said Sturgeon. “Kids love it.” The single-gender class program began at Arapahoe during their School Improvement Plan in 2006. According to the plan, “students may also experience a variety of single-gender classes in math, language arts, social studies, and science.” “Students feel this singlegender approach helps them focus better and participate more meaningfully, and therefore they achieve at higher levels,” Arapahoe principal Ron Booth writes in the plan. The English I curriculum is the same, but some activities will be altered to fit the needs of boys or girls. For example, girls like to talk, so Stech has organized

november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

“We don’t get distracted by trying to be cool, and boys learn different from girls so we will have a better learning aspect.”

“No girls for one, and it seems like more work.”

“The downside is we don’t get to interact with the boys and our Riley | McCloskey class can get very boring.”

Inside Rooms 311 and 313, students engage in class discussion, answering questions, providing insight. However, Staci Stech’s freshman English class is all girls and Jeff Hoefs’s freshman class is all boys. Stech, Hoefs, social worker Julie Sturgeon and English teacher Kay Porterfield have put together this unique arrangement as an experiment: single-gender classes. The idea began with Sturgeon’s interest in such classes, due to the research indicating that students in such classes perform better than those in mixed classes. Arapahoe High School has a single-gender class program, in which students may opt to join the classes. “Arapahoe has a strong

Source | Quotes taken from surveys of 45 students in the two single-gender classes

Photo Illustrations by Trevor Zalkind and Riley McCloskey

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“We don’t get as much mixed gender interaction.”

more Socratic seminars and other discussions. Boys are more hands-on learners and competitive, so Hoefs will set up more competitions and fun activities. Sturgeon says girls enrolled in Arapahoe’s single-gender classes program say that they often feel more confident, and boys say they learn more. “Upperclassmen say that the program was great when they were just trying to ‘find their way’ as a freshman and sophomore,” Sturgeon said, “but as a junior or senior, they prefer the interaction of mixed classes, and it’s more like the ‘real world’ will be.” The students were chosen randomly for the first-period classes. They did send an e-mail to parents before school started,

informing them of the singlegender class study. Sturgeon said parents were enthusiastic about the program and provided a lot of support. Feedback from the girls, Stech said, is that they love it and feel more open in the classroom. The boys however, Hoefs said, were uncertain at first and then didn’t really care, they just accepted it. Many students believe there are some downsides to the single-gender classes. “It’s not as fun without boys (because) they aren’t saying jokes and messing around,” according to one survey from the girls’ class. Based on the surveys, most boys dislike the lack of girls in the class. “Usually the girls are smarter, they get good discussions (going),”

freshman Austin Baker, a boy in Hoefs’ class, said. “You don’t have to worry if the guys will think you’re weird if you actually express your feelings. When you’re with all girls you feel more close to each other and you’re more open to express more ideas,” said freshman Sammi Strife. “Sometimes it would be better if we could get guys’ opinions on things. Girls and guys function so differently so getting a new perspective would be nice for a change.” Sturgeon predicts the possibility of having more single-gender classes in the future, and furthermore, the option to choose such as class arrangement at registration. “(We’re trying) many different ideas to help (students) succeed,” she said.

Vista

Editorial

Ten years later, better than ever

Mountain Vista High School has come a long way over the past decade. It is the responsibility of the Golden Eagle population to strive for greatness and continue to make Vista one of the premier schools in Colorado and the United States. The legacy of Vista is in your hands.

“

Ten years ago, a rather small class of ninth-graders walked through the freshly painted doors of the new Mountain Vista High School, signaling the start of a legacy. Back then, there were no fancy Mac computers, no off-campus lunch, no 5A varsity athletics, even no Steve Johnson (he arrived the next year). Ten years later, it’s easy to see the progress we as a school have made. Over the past decade, Mountain Vista has acquired the latest technology, produced a state champion poms team and undefeated soccer team and put together a tremendous staff of teachers, coaches and administrators to make every success possible. Our academic performance has consistently surpassed most schools in Colorado, including our neighbor schools in Highlands Ranch. It is easy to take for granted the accomplishments and privileges we Golden Eagles enjoy on a daily basis, and criticize every flaw in our school’s proud interior. Yes, the rules and restrictions at school dances may dampen the celebratory

mood at these events, particularly the use of the legendary breathalyzer. Have you taken the time, though, to think about what a school dance would look like without any input from administration? Yes, the hefty pile of fees each year stink worse than the Lower 500 pod during pig dissection month (See BUDGET CUTS p. 12), but they really are for our own benefit. Having graduation at Red Rocks has become a sort of rite of passage for seniors at Vista. Keep the legacy going. But don’t think of this as an accusation for thinking negatively. Frustration and anger are important parts of life. This is a call to action, a pledge that by 2020, Mountain Vista will be more outstanding than ever. Keep doing everything that makes Vista what it is today. Support our teams, join a new club, rock the ACT, and please pay the fees to maintain our school’s excellence. Mountain Vista can be whatever we as students make of it. It is up to us to make sure that, ten years from now, our legacy is stronger than ever before.

This is a call

to action, a pledge that by 2020, Vista will be more outstanding than ever.”

CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Kyle Tosch Ryan Winter EDITORS Val Buccio Joanie Lyons Macy Morgan Eric Rasquinha Zack Smith Caleb Williams Caitlin Young PHOTO EDITOR Amy Markowski ADVERTISING Jordan Laeyendecker PHOTOJOURNALISTS Alex Hill Sierra Thornley Trevor Zalkind

GRAPHICJOURNALISTS Emma Benton Tori Dorrell REPORTERS Nick Black Carrie Brown Jon de Werd Kaylee Heck Riley McCloskey Gabbi Miranda Megan Oberg Megan Orser Jack Reeves Brad Richardson Pamela Shapiro Jake Smith Theland Thomas Maggie Williams Austin Young

ADVISER | Mark Newton, MJE POLICY Eagle Eye, a legally recognized public forum for student expression, is published six to nine times a year by the Newspaper class for students of Mountain Vista High School. Expression made by students in the exercise of freedom of speech or freedom of press is not an expression of Douglas County school board policy. The views expressed in Eagle Eye do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, adviser, MVHS administration or the Douglas County School District administration. Board policy regarding student publications (JICEA and JI/JIA) is available in the journalism/ publications room (Room U328) or in the principal’s office.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS Eagle Eye welcomes and encourages letters to the editors. This is a chance to express your viewpoint on important issues. Letters should be limited to 250 words. Letters will be edited for space and legal considerations, but not for inaccuracies, grammar or spelling. Letters must contain information pertinent to the students of MVHS. The staff retains the right to not publish any letter not meeting these requirements. Unsigned letters will not be published. Please submit typed letters in person to Room U328 or via mail or e-mail.

CONTACT Eagle Eye, Mountain Vista High School, 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Phone: 303- 387-1500. FAX: 303-387-1501. Adviser e-mail: mark.newton@dcsdk12.org. Publication e-mail: EagleEyeNews@dcsdk.12org

COST Single copies are free. Where available, additional copies of this paper are available for purchase for 50 cents each. Contact Eagle Eye for more information. Taking more than one copy of this paper with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading this edition of the paper is prohibited (C.R.S. 18-4-419). Violators, subject to prosecution and penalty under C.R.S. 1321-123, will be prosecuted.

