MVHS Eagle Eye Issue 2 by Mark Newton

ee eagle eye

Mountain Vista High School 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge Highlands Ranch, Colo. | 80126 Issue 2 | Vol. 11 | November 28, 2011 www.vistanow.org

“You can’t get a man with a gun”

Senior Mica Mallory played the female lead role in Stage Flight Theatre’s “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Process of college applications

Perspectives from Occupy Denver

Election Talk: Thoughts about the future

Lexi Perardi’s road to recovery

Dahlquist overcomes adversity

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Marilyn Cosson

Wes Edwards

Mike Collins

Wes Edwards

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BEGIN BEFORE WE

Ask for something you’ll love this Christmas.

November 2011 What you need to know right here right now

CONTENTS 6

SURVIVING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

With most seniors enduring the long process of college applications, Kelsey Cisarik and Alex Cook share advice.

WHAT THE ELECTION RESULTS OF NOV. 1 MEAN A speculation on the position of our county and our school next year.

ALL STATE CHOIR

Senior Brian Ray discusses his preparation for the audition and his support for the other musicians in the department.

Ask for a yearbook.

THINGS YOU’LL KNOW HOW TO DO

GOODBYE, MOUNTAIN VISTA

Former teacher Chris McCallum writes a letter to the students, teachers and staff of Vista in light of his leave.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF A CRASH

Junior Lexi Perardi relates her involvement in a car accident earlier this year.

A SWIMMER’S STORY

Senior Kaaryn Dahlquist is ready for her last season after years of surgery and recovery.

MICA MALLORY page 23

ELECTIONAFTERMATH

WRITE A COLLEGE ESSAY (page 7) TAKE PART IN ‘MEET AT THE POLE’ IN SEPTEMBER 2012 (page 9) MAINTAIN A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP (page 10) UNDERSTAND THE ELECTION after reading RESULTS AND WHAT this issue THEY MEAN FOR NEXT YEAR (page 16) RESIST PRESSURE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION (page 20) IMMEDIATELY DEAL WITH GETTING INTO A CAR ACCIDENT BY YOURSELF (page 21) PERSEVERE THROUGH SURGERY AND RECOVERY TO PERFORM YOUR FINAL SEASON (page 28)

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IF YOU HAVE...

Yearbooks are available for $65 until December 16.

TEN MINUTES

Check out www. StudentVoicesDCSD. com for district news and other information.

Yearbook Prices for 2012: $75- Jan. 3-31, 2012 | $85 Feb. 1, 2012 - April 30, 2012 | $95 May 1, 2012 and after

ONE MORNING

Volunteer at the Denver Rescue Mission and help serve the homeless and the needy.

The final deadline for Seniors Tribute Ads is Nov. 30. To order: theyearbookcompany.com

ON VISTANOW.ORG | 2

ee november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

Vista cross country placed fourth on the boys’ side and seventh for the girls at the Nike Southwest Regional Championships in Tempe, Ariz. Nov. 19.

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

Photo and cover photo by Cody Enboden.

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What is really in our water?

“It feels great to know that I am teaching and making a difference. I hope that (Advanced Placement Biology) is able to help kids get where they want to be in life and I like helping them get there.”

The truth about what’s in the water

Gabi | Capocelli

Taylor | Atlas

“I have friends that don’t drink it (school drinking fountain water),” Jake Chrissinger said. “I think it tastes like it has been sitting in the pipes too long, and it seems like the fountain is the dirty part that makes the water gross,” junior Ashley Adkins said. According to the recent survey of 25 students at Mountain Vista, 13 students preferred the water in the 200’s hallway and 12 students preferred the 300’s

hallway water. None of the students surveyed favored the 400’s drinking water.“Wow. I didn’t expect that,” junior Carley Tarran said. The recent water quality test below shows that all water fountains at Mountain Vista have safe levels of pH, iron, copper, and total hardness.

| Brad Shores, science teacher won the Mountain Vista Feeder Area Apple Award 2011. | Last year, more than 6,000 nominations were received by the Douglas County Educational Foundation. | Winners of the 2012 Apple Awards will be announced March 17, 2012. Source: www. tinyurl.com/6va5kpv

YO U WA N T T O K N O W ABOUT DOUGLAS things C O U N T Y WAT E R

Being a Servant Leader Raven Mark, senior, volunteered at the Denver Rescue Mission Nov. 7 with other Eagles’ Nest leaders. “I really appreciate the opportunity I was given to go down there and I learned that you shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help when you need it,” Mark said. Photo by Cody Enboden

1. Douglas County’s water comes from the surface water from the South Platte River and groundwater 2. It costs the average resident in Highlands Ranch $674 per year for water 3. MVHS spends $135,000 a year on water 4. The average human being uses 69.3 gallons of water a day 5. The average school uses about 22,284 gallons of water a day Source: www.tinyurl.com/6qwqxt9

H2O@MV pH

Iron

Copper

Hardness

U200

7.5 (safe)

.1 (safe)

1.4 (safe)

50 (ideal)

U300

7 (safe)

.2 (safe)

1.3 (safe)

51 (ideal)

U400

8.5 (safe)

.1 (safe)

1.3 (safe)

50 (ideal)

Source: Eagle Eye water quality test with over-the-counter kit

Kiah Bradley Grade: 12 Who Would You Nominate for the Apple Awards?: “Mrs. Trimble.” Why?: “Everyone respects her and she pushes her students to succeed.”

Nick Viola Grade: 12 Who Would You Nominate for the Apple Awards?: “Mr. Collins.” Why?: “He’s a very good teacher who is lively and fun. He knows that everyone learns differently and he helps them based on their needs.”

Nick Chavez Grade: 11 Who Would You Nominate for the Apple Awards: “Mr. Goldson.” Why?: “He really understands the lives of students and alters the lesson plan to fit them. He knows student life and his curriculum reflects that.”

Robby Stewart Grade: 11 Who Would You Nominate for the Apple Awards?: “Mrs. Stech.” Why?: “She makes English more than just a class because her style of teaching is very unique. I like her rants on fountain pens, they’re amazing.”

Revolutionizing education Teachers use Edmodo as a new educational tool Technology as it relates to education is rapidly changing, evident in the use of two new technological tools at Mountain Vista: Edmodo.com, a communication device similiar to facebook to notify students about assignments and notes. “It (Edmodo.com) is an effective way to connect with students in an eco-friendly manner that is simple for them to use,” said Whitney Mires, a Spanish teacher at Mountain Vista who

implements this tool in her classroom. Mires also uses Polleverywhere.com, a classroom tool that allows students to use their cellphones to text in response to questions projected for the class to see. These devices seem to be

Photo by: Taylor Atlas making a large impact on the way students learn. Look out for other technological advances in the classroom as the year progresses and more teachers are given scholarships to pay for memberships to a wealth of other educational sites.

november 28, 2011

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Senior Timeline

Obtain letters of recommendation. Ask three weeks in advance. Follow up with a thank-you note.

Check with application deadlines (California and early action deadlines begin by November 30).

November

Apply to colleges by December.

Leave time for counselors to sign applications and complete letters of recommendation.

December

Senior Kelsey Cisarik filling out online college applications and essays (left) and senior Alex Cook talking with counselor Aaron Ragon about the application process in the Post Grad Center (right). Photos by Jordan Van Note and Jack Reeves

Applying Made Easy Jack | Reeves Marilyn | Cosson

Applying to college can be a stressful event in any teenagers life. There are applications to fill out, essays to write and test scores to report. To help alleviate some of this stress and give students direction when beginning the application process, counselor Aaron Ragon offers advice to coach students through the hardest aspects. Ragon said starting can be the hardest part. “Students become so freaked out about applying that they become frozen,” he said. When this anxiety sets in, Ragon said the best thing for students to do is begin the application process. “There is something really empowering about beginning the process,” he said. “It is easier than 80 percent of the homework you have on a daily basis.” The first step for any student is to identify schools that will provide the opportunities they are looking for. Ragon suggests that student, “Identify your college

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of interest. Visit if you’re able to. Research schools that will provide you a community.” Post Grad Secretary Jan Schafer tells students to look for a college that “offers the degrees to accomplish the intended goals.” Senior Kelsey Cisarik has begun her applications to Colorado State University and the University of Colorado. She offered a few tips to help other seniors be successful. Cisarik said the hardest part for her has been navigating the websites and figuring out all the requirements. “Once you actually start the application, it’s easier,” she reassures other students who are in her same position. Alex Cook, a senior, said the worst thing students can do is procrastinate on their applications. Beginning the application process can look very different depending on which path the student takes. Depending on the schools the student is applying to, they may have to apply directly to the school or they can apply through Common Application.

