EagleEye Student Leaders
Stories of various school leaders are told. p. 14
Mountain Vista High School | 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Vol. 14 Issue 4 2.17.15
POIS MOI COLLECTION
Highlands Ranch | 303-471-8463
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VISTAj STAFF Editors
Gretchen Cope Jacob Cushatt Reagan Fitzke Antonia Fornaro Tyler Kraft Tara O’Gorman Kelsey Pharis
Katie Pickrell Gabe Rodriguez Daley Smith Tori Soper Erica Tagliarino Francesco Viola III Kaitlin Zenoni
John Bellipanni Graham Carroll Conner Davis Taylor Desmond Sara Hainsey Aly Hoffman Christian Holton Savanah Howard Amy Huang Gowri Kalyani Ana Krasuski
Regan Lavallee Lauren Lippert Jordan MacArthur Kit Miller Hayley Mustin Peyton Reeves Austin Sack Lexi Weingardt Kenzie Winslow Taylor Zakhem
Staff
Senior Brady Subart shoots a free throw against Fairview High School.
Photo by Reagan Fitzke
Policy
Eagle Eye, a legally recognized public forum for student expression, is published six to nine times a year by the Journalism class for students at 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) are available in the journalism/publications room (U328) or in the principal’s office.
Letters to the Editors Eagle Eye welcomes and encourages letters to the editors. This is a chance to express your viewpoint on important issues. Letters should be limited to 250 words. Letters will be edited for space and legal considerations, but not for inaccuracies, grammar or spelling. Letters must contain information pertinent to the students of MVHS. The staff retains the right to not publish any letter not meeting these requirements. Unsigned letters will not be published. Please submit typed letters in person to Room U328 or via mail or e-mail.
Contact
Eagle Eye | Mountain Vista High School 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 Phone: 303-387-1500 Adviser email: mark.newton@dcsdk12.org Publication email: EagleEyeEditors@dcsdk12.org
Distribution
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 is prohibited (C.R.S. 18-4-419). Violators, subject to prosecution and penalty under C.R.S. 13-21-123, will be prosecuted.
contents 6 Why High school sports are dying
Club teams are beginning to attract players away from Mountain Vista.
8 School News
Stories and statistics pertaining to the school year are given.
9 VIsta Spirit
Editor Reagan Fitzke shares an opinion on school spirit.
10 Standardized Tests John Bellipanni discusses his opinion on the problems of tests.
Open Forum Content 12 Editorials Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service and Creative Commons licensing. ©2015 Eagle Eye/Mountain Vista High School. All rights reserved.
FEATURES
LEADING OFF
The staff talks about common student problems and leadership.
NEWS
14 anirudh 22 Unified mathukumilli Basketball The NHS president shares his leadership experiences. by Savanah Howard and Gabe Rodriguez
16 Jake Pierzcahala and ali smith Two seniors share the title of DECA president. by Peyton Reeves
18 Brooklyn OSTby
A senior STEM student sets an example through being the only girl in Engineering III. by Lexi Weingardt
20 Urban Suburbans
Students lead and work together through teamwork. by Amy Huang and Hayley Mustin
24 Morgan Bergstrom
The Tri-M president helps out the school’s music program. by Kit Miller
26 Coach Dalby
Head Coach Jonathan Dalby guides the number one cross country team in the state. by Taylor Desmond, Christian Holton, and Hayley Mustin
28 ten questions A question and answer interview with Erick Sherwood on his role as Student Body President.
31 Sports Briefing
Information about the current winter sports season is given.