THE FIRST AMENDMENT Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org 11

I hate Douglas County voters. There, I said it. Go ahead and throw your tomatoes and empty Jamba cups at me if you want, but at least let me finish. Let’s back up a couple years, when every man and woman, parent and grandparent in Douglas County opened up their mailboxes and found a ballot for the November election waiting to be filled out. Of course, we all remember the historic occasion of this

election. Besides the certainty of a brand new president, the 2008 election featured an African-American on one ticket, and a woman on the other. But that’s beside the point. While Obama and McCain battled viciously across the country, there was a more local issue at hand, so local, apparently, that most adults in the county thought nothing of it. Does anyone remember the two little referendums

squeezed into the mass of political jargon called 3A/3B? All you voters had to do was say yes. Improved technology, new schools, the best teachers. Anything and everything was going to be done to assist the development of Douglas County School District. All you saw, I take it, was the tax increase. Yes, $10 a month (stifle your screams) the district would charge you to improve the already stellar academic performance of DCSD. Ah,

rolling. Then the panic began. Teachers faced lay-offs, buried words like “tenure” and “performance” all of a sudden becoming holy grails to those who were able to stay. Class sizes gradually increased, with some even approaching 40 students. While helping to reduce costs of teachers and classrooms, huge classes don’t seem productive for either teachers or students. Of course, one good thing sprouted from all the negatives: the ability of students to leave

campus during lunch and off-periods. The off-campus success, in my opinion, overshadowed the budget turmoil last school year. But hold your horses. I haven’t even got to this year: “The year of the fees.” New charges for technology, increased fees for athletics and graduation (for seniors), and the usual costs of books and certain classes loaded parents’ checkbooks this year. I understand there are certain sports that need a higher budget than others (namely,

football). As a tennis player, though, a $150 fee seems pretty outrageous, considering we have to buy our own uniforms, there are no referees and only get a bus to three away matches (and no bus to bring us back). To what then, does this fee go? I’ll end with the bus fee, the icing on the budget cake. Honestly, paying to ride the school bus? Obviously, the district needs our help, but don’t go blaming them for the ridiculous policies governing our school. Blame

ignorance. The schools don’t need my money, you thought. Schlotzsky’s though… Hello! Hasn’t anyone ever heard the slogan, “Kids are our future?” Do you have any idea of the firestorm you created by checking the little box that said “no?” According to DCSD, district school population is expected to grow an average 2,000 students per year through 2012. The district also receives the lowest state formula per pupil

funding in the Denver Metro Area. Aha! I bet you didn’t know that. Douglas County, already low on funding, basically imploded when this bill did not pass. The first things to go, if you can think back that far, were luxuries like colored paper and printing privileges and reductions in graduation credits (Public Speaking? Not important, I guess). Not exactly the same as, say, forsaking air or water, but these got the ball

Who to blame

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

Are you tired of hearing about budget cuts? Ryan | Winter

the people two years ago who didn’t know, or didn’t bother to understand the consequences of not passing 3A/3B. Conse-

quences we are all too familiar with, and tired of, today.

Vista

Finding the balance between work, sports and school Kyle | Tosch 10 p.m.- 6:30 a.m.

12 a.m.

Sleep

4 a.m.

a.m.1:15 Graphic7:45 by Emma Benton School

p.m.

8 a.m.

Tips to successful time management

Wake up/go to school

2 3

12 p.m.

1:15 p.m.- 3 p.m.

3 p.m.- 5 p.m.

4 p.m.

Free time

Golf practice

8 p.m.

10 p.m.- 6:30 a.m.

Free time

5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

12 a.m.

ner isn’t just a book full of scrap paper to doodle on during class. Write down your daily events and homework assignments. This will help you to get organized and keep organized. Photo by Alex Hill

OClock.com/MCT

6:30 a.m.- 7:45 a.m.

Use your planner: The plan-

Use free time wisely: If you

have exrtra time during a busy day, don’t procrastinate. Get your homework done early so there is more time to do things you want to do later. Remember, the hardest part of beating procrastination is starting.

Plan accordingly: If you have

the ability to decide your work schedule, plan it carefully. Work your schedule around events you know you want to attend. Also look at what days you have the most homework and try not to schedule work on those days.

Don’t get behind, get ahead:

If you finish your work early and have extra time, get started on other tasks. Even if they don’t need to be completed for a couple days start working on them. The more you do now the less you have to do later.

Work

MVHSEagleEye

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Dilemma Students and administration

The

both split on whether or not the social networking site would be useful in school

Caleb | |Williams Megan Orser Out of our whopping school population of 2,053 students, 1,326 of us are listed in the Mountain Vista network on Facebook. One-hundred-eighty freshmen, 319 sophomores, 402 juniors and 425 seniors make up the entire group. Even without including students who joined Facebook and not the Vista network, we’re talking about a rather hefty majority of kids utilizing the website. While many students would argue they use Facebook to keep up with information and communicate, there are definite positive and negative sides to that claim in and of itself. Yes, Facebook is used for people to stay in connection with

one another, and keep up Preciado’s stance. “It’s a on what’s happening, but time-sucker,” said history this happens in a couple teacher Robyn Mott. “It’s different senses. something social, and One, communicating something you do with ideas to one your friends, another about Most of us are outside of current or mature enough school.” upcoming events But on the to use it correctly other and projects, end of and responsibly.” the spectrum, or, two, the more common: there is Dillon | Hoock, positive “Megan likes John Smith’s potential to junior status…See 142 Facebook related stories.” being used The two different as a communication tool major uses of facebook in school. Some teachers, are about as split as the like science teacher Tracie administrative and student Krawczyk, have begun opinion on the topic. to create study groups on “It should be banned the website for students to (at school),” said Rob join and talk about class Preciado, senior. “It’s a work. “Sometimes it really distraction and if they helps if you can have the (administration) allow it convenience to hit teachers at school kids will rarely up on Facebook,” said work.” Dom Correa, senior. “The Many teachers and school should use it more to administrators agree with get the word out on what’s

“

San Jose Mercury News/MCT Students and administration debate whether or not Facebook use should be permitted in school.

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

going on.” Correa added that many students would be more welcoming to receiving school news via Facebook rather than the school’s website. “Nobody really uses the school site,” said Correa. “I’m a senior and I’ve used it maybe twice. Everybody already knows how to use and likes Facebook. If the school made a page on there that everyone could use for school info, it could keep us all connected much better.” There are multiple classes and school groups that require extensive communication between members to function. From the journalism department to student leadership, keeping in touch with one another

is crucial for almost any project. Facebook has become such an accepted platform for communication that many say it could be a positive asset for many students. “Most of us are mature enough to use it correctly and responsibly,” said Dillon Hoock, junior. But contrary to Hoock’s belief, many students would consider Facebook a negative. “I really don’t think it’s something you would need during school,” said Tracy Enders, junior, “It’s much more of a social thing.” According to administration, Douglas County School District is currently discussing the possibility of Facebook usage during school, but a decision has yet to be made.