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Regardless whether the student chooses to apply through the Common Application or directly to the institution, Schafer tells student to apply electronically. “There is less room for error or loss and better tracking capabilites,” she said. If students are applying to public school, applying directly to the school is the easiest way to go, Ragon said. One of the main things for students to focus on when applying to schools such as CU or CSU is acquiring their official transcript and ACT or SAT scores. The transcript release form is available in the counseling office and on the school website. Applying to a private institution will inevitably be a more complicated process than applying to many public schools, but should not be a cause of stress for students, Ragon said. Ragon reminds students that when applying to private schools additional factors become important such as involvement in sports, extracurricular activities, volunteering and leadership positions. Conveying all this

information can be the time consuming aspect of the application. Although it is important to “stand out from the crowd” when applying to these types of schools, Ragon warns students it can become “consuming to fit this imaginary profile.” The danger of applying to highly selective schools is getting caught up in the idea that the student’s self worth is determined by where one gets accepted, Ragon says. Ragon suggests students take a step back and remember the application includes many factors beyond their control. “Students will naturally end up in the college that is the right place for them,” he said. To help prepare for a formal, college interview, students can visit the Naviance website, click on “college prep” and then scroll down to “your interview.” Although it’s been a challenge, Cisarik said she is excited. “It’s just going to be a whole different experience than high school,” she said, “and I don’t know what to expect.”

Check again for scholarship deadlines on Naviance, fastweb or the counseling office database.

January 10 Colleges With Highest Application Fees $100 George Mason University $90 Stanford University $80 Columbia University Villanova University $75 Amridge University Boston University Brown University College of New Jersey Dartmouth College Duke University

Junior Planning

Complete FAFSA/CSS Profile paperwork by mail or online by February 15.

February

• Take the ACT in the spring. • Visit with college representatives. Ask questions about the school. • Begin serious research on college options. Make lists of schools and programs you are interested in. • Consider what you want from colleges. Take college visits.

Choose the college you wish to attend. Pay the registration fee and look for housing information.

March

Keep your eyes peeled for financial aid info (mid-April).

April

Continue to apply for scholarships. Finish strong academically.

May

Students Applying In-State “Apply as early as possible! It makes everything a lot easier later when you’re deciding where to do.” —Emily Sherwood, MVHS Class of ‘11

“They are looking for students who are dedicated to their studies in general.” —Alex Hill, MVHS Class of ‘11 CSU reviews all applications holistically. In an increasingly competitive selection for the best students in the country, CSU takes the application process very seriously. CSU looks for students who take core classes (english, math, science, social studies) all four years and must have grades with C or above. Along with grades, test scores, and academic rigor, students wishing to further stand out to the admissions committee will demonstrate accomplishments in the following categories: 2011-2012 Freshmen Class at a Glance

• Attend college and career fairs • Become familiar with college resources and materials. Complete assignments on Naviance.

Check schools of choice for scholarship deadline (generally mid-February). Apply for scholarships.

• Average GPA — 3.56 • Average ACT — 24.5 • Average SAT — 1134 • Students in Top 10% of Class — 23% • Students in Top 25% of Class — 53%

Tips to Stand Out in Applicant Pool

When reviewing applicants, CU uses a holistic approach. This means that they take everything about an applicant into account when making a decision. In addition to competitive grades, class rank, test scores, and two required essays, applicants wishing to further stand out can complete any of the following optionally materials. students applying to CU are required to meet the following requirements. Any deficiencies in the following will be reviewed with a student’s application: 2011-2012 Freshman Class at a glance: • 4 English, 4 Math, 3 Science, 3 Social Studies, 3 Foreign Language • GPA — 3.20-4.0 • Class Rank — 59%-97% • SAT (Critical Reading and Math) —1155-1350 • ACT — 23-32

• Community Service • Leadership Positions • Contributions to a Diverse Student Body • Unique Circumstances • Rigorous classes including Honors, Advances Placement, and International Baccalaureate

Tips to Stand Out in the Applicant Pool • Community and Volunteer Activities • Leadership Positions or Awards • Athletics • Work Experience • Summer Activities • 1-2 Letters of Recommendation

10 Public Colleges With Most Expensive Out-Of-State Tuition University of Michigan Ann Arbor, $36,163 University of California Davis, $34,863 University of California Irvine, $34,792 University of California Santa Barbara, $34,509 University of California San Diego, $34,185 University of California Riverside, $33,901 University of California Berkeley, $33,747 University of California Los Angeles, $33,660 University of Virginia, $33,574 University of Santa Cruz, $33,505

Nail Your College Essays!

Do’s

 Keep Your Focus Personal and Narrow | Your essay must

prove a single point or thesis. Try having someone read just your introduction to see what he thinks your essay is about. Remember, it’s not about telling the committee what you’ve done—they can pick that up from your list of activities—instead, it’s about showing them who you are.

Source: U.S. News

Don’ts Don’t Tell Them What You think They Want to Hear | Most  admissions officers read plenty of essays about the charms of their university, the evils of terrorism and the personal commitment involved in being a doctor. Bring something new to the table, not just what you think they want to hear.

Don’t Write a Resume | Don’t include information that is found  Prove It | Develop your main idea with vivid and specific facts,  elsewhere in the application. Your essay will end up sounding like an events, quotations, examples and reasons. There’s a big difference between simply stating a point of view and letting an idea unfold in the details

 Be Specific | Avoid clichéd, generic and predictable writing by using vivid and specific details.

autobiography, travelogue or laundry list. Yawn.

 Don’t Use 50 Words When 5 Will Do | Eliminate unneccessary words. Simplifying your sentences can still have a big impact.

 Don’t Forget to Proofread | Typos and spelling or grammatical errors can be interpreted as carelessness or just bad writing. Don’t rely on your computer’s spell check. It can still miss spelling errors.

MVHSEagleEye

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Occupy Denver?

FCA embraces positive students

Caleb | Williams

It’s a little after 6 p.m in late October and the temperature is rapidly dropping downtown, yet the protesters at Occupy Denver aren’t going anywhere. The sleeping bags start making their way throughout the crowd, volunteers start serving up free meals and these protesters are coming closer together than ever. The Occupy movement started in New York City with the now-enormous Occupy Wall Street protest, and now has gained chapters nationwide. And while Occupy Denver may still be in the early phase of growth in comparison to larger Occupy protests, many protesters have hopeful looks toward the future. “If we can start by just changing the minds of those who still idly stand by, then we can really start something,” said Thomas Chasteen, 18. He followed up with a more somber statement. “I truly believe Occupy is the precursor of what’s to come,” he said. “Yes, we’re peaceful now, but winter is on the way and without more support from authorities, people out here are going to die.” Many students at Vista, and other people in the Highlands Ranch area, know little about

the movement, and even less about its stated goal. Understandable, as the movement has yet to state a clear plan of action. Another protester, Jason Ball, 21, clarified exactly what he personally, hopes the movement will accomplish. “Everybody in this country is angry right now, not just the protesters. However, nobody really knows what to do right now either. People are just content to let this happen for some reason,” he said. “The point of all this is to get people aware. To get them thinking, discussing, and coming together with solid ideas. That’s how change happens.” Despite Occupy Denver’s claims of a “peaceful” manner of protesting, there have been a number of police confrontations, including the violent attack on October 29, in which police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and arrested 20 of the protesters after they refused to tear down tents. “As long as they are legally protesting, we will protect their right to do that,” said Denver police Lt. Matt Murray, in response to the incident, in an October 29 issue of The Denver Post. “The officers today (October 29) did a great job of showing restraint.” Police involvement has

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heavily increased since the incident, and has now cost the city well over $365,000. “People can easily get involved without even being here,” said Tony Song, 28, a volunteer working the donations table. “There isn’t a need for physical presence. One can be here and support in spirit, spread the word, utilize social media, donate clothes and food.” “It’s a chance for those who have been denied the chance to speak, to say ‘I’ve got a voice, too,’” Song said. “People are stating to realize that it’s not just a monetary standpoint anymore, the whole system is really screwed up, and this protest is gradually building against that entire system,” said Chasteen. “This is really going to build a revolution.”

Photos by Trevor Zalkind Protesters gather at Occupy Denver near the donations table. In the recent weeks the movement has increased in size and engaged in several more clashes with Denver Police.

“ T h i s g e n e r a t i o n ’s p r o t e s t e r s ”

SPEAK OUT

Name | Thomas Chasteen Age | 18 What brought you here? I’ve been on the road and traveling all over the country. After hearing about the occupy movement, I stopped off here in Denver. It’s really like our generation’s movement, I like that people are finally fighting for their Earth-given, God-given rights. What would you like to see? Further organization of our shared goals.

Name | Jason Ball Age | 21 What brought you here? Because these are the people who are finally standing up to what’s really screwed up in the country today. What would you like to see? There is that whole stereotype that we have no idea what we’re doing, but the point to this entire protest is to at least get people’s attention, get them thinking, discussing exactly what can be done.

Name | Tony Song Age | 28 What brought you here? The people here, they’re very inspiring. They have idea. Idea is one of the most powerful things on the planet, it can build civilizations and it can crumble civilizations. It can create something incredible and destroy something incredible. What would you like to see? What I really want to see is for each and every person to be able to shake hands and say “howdy,” prove the fact that you’re human, not one of these soulless monsters. We’re all part of the human race.

