Eagle Eye Issue Three by Mark Newton

ee eagle eye

Review of latest video games

Speaking out about her heritage

page | 8

page | 10

Riley McCloskey

Macy Morgan

Mountain Vista High School 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge Highlands Ranch, Colo. | 80126 Issue 3 | Vol. 11 | December 15, 2011 www.vistanow.org

Leaping to victory Senior Stephen Chipman and junior Mitch Carter battle for a rebound against Rampart High School Nov. 30. The Golden Eagles won, 64-38.

Holiday light reviews and recipes

Winter sports: Player perspectives

page | 19

page | 20

page | 21

Wes Edwards Taylor Atlas

Marilyn Cosson

Jack Reeves

Kinsey McNevin partakes in Irish dancing

BEGIN c c c

Most Popular Games

It is one of those things where going through those challenges really helps you stay grounded. It’s something that I believe in so I am motivated to keep going.

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TICKS ME OFF I’m Back!!!! Fans of Top 40 songs, you might just want to stop reading now.

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A perspective from a young Muslim, the differences and more frequent similarities. c

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience.

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An Islamic holiday which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

c It is challenging sometimes because there is definitely a lot of prejudice. It (being Muslim) is one of those things where going through those challenges really helps you stay grounded. It’s something that I believe in so I am motivated to keep going. c We go by the lunar calendar which is a little bit different because it is 10 days shorter than a regular calendar.c We have a major holiday called Eid al-Fitr. We just give food to people in need, we hang out with our friends and party and just have a lot of fun. This year it was in September and it moves back every year since there are 10 less days. c Currently right now, we’re actually in a period of mourning because our prophet’s grandson was the king and wanted to destroy all his people and followers (Shi’a). c The prophet wasn’t going to put up with that and went out to fight for what he believed in. Even though he ended up dying and all his men ended up dying, he still had his victory because they weren’t destroyed and they weren’t crushed into oblivion. c The mourning lasts for 11 days (from November 25 to December 7). We don’t celebrate Christmas, we just kind of go with it.

I’m about to quote the show “Victorious,” and I am not at all ashamed. That’s right. “Talent has nothing to do with becoming famous.” Sure we all laugh and giggle at Tori’s superficial older sister in that moment, but with time, and heavy, in-depth analysis of Nickelodeon programming’s subtle undertones — what we all, of course, spend our free time looking for — one starts to pick up some real truth in her statement. I think by now I’ve just about perfected the prime formula for a number one single in today’s music market. 1. Spend 20 minutes on Garage Band making some overly repetitive beat. 2. Steal a generic ‘80s song for your chorus, may I suggest a dubsteppy tweak of the “Caddyshack” theme. 3. The verses can consist of about eight B.S. lines referring over and over to how “Shawty moves on da flo.” Upon asking any teenage girl why their favorite artist is Lil Weezy or Chris Brown or T-Pain, it’s the same response every time, “It’s got a great beat.” Sure, who cares if the lyrics themselves degrade your gender to nothing more than a mindless, intoxicated, scantily-clad sex doll. “I love it, because it’s our song!!” No, you love it because

december.15.2011

everyone else told you to. Additionally, Lil Wayne looks like Nightcrawler from “X2.” Just a thought. The point to all of these rantings being, there is a major lack of talent in the music business today. I find it kind of shocking that someone like Flo Rida can be throwing bundles of hundreds all over 12 half-naked women in a limousine, just for letting us in on everything some girl had in her wardrobe. Apple-bottom jeans, boots with fur, baggy sweat pants, Reeboks with straps. No wonder everyone in the club was looking at her, that is one unfortunately dressed club-goer. Meanwhile there are respectable musicians out there, playing local bars for crowds of nine people, playing their own original songs that they’ve written themselves, without the assistance of a pop artist from the ‘80s. People have got to learn to look past the Top 40 when it comes to music. Look past lyrical topics beyond that of getting wasted, glorified promiscuity (that means having lots of sex, everybody), and having no idea how you woke up where you did. Such behavior in no way contributes to society. Where can you expect to go in life if you just party for a living? What about the Kardashians? and the cast of “Jersey Shore?” and Pitbull? and Oh God, what is our country coming to?