Steve Johnson is sharing his stance on the Facebook dilemma: access, cyberbullying Eagle Eye: Can Vista alone allow Facebook usage? Steve Johnson: “Blocked websites are an entire district concern, and cannot be made by one school alone.” EE: What are some of administration’s largest concerns with Facebook usage at school? SJ: “Most of us would agree that it is a good communication tool, however there are some students who aren’t very wise with what they put on there. It’s more of a concern of the content that may be present.” EE: What about the district’s concerns of cyberbullying? SJ: “That can get into that fine line between a student’s school life, and their personal life. We understand that cyberbullying can take place outside of school, but if two students get in an arguement here, then decice to go fight off-campus, then we can get involved.” EE: What is your personal stance on the Facebook issue? SJ: “If we go about it right, I think we can rework the policy. A couple years ago there was a rule against showing any part of R-rated movies and a student and I reworked that. There’s the slight worry of punishing responsible students because of those that aren’t, but I really don’t believe you can successfully teach without touching on controversial subjects. Most of our students are responsible enough to handle it, and if we do it responsibly I would like to see it pushed through.”

Steve Johnson

Scope

Charlie Tingstrom, Math Ric Cash, PE and Coach

Then and NOW Brandon Brookefield, Spanish

Melissa Clark, English George Gardner, Security

Shirl Chumley, English

Julie Jacobs, Media

Anne Miller, Math

Teachers experiencing a decade of Mountain Vista High School Caitlin | Young Math teacher Ann Miller said the school has come a long way since its first year back in 2001-02. Along with the school growing in size and number, Miller said the

school atmosphere has likewise undergone some changes. “The school was really quiet, everyone knew everyone in the whole school,” Miller said. Although there were a lot less people, Miller

said there was the same amount of school spirit. “Imagine going to a pep rally with about only 300 students,” Miller said. In addition to the pep rallies, Miller said the dances were

run by freshman and sophomore student leadership and had a different feel. “The Homecoming dance was not as sophisticated,” Miller said, “but it was cute.” See TEACHERS | p. 17

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

200120022003 200420052006 200720082009 2010 Y E A R S in the making Photo by Amy Markowski Football in the 2001-02 school year (left) was less school spirited and not as competitive as it is in the 2010-11 school year (right). Coach Rick Cash holds a sledge hammer guiding the team back and forth before in order to pump them up before they run out onto the field.

2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 Population: 338 students

Opening of MVHS with Angellan as the principal. High school was on the upper level while middle school was on the lower since Mountain Ridge was not built.

Population: 743 students

In the second year of Vista, Johnson took over the role of Principal. Through the decade assistant administrators have changed multiple times.

Population: 1,220 students

RAP Olympics began where RAP classes came together to represent the country of their choice competeing against other classes. This is better known as Eagleympics now.

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

Population: 1,673 students

Vistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first graduating class at Red Rocks which started the tradition of every class graduating there. Budget cuts have made the graduation fee increase since then.

Population: 1,853 students

Baseball was runner up in the State Championship. Hurricane Katrina devastates the nation and students pitch in to help. DECA hosts the first Taste of Mountain Vista.

Scope

A DECADE of GREATNESS

V S

aledictorian

2005

2008

2006

2009

2007

2010

Cailyn Plantico Amanda Larson The opening year of the school had few to no supporters for the homecoming football game (left) compared to this current years stands (right). It was more parents then and now more students.

Molly Shult

TEACHERS | from p. 15

Brandon Brookfield, Spanish teacher, also said the school is much different than prior years. For example, he said, this past year’s class sizes have grown from his first year classes of 17 or low 20’s. “Now four out of the five classes I teach have 31 students,” Brookfield said. He said he supports open campus and it’s continued existence in the school. “Open campus was a change for the better.” Security guard George Gardner has experienced changes in the building as well as faculty over his years at the school.

Gardner has administrated senior movie nights up on the Vista football field, and supervised Taste of Vista in recent years. In his opinion, Vista has remained one of the best schools in the county. “We’re not getting older,” Gardner said. “We’re getting better.”

31%

Do you have your own cell phone? Yes

98%

2006

2009

2007

2010

Kathryn Palma Erika Moore Elise Sigley

Brian Shin, Kendall Turner, and Bryan Smith. This year may be the first year a male would be named valedictorian.

Shaina Melnick, senior, performs at halftime in front of the whole school with fire batons, later premiering her fiire swords. “They are real and sharp,” Shaina said, “I was a little scared but I got used to them.”

Photo by Amy Markowski

2010-2011 Survey 2%

2008

Alexandra Trow

2011 | The top three as of now are 69%

Brooke Murphy

2005

Jennifer Chan

Do you have your own cell phone? Yes

Carolyn Bavington

alutatorians

Miranda Rohlfing

2001-2002 Survey No

Kailun Wang

Brian Shin

Kendall Turner

Bryan Smith

2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 Population: 1,969 students

Poms were 5A state champions for the first time and continued to be champs in 2008 and 2009. Cheer also won state this year.

Population: 1,988 students

The boys wrestling broke every team record this year and even won the Mountian Vista Invitational. Cheerleading won the State Championship for a backto-back title.

Population: 1,984 students

Parking rules and fines were enforced. Also, credits changed from 25.5 to 24 making information processing and public speaking not required.

Population: 1,988 students

No longer three lunches; open campus was put into play for every class but freshman. Students give money to support Hope Reigns at school assembly.

Population: 2,060 students

We haven’t gotten too far into this year, so what are we going to make of the end of the decade?

MVHSEagleEye

Scope

Once an Eagle, always an Eagle

“

Being a student you don’t notice all the cliques because you’re so focused on your high school career. I can see all that clearer now that I am a teacher, I understand and realize the uniqueness and diversity of the student body better now.

Choir teacher Maja Buck

From student to teacher, Maja Buck shares her view of Vista’s last ten years Nick | Black After graduating, Mountain Vista alumn Maja Buck has returned to the school which she loves and reminisces about her experiences as a student from the first graduating class. “My high school years were very memorable,” vocal music instructor Buck said. “I was involved and my ties to this school run very deep.” She said her experiences at Vista taught her lessons that affected her through college as well as now. Due to her fantastic experience at Vista she said she felt a need to return here to launch her teaching career. “I came back here to teach because I had such a great experience here at Mountain Vista High School (as a student),” she said. When she first attended the school as as student she said she can remember how

small it was. “The staff was three times less than it is now. Hardly anybody had cell phones,” Buck said. “The school was close like a close knit family.” She said the school felt an overwhelming unity that brought the students together. They took part in many of the school events, especially the football games. “I can remember on football game days how all of us girls would go to the game with our special t-shirts and cheer on the team,” Buck said. “Almost everybody in the school would come which almost packed the stands. Our girls did our own cheer in the stands called ‘Be Aggressive.’” Buck was not just a spectator. She was an active part of other Vista activities. “I was involved with vol-

leyball, student leadership, band, choir and musicals,” she said. She is also one of Mountain Vista’s Distinguished Instrumental Musicians. She earned the honor by being a student conductor all four years of high school. Whether it be watching a football game or being apart of the volleyball game, Buck attended many of the Vista events. By the time graduation rolled around, she said she was ecstatic. “I graduated at Red Rocks. It was the first year at Red Rocks and Vista’s first graduating class all together,” Buck said. “I was thrilled to be a part of such a big event.” She continued her education at University of Northern Colorado. Buck and her high school sweetheart, Alex, also from Mountain Vista, had made it through

Senior Cheerleading Captain Jasmine Stamm

Soccer Coach Theresa Echtermeyer

here because the seniors are more involved than ever before. Attendance at all events is better.”

sembly that I have seen since I have been here. The school is bringing back the Vista pride that was present back when Shea was a grass field.”