Cover Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
Back cover: Student section cheers during varsity basketball game against Rock Canyon Feb. 6. Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
Students lead through creating music. by Conner Davis
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EP!C Photos
Pho
The Harlem Wizards and the Vista Feeder Staff
going head to head: The Harlem Wizards came to Mountain Vista High School on the first day of Wish Week. “We [Vista] were doing this the right way for our kids, our families, our schools and our community, and no matter how many people showed up we were going to have something special,� teacher organizer Patrick McGuire said. The proceeds from the game went to help raise money to send Asher to Disney World through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
photo by conner davis 4
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Photo by John Bellipanni Photo by Katie Pickrell
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Photo byKatie Pickrell
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Photo by Conner Davis 1. Senior Gracie Haasbeek dances
with the rest of the poms team at the varsity men’s basketball game against Rock Canyon High School at the end of Wish Week. “It’s cool [to perform] at basketball games because the crowd’s really close to you so you can see if they like the dance,” Haasbeek said. 2. Juniors Paige Mawhinney and Kyle Chambers participate in a Unified Basketball game against Rock Canyon. “I love to see all of the kids and watch them grow in the sport and be happy and involved,” Mawhinney said. 3. Sophomore Miles Hughes drives the basket against Rock Canyon’s junior varsity team. “Just the opportunity to put on that Golden Eagle’s jersey is a thrill,” Hughes said. 4. Brooklyn Photo by Katie Pickrell Otsby and the Senior Class celebrate during a class photo. “My favorite part of senior year is really enjoying being here at Vista for the last time and reaching out to everyone that I haven’t already,” Otsby said. “I’m so excited to be a senior and wrap all it all up so I can finally experience everything.” 5. Senior Ray Beresford goes for a shot against three players from FountainFort Carson High School. “Being able to play with all the varsity guys has been the best part of the year,” Beresford said. “They’re kind of like brothers to me, so it’s really nice to play with them.” Vista ended up winning the game against Fountain Fort Carson, 66-57.
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why S Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
high school sports are
dying Tyler Kraft
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Photo Courtesy of Katie Ireland
enior Brady Subart has been in the gym for hours, honing his shooting technique. Along with him are 37 other players. Each is from a top basketball high school in Colorado. Subart goes again and again and again. However, Subart is not wearing Mountain Vista High School’s customary green and gold. He is instead sporting the sky blue and white of the Colorado Chaos Basketball Club. Chaos is one of the many club sports teams that has started to attract athletes away from high school sports. These club teams, which are most predominant in basketball, volleyball, soccer and baseball, are starting to draw many high schoolers away from school-run athletics. These club teams boast year-long programs that play far more frequently than high school teams. There often conflicts with the school-based teams because of the amount of time student-athletes spend away from their school teams. “On some occasions there are a lot of conflicts based on how many tournaments each club does,” Subart said. “It kind of takes away from high school teams because you should spend more time with your high school team to build more chemistry during the year and play with (your high school teammates) more throughout the year.” The club teams often focus the main part of their seasons while high school sports are not running. “Club (soccer) starts practicing in late July and early August three to four times a week,” senior Morgan McDougal, who plays for Real Colorado’s Elite Clubs National League U18 team, said. “The season starts in late August or early September and goes through to mid-December.” However, club sports do sometimes overlap with high school seasons. This creates a predicament that student-athletes must face: whether or not to play for their high school or club team. Many athletes choose their club teams over their high school teams in these situations. A dominant reason for these departures is the fact that club sports offer more exposure to college coaches. “The main reason I play club volleyball is to get recruited by colleges because high school volleyball doesn’t give you the opportunity to be recruited by colleges like club does,” senior Katie Ireland, who plays for Rocky Mountain Select Volleyball Club’s 18 Black team, said. Club teams have a vast advantage over high school teams in getting exposure to college coaches as most of them travel during their season while high school teams stay in state. “Most teams travel to a couple of tournaments a year and invite coaches to see them,” McDougal said. “It is hard for college
Phot
Photo by John Bellipanni
“High school
coaches that are out of state to come watch tons of different high school teams play.” High school coaches are doing their best to keep their players from leaving for club teams. One solution involves making the high school seasons longer. “I think a lot of high school coaches are trying to fight the club teams as far as making the spring season more important, playing for something a little bit more,” Mountain Vista baseball coach Ron Quintana said. “Obviously in Colorado we play 19 games. A lot of the coaches are wanting a longer season with more games. That’s one of the ways that we feel we can compete with the club teams.” High school players agree that high school seasons are too short. “The big thing, especially with playing in Colorado, is that we only get 23 games,” Subart said. “I know that when ThunderRidge was in (Las) Vegas (for a national basketball tournament) they only got to play four games or something, while you have all of these other huge prep schools playing like 30-40 games in a season, so I feel like it would be more beneficial if we played more games as a high school team.” Another solution being discussed is having high school-based
club teams. However, many Mountain Vista sports do not offer a place for their players to play in the off season. “Mountain Vista does not have an off-season team, which I think is due to the fact that so many club players play for Vista so there wouldn’t be much of a team,” McDougal said. “Most of the girls I play with want to or are going to play in college, so that is why they play club.” One sport that has tried to form a Mountain Vista-based club team is baseball. Quintana has partnered with a summer program called The Batter’s Box. The team has levels for each high school level, with the 17U and 18U teams each playing four tournaments outside Colorado. However, many Mountain Vista players still leave for baseball club teams such as Team Colorado, Hitstreak and Slammers over the summer. “You hope they want to stay loyal to the program,” Quintana said. “Obviously, that is a battle in the summer that I don’t really want to take on. I would love for kids to stay (with the school-based club). I think with the program growing, more kids are going to want to be loyal to the program.”