Makaila Bahr, Junior

Mormons embrace seminary

Seminary classes are a time for young members of the Church of Latter Day Saints to learn about their faith, apply the teachings of Christ to their lives and get ready for the day. Mormon seminary classes are separated into two periods in the mornings, one at 6 a.m. for all who would like to attend and another a half an hour later at 6:30 a.m. that is separated by grade level. “We usually (start with) a devotional period and then the teacher gives a lesson on the New Testament,” said junior and LDS member Makaila Bahr. Teachers are often missionaries of the church or parents of students who attend. The classes rotate through teachers frequently, as missionaries are required to relocate often for different assignments. Though it is primarily a study of the Old and New Testaments, some see it as a time to socialize with likeminded peers. Junior and LDS member Thomas Bunker said, “(Seminary) is a time to get ready for the day and get to know other kids.” Though attendance to Seminary is not mandatory, church leaders encourage LDS members to attend regularly. “(Seminary) gets you spiritually fit and keeps you uplifted and in a good mood,” said Bunker.

“I feel like even with a lot of pressure in the school, (FCA) is a way for me to stay close to God,” said junior Kelly Strife, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. FCA is a national organization with sects all over the country. There are about 350,000 members and over 46,000 coaches are involved. According to fca.org, offical website for FCA, its purpose is to “to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches.” At Mountain Vista, FCA has been a club for 10 years and has two coaches involved: Richard Cash, football head coach, and Susan Cash, tennis coach.

Counselor Wendy Strait and English teacher Jeff Hoeffs also are leaders. The captain of FCA this year is Susan Cash’s and Richard Cash’s son, senior Zachary Cash. This is his second year as a member of leadership of FCA. He has been a part of the club since his freshman year. “You don’t have to be an athlete to join,” Zachary said. “We meet with kids that don’t go to youth group or church and attempt to be positive to kids.” Zachary Cash said the ultimate purpose of the group that meets at MVHS is to “be encouraging” and act as a youth group. “Our hope is that (members) grow in their faith and

Zane | Johnson

Senior Zachary Cash, captain of FCA, leads a round of the “Name Game” during FCA’s meeting Nov. 7.

make their faith a practical part of their lives,” said Richard Cash. The ultimate goal of FCA in Coach Richard

Cash’s perspective is “like any other Christian organization, to know God and make him known.”

Yount teaches “See You at the Pole”

MADISON YOUNT Junior Madison Yount led the prayer at the flag pole this year in September. In order to prepare for this event, Yount said she just prayed. “Leading this was another way that I was able to connect with the students at Mountain Vista while expressing God’s love,” Yount said. On the fourth Wednesday in September of every year approximately 30-40 students gather around the flag pole at the main entrance for a group prayer. This event is actually run by an outside organization

Photo courtesy of “See You at the Pole” Students and teachers congregate around the pole for a “See You at the Pole” gathering.

and is known as “See You at the Pole”. “See You at the Pole is simply a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole before school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school and nation to God,” according to the official web page of See You at the Pole. “(SYATP) was the best way for me to let go and give it to God,” Yount said.

Approximately 30-40 people were involved in either putting on the event or attending the event this year at MVHS. According to See You at the Pole, more than 3 million students in over 20 countries now attend “See You at the Pole” worldwide. Local parents and youth group leaders encouraged kids to organize the event. “This is a worldwide

event. So many more were involved than just the students at Mountain Vista,” Yount said. | FCA meets every Monday at 7 p.m. in the band room. | Seminary is every morning at 6:30 a.m. in U511 and U410 | The next “See You at the Pole” gathering will be on Wednesday, September 26, 2012. Photos by Jordan VanNote and Kyle Waters

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We work our butts off at practice and at games. We literally spend half of our day practicing cheers, and we take time out of our day to go to games just to get mocked. It gets really frustrating when people don’t cheer along with you after you spend so much time practicing. It’s almost like we do not get appreciated at all for what we do.

photo by Kyle Waters

10 MiNUTES WITH AUDREY WIGGS c

A perspective from cheerleader, Audrey Wiggs on how many do not believe cheerleading is a sport and her team’s effort c Wiggs at cheer leagues Nov. 9

c Support (verb) to promote the interests or cause of: to uphold or defend as valid or right

c Base Basing is a term used in cheerleading when people remain in contact with the floor lifting the flyer into a stunt.

Work (verb) exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil.

cNo matter what you will never see me without a smile on my face, but some cheerleaders don’t have a lot of spirit because they are afraid to see how the school is going to react to them. c I think that if the school was to show that they care and support us, then I think all of us cheerleaders would care and support them more. c It’s hard to support someone who doesn’t support you back. If someone were to actually take the time out of their day to try what we do, they would see that it isn’t as easy as it looks. c I read about a football coach that tried coaching cheerleaders for a week and he said it was one of the hardest sports he had ever coached because there is so much physical contact in our sport, especially in competition cheerleading. c You have to know how to base and that in itself is hard. Not to mention basing double downs where someone starts to come spinning at your head could be scary for someone who has not done it before. c If you make one mistake, that could risk someones life. If you don’t catch someone it could cause so many injuries. Of course, some may be a bit more minor than others but we are still risking our lives. c If some people were to go into cheerleading thinking ‘Oh, whatever, this is not even a sport,’ you are going to get stuff handed to you.c Cheerleading is one of the hardest sports ever. I love our school and all but I think that everyone should understand how much work we put into our sport. All of us should not be making fun of each others’ teams after we all put so much effort into our sports.

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vista

STUFF THAT

TICKS ME OFF Williams’ opinion on those who do not understand Occupy Denver

Caleb Williams | calebio1994@gmail.com

Everybody has been upset at something before, you’ve been ticked at homework, your parents have been ticked at taxes, and me, well, I’ve been ticked at just about everything. But people nowadays very seldom seem to follow through on what they want to change. That is why the protesters at Occupy Denver have my full and unbridled support. For those who don’t know, and that seems like a lot of you, Occupy Denver is a large-scale protest currently taking place downtown at the intersection of Broadway and Colfax, mostly concentrated around Civic Center park. What are they even protesting? The actual finite goal of the movement is yet to be fully organized. But they are however, obviously upset at the current economic state and the imbalance in American wealth. Well, that’s dumb, how can they not even know what they’re protesting? Here’s a question: Anyone kind of ticked off at our continued economic recession? Why, yes I am. Any of you sheltered suburbanites have any idea how to fix it? Um, well, inflation, and Obama and Bush’s fault, and uh, money… Exactly. Everyone is just as confused as to how this

mess happened, but at least Occupy Denver has the courage and motivation to stand up to what’s obviously wrong, whether it’s goals are clear yet or not. That is just stupid, they are getting arrested for something that we really have no control over. Yes, members of the movement have been arrested by Denver police, unjustly arrested. In case anyone remembers, the right to nonviolent protest is guaranteed to every American citizen. As to the whole “something-we-haveno-control-over” claim, everyone said the same thing to Blacks in the 1960s. Everyone said the same thing to women protesting for their suffrage before 1920. It may come as an absolute shock to some of you, but what is popular is not always right. Say what? The protesters are getting people talking, thinking for themselves and discussing. Here’s a crazy thought, when people start thinking for themselves, and start coming together for a common goal, that’s when change can happen. Sure, Occupy Denver’s nonviolent protests may come off as a bit “radical” to the rest of the nation’s comfortably apathetic individuals, but to those who can actually see the hope for change, they really are a silver lining.

Thoughts on Long-Distance Relationships

Joanie and her boyfriend, Matt at West Point on her visit in August 2011

Students and faculty explain their opinions on long-distance relationships after reading quotes from famous people in history

Photo courtesy of Joanie Lyons

1,818 Miles Joanie Lyons | jclyons13@gmail.com

A developing relationship stands the test of distance

The the current distance between my boyfriend and I is 1,818 miles. For 156 days and counting. And yet, we are still together. My boyfriend’s name is Matt. Before he left for the United States Military Academy in June, we were together for five months. Going through this isn’t easy. For the first 42 days of our long-distance relationship, I could only communicate through letters. So, those first 42 days I day dreamed constantly. I would try and replay things that we did in the past and try and remember that eventually maybe all of it could happen again. But, that was only in the summer. Then we moved into the school year and I would have people who would tell me constantly: Don’t put your eggs in one basket or why would you put so much effort into one person who you only see less that seven

weeks out of the year? All of these questions, even though they may seem so easy to answer, were sometimes hard to explain. And as I go deeper and deeper into the school year, I found the days go by slower and slower without him here. I would remember what it was like to just be able to call him and ask me to meet me in the back of the lower 500’s. To see him every day like I did months ago is now my dream and my only wish is to be back with him just for a day. But even through these occasional bad days, I have found strength in knowing that through all of the bad times, we have accomplished so much together without even knowing it. The distance between us has taught me that I can be invincible and that no matter what life throws at my way, I can be strong. It is crazy to think that our love is powerful enough to endure those 2,000 miles.