The spirit is best of all four years I have been 18

graduation and continued social skills in a smaller setto date through college. De- ting before real life hits.” spite a near break up they Immediately after graduwere able to pull through ating and being married she and the two returned to have been Mountain happily Vista, this married for time as a just over a teacher. year. When “High asked about school rewhy she lationships returned, are more a grin important appeared than people on her give credit face as she to. It helps ecstatically to find what Buck poses with high school responded. sweetheart Alex Buck. The you like “I loved couple was voted cutest couple and want Vista when in the 2004-05 yearbook. in another I attended person. It and I still also gives general dating do. It provided fantastic experience,” Buck said. “In experiences for me and I high school relationships know it will for many of the you learn how to deal with students who attend today,” jealousy, be supportive of said Buck. “It is more than each other, balance life and a fabulous school, it is my relationships and practice home.”

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

The (homecoming) assembly was the best as-

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eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org19

Soul

hallway talk

Fall Sports Assembly Dance Features: Senior Cheerleaders A | There is no doubt that the senior boys came to perform. Their routine was clearly well-practiced and the seniors must have worked hard on their choreography. Some highlights from their dance include Sam Wagner’s impressive flips, and the groups coordinated “worming.” I believe I speak for most of the audience when I say that the class of 2011 has owned the dance-off for two years now and are going to leave large shoes to fill. Photo by Cody Enboden

| You can only go so far with a rubber duck. | Society’s a bro hater. | You just sprayed Niagara Falls on me. | My armpit hair is so long I could braid it. | You suck at football, why do you even play? Because I get to dress up.

Poms B+

Junior Cheerleaders

| The junior boys’ dance was a solid effort, and much better than senior guys last year. The Taylor Swift acting out was cute and definitely made me laugh, but I thought some of the dance moves could have been delivered more quickly and more in sync. But I would not say that these guys lack creativity! When they had such major competition they really stepped up. Also, their facial expressions were priceless.

Cheerleaders C

Photo by Amy Markowski

Photo by Cody Enboden

| At this assembly, the cheerleading team seemed to struggle more than past performances. The group of girls have some young newbies, but moving together at the same pace is a big deal and I was disappointed to not see this for this performance. Also, one of the flyers was dropped. This will probably serve as a beneficial learning experience and leave room for improvement next time.

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

Photo by Amy Markowski

| For a team that lost many seniors last year, the poms’ showing at the assembly was quite impressive. The seniors held spotlight roles, and the younger dancers were just as fun to watch and seemed to keep up. I, for one, can never take my eyes off the fast-moving dancers and cannot imagine trying to move like that myself. A memorable move was the kick line that went down to a continuous splits line. The poms performance is always highly anticipated and did not disappoint.

Props

| Field hockey for being in the state title game. | Leadership for working hard throughout homecoming week. | Sisters sticking up for each other. | Being able to walk at graduation even after streaking at a football game. | Theater putting on a great play: “You Can’t Take It With You.”

Flops

| The homecoming DJ and dance policies. | Freshmen doing the “Do It” cheer. | Three’s Company for not making anymore videos for Eagle Vision. | Students only being suspended for three days after being in a fist fight at school. | Students having to park in the teacher lot.

Soul Photo Illustration by Trevor Zalkind

Silly what? Interesting facts about Sillybandz

Japanese man who wanted to stop people from simply throwing away

rubber bands originally designed Sillybandz. In hopes that people would recycle rubber bands, he created the environmentally friendly animal designs. A man by the name of Robert Cloak discovered these new products and turned them into the bracelet accessory.

Silly Bandz “Boobie” Bracelets

School administrations across the country say Silly Bandz and “boobie” bracelets have been a class disruption but administrators at Mountain Vista say otherwise.

Megan | Orser and Gabbi | Miranda

Zoo animals. Sports. Princess. Beach. Marvel superheroes. Western. I (heart) boobies. Whether you’re walking down the hallway to English, strolling through the mall with your buddies or even casually glancing over to the driver next to you at a stoplight with his hand out the window, it is hard to miss the colorful bracelets strung around many of the arms you see. Sillybandz are rubber band bracelets that come in a variety of shapes and colors that today’s youth find intensely intriguing. With as many diverse themes this company has developed, the industry is booming as they

are not simply rubberband bracelets anymore. Silly Ringz and Silly Neckalaces have hit the shelves. More advanced technology have been incorporated into some exclusive Sillybandz that are custom-made, UV-activated, thermo-activated and glowin-the-dark. “Right now I’m wearing ones that spell out words, like peace and love,” said Cierra Cumpson, sophomore. “I just traded and got a Texas Longhorn one from my friend.” These rubber bands that transform into a given shape are capturing kids’ attention maybe even a bit too much. There have

been reports of the bands causing distractions in classes because kids are tempted to trade them with their fellow classmates, with other reports of the Sillybandz being flung around the room or used for violence. Such problems are seen more at the elementary school age levels, but that doesn’t mean high school students are not amused by them. “Sillybandz have not caused any real issues at Mountain Vista. It’s simply a new trend that everybody is having fun with,” said freshman Taylor Phillips. Principal Steve Johnson said he only found out what Sillybandz were a few weeks ago. “I asked a few of the

administrators who said their kids loved them, and I stopped a girl in the hall earlier today and she showed me her Sillybandz,” he said. “We haven’t had any issues. I think the ages (of high school students) make a difference.” The Keep-A-Breast Foundation has created the bracelets for breast cancer awareness. They are targeting teens to help inform and educate people about the cause. The creators mission is to create artistic, trendy and affordable products that increase awareness and spark the interests of people of all ages — like Sillybandz. “‘I (heart) boobies’ bracelets are an alternative angle on breast cancer, but they’re definitely effective as they are pretty popular. They were especially big last spring at our school,” said Johnson. “The Keep-a-Breast Foundation is a great cause, but the bracelets are targeted towards and attracted by a specific group. You most likely wouldn’t see a professional business woman walking into her office building wearing one. The bracelets are more for teens.” “Our t-shirts and bracelets act as an awareness-raising tool that speaks directly to our target audience in a way that is authentic, inspiring and refreshing,” said Shaney Jo Darden and Mona Mukherjea-Gehrig of the Keep-A-Breast Foundation, stated on the ‘i heart boobies’ campaign page of keep-abreast.org. “We encourage people to use the bracelets as an opportunity to start a conversation about breast cancer

prevention, body image, early detection and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.” However, “I (heart) boobies” bracelets have caused controversy all over the country. The controversy lies in the fact that the bracelets have logos and phrases that often times have been viewed as vulgar and offensive. Mountain Ridge Middle School (MRMS) officials explained to students that the school supports breast cancer awareness and cancer research, but the bracelets are inappropriate for school. “Students are asked not to wear the “I (heart) boobies” bracelets at school,” said Kara Shepard, MRMS principal, in an email to parents and over the daily announcements. “The bracelets are likely to cause or cause disruption of the educational process, which is prohibited. Students are asked to leave these bracelets at home or to remove them and place them in their backpack. The District and school’s focus is to provide students and staff with a positive and healthy learning environment.” While Mountain Ridge believes that the bracelets are inappropriate, Johnson said Mountain Vista has not had any problems. “If we do much about it, kids would probably wear them more,” he said. “The bracelets aren’t causing too much commotion, but I don’t necessarily like them. The Keep-ABreast Foundation and other organizations have plenty of other ways to raise awareness and money.”