volleyball
doesn’t give you the opportunity to be recruited by
colleges like
club does.” –Katie Ireland
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Faculty ofthe Month T
Dillon Turpin
he 2014-15 school year is teacher Dillon Turpin’s first at Mountain Vista High School. There are a lot of things to love at Mountain Vista, Turpin said. “The students, faculty and the administration we have here are amazing,” he said. “They are my favorite part of Vista.” “My favorite thing to do as a teacher is to interact with the students. Being able to track them on a daily basis is a real blessing for me,” Turpin said, who teaches U.S. History and World Civilizations. Turpin found his job at Vista right after he became a new husband. “My wife and I got married in June and I needed a job in the Denver area. So, in searching for schools, MVHS came up and I applied and was hired within two to three days,” Turpin said. During the two-month job search Turpin applied to six schools and found his home at Vista. “As soon as I met Mr. (Mike) Weaver (principal) and the social studies department, I knew MVHS was the place I wanted to be,” Turpin said. Austin Sack
numbers By the
VISTAj recently took a look at some interesting statistics for the 2014-15 school year. Here is what we found:
The MVHS student body raised
$7,722 there are only As of today,
for Asher during
23school The MVHS
Miracle Minute on days of the Friday, Feb. 6.
left until spring break and
student body raised
$50K+ 56school days of
left until the seniors’ last day.
for Asher over the
course of Wish Week.
What’s going on in
february-March february:
March:
Parent/ Teacher 26: Conferences from
Rolling Block 2-6: Schedule: English
3:30-7 p.m.
26-28: Stage Flight
Theatre performs “Macbeth” each day at 7 p.m.
If you would like to buy a ticket to the Macbeth play, scan this QR code.
registered and paid. Scan below to register.
18:
“500 Words” college admissons movie, panel discussion.
PARCC testing during English class for freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
exams must be 3:AP
Instrumental Teacher Collage Work 12: 20: Concerts 6:30 p.m. Day (No school for
concerts at 7 p.m. 5:Choir
students).
23-27: Spring Break!
ACT Practice ACT Practice Test for Follow19: 31: juniors at 7:35-11 Up 6-7:30 p.m., a.m. in commons.
commons.
What was the best part about Wish Week? Probably just seeing the whole school coming together for one kid. —Andrew Breeling, 12
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I would have to say the basketball game just because of how great the atmosphere and energy were. —Cole Blatchford, 10
Probably the Rock Canyon basketball game because it was cool to see our whole school come together. —Trevis Lovato, 11
Cheering
team
for our own
Mountain Vista’s spirit shines, but the spotlight doesn’t hit everyone.