At times while we video chat on Oovoo, a program like Skype, he can still make me feel those clichéd butterflies. And because of that distance, I notice how simple just a package, a letter or a text or email can mean. When I hear from him, it makes my day better. Even without seeing his face, I just smile because I know that he does love me. Even though it may seem so easy, those simple, little things are the things I learned to love and nurture. When I look at it all, the good and the bad, I couldn’t imagine a minute or even a second where I didn’t have Matt in my life. He means the absolute world to me. He is my best friend, the one I can tell anything and everything to. And without him, my life would be chaos. All of it, the distance, everything, is worth it for someone you love.

What They Said “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” | Helen Keller “Love one another and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.” | Michael Leunig “Some women love only what they can hold in their arms; others, only what they can’t.” | Mignon McLaughlin “Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones, as the wind blows out the candle and fans the bonfire.” | Francois Duc de La Rochefoucauld “Love is missing someone whenever you’re apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because you’re close in heart.” | Kay Knudsen “Love is missing someone whenever you’re apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because you’re close in heart.” | Kay Knudsen

How MV Feels Caulder Wasmauth, freshman

“Long-distance relationships are possible but they are hard because you don’t get to see them as much.” Robyn Mott, teacher

“ Long-distance relationships can’t work because there is too much of a distraction with technology these days. I think 20 years ago it probably could work, but now I don’t think it can work.” Robbie McCabe, sophomore

“ I don’t think longdistance relationships can work because I had a boyfriend who lived in Texas and it didn’t work.” Jesus Madera, senior

“Long-distance relationships can work by putting in a lot of time and effort into it. Talk to your boyfriend and girlfriend every day.”

MVHSEagleEye

vista

What Lies Ahead

How the election affects us

The news broke on Nov. 1 and stunned students, teachers and the Eagle Eye Staff. Proposition 103, 3A and 3B did not pass. According to Principal Michael Weaver, the next budget may reflect $200 of district cuts plus $160 of state cuts per student. There are so many things about the outcome of the school board races, ballot issues and propositions that cause us to be extremely anxious about what lies ahead for our education. It is scary to think that with bigger class sizes it could be harder to focus and that small classes and groups could become overloaded with students. Or, it is scary to think that instead of one musical, two plays and other smaller productions, Stage Flight Theatre may be cut down to just one production for one weekend of shows. In order to get concrete facts about what the plans are for this district, some of our reporters went to the superintendent’s press conference. They found there is not much substance behind the superintendent’s proposed solutions of “creative scheduling, innovative thinking and efficiency.” After four years of budget cuts — the per pupil funding was $3,566 in 2009,

EDITORIAL

$3,316 in 2010 and $3,216 this year — we’re not sure what’s left to cut. No matter how creative or efficient the 2012-2013 budget is prepared, this reduction is going to force school administrators into hard cuts. When the district is in this much financial trouble, what does that mean for the students here at Vista? Does that mean if specific teachers are cut, the usual week they take to get assignments into Infinite Campus will become three weeks? Does that mean that the science tables will have extra students hanging on the ends of them? What about our safety if some of the security guards are let go? Or, will the budget cuts take away from the harnesses that protect us in Adventure classes? It looks like we are going to be impacted by this at one point or another, whether you are a student, faculty member or anyone else in this community. It is time to form one body of faculty and students. To those students who will be here in the upcoming years, try to be informed about what is happening in our community, so that the next time this comes around, you can fight for how the budget is spent. Seniors, we get that some of you have “I’m-leaving-

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

this-place-in-seven-months” sign on your forehead, but this truly does affect ALL of Mountain Vista. Many of us have younger siblings who will suffer through the consequences of these upcoming changes. Also, in-state college tuition will likely increase, so many of us who are trying to save money by avoiding out-of-state schools could be affected even after we leave Mountain Vista. Faculty and teachers, if your job is secure next year, congratulations. Some of your colleagues are about to face some major hardship, because they may have to leave Vista’s doors and start over some where new. As a staff we think the district is not who we should be upset with, but the anger should be focused on the county voters. Even close to a month after the election results struck our district, most of us are still angry and frustrated that for now we do not exactly know what is going to happen. Unfortunately, the underlying emotion among the Douglas County community is the fear of what is in store for this district and specifically Mountain Vista. Graphic Source: October letter from DCSD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen

CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Joanie Lyons Macy Morgan Erica Rasquinha EDITORS Taylor Blatchford Riley McCloskey Jack Reeves Pamela Shapiro Caleb Williams PHOTO EDITOR Trevor Zalkind ADVERTISING Jordan Laeyendecker REPORTERS Gabi Capocelli Michael Collins Marilyn Cosson

Wes Edwards Cody Enboden Zane Johnson Ainsley Price Lyndsey Trujillo Shannon VanDok PHOTOJOURNALISTS Taylor Atlas Sammy Linares Gerad Lopez Tommy Ryan Jordan VanNote Kyle Waters GRAPHICJOURNALIST David Orser WEBMASTER Abhi Sharma

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Senior Tribute Ad The absolute

ADVISER | Mark Newton, MJE POLICY Eagle Eye is a student publication that is a legally designated public forum. It 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. Student editors make all decisions on published content. Board policy regarding student publications (JICEA and JI/JIA) is available in the journalism/publications room (Room U328) or in the principal’s office.

final deadline is Nov. 30.

www.theyearbookcompany.com

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.

A fresh, new outlook on vision care

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

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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.

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OPEN FORUM CONTENT Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service and Creative Commons licensing. ©2011 Eagle Eye/Mountain Vista High School. All rights reserved.

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Teacher Chris McCallum gives an emotional farewell after 4.3 years of teaching at the school

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MVHSEagleEye

Goodbye, Mountain Vista

Thanks Douglas County for Our Best Summer Ever!

Dear Mountain Vista, As I sit in my now empty room pondering the meaning of life and exulting about the view (I mean, have you seen it from U511?) I started to think about what Mountain Vista has meant to me the last 4.25 years. Every emotion flooded in from my tear ducts and I know deep down, I will always be a Golden Eagle as I soar with the rest of you. From my first experience with Ken (Custodial Staff) and his amazing attitude, I knew this was a special place. He said to me “First day? Welcome, I’m Ken and we feel lucky to have you. This is a fantastic school and I think you’ll fit right in.” Just that exchange meant the world to me because that conversation confirmed my decision that I was extremely blessed to be able to work with this community. Through the years, I’ve grown intellectually and emotionally, learned empathy and discipline, but mostly that students want you to be there for them, in all capacities. I will never forget my first classes and how I was more worried about texting than the lesson or how every day brought a brand new challenge. There have been tears for fallen students, trepidation for budget cuts and possibilities of job changes, frustration for students not living up to expectations, BUT much more laughter than I could ever imagine. My room had been barren, now full of decorations. In the beginning the classes were full (mandatory speech), now less so. Some early students had tough attitudes, now I

Chris McCallum, English teacher, prepares to instruct students in speech and debate.

CHRIS

Time At Vista: 4.3 years

Classes Taught: Speech, Debate, English II, College Prep Reading/ Writing

Time Coaching Soccer: 4.3 years Levels of Soccer Coached: Girls

Freshman/Sophomore, Boys JV, Boys Varsity Assistant

Current Workplace: Kaiser Permanente

Current Job Position: Business Systems Senior Trainer High School: Lincoln East High School, Lincoln, Neb., 1995 College: Nebraska Wesleyan University, December 1999

Graduate School: Master’s Degree in Education, Regis University, Denver

Favorite Part of Teaching: “Seeing students be successful in every arena of their life.”

Accomplishment at Vista: “Reconfiguring

Photo by Alexi Challoner enjoy every student walking through the door. To every student I had the distinct pleasure of teaching or working with… You will never fully realize how much of an impact you have made on my life. Each and every one of you gave me a piece of your heart and many of you taught me a great deal about life. I will be a better father because I have known and learned from you. One last piece of advice for each and every student: Be true to yourself and your heart because only you can decide your

happiness. Once you realize that life is too short to worry about what others think or do, a huge weight will be lifted off your shoulders. To the teachers and staff at MVHS, thank you for your dedication, service, and professionalism. Each of you are extremely talented and I was inspired every day to continue to excel and grow. Mountain Vista will continue to be one of the top schools in Colorado and the nation. Keep being the positive force for the school and the students and I believe we will stay in touch.

Even though I am moving on to a different career path, I will still be teaching doctors and nurses and I will always consider myself a teacher. I wish you all the best throughout school and life and I will always be available if you need me.

the speech and debate program to give all students the opportunity to learn about speech and debate.”

Goodbye Mountain Vista, Mr. McCallum (Mac) aka… Macaroni, Mac n Cheese, Mac Jr., Big Mac, Macadamia Nut, Macintosh, etc. P.S. You can connect with me on Facebook at Mac McCallum.