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

GOLDENage

Mountain Vista’s

Pamela | Shapiro and Maggie | Williams

WED22

| Powder Puff

MON20

After rescheduling the game due to lightning on Sept. 20, the junior and senior girls faced off Sept. 22 at Shea Stadium. Senior Bri Pugh said she participated in Powderpuff to “enjoy everything” during her last year in high school. “It just got (the senior girls) closer our senior year,” Pugh said. “A lot of my friends were on the team.” The game delay only increased the competition between the junior and senior girls. “Winning was the best part,” Pugh said, after the Seniors beat the Juniors, 38-21. The Juniors were committed and loyal to the team not only in the game, but also in practices. After one practice, Sierra Seydel walked away with a black eye, a cut patched with surgical cement and more determination than ever. “The best part about Powerpuff was getting my black eye because it was a really fun story to tell,” she said. Despite the injury, she said she never thought of backing down and still played in the actual game a few weeks later. With another Homecoming week over, the senior girls can reminisce in the memories of Powderpuff for years to come. The junior girls, however, are already looking forward to next year. “We’re gonna kick butt!” Sierra said.

| Jersey Day > Powder Puff game postponed to Wednesday due to lightening storm

organ

cy M

y Ma oto b

“

It was frustrating to prepare for the game twice and the second time around wasn’t nearly as exciting. Plus, I was mad because I had a lot of homework, and a lot of people lost $5!

”

Aubrey Waechter | Junior

TUES21

| Toga Day

Senior Brianna Pugh runs the football down the field. Photo by Cody Enboden

Seniors: 38-21

| Ruff N’ Tuff

Seniors Kate Karl and Alexa Seibel stand on each side of junior Caitlin Bennethum wearing homemade togas for Toga Day.

| Boys’ Soccer

vs. Castle View

Photo by Cody Enboden

> Farted: “Let’s win.” > Hard Sets: “We play hard.” Photo > Super Troopers: “Let’s get it.” by Cody > Gold Diggers: “Finish him, Gary!” Enboden > Donde Esta La After Party: “Win.” > The Purple Kool-Aid Krew: “Naughty.” > Hot Service: “Servin’ it hot since 1992.” > Reservoir Dogs: “You spike me in a dream, you’d better wake up and apologize.” > The Formal Bumps: “Look good, play good.” > The Highlands Ranch Hooligans: “Do work.” > Loco Pollitos: “We’re so super speedy that when we flip the switch in our bedroom we’re in bed before the lights are off.” > What We Did for a Klondike Bar: “Handcrafted using the finest chocolate.” > The Winners: Perpetual Motion Squad: “In Your Faces.”

won 2-1 | Girls’ Volleyball

vs. Legend

won 3-0 22

Photo by Cheslea McGuire

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

Photo by Cody Enboden

Soul

THURS 23 | Spirit Day

School spirit is always a crucial part of high school, but the time when students display it the most is homecoming week. “Leadership worked really hard to make it a great homecoming week,” sophomore Sierra Barker said. During the school week, Leadership planned activities such as Powderpuff, Ruff ‘n’ Tuff, Eaglympics, the pep assembly, a short concert and the annual dance. DECA also contributed to the week by sponsoring Taste of Mountain Vista, a highly anticipated school tradition. Even those who did not participate in everything still appreciated what leadership did. “I didn’t

really participate, but I still liked Wacky Day, the assemblies and Taste of Vista,” sophomore Joann Doah said. The dress-up days for this year’s homecoming week varied from classics to original ideas. Monday was Jersey Day, Wednesday was Wacky Day, and Thursday was Spirit Day, as usual. However, Tuesday inspired students to demonstrate true school spirit with Toga Day, and a surprisingly large amount of students wore togas made out of bedsheets or blankets. From wearing crazy outfits to eating at Taste of Vista to cheering on the Ruff ‘n’ Tuff teams, students stepped up to the plate and showed off their Eagle pride.

Photo by Trevor Zalkind

Perpetual Motion Squad and the Highlands Ranch Hooligans facing off in a game to 25 points, which was later shortened to 15 points. The Perpetual Motion Squad swept the game, 15-8, and went on to beat the Mountain Vista staff in a surprise match, 10-4. For the second annual Eaglympics, students who signed up competed against members of the other classes in crazy events. Photo by Cody Enboden Some of the events this year On Thursday afternoon, were JELL-O Eating, Hula students remaining at school Hoop Discus, and a favorite packed into the gym for the from last year, Teacher final Ruff ‘n’ Tuff game and Carry. Eaglympics. Junior Megan Cook The final volleyball signed up because “last game included the year it looked interesting.” Cook participated in the | Bonfire Hula Hoop Discus, in

| Eaglympics

The cancellation of the bonfire took many students by surprise. Every year teens gather around the bonfire to enjoy music and entertainment, as the helmet of the rival team roasts above the fire. However, many destructive fires swept Colorado. By Sept. 21, rumors flooded the

which herself and her fellow juniors tossed hula hoops over each other to victory. The lack of attendance for the Eaglympics from juniors and seniors might be seen as a weakness, but the upperclassmen held their own in the games, and the students seemed absorbed in school spirit. Still, there are always improvements for next year. “It could have been better with more people and more activities,” Cook said, “but it was pretty good the way it was.” The final event on Sept. 23 was a concert outside, at which New Horizon performed. The casual concert ended the school week in a relaxing way and prepared the students for the eventful three-day weekend.

school that the bonfire was cancelled and on Thursday the Mountain Vista website confirmed. Administrative Dean Rob Ceglie said that the bonfire cancellation was due to “a fire ban issued from the sheriff. No open flames.” Students were upset about the decision, to say the least, but the administrators had no choice in the matter. “It was not a Mountain Vista decision,” Ceglie said. 2009 Photo by Rob Denton

SAT25 | Dance

FRI24 | Parade

Photo by Cody Enboden

“

It seemed like they actually put effort into it and made it the best they could. [The floats] were also crazy because they had so many people.

”

Kassie Perkins | Junior

| Homecoming Game The homecoming festivities continued with the football game against the Rocky Mountain Lobos. Students dressed in green and gold to cheer the team to a 35-14 victory. “The homecoming game is different because everyone is hyped,” sophomore Allie Williams said. The crowd was definitely enthusiastic and the football team responded. The halftime show included everything a student could ask for: the poms, drumline and senior Shaina Melnick, baton twirler extraordinaire and the royalty court.

Photo by Trevor Zalkind

| Royalty Freshman Lord: Graham Smith

Freshman Lady: Julia Cole

Sophomore Duke: Ryan Eason

Sophomore Duchess: Carley Tarran

Junior Prince: Timmy Cusick

Junior Princess: Brooklyn Jackman

Senior King: Michael Benjamin

Senior Queen: Tess Golding

Even with all the festivities going on during homecoming week, many agreed the best event was the dance. Arriving at the dance, every single person had to take the Breathalyzer test, a process that Mountain Vista began executing last year and plans to continue. Administrators report these tests successful, and felt that it is

in the best interest for everyone. When students walked down the stairs, it became apparent that Leadership put effort into the event. “The decorations were cool,” junior Kimberly Hoilman said. “The DJ was better than some past DJ’s, but he still wasn’t great,” junior Kathryn Anderson said.