Reagan Fitzke
Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
I
n the course of this year, I have noticed that the ideas of school spirit and a tight-knit school community have become increasingly popular. Days where students are encouraged to wear certain colors or types of clothing have become more abundant and more students have tended to do so. A group of select individuals, who are referred to as the “MV Unit,” could be the reason for the increase in student involvement. The MV Unit consists of seniors who lead crowds in cheers and encourage students to dress up and attend sporting events. Because of this increase in school spirit, dress up days and crowds at sporting events have been popping up more often in the social media feeds of students. Even 9News, one of the news stations in Denver, took notice. Mountain Vista was the winner of 9News’ poll for best student section and the MV Unit was featured on a broadcast earlier in the year. An Instagram photo by a student featuring the MVHS crowd throwing streamers at a football game was also featured on the 9Preps Twitter page as its cover photo for several weeks in a row. However, as much as we do not like to admit it, the presence of the MV Unit is minimal aside from more acknowledged sports such as football or basketball. Of course this is understandable. The selected “Unit” simply cannot attend every
event. However, this reflects on the entire student body as well. It is not only the MV Unit that fails to show up. The rest of the students who attend Vista also fail to show. In January, the women’s swim and dive team encouraged the MVHS population to attend one of its most significant meets of the season against rival ThunderRidge High School. The team sent out tweets and invited friends and family to attend. “Everyone on the team tried to invite people to come,” junior swimmer Maddy Worley said. “There were other people there, more than had attended our other meets. Usually parents and siblings show up. Sometimes other people show up if the girls invite them.” There is an extraordinary difference present in who attends the swim meets and the attendance of the varsity men’s basketball and football games. Members of the swim team have to reach out and invite as many people as they can to get students to show while students flock to football and basketball games without being asked. If the Mountain Vista community was as full of spirit and unity as we like to believe, students would not just support certain people or events. We would all encourage each other to be successful in the things that we enjoy, whether that be well-known sports or lesser-known sports, clubs or academics. I personally think that it is a great thing that the school holds assemblies for certain
sports that excel. Student-athletes who partake in more popular sports who do well deserve to be recognized, but I also think students who excel in other areas should be recognized as well. Vista’s Technology Student Association chapter is the largest in Colorado. Several students placed at the national level last year. They did not get an assembly. The music program at Mountain Vista is hardly ever given any attention, and as a result, is suffering due to the decrease in students participating. Students instead are encouraged to take other classes. A number of choir students at MVHS were given the opportunity to represent our school in all-state choir in early February. However, the students have not been all that acknowledged by the school in that they have barely received any recognition at all for their achievement. The list continues for those who achieve the great but are not exactly appreciated. Yes, it is ludicrous to expect that everyone gets an assembly for the things they have accomplished. Nonetheless, I do not believe it is an impossible request that we start appreciating not only popular sports like basketball and football, but rather, start appreciating others, too. Only then would Mountain Vista truthfully become a spirit-filled community for all.
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Future Standardized tests
Douglas County’s plan for standardized ( of testing and what impact it will have. (
The
Opinion: john bellipanni
T
he quest to reform public education for the 21st century is not an easy one. It is a quest packed with political controversy and at the root of this controversy is standardized testing. It is expensive. It is tedious. It is obstructing creativity. So, why are United States schools overwhelmingly involved in standardized testing? Many education leaders from around Colorado, including Douglas County, are wondering the same thing. In a recent 4-3 vote, the Colorado Board of Education passed a motion to allow school districts to seek waivers from conducting a series of Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) standardized tests. Two proponents of the motion were Republicans from Douglas County. However, it’s unlikely the vote will have any legislative power because, in the words of Colorado Senior Assistant Attorney General Tony Dyl, “This is a part of the law [the board does] not have the power to waive.”
Fully aware of the legislative hurdles, on Jan. 20, the Douglas County School District Board of Education still voted to authorize submission of a waiver from PARCC tests. “Obviously, this vote is a step. What impact and power it has, we’ll wait to see,” President Kevin Larsen said. On Feb. 4, Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman formalized the opinion stating waivers interfere with “the statutory requirement that all students enrolled in Colorado public schools take statewide assessments.” This is not the first time DCSD’s school board has battled legal technicalities to waive testing. Last October, the board attempted to waive standardized tests required by Colorado’s Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act by using the legal distinction of “innovation status.” After the board’s vote, it received a letter from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) explaining that after speaking with the attorney general, DCSD would be unsuccessful in any attempt to waive the READ assessments.