Mac recommends the slam poem “What Teachers Make” by Taylor Mali. To watch it, visit youtube.com.

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

ee Election Talk: the aftermath District superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen, principal Michael Weaver are developing plans to do more with less

WHAT

DOUGLAS COUNTY

VOTED NOV. 1

PROP103

A statewide measure that would have raised taxes on business and house ownership from 4.63 percent to 5 percent. The state tax would also be increased from 2.9 percent to 3 percent. This money would be used to finance schools across the state and fill the gap of money to be cut from the state budget. 44,071 NO | 23,439 YES

3Aand3B

A Douglas County measure, the 3A bond would have raised $200 million for capital improvements on schools such as necessary renovations. 3B would have paid for a Pay-For-Performance system to provide an incentive for teachers to improve the quality of education across the district. They would be evaluated on the test scores of their students on standardized tests.

3A 37,326 NO | 30,657 YES 3B 37,667 NO | 28,511 YES

boardof DIRECTORS districtA

Craig V. Richardson

districtC

Kevin Larsen

districtF

Justin G. Williams

Wes | Edwards and Macy | Morgan “The quality of learning may not be as great,” Douglas County Superintendant Dr. Elizabeth Fagen said at a student journalist press conference Nov 9 explaining the failure of Proposition 103 and issues 3A and 3B in the Nov. 1 election, affirming that Mountain Vista must endure the cuts by being as efficient as possible and making the “right decisions.” During the press conference, Fagen responded to the worries of students, faculty and parents across the district upon the failure of the issues. The results of the election will require several difficult changes on the district budget for the upcoming school year and for the future. “There’s an economic down-cycle that is happening in our country that has been unprecedented in our lifetime,” Fagen said. “Our voters were not comfortable raising taxes at this time.” While, she said, the district’s data conveyed support for teachers and the district to be about 70 percent, the results of the election clearly revealed a disconnect. “All of the districts (in Colorado) are facing the same thing, deciding what reductions to make,” she said. With the possibility of $20 million being cut from the district budget, schools could face a serious gap between the funds available and the funds they requisire. The district intends on dealing with potential cuts by placing responsibility on each individual school to determine how to balance its budget.

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

Schools may be considering reductions in available programs and teachers, which would result in fewer classes, thus larger class sizes. “None of the decisions we are going to make will be easy,” principal Michael Weaver said. According to Weaver, Vista may expect to receive a cut of $720,000, based on a cut of $160 per student allocation out of the state’s proposed 2012-2013 budget and $200 from the Douglas County budget, but schools will not be informed of their cuts until next February. With less money coming in, the district will have to spend less which could lead to a decrease in the quality of education. “I wouldn’t have enjoyed…the situations (our students) are in,” Fagen said. Due to the fact that Vista’s programs and athletics are mostly self-funded, Weaver said that “everything (that uses revenue from the district’s budget) will have to be on the table,” and cuts will most likely be made to the teaching staff. Because budgets will not be finalized until February, he said it is too early to know any specific details. Fagen suggested that other solutions may entail “innovative thinking” towards making schools as efficient as possible. By becoming more energy efficient and utilizing volunteers rather than paid positions, the amount of cuts may then be reduced as more money is available in the operating budget for a school. To accommodate more students with less teachers, block

schedules — for example, taking four classes one day and four the next — could provide more time for a teacher to plan, while also teaching additional classes. Furthermore, by adding one additional class to each teacher’s schedule, class sizes may still be retained at manageable levels. Because teachers currently teach five of seven classes, an increase of one class to six of eight classes would be a small, yet efficient way to maximize teachers’ time and student learning, Weaver said. Another solution, Fagen said, would be to “innovative scheduling,” including keeping the more demanded, beneficial and unique programs over the less desired when it comes to classes and activities in the school. She suggested that programs like music and art may become feebased, relying on external funds from parents and grant money to keep them available to students. Online classes may be another option to continue less supported programs in the school, she said, and a last resort may be to cut classes that are not required for graduation. “This is the fourth year in a row that we’ve had to do a reduction,” Weaver said. The last five years have seen a collective $150 million cut to Douglas County School District, and Vista is currently operating on $1.5-$2 million less than the four years previous. However, Vista’s growth rate in students have allowed the school to ease the balance of the budget, but “we may not stay balanced going into the next year,”

scope

Our thoughts: what’s next 1

WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION?

WHERE SHOULD THE CUTS BE MADE? WHAT ARE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS?

teacher Brian Wood PRINCIPAL WEAVER

“None of the decisions we are going to make will be easy.”

SUPERINTENDENT FAGEN

“All of the districts (in Colorado) are facing the same thing, deciding what reductions to make.”

For more information, reactions and opinions, go to vistanow.org.

Weaver said. Despite a potentially difficult road ahead, Weaver said he is optimistic. Vista has continued to perform well academically, regardless of the cuts of the last five years, he said. “Even with these cuts, we have seen our achievement go up.” “‘Necessity is the mother of invention,’” Fagen said. “The key is to make the most innovative and resilient (decisions) and wait for the end of the economic down-cycle.”

Obviously, I was disappointed. There is a perception, I think, that teachers are paid really well and work six hours a day. I know a lot of teachers. Neither fact is true. Times are tough. They are about to get tougher. Class sizes will grow, teachers will get cut and in the end, students will suffer.

senior Aubrey Waechter I was concerned for the job security of my mom, who is a teacher. I was also upset by the public’s misunderstanding of the bill and the failure to support public education. The future of our district is bleak and seems to be in serious trouble considering the economic restraints and ineptitudes of many leaders, i.e., Fagen and Board of Education.

WHERE MUST WE DRAW THE LINE?

I think the first thing is teachers will teach six classes instead of five, probably on a Monday-Thursday block, eight-period Friday. That can either reduce the number of teachers or class sizes. Also, we’ll probably heat and light rooms with candles.

I don’t know if we have the power to draw the line. Assuming we do, though, the first place would be elementary specials. Kids need to run, play, draw, sing and smile in order to learn. Good teachers should be retained. It shouldn’t be last-in-first-out. Also, I would love to make enough money to pay my mortgage.

We should take some small changes to cut back on heating/electricity bills. But this would only save small amounts. Hard cuts are going to have to be made and teachers will have to be cut. I don’t think there are any easy solutions.

We should try to keep a balance of activities at Vista. Programs that support the arts, struggling students, or special education should not be cut. However, it is likely that reduced funding will occur.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT by the

numbers

the average amount of students per class at MVHS

2,033 the number of students enrolled in MVHS for the 2011-2012 school year

the amount of money cut per student from the MVHS budget this year

200

the amount of money cut per student as proposed by the district budget.

160

the amount of money the state of Colorado has proposed to cut per student from each school on top of district cuts

8million

the total budget that MVHS spends on expenses a year

teacher Jeremy Goldson Hurt and angry. The message being sent is about selfishness and a devaluing of education. Douglas County is the seventh wealthiest county in America and they wouldn’t vote for a $50 tax hike per household? It is very discouraging.

Photos by Gerad Lopez and Wes Edwards

Somewhere that doesn’t affect teachers, teaching or kids. Four-day week? Or bussing? Teachers and kids have taken the burden for the past four years. The community needs to feel it, too.

Anything that makes MVHS great, so academic and elective programs, teachers, etc. We need to take a long look at what’s excessive. But honestly, rather than cutting, why not look at alternative revenues? Naming rights, sponsorships, raising fees? I’d happily teach at Target School at MVHS if it meant more financial support for my program and a raise (for the first time in five years)!

the percentage of the MVHS budget that goes to teachers (healthcare, benefits and retirement plans)

the average cost in dollars per teacher at MVHS

MVHSEagleEye

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Bump, Set, Spike. Kylie Klein, sophomore, prepares to spike the volleyball during the volleyball match against ThunderRidge Oct. 15. The team ended the season with a 7-15-0 record. “I think we had a lot to live up to and together we pushed our boundaries,” Klein said.

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november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

ee 19

TEENAGE DRINKING: Why We Succumb to Pressure One junior details her punishing experience

Shannon | VanDok “They were getting crazy, breaking things, grinding, shouting, you name it,” Jane, who has asked to be kept anonymous for fear of getting into trouble, said. “They started drinking and got me into a couple shots.” The party had been getting loud and people were starting to make their way outside. A few friends had convinced her to do the first beer bong she had ever tried. “Beer bong! Beer bong!” shouted fellow classmates. Ignoring the fact that she felt uncomfortable, she gave into the peer pressure. “I knew they’d think I was a wimp if I didn’t.” Her unfortunate decision to drink led her to a Minor in Possession ticket. A Minor in Possession ticket costs close to $300. Alcohol Awareness classes are available to first offenders. If classes are taken and completed after the first offense, the ticket is erased from the offenders’ record. The same reoccurring event is seen throughout

high school and adolescence. About 72 percent of teenagers face the cold truth behind alcohol peer pressures which is the fact that many are drinking before the legal age, and many disapprove their decisions, according to The National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Surprisingly, an answer lies behind this behavior. Teenagers are faced daily with the decision to do or not to do. A split second decision can lead them into something they are satisfied with or something they may regret. Jay Giedd and his colleagues at the National Institutes of Mental Health

“

do. Adults also have lower activity in their amygdala (the most active lobe when it comes to decisionmaking) than teenagers. In fact, as teenagers age into adulthood, the focus of brain activity seems to shift from the amygdala to the frontal lobes, allowing teenagers to become more sensible towards decision making. This development process creates the decision whether or not to drink and in the long run, make lifechanging decisions. With that in mind, the decision to drink alcohol can be characterized by the teenagers hunger for reward. Studies have been

I knew they’d think I was a wimp if I didn’t.”