www.vistanow.org

Thoughts on Discrimination and Responsibility Photo by Taylor Atlas

Speaking Out

Macy Morgan | macy.a.morgan@gmail.com

I imagine that on a normal day, a teenager may have up to a hundred conversations or more. Hanging out with friends or chatting on Facebook, we may talk about hundreds of things; though we may discuss funny stories, deep ideas or just make small talk, how many times a day do we hear something that just isn’t right? And, how many times have we stood up to it? When I was 12 years old, I moved away from the town that fostered my Judaism. In Encino, Calif., about half of the people I knew attended Temple, observed Shabbat and celebrated Hanukkah. I grew up amongst people of my religion, of my tribe, yet at the same time, there would be an Armenian deli and an Asian diner right next to each other on Ventura Boulevard. Racism and anti-Semitism seemed unreal to me, for I had never been directly exposed to it before. Upon entering high school after moving to Colorado, I didn’t really expect to hear the things that I did. On numerous occasions, I felt my heart beat a little faster and my face grow a little warmer — to hear a joke about the

vista

STAFF

Jewish religion was a shock. I thought, what kind of a person would say that? How is such a degrading comment funny at all? They felt like an insult to my heritage: my family and where we have come from, the town in which I was born and the person that I am and hope to be. People may say they’re joking, but regardless, they are statements that insult the whole religion and all of its believers. I did not confront the anti-Semitism I heard when I was younger. I think I was simply scared of the reaction I would get; now I know that was a mistake. We are all one people, all seven billion of us — we are different, we are diverse, yet we are one. Our differences are something to be admired, not made fun of, for each person on this Earth has something to contribute to make it a better place, regardless of race, religion, sexuality, capability or gender. Why do we joke about putting other people down? Is that really worth hurting someone else? Why do we call things, rather than people, “gay” or “retarded” or “Jewish”? But the real question is, why, when we witness this happening, do we stand idly by?

december.15.2011 www.vistanow.org

I recently discovered an obligation. After noticing jokes about the Jewish religion on Facebook, I knew those comments were unkind and full of a hateful intent — it does not matter if they’re “jokes” or not. I took it upon myself as an obligation to stand up for my religion, for my heritage, and I did. I am no longer afraid to confront such things, because I know it is the right thing to do. One day I hope we can reach the point where people must no longer feel offended by such awful comments, but to get there, it must start with one person at a time. The next time you feel the compulsion to use words like “gay,” “retarded” or “Jewish” in a negative way, remember that those are words to describe groups of people, not things we find frustrating or upsetting. Consider it an obligation as a human being to make the world a better place, and standing idly by will contribute nothing. Take it upon yourself to not only set the example, but also to teach others to do the same. Every human being is a blessing to this Earth, so let us respect and embrace it through what we say and what we do, starting now.

Students and faculty explain their opinions on discrimination after reading quotes from famous people in history

What They Said How MV Feels “Thou shalt not be a victim, thou shalt not be a perpetrator, but, above all, thou shalt not be a bystander.” | Yehuda Bauer “In the end antiblack, antifemale, and all forms of discrimination are equivalent to the same thing: antihumanism.” | Shirley Chisholm “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” | Abraham Lincoln “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” | Eleanor Roosevelt “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” | Samuel Johnson “If you believe that discrimination exists, it will.” | Anthony J. D’Angelo “It is never too late to give up our prejudices.” | Henry David Thoreau

Heidi Schuster, teacher

“There’s a lot of discrimination in the world. It’s not just religion, it spreads throughout all parts of society. Education is really the answer. I’ve seen in my World Religions students that attitudes change when people learn more and examine the thing they’re prejudiced against.”

EDITORIAL

USING THE GIFT OF FREE SPEECH TO CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES OF SEVEN BILLION PEOPLE

Out of the seven billion people on this earth, each is unique, each person has differences. In celebration of these differences, each person contributes something to this world. All too often we hear things that target these differences and portray them in a negative way. In reality, these varieties should be celebrated for the different contributions each person makes. Take for instance: Ellen DeGeneres, an influence on the TV industry and a special envoy for Global AIDS awareness; Muhammed Ali, a professional boxer often

referred to as “the greatest,” a cultural icon and a philanthropist; and Albert Einstein, a physicist who developed the theory of general relativity and is a Nobel Prize winner. These accomplished citizens embrace uniqueness: gay, black, Muslim, Jewish, dyslexic, men and women. Yes, these people have differences as they represent different groups in the world, but what they have done has made this world all the better. These differences do not matter, but still we witness and hear the slander and ridicule of these groups — groups that have influenced

our culture and the way we live life. We have the gift of free speech, so rather than using it as a form to express hatred, we should use it to celebrate the accomplishments of others. Embrace a world of culture and diversity, do not ridicule it. This holiday break, during a time of glorification and coming together, is also a time to celebrate differences in our cultures. Through Christmas, Hanukkah, Ashura, Kwanzaa, this season let us rejoice as one people. And, that is what we should really celebrate.