MVHSEagleEye

Soul

Fashion A to Z What letter are you?

A is for Amelia

Earhart-inspired aviator jackets

B is for bags

Sierra Barker

Kira Bauer

McCall Fen

C is for camel

Brooke Smith

D is for

S is for Matt Stone

Matt Huntley

Jake Hergett

underwear as outerwear

V is for velvet David Murphy

Michael Shin

X is for x-rated

Y is for Yetilike boots

midi and maxi hemlines

Z is for (fewer) zero-sized straight-upand-down models

N is for

nostalgia Dani Shearon Julia Jensen and Haley Tessmer eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

wedge heels

corset-style dresses for curvy girls

M is for for

U is for

W is for

heels

L is for leopard

T is for

Ty Pomeroy

Chris McCullough

itro a Salan Giann

I is for Intarsia-

K is for kitten

sheepskin and knobbly

trousers

H is for hats

J is for jackets

practical parka coats

R is for red

equestrian boots

patterned knits, in Alpine and Hebridean prints.

P is for Q

E is for

G is for gloves

the-knee, kneehigh and ankle socks

is for quirky Lyndsey pairings Dent

dresses

F is for fur

O is for over-

Photos by Alex Hill

Pulse

Team Unity

Photo by Cody Enboden

Girls from rival schools unite at Vista and reach the state title game Megan | Oberg

Athlete’s Favorites

Silly Bandz | Jersey Shore Character | Breakfast Drink | Chipotle or Qdoba

| Heffalump (Winnie the Pooh)

| Reindeer

| Mike “The Situation”

| Orange Juice

| Mike “The Situation”

| Qdoba

| Apple Juice

| Orange Juice | Chipotle

| I Don’t Like Silly Bandz

| Snooki

Brooke Smetanka, sophomore

| Qdoba

Cordell Brochardt, junior

Mat Mancuso, senior

Within fundamentals of a team, does school devotion and spirit play a role in performance level? Combined sports teams with players from Highlands Ranch, Mountain Vista, Ponderosa, Rock Canyon, Thunder Ridge, Valor, and others, have to compete at a high level without the motivation of home-school cohesiveness. For the women’s field hockey team sponsored by Mountain Vista, overcoming the challenges of performing at a high level without school unity is not a problem. “Meeting new people is exciting,” said senior captain Akane Strader from Heritage High School. “A combined team for a sport allows people to make friends that they would otherwise never have known. Building relationships on the the is no problem for the girls even without the presence of school spirit. Players of the Mountain Vista field hockey team made their preference of diversity clear. Emily Hazard, Mountain Vista sophomore goalie said her favorite part about the team is bonding and getting to know all the players better. “Spending time together helps our teamwork on the field.” As far as the team’s performance level, the team led the division with a 13-2 record and are ranked third in the state. “We’re going to win state verse Kent Denver,” Strader said. “Nothing can stop us.” The state championship game was played Monday and results were not available at press time. Check www.vistanow.org for details.

Questions with

Brooke Healey

Eagle Eye: How has your role on the team this season changed from previous seasons?

Brooke Healey: “This season there is a big emphasis on leadership. We want to have leadership not just with our important leadership role, not just one person on the team.”

Photos by Cody Enboden

EE: How would you describe the team’s dynamics? BH: “This year we are somewhat the underdogs. One of our team

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

motto’s is “si se puede” (basically translated and “yes we can”). This is one of the first years that we are playing as a team as opposed to relying on certain individuals. No matter what happens on the field, we are always having a great time. There is never a dull moment with this team. We are just having fun while playing the sport we all love.” EE: How would you describe the coach involvement with the team? BH: “The softball coaches are the best coaches at MVHS. They are the one’s who have the

most confidence in the team. They are one of the reason’s that we are so successful. On or off the field they are ready to help our team in whichever way we need it.”

scoreboard Legend..................... 11-1 Ponderosa...............1-11 Fossil Ridge................ 7-2 Fort Collins................. 8-5 Ralston Valley............. 5-6

Pulse

Vista hockey on the rise

Tyler Cavan, graduated senior, approaches a faceoff in the 2009-10 season. He is currently playing in Western States Hockey League.

M Austin | Young

Team feels ‘neglected’

“We have paid our dues and competed at a high level as a club sport.” Coach | Tim Gibbar

Where: The Ice Ranch When: Weekends Coach Tim Gibbar Cost: $0 Minutes to (from Vista): 8 Days to first game: 120

The Mountain Vista hockey team, for the past ten years, has felt that it has not gotten the respect that it deserves. “I feel like our sport is being neglected,” said sophomore Elijah Rodriguez. Head coach Tim Gibbar said “the emphasis on other school sports overshadows hockey, leaving it behind in the High Plains League.” 0 Golden Eagle hockey has been vying to become a part of CHSAA for many years. After playoff appearances in the 200809 season from both JV and varsity teams and breakout performances in the 2009-10 season (with JV winning the High Plains League State Championship and varsity finishing second), the team looks for recognition, saying if Vista hockey were to join with CHSAA and officially be recognized as a sanctioned team, they would get that respect.

Jon | de Werd

“Mountain Vista hockey staff and athletes are very excited with the prospect of joining the Colorado High School Athletics Association for the 2010-11 season,” head coach Tim Gibbar said. Rumors of ice hockey becoming a schoolsanctioned sport at Mountain Vista have spread quickly throughout the hockey community. The chance for MVHS ice hockey to become a CHSAA-sanctioned team is thrilling for the players. Gibbar said the hockey team can earn the school some respect. “The time is near for Mountain Vista hockey to move up and represent our school,” Gibbar said. For ice hockey to shed its label as a club and move to a team sport, administration must agree to sponsor the team and fund its costs. “The discussion about ice hockey becoming a scholastic sport was surprisingly positive,” MVHS athletic director Pat McCabe said. “But with a new district athletic director and brutal funding issues, the conversation is at a standstill.” There is optimism, however, that there will be an agreement, despite the disrict-wide budget crisis. Freshman Braden Young, an ice hockey player, said he feels hopeful about making the move. Coaches and players say if Vista were to move to CHSAA it would mean that they are entering a more competitive league. “If Mountain Vista makes the change to CHSAA,” Young said, “it would be a big improvement and would make our games more exciting.”