From this information, it looks like Douglas County is education’s 21st century Robin Hood, heroically battling against testing. Let me tell you why it’s not. It is no secret students hate standardized tests. This is why, when Colorado’s Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments rolled around, thousands of seniors threw down and said, “I don’t wanna!” Honestly though, it’s not that students hate standardized tests, it’s that they hate all tests. In fact, the only good thing about standardized tests is that they are standardized. If nothing else, these assessments provide the comparative results between districts and states that are crucial to delivering a 21st century education. Still, DCSD’s board is aiming to reduce standardized tests throughout the curriculum. As a result, comparison to other districts cannot exist and DCSD’s performance will be shrouded — and bad news for anyone hoping to attend college. Students, parents and teachers should be aware that even though the idea of reducing standardized tests from the district seems ideal, the implications will hinder every graduate. Whether or not students hate tests, the controversy of standardized assessments comes down to a game of values. Students will always rebel against tests they don’t value. However, it is crucial freshmen and seniors alike realize the value in the comparative results standardized tests provide. Without any gauge of how Douglas County performs compared to other districts, students will be hardpressed to find universities willing to accept their foggy academic background.
History of Standardized Tests The
1959: American College Testing Program (ACT) created.
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1997: First year of the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP).
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2011: CSAP’s contract expires.
2012: The Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) replaces CSAP.
2015: Colorado’s Board of Education takes a stance against standardized testing.
Attention Clubs & Organizations: don’t let this happen to you!
Club/ Organization photo
Image Not Available
Back Row: Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Fourth Row: Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Third Row: Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Second Row: Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Front Row: Name Name Name Name Name Name Name Name
Attend VISTAj’s Group Photo Event When: Thursday, Feb. 19 8-9:30 a.m. Where: Main Gym Who: Any club or organization who has not submitted a photo already Questions?: Contact Kaitlin Zenoni zenonike@s.dcsdk12.org
Discover ACC!
High school students are invited to join us this Spring for Discover ACC. Students will have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions with various departments on campus and connect with current and future ACC students. Discover ACC will take place on Friday, February 6, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. RVSP at arapahoe.edu/discoveracc.
Contact Student Recruitment and Outreach 303.797.5637 acc.info@arapahoe.edu
arapahoe.edu Littleton • Parker • Castle Rock • Online
YOU CAN
Associate Degrees • Transfer Credits Certificates • Workforce Training
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MVHS
Student Life Students share sixword stories about their everyday lives at Mountain Vista.
Having too much homework every day.
john bellipanni
Sleep deprivation — the new teenage trend. Reagan fitzke
There are only so many numbers. Tyler Kraft 12
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Leadership
Leadership at Mountain Vista is seen in all areas, but some students lead without needing recognition or praise. kaitlin Zenoni & Austin sack
“H
av[ing] good models in place of positive leadership provides variety of opportunities for different kinds of leaders,” principal Michael Weaver said about developing students into leaders at Mountain Vista High School. Leadership takes many different forms among all areas of high school. Defined roles, such as captain and officer, offer opportunities for individuals to become a leader, but certain students lead without holding such titles. Coaches at Vista recognize the difficulties of being a leader among peers, but believe they can help students succeed. Football coach and English teacher Jeffrey Hoefs believes failing is part of being a leader and strengthens their ability.
“[Students become better leaders by] having opportunities to lead and be able to fail as a leader and have someone there to coach them,” Hoefs said. “Leadership is really tested when they fail.” Failures are expected, but not desired in sports and organizations. Those challenges must be overcome and leaders set the example by going above and beyond for the success of teams and clubs, poms coach Kerri Trimble said. “[A leader is the] hardest-working person willing to do what is right even when that is a difficult choice and encourages others around them to also work hard and do what is right all the time,” Trimble said. “A good leader works by setting the example, but not everyone leads the same way and that’s okay.”
Trying to pinpoint exact qualities needed to be a leader is impossible because, as Trimble says, everyone leads in different ways. Hoefs said the best leaders do not always have to be the most vocal or active. “[The] best leaders are servant leaders — people that put their group in front of their own interest and be able to see in the group the different talents,” he said. Rather than focusing on leaders defined by positions given to them, we looked to find students at Vista who were seen as leaders by their peers. These students, recognized now, help their organizations be successful through their actions and ambitions and put the successes of others above themselves.