Photos by Taylor Atlas

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. 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

Graphic by David Orser

Michael Weaver, principal

“We need to teach students more about responsibility. It now extends beyond teaching kids about stranger danger in elementary school. They need to learn about being responsible with social media sites and thinking before they post something online.”

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

Maggie Luehrs, senior

“I think education is the best way to end discrimination and derogatory language. Helping others understand the beauty of the wide variety of people in the world can help open their eyes to a non-judgmental mindset.”

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

Letters to the Editors Your opinions are important: submit typed letters to the editors.

Dear Editors: I would like to notify you of false content in the MVHS Newspaper on Page 9, titled “Mormons Embrace Seminary.” All of the LDS seminary students are very displeased with the false information given in the column. If you are going to have a column on LDS members, then please make the information correct. LDS members have enough rumors going around about our religion and we don’t need to have any more addressed! Thank You. | Haley Willardsen, 10

Dear Editors: I am writing to you regarding the seminary article. Although there were minor inaccuracies, the overall content and tone of the article were very informative and positive. I would like to thank you for including a column about seminary and our church. Yes, there were small discrepancies, but they didn’t shine a negative light on our church in any way. I completely understand these minor faults in the article, and I don’t think that they added negatively to the article in any way. Thank you again for taking the time to write a column about our church. Sincerely, | McKall Harris, 11

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.

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.

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.

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MUSIC The year 2011 saw the loss of three teachers at Vista who, while leaving a legacy in the group they led, also left big shoes to fill. The band program, speech and debate team and wrestling team experienced great success with teachers Michael Wurst, Chris McCallum and Frank LaVoie, but new leaders Darren Delaup, Natalie Sprigg and Adam Bittler bring new changes to these programs this year.

A YEAR OF

CHaNGE

New teacher Darren Delaup brings different methods to Vista’s music program Kyle | Waters

Replacing Mark Wurst as the new band and orchestra teacher is Darren Delaup, who brings a new style to the music program. Delaup has some big shoes to fill, and he knows it. “It’s hard to step into a new program that has been built up for years by Wurst, and I want to gain respect from my students,” he said. He is bringing a different method of teaching band and orchestra this year, said sophomore Mackenzie Landgrave. “He is really organized and gets straight down to the music,” she said. Although members of band and orchestra said they were sad to see Wurst leave, they are excited for Delaup’s new approach towards instructing. “(Delaup) pushes us re-

ally hard by making us play songs that might be out of our comfort zone, which really helps us grow as musicians,” Langrave said. Delaup said his goals for the future are to participate in competitions and be ranked on state and national levels. “Douglas County High School was very competitive,” he said, “and I wanted to bring that to the Mountain Vista music program.” “I think we definitely could (be state and nationally ranked),” senior Daniel Seter said. “I think (Delaup) is really involved, and he is getting us ready for college tryouts and festivals.” Delaup said he is determined to make the music program the best it can be, by making the students work hard. “He is serious,” Seter said. “He has us practice a lot, to make us the best we can be.”

Photo by Kyle Waters

Teacher Darren Delaup conducts his first winter concert with the band and orchestra Dec. 6.

december.15.2011 www.vistanow.org

scope

Photo by Kyle Waters

Sophomores Sara Mottaghi Mazlaghani, Tom Place and Lindsey Reardon perform their speeches at practice Dec. 7 to prepare for an upcoming tournament. “Its really a lot of fun, you can do whatever you want. It’s really your own piece,” Reardon said.