The frontal lobes and the amygdala are two areas of the brain that play major roles in decision-making. As teenagers mature in to adults, the activity shifts from the amygdala to the frontal lobes. This shift allows the brain to process decisions slowly and therefore sensibly.

(NIMH), found that when processing decisions, adults have greater activity in their frontal lobes than teenagers

done showing that teenagers value the end results and focus solely on this rather than the consequences. At Temple University, a study using magnetic imaging scans on the brain activity of 40 teenagers show that brain signals fluctuate when risk and reward are involved. This can directly relate to the decision to give into peer pressure and consumption of alcohol. “Teens find the approval of friends and the moment they feel accepted to be the most rewarding part of high school,” said psychology professor Laurence Steinberg at Temple University. Adolescents are faced with many choices and a need to be accepted during these years. This is a time which teenagers learn crucial lessons for life. Jane looks at the positive side of the situation, “I’m relieved and glad it happened sooner rather than later so I learned a lesson earlier.”

TEENAGE DRINKING STATS

more than

24%

of teenagers admitted to binge drinking within the past 30 days

72% of students have consumed more than a sip of alcohol by the end of high school

million 190,000 Graphic by David Orser

soul

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

teenagers in the United States report that they have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days

In 2008 there were approximately

emergency rooms visits by persons under age 21 for injuries and conditions linked to alcohol

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse and the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Crashing Into Reality Junior Lexi Perardi continues to recover from her first car accident as a teenager

Wes | Edwards

back recover. These injuries caused her to miss two days of school and potentially more if fall break had not been the week after. “I called my friend Cate (Caldwell) because she was on the way to my house but I don’t remember anything else,” Perardi said. “The ambulances came to make sure I was okay and I went to the hospital about an hour later.” “She was shaking and trembling. She looked terri-

Junior Lexi Perardi said she did not think she would be involved in a car accident until it actually happened to her. When crossing Venneford Ranch Road, Perardi was rear-ended by another car on Dolton Street on her way home from school Oct. 12. “I was at a stop sign, I saw no cars so I crossed and this lady hit the back end of my car, the air bags went off and my car did a 180 (degree) turn,” Perardi said. “I didn’t “All of the airbags went off and I had to crawl out of realize what the passenger seat because was happening my door was smashed.” at first.” Her car totaled, Perardi found herself suffering from Lexi Perardi, a broken rib and concusjunior sion. This concussion could be a reason that she doesn’t clearly remember what happened during and after the crash. Perardi is still going to physical therapy to help her Photo by Gerad Lopez

fied,” Caldwell said. “The car was flipped around on the other side of the intersection with all the airbags activated. She kept saying that her back hurt but she didn’t tell the firemen because she didn’t want to go to the hospital.” Twelve percent of all fatal crashes have a teenage driver involved and 16-yearolds are more likely to be involved in a crash than any other age, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance

Information Association. Despite this fact, many teens still have the attitude that they will not be involved in a crash. “The car behind the other car is always responsible for not hitting the car in front of them,” school resource officer Vance Fleet said. “You need to have a big enough cushion to stop safely in any situation.” The misconception that teenagers are always at fault when they are involved in car accidents has very little evidence. “Some of the crashes that teenagers are involved in are the teens’ fault, but more often it is their inexperience that leads to crashes after reacting to actions made by another driver,” Fleet said. Perardi said the accident could have been prevented if the other driver had been going the speed limit. “I didn’t realize what was happening at first,” she said. “I learned that defensive driving is the way to go.”

Teen Driving Statistics

percent of all fatal car crashes have a teenage driver involved

2/3

of teens killed in an accident are males

2,739 teens died in car accidents in 2008

age of drivers that are three times more likely to be involved in a car crash

63 percent of teenage passenger deaths in 2008 occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager

percent of fatalities in teen car accidents are passengers

percent of 15-24-yearolds were in a car accident that involved a cell phone

Source: Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association

IN AN

Steps you should take, according to School Resource Officer Vance Fleet Check for injuries.

Obviously, the first concern is to make sure everyone is safe and protect people’s lives.

Call 911 regardless of an injury, to report the accident.

While waiting for the police to arrive, try and

move the cars involved safely out of traffic. If there is

only minor damage this should be possible but if there is serious damage to the car so that it cannot be moved, stay in your car. Have your driver’s

license, car registration, and proof of insurance ready. The police will arrive and provide a form so that you can

explain what happened and who was at fault.

Contact your insurance and follow

their steps to report the accident. The police

will review these forms

and interview eye witnesses to determine who is at fault.

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

soul

BLACK FRIDAY MADNESS Lyndsey | Trujillo

The day after Thanksgiving, also known as ‘Black Friday’ is a day many customers stand outside in the cold as early as midnight, waiting for their store of choice to open. “I’m waking up at 3 a.m. and work the early shift (at Old Navy),” Lindsey Quintana, senior, said. “I expect very long lines and lots of chaos and angry customers. It’s always busy on Black Friday.” Some Mountain Vista students are already beginning to make their plans on how they are going to partake in this year’s holiday sales. “I’m waking up at 4 a.m. to wait in line at Kohl’s,” said junior, Jessica Bell. “I went last year and was able to get a lot of good stuff for really low prices.” Black Friday is known to be one of the best days of the year to get presents for those people on a shopping list for the holidays or even to just to shop for one’s self. Black Friday shoppers sometimes get discounted prices up to 75 percent off and even door busters. “Our store will probably make triple what it usually makes on a regular day,” Quintana said. “Shopping on Black Friday is really fun,” said Bell, “but it’s also complete madness.”

Holiday Shopping Strategies

Easy Gift Giving For the Holidays

THE CRITIQUE Two and a Half Men

Low-budget gift ideas for the busy teenager

Gifts for Mom:

Gifts for Dad:

0 $2

Salsa Brava

Gifts For yourself: $9

for boyfriend/ girlfriend:

Mountain Vista’s

9 $4

Musical “Annie Get Your Gun”

99 $1

5 $1

All items from Target Photos by Sarah Atlas and Cody Enboden

Go shopping early

Take advantage of Black Friday, get up before a store opens, and order items online to get ahead of the game in order to buy those gifts before Christmas.

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

Look beyond discounts This holiday season there will be discounts and sales at retail stores like every year, however when shopping for holiday presents try to

use adds, reward points and package deals to save money on the items you will be purchasing.

Bring your smart phone Some subscriptions from Facebook or Twitter give mobile alerts and those shoppers will be able to show the check-out their phone to get the savings.

A-

After months of rehearsing, the cast of “Annie Get Your Gun” gave a lively and exciting opening night performance. The choreography was upbeat, and the vocals were astounding. The realistic and entertaining production was a joy to watch. Seniors Mica Mallory and Brian Ray starred as Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, both of their performances were strong. The rest of the cast and crew did a wonderful job as well, adding humor, powerful vocals and more talent to the show. Although the sound became faint at some points of the production, and there were a few awkward pauses when people forgot their lines, the cast powered through and was still able to pull off several great performances over the six-show run. One number that really stood out was the very first song “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” The energy was great and the cast seemed to really be enjoying themselves. “Annie Get Your Gun” was an amazing show, and all of the cast and crews hard work surely paid off.

Buzzing with excitement and new customers, Salsa Brava recently opened and replaced Dewey’s in Highlands Ranch, on 52. W. Springer Dr. The flavors are fresh and authentic. The fairly quick and very friendly service is great. Compared to other Mexican restaurants, Salsa Brava is affordable for all high school students. Students can get entrees for as little as $6.25. For the most part, you don’t have to wait too long to get a table or service. Some popular dishes would be their chimichangas and enchilada plate. There’s also a nice outdoor patio, where you can enjoy the scenery and the homemade food. So, if you like Mexican food and are looking for a meal that is quick, not too expensive and tasty, Salsa Brava is definitely the place to try.

$5 $1

Newcomer Ashton Kutcher made his debut on the new season of Two And A Half Men. The show premiered on CBS Sept. 19. Nearly 28 million people tuned in to watch the highly anticipated show. The first episode began with the funeral of Charlie Sheen’s character, Charlie Harper. Sheen’s character is soon replaced by a similar character,Walden Schmidt played by Kutcher. The show was entertaining and kept people longing for more hilarious scenes. Although Harper’s character can never truly be replaced, Kutcher does a solid job of not only bringing new flavor to the show, but meshing with the rest of the cast. Overall, the show still has it’s same comedic flair and charm.