2009-2010 Varsity Stats

David Tran (Cap.) #62

Games Played: 16 Goals: 12 Assists: 7 Penalty Minutes: 12 Where Now: CU Boulder

Nick Hillier #7

Games Played: 15 Goals: 4 Assists: 16 Penalty Minutes: 18 Where Now: Arizona State

Michael Loh #77

Games Played: 11 Goals: 0 Assists: 0 Penalty Minutes: : 6 Where Now: MVHS Senior

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

Austin Campbell #1

Games Played: 13 Shots on Goal: 332 Saves: 302 Record: 9-4 Where Now: CSM Golden

Tripp Wheat #89

Games Played: 13 Goals: 1 Assists: 7 Penalty Minutes: : 35 Where Now: UNC Greeley

Pulse

Ringworm sticks it to wrestlers

Photo by Amy Markowski

Although ringworm is very preventable, several wrestlers have contracted the disease from the wrestling mats Jake | Smith

Junior Kyle Berges approaches his opponent on the mat, sweat dripping, sleeves rolled up, ready for skin-to-skin contact yet something else is with him and his primary adversary. “It comes every year (I have been at Vista),” Berges said, “just even more this year.” This year, Berges, a wrestler, contracted ringworm, a disease of the skin. It coincided with his use of the mats for preseason wrestling. According to wrestling coach Frank LaVoie, nine wrestlers have contracted ringworm since the beginning of the school year. Ringworm is “something every wrestler gets at some point,” he said, adding “decades” ago he, too, acquired ringworm. Mistakenly reputed as an infection caused by a worm, ringworm is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist, wet areas, such as that of the wrestling mat room. It can be obtained through simple contact with it, and appears in a ring-like shape on the skin. As for the reservoir of the

disease, it is hard to say whether or not the mats directly spread the fungus. Junior Ashlyn Ellingson cleans the mats with bleach every weekday, except Wednesdays, to ensure hygienic conditions for the wrestlers. “I clean them right after school,” she said. “I don’t think the mats are spreading the infection. It (the ringworm) must be passed around by the wrestlers during practice.” Additionally, LaVoie and his wrestling team mop the mats with bleach every time they use them. Senior wrestler Nick King said ringworm is kind of like a cold. “Once one person gets it, it starts to spread,” he said. “(People) just need to wash with antibacterial soap after a workout. We keep the mats clean, but get it from (students) not keeping themselves clean.” “People have to recognize that they may bring it in, such as through having bare feet on the mats,” said junior Kyle Berges. “People use the mat room inappropriately,” LaVoie said.

Photo by Trevor Zalkind The mats in the wrestling room are cleaned twice a day as well as every time the team uses them. “(People) just need to wash with antibacterial soap after a workout,” said senior Nick King.

McCall Fen demonstrates optimism after frustrating injury interrupts senior year

Kaylee | Heck

Leaning against the chain-link fence at the homecoming game, her walking boot supporting a broken leg, senior McCall Fen watches her teammates perform cheers on the sidelines without her. “As long as I’m staying optimistic, it’s all right,” said Fen.

Fen was flying in a stunt for the Mountain Vista cheerleading team when her hip began leaning to the side, causing the stunt to fall. Fen was doing a simple “bow and arrow” — or the splits while standing up — to test her skills if she was good enough to fly in the routine. Fen, who normally bases or lifts the girls up, came

STUCK ON THE

SIDELINES

down out of the air and landed on a teammate’s foot. “My ankle dislocated and my tibia went into the talus bone in my foot,” Fen said. “It happened so fast.” Soon after, she was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Nearly six hours later, she underwent surgery. The doctors made two incisions and placed four screws into her ankle.

Currently recovering from surgery, she expects to be 100 percent in a couple of months. In the meantime, she is supporting her team during football games and competitions from the sidelines. Despite not going to homecoming, Fen still spent time with her friends. “I went out to dinner with them and hung out after,”

she said. Fen remains surprisingly optimistic about her situation, despite the hardships of missing important and memorable aspects of her final year in high school. “I’m just focusing on the good of this situation,” Fen said. “I’m looking forward to having my senior year back.”

eagle.eye november.03.2010 www.vistanow.org

Seniority in Sports Do seniors have an advantage in athletics?

Erica | Rasquinha As senior Mariah Gerrity enjoys her final year of Vista cross-country on the junior varsity (JV) team, she reflects on whether seniority hits Vista cross-country. “No, I don’t think so at all,” Gerrity said. “Every year new freshman join the team and challenge us upperclassman.” According to Webster’s Dictionary, “seniority” means a privileged status attained by length of continuous service (as in a company). Gerrity has been running for Vista’s cross country team since she was a freshman, and participated in track while in middle school. When the runners for each race are announced, Gerrity said,“Each week I have a general idea of my placement on the team, so I never let myself get too disappointed.” Cross-country coach Eric Selle said, “Mariah always has a positive outlook and enjoys being part of the team, instead of what level she runs for.” “I enjoy the sport just the same,” she said. “I run because I have always loved to do it, and not being on varsity has never seemed to conflict with that.” She also said she can

The Coach’s View 28

relate to any of the athletes in her same situation because the number of talented people at Vista continues to grow. “It is crazy because senior Rachel Grosskrueger and I were the only girls for the freshman (team),” Gerrity said “Now, the amount of seniors has grown close to 15 or so and the varsity team consists of mostly sophomore and junior runners.” Selle said it is usually not difficult to determine who runs the varsity races. “We rarely have to make a decision because the times dictate who runs” Selle said “ Sometimes if athletes have close times it depends on who has improved the most over the season and who is better at running the specific course.” Gerrity said the selection process is fair and that it sets up goals for everyone each week. “I think it puts everyone on the same playing field, so age is not a factor. Having younger runners come in and push the older runners’ limits helps us improve and challenge ourselves further,” Gerrity said. She said being on varsity places a certain amount of pressure on an athlete. “Being on JV, I still set goals for myself and push towards

them as varsity athletes do,” Gerrity said. As for improvement, at the beginning of each season, the boys and girls sit down separately with the coach and discuss their goals for the season and how they can improve individually and as a team. “I feel like our coaches definitely take notice when specific individuals are improving,” Gerrity said. “When someone makes a dramatic breakthrough they award Superman shirts, which I think is a great way of acknowledging someone’s hard work, and it means a lot to me to be able to wear one of those shirts.” Although the JV and varsity groups naturally become somewhat separated during specific workout days, Gerrity said the team is a big family and gets along really well. “We usually make up for the divisions during our team bonding and team dinner nights,” she said. Gerrity said she has friends on varsity, but that has never acted as an obstacle in their friendships. After finishing the season, Gerrity said she is always happy that she is running because “it offers an environment where I can still push myself everyday and work hard.”

Eagle Eye: How do you make selections for each team? Ric Cash: Since all the little league teams from one area feed into one high school, it makes it difficult to have everyone be a star on the high school teams. I do what I can to honor those seniors who have invested four years into the program by looking for opportunities to put them into the game. When the teams are set for each level, practices determine who plays in the games. EE: Are all of your selections for varsity based on talent? RC: For my teams the best player plays at the highest

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Photo courtesy of Emily Steiner Senior Mariah Gerrity, a cross country runner for Mountain Vista’s junior varsity squad, races during a meet during the Arapahoe Invitational. Gerrity has run for the team since her freshman year.

level, but I know how to establish a depth chart for my players and how they improve during the season. EE: How do you deal with students and their parents who react badly to the varsity list? RC: I offer to have the same conversation with any student or their parents who have a problem with a team roster. I isolate the situation with the player and have a conversation specifically about them. We talk about what they are or are not doing to merit improvement. I just ask that people trust my decisions. I have been doing this for 23 years, so I hope that people can have faith in my selections.

Hurdling Obstacles

Pulse

In the aftermath of an accident, Vista’s soccer team is more passionate to win the state title — and give one midfielder another chance to play.