SPEECH AND DEBATE

After Chris McCallum’s leave, teacher Natalie Sprigg helps team continue success

Zane | Johnson

“I’m happy that Mac found a better job, but I’m sad to lose him as a debate coach,” said junior Matt Ballinger, a member of the speech a debate team since his freshman year. This school year is the first in four years that former English and public and competitive speaking teacher Christopher “Mac” McCallum will not be coaching the speech and debate team. McCallum left his teaching position in the English Department to pursue a new career at Kaiser

Permanente as a business systems senior trainer. “(The club is) more frantic. Mac set up a system and left it,” said junior and captain of the speech and debate team, Jackson Laughlin, “but Ms. (Natalie) Sprigg has organized it a little bit.” Taking his place for the remainder of this year is McCallum’s assistant coach Sprigg, an algebra and geometry teacher. Michael Weldon, a longterm substitute for English teacher Meagan Oberle, has also been helping out with the class and expressed an interest in supporting the

team. Though dealing with the change is difficult for members, they remain positive due to Sprigg’s work ethic and leadership. “She is doing a really great job and has a lot of enthusiasm,” said Ballinger. “She stays up very late hours for (the team).” Sprigg said she and the team are doing their best to have a successful year. “I’d say it’d be a really tough transition, but the kids are working hard to make (McCallum) proud,” Sprigg said. The increase in the number of active members

has also proved to be a challenge. Three years ago the team was comprised of eight active members; this year, there are 30. “The trouble (with a large team) is that there is far less individual attention given to each student,” Sprigg said. “Students have to be self-motivated and have to work with their peers to rehearse.” However, the increase also can be seen as a great accomplishment for the team. “We have worked hard to recruit and retain members,” Sprigg said. Events for the team this year include a national

tournament in Cheyenne, Wyo local tournaments at George Washington High School and Overland High School and a showcase night for the community. Also, for the first time in years the team will be attending National Qualifications. Despite the transition, the speech and debate team is still bringing home many awards for their performances and placing in the top six at tournaments. “I think the team will be just fine,” said Laughlin.

MVHSEagleEye

Former assistant Adam Bittler steps in as new wrestilng coach

At this point last year, coach Adam Bittler did not imagine he would be in this situation. Bittler is this year’s wrestling coach who replaced Frank LaVoie, who coached Mountain Vista’s wrestling team for four years. “I was pretty surprised,” Bittler said. “I think it came as a shock to all of us. It is a very unfortunate situation altogether (that LaVoie left).” Bittler has been part of the coaching staff since 2006, and has devoted much time to the program and its wrestlers. “He is truly invested in the program and is passionate not only about wrestling, but also cares for the team members and staff,” assistant coach Zeric Martinez said. Bittler has not wasted time instituting new things this year to improve the wrestling program. “I have established a parent advisory board and really reached out to our youth club,” he said. “(I believe) a new approach to our technique and wrestling philosophy will help us become pretty successful this year.” After LaVoie’s departure from the team last year, the team wondered where the program would go in the future. Now the coaching

staff and wrestlers on the team have mixed emotions about this season. “We have some strong upper classmen, but we have a lot of depth in our younger wrestlers,” Martinez said. On the other hand, some other wrestlers are doubting the success of the wrestling team this year. “I believe it will be a rebuilding year for the team this year,” senior Dylan Bull said. “It will be interesting to see how the team performs with a new coach.” Bittler has high goals and standards for this year’s wrestling program. “My job as a coach is to equip and guide all of my wrestlers, whether first-year or varsity, to being the best they can possibly be,” he said. “I would really like to qualify at least three to the state tournament for varsity, and on the JV level, finishing (in the) top three at leagues would be great.” Ultimately, many of the wrestlers and coaching staff in the program are excited for this season and are looking forward to seeing where the wrestling program goes. “This isn’t something everyone can experience and be a part of. You have to be willing to work hard, focus and exhibit some serious toughness,” Bittler said. “I am confident we are headed in the right direction and believe that we are soon to be the premier wrestling program in the area.”

2012

M “(My goal is to have) recognition in achieving superior performances on and off campus.” Darren Delaup, band and orchestra director

She Said

Mike | Collins

WRESTLING

scope

A look inside what guys and girls are thinking about each other What What What guys think girls think girls want in a guys guys want in a relationship relationship want I think girls want the same things that we would, strong connection from the beginning. They really want guy who has a sense of humor, a personality and athleticism. Chisled abs and being a vampire.

in a girl

I want someone who can be both a girlfriend and a best friend, someone who can come to me with their problems and I can do the same. I look for a connection right away.