Photo courtesy of Zap2it’s. Photo by Cody Enboden

soul

PROPS FLOPS

PROPS to Mr. McCallum for leaving a district that has lacked giving teachers raises. PROPS to the cross country teams for going to state. The boys came in second and the girls in third. PROPS to Mr. Weaver for handing out candy on Halloween. PROPS to Student Leadership for organizing the canned food drive. FLOPS to Mr. McCallum for changing jobs. FLOPS to the voters for not approving Proposition 103 and 3A and 3B. FLOPS to teachers for giving homework over Thanksgiving break.

HALLWAY “How do you like your iron pumped?” “This is so anti-stripper, I hate it.” “Why didn’t you accept my marriage proposal on Facebook?” “I wanna shank you with a spoon!”

ee november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

soul

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All State auditions:

solo, skills, sight reading Senior Brian Ray describes his preparation for the choir all-state auditions

Macy | Morgan

Entering one of the classrooms of Widefield High School in Colorado Springs at 7:59 p.m., senior Brian Ray was about to perform a song and specific skills he had been practicing for nearly three months, several hours a week, during SOAR, during class, in private sessions and at home. Between balancing rehearsal for the lead role in “Annie Get Your Gun” and practicing for all state for the whole school year thus far, Ray said preparing a stressful endeavor. It was Oct. 28 and Ray was auditioning for All State Choir. In the hours leading up to this moment, Ray said his nerves would not even allow him to eat. “There were some people who broke down crying,” he said. “I was just trying not to think about it. I didn’t want to psych myself out.” Making All State Choir is like making the all state team in any sport or activity. Students learned of their results, which were not available at press time, and those accepted will have the

privilege of practicing with college clinicians for the All State Choir Concert Feb. 5-7 at Wells Fargo Theater in Denver. For high school choir juniors and seniors, All State Choir is considered a great honor and a great experience, choir teacher Maya Buck said. Twenty-four students from Mountain Vista auditioned at Widefield, arriving at 3 p.m. for a six-hour day to try and attain the honor. Individual auditions run for about seven minutes, Ray said, during which students must perform a solo piece accompanied by the piano. They must then differentiate between the three musical scales, major, harmonic minor and melodic minor. They must also identify triads and intervals. The last part of the audition entails a rhythmic and melodic sight reading, in which students must sing a piece of sheet music they had not seen prior. After singing “Across the Western Ocean” by Celius Dougherty, Ray said he felt good. “His solo was very

well-prepared,” Buck said, and he, as well as the other students auditioning understood the skills on which they were to be tested. Despite preparing for months for this audition, Buck said it is very tricky to get accepted. Last year, about 40 percent of Mountain Vista’s students were accepted, and this year Buck and Goldtones teacher Schehera McKasson have set the goal to admit 50 percent. “Last year we had quite a few make it,” Ray said. It was Ray’s first time auditioning, and he said he will feel proud of himself if he is admitted. “We have very talented students here, (they are) very gifted. We just have a good music program. We have the best group of kids for singing,” he said.

Photo by Jordan VanNote Graphic Courtesy: Creative Commons, Cody Enboden

SCALES and TRIADS: what you need to know

major triad: First, third, and fifth notes of a major scale

harmonic minor scale:

a minor scale modified by making the the third and sixth notes flat ans raising the seventh june.16.2011 www.vistanow.org

Photo by Cody Enboden Senior Brian Ray, who plays Frank Butler in Stage Flight Theatre’s production,acts extremely confident while he prepares to face Annie Oarkley in a shoot out. Rehearsing was another activity that Ray participated in while preparing for All State auditions.

For more information about the results of All State choir go to vistanow.org

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

ee 25

Conquer Pain. Achieve Greatness.

1. Andrew Walton, sophomore, leads a pack of runners during the state cross country meet Oct. 29. Walton placed 12th overall, right behind senior Stephen Chipman who placed 11th. “I think our biggest challenge was the tough competition, but we relied on eachother and worked together (to overcome our challenges),” said Walton. 2. Stephen Chipman, senior, motivates his fellow varsity runners at the state meet with a speech prior to the race. “I’m the senior leader so I understand the process of the sport. I help them understand it too,” said Chipman. 3. Delaney Fitzsimmons, freshman, pulls ahead of a Horizon runner with only 100 meters left in the race. The girls team placed third overall, relying on Fitzsimmons and sophomore Molly Reicher for strong positioning among the runners. “(I felt) the pressure of trying not to let my team down. You always want to make sure you bring your game and do your best for the team,” said Fitzsimmons. 4. Stephen Geisler, junior, and Mark Currie, senior, push themselves at the end of the mens 5A race. The entire team attained second place, only twelve points behind Fort Collins. “(Placing second) was an amazing way to end my senior year, I couldn’t have asked for a better team,” said Currie. Photos by Trevor Zalkind

27 2

pulse

Wrapping Up Fall Sports

Swimming Upstream

After three years of surgery and recovery, senior Kaaryn Dahlquist has high expectations for her second season without injury, and her last as an Eagle

Winning the conference and building a strong team were two of the softball team’s main goals for the season. After winning the conference, Vista ended up losing to Rock Canyon, 8-7, in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. The team’s final record was 19-4. “I think our greatest accomplishment this season was winning the conference and coming together as a team,” senior Megan Brown said. “Softball is both a team and individual sport. You can’t win the game by yourself, but individually you have to work to improve your skills.”

For the first time in three years swimmer Kaaryn Dahlquist will be and being able to keep up my strength.” completely healthy for this year’s women’s swim and dive season. Over the Dahlquist has continued doing physical therapy and has built up the past three years The senior has had surgeries on both knees and has not strength to take away the pain in her screws and her joints. She still can not competed at 100 percent for a full swimming season. do simple activities such as run, kneel or stay outside too long, but has used “My knees are a true blessing to me because they helped me discover her knees to help in other sporting clubs at the school and around her comwhat is truly important to me in life,” Dahlquist said. “I got to discover for munity. Her biggest supporter throughout this whole experience has been myself how much I love swimming.” her little sister, junior Karissa Dahlquist. During her freshman year Dahlquist dislocated her left knee stretching “My not-so-little sister was consistently at the end of my lane after any in Beginner’s dance. The doctors had to put her under anesthesia in order race to pull me put of the water,” Dahlquist said. “Even if we swam in the to pop it back into place, but it continued to bother her during her races. same heat, and she was in the lane next to me, she would immediately get Dahlquist was born with too small of kneecaps and grooves the knee out of the pool and help me out and wouldn’t leave my side until I was caps sit it making them easier to pop out. Additionally, she has very alright.” flexible tendons making it easier for her to dislocate her kneecaps. Karissa has been at every one of Kaaryn’s races and has been a When a person’s knee is dislocated it is incredibly painful to exercise. big supporter. During her races Dalhquist’s leg would become painfully numb and “I have always been there for her, whether it’s been cheering her often times she finished races with tears rolling down her face due on at a swim meet or pulling her out of the pool after the race,” to pain. Karissa said. “This whole experience has brought us closer as “It would pop out but I would quickly pop it back sisters.” in during every race and it would cause me great pain,” Dalhquist’s coach, Heather Herbert, has seen Kaaryn KAARYN DAHLQUIST Dahlquist said, “but I never skipped one race.” progress over the four years she has been on the women’s “(My knee) would Although her knees bothered her during her races, she swim and dive team. pop out but I would still put up fast times in her meets and did everything she quickly pop it back in “These injuries have made Kaaryn stronger as not only could to help her team perform well. during every race and a swimmer, but as a person as well,” coach Herbert said. Dahlquist finished her freshman year and swam sopho“She has matured into a great leader that is very passionate it would cause me more year for Mountain Vista. During her sophomore year great pain, but I never about everything she does because of these injuries.” skipped a race.” she made her first individual state cut. Though Dahlquist has had surgeries on both her knees “Since my knee cap is in a completely different spot, it and has gone through a lot of pain, she still wants to prove caused my stroke to change completely because my body would not move herself as a top-notch swimmer this year. the same,” Dahlquist said. “It took some time to get used to it, but by the “I want to prove to myself that I can do it for real with no excuses,” end of the season I had it down.” Dahlquist said. “My knee has given me the need to overcome the past.” During her junior year, which she made state cut in four events, her This being Dahlquist’s first year competing without pain she has set high right knee started popping out almost everywhere she went. It would pop goals for herself. out while walking, driving, dancing and even sitting on the floor at youth “I want to show myself what I’ve got,” she said. “I also want to make it group. This forced her to have surgery on her right knee as well. to the finals at state and be the best captain I can possible be.” “I had patella reconstruction on both,” she said. “The recovery on With all that Dahlquist has been through, she still has embraced this both were six months long to feel normal, but a year to get back to normal experience. Photo courtesy of MCT/Contra Costa Times Photo by Kyle Waters

Frominjurytorecovery

RECOVERY

JUNE 2008

DECEMBER 2008

DECEMBER 2009 AUGUST: Fullycleared but must still do rehab exercises

AUGUST: Dislocates her left knee

INJURY

JUNE 2009

MARCH: Surgery on her left knee

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

JUNE 2010

DECEMBER 2010

Taylor | Blatchford Jack | Reeves

SOFTBALL “Our best accomplishment was winning the conference and coming together as a team.” | Megan Brown, senior

FIELD HOCKEY

Mike | Collins

Alyssa Leonard, senior

Jessi Applehans, junior

The cross country team had the best statistical season in the school’s history. At the state championship meet, the boys finished second and the girls finished third, the highest finish ever by the team. The varsity team also won the regional meet at both the boys’ and girls’ levels. “I think our biggest team accomplishment of this season is winning regionals for the first time,” sophomore Andrew Walton said. At the Continental League meet, the boys and girls varsity teams both placed first out of 12 schools. “I couldn’t ask anything more out of this group than what they have given,” coach Jonathan Dalby said.