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coach dalby
leads the pack
TAYLOR DESMOND , CHRISTIAN HOLTON and HAYLEY MUSTIN | Photos courtesy of john walton
M
ountain Vista cross country coach Jonathan Dalby is much more than just a play caller. As a leader and role model, Dalby has made an impact on his runners in and out of the sport. Leading the runners of Vista Nation to three straight state championships, it is clear Dalby is doing something right. Varsity runner Paxton Smith, junior, describes Dalby’s coaching style as “structured but laid back. He tells us what to do and we do it. He’s very calm.” “Dalby exemplifies everything a coach should be,” senior Kenzie Haberkorn said. “Dalby has taught [us] to be consistent in everything [we] do, that hard work will take you anywhere, and to not let a bad day or mistake affect you,” Smith said. “Most importantly, it’s about the team and others. Not just you. Do anything for the team.” Dalby’s efforts to not only excel as a coach, but also act as a role model for his team, recently paid off when he was named the Colorado Cross Country Coach of the Year. “It’s an honor to be recognized by my coaching peers. The kids were the ones that performed all season, not me. They are the ones that deserve to be recognized,” Dalby said. Senior Delaney Fitzsimmons said Mountain Vista’s three consecutive men’s cross country titles are a result of Dalby’s dedication to make every runner on the team the very best that they can be. “It’s really important that athletes set realistic team and individual goals for their season together. I’ve found that this helps to keep everyone motivated, and accountable,” Dalby said. “After that, it’s all about helping athletes choose a training plan that works best for them and encouraging them to follow it consistently.” Dalby and assistant coach Eric Selle provide training programs for their athletes year round in order to ensure every team member can reach his or her full potential. Most high school coaches place the majority of their attention on only the varsity team, but Dalby isn’t like most coaches. “We also place a lot of emphasis on the JV and Open teams,” he said. “They are just as important to the success of the team as the varsity. I don’t think a lot of other
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cross country teams around the state have bought into this.” Dalby said that Vista’s cross country success can be attributed to the focus on every runner in the program. “The consistency, hard work, great kids and supportive families are what makes Vista Nation a powerhouse,” Dalby said. However, the consistency of training overpowers it all. “Consistency in running is what matters the most. If an athlete will follow a plan, and run six to seven days a week, they will develop,” he said. Senior Kenzie Haberkorn said Dalby’s passion to inspire his team and help every runner reach beyond his or her true potential is what makes him stand out amongst other cross country coaches. He has turned Vista’s cross country program into one of the most respected programs in the state. “We are motivated to work towards a goal for each other because we know everyone is putting in the work,” Fitzsimmons said. “This can be attributed to Dalby.”
Coach Dalby: “There isn’t a perfect situation to be in. When times get rough, stick with your team and eventually things will get better. Give all of your athletes the same opportunities to train. Your fastest kid on the squad is as important as the one who is in the back of the pack trying just as hard,” Dalby said.
1. Mountain Vista
celebrates its third consecutive boys 5A state championship title. “It is exciting to watch the kids achieve at such a high level. It is very rewarding to help the kids accomplish something that they can remember for their entire lives,” Dalby said.
2. Coach Dalby
holding up the team’s state championship trophy after a victory in 2014. Dalby has changed the program into something that is respected throughout Colorado. Eagle Eye
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The Silent superhero Kit Miller | Photos courtesy of morgan Bergstrom
S
enior Morgan Bergstrom takes her role as National Music Honor Society (Tri-M) president, as well as leader and role model, seriously. Bergstrom says she puts the priorities of her fellow Tri-M members before her own and helps everyone stay inspired to keep moving forward. “Leadership is about helping everyone to accomplish something together. Tri-M is special because it is an honor program that represents the most devoted students in the music program,” Bergstrom said. “It is so great to work with people who have the same goals as you and are willing to get stuff done.” Along with the help of her friends and fellow music-goers, Bergstrom helped create the first music leadership program at Mountain Vista High School in 2012. “I helped put together what we called Band Council my sophomore year to try and get our music program more involved around Vista and the community,” Bergstrom said. The following year the students
Morgan Bergstrom: Senior Morgan Bergstrom helped start the first music leadership program at Mountain Vista. “I helped put together what we called Band Council my sophomore year to try and get our music program more involved around Vista and the community,” Bergstrom said. 24