Ashten Ritchko, 10

Photo by Cody Enboden

Senior Dylan Bull inverts an opponent at the Survivor Series Dec 2. “(Bittler) was the assistant coach last year, so it was a big role to step into for him, but I think he stepped in nicely and it’s going to be a good year,” Bull said.

Jake Meyer, 9

“(I would like to) put the captains in charge of more things. The school should also be more aware and supportive of the club.” Natalie Sprigg, speech and debate coach

“I think that it is important that every wrestler meets or exceeds his potential.” Adam Bittler, wrestling coach

december.15.2011 www.vistanow.org

soul

UPCOMING EVENTS | Wrestling UNC Christmas tournament, Dec. 16-17 | Speech and Debate meet at Cheyenne East High School, Dec. 15-17

Girls with a good sense of humor, easy going and a unique personality I really look for a good sense of humor and just an all-around nice person; attractive, too.

What

Looks are always an important aspect for guys. They want someone who is simple and says what they mean.Girls are confusing enough. Guys seem to really just focus on looks and “willingness.” I think guys just want the physical aspect and someone they can show off to their friends.

Girls Want

in a guy

I look for someone who is sweet and sincere, has real goals for themself, is nice, attractive, athletic and smells good. Someone who is smart, funny, and really social. I want to have fun, have it be more than physical, and for us to be best friends too.

Jake McManigle, 12

Mimi Le, 11

Maddie Malone, 11

Michaela Elson, 12 december.15.2011 www.vistanow.org

soul

Name | Alex Linares Favorite Brand |TOMS Favorite Store | Urban Outfitters

The Steps to Success

Regional champion Kinsey McNevin shares the culture of Irish dancing

Wes | Edwards Taylor | Atlas

TOMS | TOMS shoes is a company that will match every pair of shoes bought with a pair for a child in need | Giving a pair of shoes to a child in need can prevent soil-transmitted diseases from penetrating the skin | A pair of shoes can also allow children to attend schools that require footwear as a part of the uniform

Zane | Johnson

Alex Linares wears her beliefs on her sleeves — and her shoes. The senior can be seen in the halls clad in one of her Invisible Children shirts and wearing one of her pairs of TOMS shoes, showing her support for noble causes fighting for equality and world peace. Linares also champions civil rights and activism, making generous donations and getting involved with organizations and movements that will make the world a better place.

Sources: invisiblechildren.com toms.com

To read more about Linares’ thoughts on the charities she supports go to her blog at willthispass.tumblr. com

charitable fashion trends

Photo by Jordan VanNote

december.15.2011

| Invisible Children gives communities and local enforcements warnings of Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) activity | They operate a center in Dungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that prepares children to go back to a normal life with their families | People can help by either donating money or hostng a screening party of any of the Invisible Children films

www.vistanow.org

> Among Linares’

repertoire of supported causes are TOMS, Invisible Children, (RED) and the “99 percent” which she said advocates for the fair distribution of wealth in America. However, “the most important causes (to me) involve same-sex marriage and gay rights,” she said. “I have friends that have been affected by (discrimination),” Linares said. “I’ve seen what can happen firsthand.” She said the reason she got involved was to make a difference for those being discriminated against and those less fortunate. But not only does she participate in and support these causes, she actively spreads the word. She even attends gatherings and rallies promoting awareness.

“I went to something called ‘The Rescue,’ which was not really a protest, but a gathering to spread a lot of information on what (Invisible Children) is,” she said. Linares makes a lot of posts on social networking websites. “It’s so easy to share and get the message out through social networking,” she said. A less obvious way that information can be spread is through fashion. The original intent of the organizations making tshirts for their cause was to spread awareness and gain a following. But is fashion an effective way to do this? “For sure,” Linares said. “(The goal of it all) is to try and make a difference and get the message out. I have three Invisible Children shirts and a lot of people ask me about them.”

Photos courtesy of Kinsey McNevin Photo illustration by Taylor Atlas Sophomore Kinsey McNevin (right) won the Western United States Regional Irish Dancing Championships. Her friend from her dance school, Chelsea Hoy (left), placed second.