Laura Londono, junior

The men’s soccer team knew it would be hard to repeat its state runner-up season of last year, but it was determined to do its best to stay in the playoffs, despite the addition of 16 new varsity players. The team lost in the first round of the playoffs to Lincoln High School in an 11-round penalty shootout, after a scoreless game. They finished the season 7-4-4. Senior Christian Nicolosi said he was happy with the team’s performance. “I wouldn’t change anything,” Nicolosi said. “It was a very good year. I felt our team did better than what anyone expected we would have.”

Varsity Field Hockey team

“Our coaches are so encouraging and you can tell they love the sport as much as we do.” | Tori Cull, sophomore

CROSS C O U N T RY “I think our biggest team accomplishment was winning regionals for the first time.” | Andrew Walton, sophomore

MEN’S TENNIS

Stephen Chipman, senior

Andrea Friesen, senior

Last year’s state champion field hockey team lost a lot of seniors who graduated, but still had a successful season. The Golden Eagles lost in the semifinal game to Kent Denver, in the last 16 seconds of overtime. The team finished with a record of 12-4-1. Sophomore Tori Cull said the team goals for the season were to work hard, score, win and have fun. “I just love the sport alone, it’s so much fun,” Cull said. “The girls are super awesome and so nice and our coaches are so encouraging and you can tell they love the sport as much as we do.”

“I felt really great and proud that our team’s season came to a satisfactory end.” | Michael Shin, sophomore

MEN’S SOCCER For more information on these other five fall sports, visit vistanow.org.

Jacob Baugh, junior

Michael Shin, sophomore

The men’s tennis team had a successful season, finishing third in the Continental League and 14th in the state. Its overall record was 9-2. “I felt really great and proud that our team’s season came to a satisfactory end,” sophomore Michael Shin said. “Our best accomplishment was learning and uniting as a team to go much further than anyone expected and to send just as many people to state as last year. We really accomplished all our goals in the end with no regrets.” Coach Jim Flanigan said he was most proud of the way the team performed under pressure this season. “We went from a surprise team last year to a contender this year, coming two matches away from winning our league,” Flanigan said.

Kyle Schulte Grade: 12 Sport: Boys Golf Thoughts on the Season: “I think we did great considering we lost almost our whole varsity team.”

Christian Thomas Grade: 12 Sport: Football Thoughts on the Season: “I think it was disappointing because we didn’t play to our full potential.”

Ashley Hart Grade: 9 Sport: Gymnastics Thoughts on the Season: “My favorite part is that everyone on the team works together.”

Kelly Strife Grade: 11 Sport: Women’s Rugby Thoughts on the Season: “Our greatest accomplishment is getting a lot more people to join the team.”

JUNE 2011

NOVEMBER: dislocates right knee MARCH: surgery on her right knee

Luan Silva, sophomore

Dylan Richards, junior

Photos by Cody Enboden and Sarah Crabb

Jillian Lofton Grade: 12 Sport: Volleyball Thoughts on the Season: “Our goals were to develop and grow as a team.”

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

pulse

A New Team, A New Year

A look at the upcoming Mountain Vista women’s 2011-2012 season Jack | Reeves Ainsley | Price

Women’s basketball is about to start. Coaches are preparing open gyms and organized tryouts. Returning players and coach Marty Fletcher share their thoughts on the upcoming season. After tryouts, the basketball teams were finalized with 11 girls on varsity and 10 on junior varsity. “Tryouts went good. There was a lot more playing this year versus drills.” junior Karlee Schwartzkopf said. “I think varsity will be good because we have plenty of height and speed. Junior varsity will definitely be good because they have a lot of speed,” Audra Lynn said. “Varisty and junior varsity will be do well. Junior varsity has a lot of returning girls,” Schwartzkopf said. With the loss of key players like Lena Jaycox, Grace Shea and Lauren Dalton, new talents will need to emerge this year. Point guard Schwartzkopf

Coaches Marty Fletcher and Pat “Mac” McGuire in the huddle with juniors and Audra Lynn during the first day of tryouts. Photos by Kyle Waters.

will be sharing most of the ball handling with sophomore Jordan Graff. “I’m looking forward to finally being on varsity and getting to really bond with all the girls and having a great season,” Schwartzkopf said. Seniors Jennifer Wahleither and Megan Whetstone also are key players. This off-season has continued to be an adaptation for the team with Fletcher.

College | University of Maryland Years Coached | 33 Basketball player | High school Experience | Began coaching as freshman in college; this is his second year at Vista.

rosters

VARSITY Jordan Graff Mikalah Hughes Kylie Klein Karlee Schwartzkopf Jess Thoennes Jennifer Wahleithner Maddy Whetstone Megan Whetstone Jordan Wilmes Maddison Wilmes JUNIOR VARSITY Mikayla Hix Rachel Johnson Keara Leahy “Scooter” Lopez Audra Lynn Robbie McCabe Maggie Mitchell

“I think we are going to be a better team because we have overcome the idea of a new coach,” junior shooting guard Audra Lynn said. In the competitive Continental League, the girls will have to be at the top of their game against opponents like ThunderRidge, Highlands Ranch and Regis. “I am looking forward to playing ThunderRidge and Highlands Ranch,”

Lynn said. “Last year we gave Ranch a run for their money and this year we’ll do the same.” As this exciting season begins to tip off for the resurgent Golden Eagles, they encourage students, parents and faculty to attend as many games as possible. “We are looking forward to this season and we really want to do everything we can to get fans out there to support us,” Lynn said.

COACH MARTY FLETCHER

2011-2012

Previous Coaching | DeMatha Catholic High School, Niagara College, North Carolina State University, Virginia Military Institute, University of Southwestern Louisiana, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Academy, Ponderosa High School

Team | “We have eight returning players this year. We have a great senior class and we think we are going to be a very good basketball team.”

Team | “We will have a good defensive team because of our pressure defense.”

Team | “Offensively, we need to excute better.”

WEBSITE | http://mvhsgirlsbasketball.wordpress.com.

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

Vista | “Absolutely terrific school and wonderful student athletes.”

Looking Ahead | “We’re just getting started.”

SOPHOMORE* Elaine Collins Katie Fix Elizabeth Perlinger Devon Miner Shelby Hafner Britta Andress G.A. Nevins Kelsey Howe Morgan McDougal FRESHMAN* Madison Garduno Sarah Lang Megan Rust Julia Torres Kaitlin Zenoni *Players are subject to swinging teams to complete a full roster.

2011-2012 SCHEDULE

12/06-@Fairview 12/13-Horizon 12/15-Bear Creek 12/19-@Columbine 01/03-@Cherokee Trail 01/05-Denver South 01/07-@Liberty 01/13-Rock Canyon 01/17-@Ponderosa 01/20-Littleton 01/24-Regis Jesuit 01/27-@ThunderRidge 01/31-Chaparral 02/07-@Castle View 02/10-Heritage 02/14-Legend 02/16-@Highlands Ranch

Cheering at the Top Senior Desiree Gallegos demonstrates her acrobatic skills at the league championships on Nov. 9 at Legend High School. The ladies won first place, providing a testament to the hard work of the team. “It took a lot of hard work but we ended up pulling it off. It was the best routine I’ve had of my four years (at MVHS),” Gallegos said. Photo by Cody Enboden

Mountain Vista Food Drive

November 2nd - November 30th

Each CONNECT class will donate two boxes: one for canned foods and one for your class food theme. Freshmen: Cereal/Dried Milk Sophomores: Peanut Butter/Jelly (Plastic Jars) Juniors: Pasta/Tomato Sauce Seniors: Rice/Beans

FEED YOUR CLASS SPONSOR!

Get points for your class as a continuation of Homecoming Week Class Competitions.

november.28.2011 www.vistanow.org

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