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discovered Tri-M and registered their own chapter. They extended their program to also include orchestra and choir students. “I was on the officer team when it evolved into Tri-M,” Bergstrom said. “This year I am the president of the organization because I have been running the club for the longest.” Bergstrom says she dedicates two hours every week to working on Tri-M. “I help keep everyone on the same page and I make sure we have opportunities for all music students, no matter their instrument or voice. I also run the meetings and help with some of the paperwork,” she said. Large events, such as the 2014 holiday laser light show, demand long periods of attention and careful planning in order to be successful. “During [preparations for] the light show I was at school almost everyday after finals and through the first week of winter break,” Bergstrom said, “I was there [at school] about 40 hours that week.” Bergstrom said she finds the motivation to work hard in her peers. “I just love to see all of the people who are so excited about music. It has always been an awesome hobby and a stress reliever for me, and to share our collected talents is awesome,” she said. “Even when we are facing challenges, the people in Tri-M are always the first to show up to lend a hand and help out, at any time of the day or night.” Bergstrom said she believes a strong leader needs to be down to earth, practical about what can or can’t be accomplished and willing to get his or her hands dirty. “Katie Hodges and Ali Stuphin were seniors who graduated last year,” she said. “We worked to get this organization going and I owe so much to them. Originally we only had a few really motivated kids and nothing to do, but they always stayed positive about whatever we were doing. I don’t think I ever saw either of them frustrated or upset. They were practical about what they wanted this program to be and what they could accomplish.” The advice Bergstrom would give to others: “Leaders need to listen to people around them, make sure to include everyone and just get involved.”
1. Morgan Bergstrom poses for a photo with junior violinist Tony Swope at the Continental League Orchestra and Band Concert. Bergstrom, along with other MVHS students, had the opportunity to perform at Boettcher Concert Hall.
2. Bergstrom plays
the trumpet during class. “I just love to see all of the people who are so excited about music!� she said of the Tri-M society.
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unified basketball Amy Huang & Hayley Mustin | Photos by Amy huang and gabe rodriguez
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he Unified Basketball team is introduced player by player. As each player runs out, the crowd gets louder and louder. While traditional sports have the goal of winning, the Unified team focuses on having fun and working together. The team is made up of 13 specialneeds players. “Each player brings a unique element to the team,” senior Jill Vigliotti, one of the main peer coaches, said. The team has changed many peoples’ attitudes towards life and brought them closer together along the way. “They make you forget about insignificant drama in your life,” Vigliotti said. “They are really attentive and remember details and they’re always asking how you’re doing.” Unified Basketball has taught many of the peers what really matters in life. “Watching [the players] have fun because of the little things makes me happy,” junior Mary-Katherine Peet said. “That’s really how all of us should live.” The Unified Basketball team, both the players and the peers, embody the meaning of teamwork. “They play really well,” Peet said. “They all work together and [the games] are a lot of fun.” Each player has a different motivation for joining the team. “My favorite part about playing Unified Basketball is getting to hang with all the guys and seeing different teams and chill with other friends of mine,” junior Evan Kilcoyne said. On the other hand, sophomore Olivia Thoennes participates “to see all the kids with all the different disabilities play.” Although the players joined the team for different reasons, they all come together to create a positive and exciting environment. Peer leaders also make up a significant part of the team and contribute to the environment by running the practices and coaching the games. “[Coaching is] all about creating a positive environment and making sure every player is involved and having a good time,” Vigliotti said. About 35 peers attend each game to support and play with the players. Senior Lindsey Stroud is another
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addition to the coaching staff. “My favorite part would be getting to know each player personally,” Stroud said. “Each player has their own charisma and celebration that puts a smile on every observers face.” The games have a positive vibe to them and they are all about having fun, Vigliotti said. Vigliotti’s favorite part about the games is, “seeing [the players] get excited when they make baskets or do tricks on the courts and having the crowd cheer for them.” Vigliotti is sure she has learned from the players the same way they have learned from her. “It has definitely made me learn to be adaptable in any situation and not be afraid to take charge and get things done,” Vigliotti said. “I have learned that other people rely on me and I need to deliver and meet their expectations.”
Jill Vigliotti: Vigliotti is a coach for the Unified Basketball team. “The players make you forget about insignificant drama in your life. They are really attentive and remember details and they’re always asking how you’re doing,” Vigliotti said about the Unified players.
1. Sophomore
Casey “P.R.” Marrinson runs out before a Unified game against the Southridge Nuggets. “My favorite part about Unified Basketball is playing with others,” Marrinson said.