THE

VOCABULARY

Irish dancing terms you should know

Front Click

Looks like a high scissor kick with a click of the hard heels of the shoe when the feet pass each other

Double Click

Dancer goes straight up while clicking her heels twice quickly

Feis

An Irish dancing competition Source: Irish Central

Two close friends shared the stage in Anaheim, Calif., knowing that one of them would take home first place for their dance school. “We were really happy because we knew that one of us would win,” sophomore Kinsey McNevin said. McNevin, an Irish step-dancer, shared a powerful moment with other members of her dance school, the Wick Irish Dance School in Denver on Nov. 20, winning the Western United States Region Irish Dancing Championships against 104 other participants from 12 states. “It was a tender mercy,” McNevin said. “It was really great to see all of my training and hard work pay off.” This year of the competition held special importance to McNevin. “Last year I was taking private lessons when the week before (the regional competition) I pulled my hip,” McNevin said. “This year I prepared more and all of my friends and family kept telling me, ‘This is your year.’” A cultural dance that started over a thousand years ago in Irish pubs has now become a competitive sport displaying the grace, skill and stamina of people who are honoring their traditions through this form of dance. “It’s a great way to show your culture, but there’s a lot of drama, too,” McN-

evin said. McNevin’s dancing career started at the age of four when her mother introduced her and all her siblings to the dance that had been passed down generation to generation through her family. After she began progressing, McNevin enrolled in the Wick Irish Dance School to continue her training and progress to competitions around the state and region. “It’s really cool because no one really knows about it and it’s fun to share,” McNevin said. On a very simple level, Irish step-dancing is basically a combination of clogging and tap dancing. It entails many specific moves such as leaps, troubles and clicks. This requires the dancers to stomp their feet in specific ways, jump into the air and make more moves while smiling for the judges. The dancers train at Irish dance schools which have their own experienced teachers who teach groups of dancers in order to prepare them to compete in state and national competitions. “It’s really tiring because it takes a lot of stamina,” McNevin said. In addition to elaborate attire, this dance requires two different types of shoes depending on what type of dance is taking place. Both

hard-soled and soft-soled shoes are used depending on the types of moves being performed by the dancers. “We have really fancy costumes that have their school’s colors or custom ones that can look like whatever you want,” McNevin said. “The more bling, the better.” McNevin took two to three classes, each 90 minutes long, every week at Wick Irish Dance School. “It definitely takes dedication,” McNevin said. “Homework is kind of not super important right now.” This amount of time does not include the numerous private lessons McNevin took in order to prepare for the regional competition. “A ton of people would kill to be in the top ten (at the regional competition),” McNevin said. “It’s really special because there’s a lot of people that take part.”

To see Kinsey in action at the Taste of Colorado, visit youtube.com.

MVHSEagleEye

soul

Merry

Cupcake

Making A yummy holiday recipe with a peppermint twist

Vanilla Peppermint Frosting: 2 sticks unsalted butter 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp peppermint extract 1/2 tsp milk Beat butter until light and fluffy in electric mixer. Reduce speed and gradually add confectioner’s sugar. Add extracts and vanilla, add teaspoons of milk until desired consistency is reached.

Photos courtesy of Christine Capocelli

Eagle Eye Staff Member and baker, Gabi Capocelli tries out this holiday recipe.

Vanilla Peppermint Cupcakes: Makes 1 dozen 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 stick butter 1 egg 2 egg whites 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp peppermint extract 1/2 cup milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners. Mix flour and baking powder. Cream butter on medium high in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add sugar until combined. Add egg and egg whites until just blended. Add half of the flour mixture. Add milk, vanilla and peppermint. Add remaining flour mixture. Pour batter into paper cups. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Let cool. Frost. www.cocoandvanilla.com

december.15.2011

New Year, New Take a look at four New Year’s resolutions from the Vista Community

My hopes for 2012 are to... | Brooke Barenberg, 12

| Dalton Lewis, 10

“Try not to procrastinate, even though it’s senior year.”

“Go to DECA Nationals.”

| Jenny Gogol, 11

| Kathy Reed, copy room

“Be more open-minded to other cultures.”

“Never stand outside in a suit of armour during a lightning storm.”