Zack | Smith Clutching the steering wheel, Cody Brown glanced at the clock. 11 p.m. He had just finished volunteering as a referee for his girlfriend’s soccer game, and was running on two hours of sleep – the product of a late soccer game against Douglas County and a rushed English project the night before. Fifteen minutes later, Brown, a senior, felt himself nodding off, only now feeling the effects of his sleep deprivation. “Around 11:15, I realized that I was really tired and sleepy,” he said. “It only took about 10 seconds for me to realize that I was tired, to when my eyes closed.” Moments after closing his eyes, Brown awoke and found himself driving along the shoulder of the freeway. Panicking, he jerked the wheel to the left to get back on the road, only to turn it again to the right. He over-corrected, and the car flipped. His head rebounded off the window on the first roll, knocking him unconscious. The car rolled four-and-a-half more times before finally shuddering to a stop. Waking up, Brown recalls hanging upside down in his seat. An ambulance arrived soon after and, as he struggled to breathe, medics sawed off both doors on the driver’s side to remove him. Brown was placed in a stretcher and neck brace before being rushed to Littleton Adventist Hospital. A month after the accident, Brown is recovering and attending classes again. From the rollover, he sustained a concussion, severe bruising on his nose and ear, road rash on his left shoulder and hand and an air bubble in his lung, the cause of his breathing difficulties the night of

THE ROAD TO THE TITLE What: Quarterfinals Versus: Rangeview High School Time: Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Where: Sports Authority Stadium (formally known as Burt.com Stadium) in Parker

Photo by Amy Markowski Senior Cody Brown, a left midfielder and left fullback, enters a game versus Grandview. Brown is recovering from injuries sustained during a rollover, and may be able to play in the finals.

the accident. Looking back, Brown is shocked that he came away with as few injuries as he did. “When I realized I was about to crash, I thought I was dead, and that I was never going to see my parents or girlfriend ever again,” Brown said. “I was amazed just to be alive.” In the wake of the accident, his teammates have rallied around his cause. Brown, a left midfielder and left fullback for Mountain Vista’s undefeated (14-0, 2-0 playoffs) soccer team, will not be able to return until deep in the playoffs,

pending on the results of an upcoming concussion test. “It was an eye opener,” goalie Trevor Obering said. “It taught us to not to take anything or anyone for granted.” Because this season marks the last of Brown’s high school career, his teammates have made it a personal goal to continue winning so he can play into the postseason. “Cody is one of my best friends, and it hurts not seeing him play,” senior defender Ander Aretakis said. “If we get to the championship game, Cody will get to play there, and that’s just extra motivation.” Brown’s teammates have continued to check up on him, and he is nothing but positive about the way the team has aided his recovery. “[My teammates] have been great to me. They all came and visited me and brought me candy on Saturday because they wanted to make sure I was all right,” Brown said. “During our game against ThunderRidge, T. (Center midfielder Tidiane Dia) scored the first goal to put us up 1-0. The first thing he did was run over to our bench and give me a hug, which meant a lot to me.” Yet, Brown does not fail to mention the team’s ultimate goal. “This is our last year to win it, and we don’t get a second chance. We need to make the most of this season – and that means winning the state championship.”

MVHSEagleEye

Happy Thanksgiving

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COOL COLORING CONTEST!

Color the turkey. Bring the colored turkey to U328 on or before Friday, Nov. 19. Judges will select two winners: first place gets a movie ticket to Southglenn Stadium 14, second place gets a Qdoba gift card.

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Donated by Eagle Eye.

Love, Student Leadership

Pulse

Fantasy Invades Vista Analysis by Brad | Richardson

Note: Projections and stats are for last Friday’s game at Chaparral.

Fantasy Football: A competition in which players are assigned points based on their performances. How Vista stacks up… Opp Comp Pomona 16 Fairview 5 RMountain 6 TRidge 2 HRanch 7 Regis 18 DCounty 2

Att 34 10 17 7 19 35 9

TDs 4 1 2 0 0 0 0

Pts 28 21 16 -2 2 8 -3

Photo by Alex Hill

Eagle Eye Projection

Week 9 vs. Chaparral | Oct. 29

While Chaparral has a lackluster run defense, their pass defense has been stout this year. The Wolverines have intercepted a pass in half of their games, putting a great deal of pressure on quarterbacks — including 10 sacks on the season. Archuleta may run the ball somewhat effectively, but don’t expect stellar passing numbers.

Jesse Geary, FB The first half of the explosive MVHS running back tandem is senior Jesse Geary, who plays the role of the workhorse in the Vista backfield. With 109 carries on the season and a downhill running mentality, Geary dishes out punishment to opposing defenses on a regular basis. Even though he may look for contact when pounding the rock, Geary is also a threat to take it to the house on any given play.

Senior quarterback Isaac Archuleta has developed into the type of dual-threat player that has become so popular in recent years. In addition to a solid passing game, Archuleta averages 5.2 yards per run, which is third on the team — behind Thomas and Geary. Archuleta’s running ability adds a whole new level of versatility to the Golden Eagles’ offense — the type of versatility that gives Photo by Trevor Zalkind defensive coordinators nightmares trying Quarterback Isaac Archuleta to prepare for. directs the offense during the team’s 24-7 loss to Highlands Ranch.

Opp Att Pomona 3 Fairview 13 RMountain 16 TRidge 21 HRanch 10 Regis 10 DCounty 22

Yds 87 0 235 142 52 125 82

Photo by Alex Hill

Week 9 vs. Chaparral | Oct. 29

TDs 4 0 3 1 1 0 1

Yds 3 122 82 169 47 23 134

TDs 0 3 1 1 0 1 2

Pts 0 24 12 21 5 6 21

Photo by Alex Hill

Eagle Eye Projection

Week 9 vs. Chaparral | Oct. 29

Expect decent numbers from Geary this Friday as Mountain Vista takes on Chaparral. While the Wolverines’ pass defense has been solid, they have given up at least one rushing touchdown in half of their games this season, and eight through eight games. Look for Geary to find the end zone in this match-up.

Photo by Trevor Zalkind Hard-hitting fullback Jesse Geary sizes up a block for running back Christian Thomas against Highlands Ranch.

Opp Att Pomona 13 Fairview 0 RMountain 21 TRidge 17 HRanch 8 Regis 14 DCounty 14

Eagle Eye Projection

Isaac Archuleta, QB

Pts 25 0 36 18 9 13 13

In half of their games, the Chaparral Wolverines have allowed a 100yard rusher. Christian Thomas should put up big yardage, as he is averaging 7.5 yards per carry on the season. Look for the Eagles to exploit the Wolverines’ questionable run defense.

Christian Thomas, RB The second half of the backfield tandem is junior Christian Thomas, an electric, change-ofpace running back. Averaging 7.5 yards per carry on the season, Thomas is a green-and-gold blur to opposing defenses. In addition to a stellar running game, Thomas can also catch the ball out of the backfield or lined up in the slot, as he has accumulated seven receiving touchdowns on the season.

Photo by Trevor Zalkind Running back Christian Thomas evades Ranch defenders. Thomas is the Eagles’ leading scorer for the year. Rule: 25 Passing Yards = 1 point; 10 Rushing/Recieving Yards = 1 point; TDs = 4 points; Int/Fumbles = -2 points

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