Let the games begin! hockey

men’s basketball

women’s basketball women’s swimming

wrestling

QUICK NEWS | MVHS donated 764+ pounds of food to Food Bank of the Rockies

Winter Wishing Around the World A quick look at transglobal New Year’s traditions Gabi | Capocelli Pam | Shapiro 5. 4. 3. 2. 1 “Happy New Year!” January first is a time for elaborate celebrations, quality time with friends and family and a new beginning. Since ancient times, people have been rejoicing about the changes this date brings. In fact, Julius Caesar, Roman Emperor, first declared January first as New Years Day in 46 BCE. There are many people around the world who partake in different new years traditions.

graphic by David Orser

In China, this holiday is celebrated for a little over a month from January 17 to February 19 at the time of the new moon. They set off firecrackers and line the streets with lanterns to light the way for the new year. In Scotland, the new year is called Hogmanay. The Scots join together to light barrels of tar on fire and roll them down the streets. This blazing tradition symbolizes the

coming of a new year and the eradication of the old one. In Greece, small children place their shoes in front of a fire in hopes that St. Basil will come and fill their shoes with gifts. There are many different traditions and customs that take place throughout the world that make this holiday so distinct and lively.

Light the Lights in Highlands Ranch Where: 9271 Wheeler Court, Highlands Ranch

As you come around the corner, this house seems to light up the whole street with hundreds of white lights. Although there are no traditional colored lights or a blow-up Santa Claus, the sea of lights transforms the house into a snowy white wonderland. Photo by Trevor Zalkind Where: 1582 Meyerwood Circle, Highlands Ranch

Photo by Trevor Zalkind

www.vistanow.org

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From 5-10 p.m., 40,000 bright red, white and multicolored lights create a sea of holiday cheer. Not only do the lights dance along to the radio, but people can also donate to the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation in a collection box outside of the house. This house is truly a joy to see and a wonderful way to give back during the holidays. season.

Aksel Campbell

Amir Qadri

Amber Chisholm

Maggie MItchell

Dylan Formby Photos by Cody Enboden

“This is our first year (in CHSAA), so it’s really important that we have a good year to help promote ice hockey in the county.” |Mike Tantillo, 11 “Ice hockey is a fast and physical sport and we are hoping to use all of our size and speed as a factor to help us reach our goal of winning state playoffs.” |Zack Reinholtz, 11

“The team itself is only about half kids who actually go to Vista.” |Trevor Kim, 12

“The most important thing for men’s basketball is that the game is way different then perceived on TV. Basketball is a team sport and to be successful, the team needs to play as one.” |Mitch Carter, 11 “I think we will do pretty good this year because we have a lot of talent and we are very aggressive on defense.” |Marshall McDougal, 12 “Basketball is a game of momentum and crowds play a huge part in our games, so we need some big crowds.” |Chandler Wiscombe, 11

“Mountain Vista offers two hockey teams. There is a High Plains team in the spring and a brand new CHSAA team in the winter.”

“We are a small team, and may be less skilled than other teams, but we work harder than any of them.”

|Aksel Campbell, 12

|Amir Qadri, 11

“We have gone through a lot through the past couple of seasons with getting a new coach. It’s been a tough challenge.” |Jordan Wilmes, 12 “The majority of the team has played with one another for a couple years now, so we know who is best at what and our jobs within the team.” |Megan Whetstone, 12

“We are always bonding. Before every game, everyone hits up the local Noodles and Company to eat well for the pregame and to pump each other up.” |Kylie Klein, 10 “I think we’re going to have a better record than we’ve ahead in the past. We’ve been working a lot harder than we have in the past.”

It’s is a no-cut sport of varsity and junior varsity (no freshman/sophomore teams). This year we have a large dive team and the most competitive we have ever had. We also have a new assistant coach, Mr. (Kevin) Cary, who is a great addition to the team.” |Karissa Dahlquist, 11 “There are so many girls that come out for the team and have no experience, but at the end of the season they have gotten really good and found a sport they love!” |Kensie Cembalisty, 12 “Our 400-free relay should be really good this year and we are all hoping to break the school record and place top eight at state. Also a few of the girls could potentially place really well at state, too.” |Paula Stoddard, 12

“Wrestling is both a team and individual sport. It requires dedication and sacrifice and at many times makes you wish you could join badminton. The rules are you try to take a guy down, put him on his back for three seconds and pin him to get the win. Our team is doing great this year, we have only three remaining senior wrestlers on the team, but we get by well.” |Steve Lee, 10 “We have a lot of new incoming freshman and others that are not really familiar with wrestling. We’re a young team.” |AJ Sack, 12 We have only four upper classmen—three seniors and one junior—so are in a rebuilding process. In the next two years or so we should be really good.” |Dylan Formby, 10

|Jennifer Waleithner, 12

december.15.2011 www.vistanow.org

pulse

to learn how to ice climb in Ouray, check out ourayclimbing.com

Ellen Hamilton at the Ouray Ice Park

love

Photo courtesy of Ellen Hamilton

OVERCOMING

Adversity

Ellen Hamilton pushes herself as sole girl in the Climbing Club Photo by Joanie Lyons

THE

VOCABULARY

Joanie | Lyons

Terms you should know about climbing

On Belay

Asking the person if their belay device is ready for them to start climbing.

Belay On

Confirming that the belay device is in tact for the person to begin climbing.

and explains his future endeavors in the extreme snow sport

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the Winter Park Snowboard Team (WPST)-this year is his sixth year snowboarding. The WPST has many snowboarding programs, but McCasland is part of the Park and Pipe Weekend Program. “(In the Park and Pipe Weekend Program)Usually we spend most of our days in the terrain parks, but I love back-country and sometimes we’ll go there

december.15.2011 www.vistanow.org

too.” Terrain parks will include rails, jumps and halfpipes on which people can do tricks. Most WPST members compete in events in a contest series put on by the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA). McCasland attends some of these USASA contests. “Usually my competitions are held at Copper

(Mountain), but sometimes they are in Winter Park and Breckenridge, too. I am decent (in competitions), but there are some kids that are already professionals who compete in the same series as me.” But despite his stiff competition, McCasland can still do interesting tricks. “I can do anything from 720’s on down.” A 720 is two full rotations

Lyndsey | Trujillo

A of snowBoarding Conner McCasland develops a life-long passion for snowboarding As the sun starts to rise, junior Conner McCasland moves off the hill and tries to accelerate, moving up to the jump in front of him. “Today is my first day back for the new season,” McCasland says. “Even though I’m not throwing too many tricks, it’s still been a pretty good day.” McCasland goes up snowboarding every weekend and is a part of

“(Ice climbing) was incredible. When this picture was taken, it was the first time I went (ice climbing). I never thought I could climb like I did. Climbing on ice was difficult. Of course I don’t have all the tactics down yet, but it’s something I can’t explain in words. Let’s just say you had to be there to experience it.”

in the air after going off a jump, rail or halfpipe “Even though I may not be the best one out there, when I get done with a run and I do really well, I

Climb

Climb On

Rappel

Photo by Sammy Linares

Asking the person belaying if they are good to go as you begin to depart.

Your final confirmation, where you can start to climb. The process by which a climber may descend on a fixed rope using a friction device.

While other girls are going to soccer or cheer practice, Ellen Hamilton junior, takes on a new challenge: Rock Climbing Club. With a total of six members, including Hamilton, along with club sponsors Mark McConnell and Anthony Deets, the club meets once a month to go outdoor climbing. Every Monday, the club members get together to go indoor climbing at Rockin and Jammin in Centennial to practice. Although there aren’t a lot of students involved in the club, each member has a reason for being involved. Hamilton, who has been a part of the club since her sophomore year, making this year her second year in the club, had McConnell as her freshman science teacher. “We went on a field trip to this place with a ton of caves,” she said. “I know it’s a little different from climbing, but it made me want to do it more.” As students work on their skills, McConnell and Deets are always there to help them improve, as well as climb and have fun with them. “Ellen really sticks her neck out, being the only girl,” Deets said. “She’s the social butterfly of the group. She gets the more introverted guys out to have fun.” Deets said the club’s motto, “Challenge by choice,” allows members to go about climbing without competing against one another and allows each one to be challenged by personal choice. “A lot of the guys are more skilled and they’re a lot stronger and have more experience with climbing,” Hamilton said. “I’m not saying that boys do things better than girls, but I get challenged and I think there is nothing better in life than to get challenged.” “Climbing is a difficult task,” Hamilton said. “That initial moment when I climbed to the top for the first time, I felt so accomplished and I felt like I could do almost anything.”

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