2. Sophomore
Shawn “Jacob” Peralta shows off his basketball skills during the big rivalry game against ThunderRidge. The final score was 6563, ThunderRidge. Eagle Eye
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Sweet sounds of leadership Conner Davis | Photos by Conner Davis
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adi Spillman helps lead her friends to invoke emotion and even change lives through the power of music. The Urban Suburbans are a group of five students from Mountain Vista and ThunderRidge who came together to form a cover band (a band that reinvents more well-known bands’ songs). At the helm of their band is Spillman, a sophomore. Leaders in any band can be seen as the glue that allows them to actually be considered a band, play great music and entertain others. As the Urban Suburbans have evolved, its members have worked through numerous role changes, all the while focused on making great music. Ian Spillman, Madi’s younger brother,
Madi Spillman: The Urban Suburbans is a band consisting of five members who all play a significant role within the band. Their leader, Madi Spillman, holds them together and helps them to stay on track to practice and produce new music to play at various talent shows, coffee shops and other venues. The strong bond between all of the members allows them to create and play music with each other that flows and sounds good. 20
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was the original lead singer but, due to complications with their varying schedules, that became too hard and another member had to be brought on. Eventually a candidate was found, and Spillman decided to give junior Morgan Skillington a shot in the band. “At first we had no idea who to ask, but then I remembered [Skillington] did theater and that she was a great singer,” Spillman said. “We asked her if she would try out for us and she agreed, now she has been here ever since.” Skillington joined the band in 2014, becoming the new lead singer and keyboardist, allowing Ian to move back to drums and backup vocals. “I was really excited to be a part of the whole thing. It is such a cool environment,” Skillington said. With the addition of Skillington, ThunderRidge sophomore brothers Dev and Dom Elliot joined the band with Dev on bass and Dom on guitar and backup vocals. Spillman became the lead guitarist and another backup vocalist. Since the band’s creation in 2011, they have faced many more problems. Spillman said the most prevalent problem is getting everybody together to practice because their schedules are all very different. “We struggle to all come together and practice, but I think that we still work through it pretty well and I can find times for us to all practice,” Spillman said. Yet another obstacle to overcome is agreeing on songs to learn. Spillman said she can generally find a song that appeals to everybody and sounds good when they learn it. As for playing, the band has played in a talent show at a camp four times, at two birthday parties, at the Toad Tavern bar, in a battle of the bands competition and at the Summerset Music Festival. “Performing is a little nerve wracking at first but, once [I] start playing, it is just fun because I get to do what I love and entertain people at the same time,” Spillman said. “Music is a way to communicate without actually speaking to someone,” Spillman said. “I can tell a story and express emotion through the fretboard of my guitar, and that is why I love it. Music can change lives.”
1. Spillman practices with the rest of the Urban Suburbans. “[Practices] are not just about the music, we also work on our stage presence,” Spillman said.
2. The Urban
Suburbans stand together in their recording studio, Studio 44. “I love the studio. Our band can go there and turn our amps up as loud as we want and no one cares,” Spillman said.
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the Girl in engineering
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Lexi Weingardt | Photos by Lexi Weingardt
enior Brooklyn Ostby said being in an engineering class full of guys was a strange experience. “The hardest part [of being in a class with all males] was that they assumed that I couldn’t do the things they could do,” Ostby said. There are four single semester Engineering III classes students can take during a school year, with two each semester. Out of those four classes, Ostby is the only girl, this year, to take Engineering III. “I like a lot of aspects of engineering,” Ostby said. “I am interested in biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineers study, design, evaluate, install, maintain and, if needed, repair the biomedical equipment. They use computers to see how organs and systems work.” Ostby wants to pursue biomedical engineering in the future. “I am interested in going into engineering for college and getting my degree in it,” she said. “I like the structure of the classes and I have fun doing it.” Students in Engineering III do activities such as, “a woodworking project with Cupcake Wars; it relates to the TV show. Also, they do a big design project with prosthetics at the end of the semester,” Engineering III teacher Mica Storie said. Storie, new to Mountain Vista High School this year, is the first woman engineering teacher who has ever worked at the school. “I think it is really great that we have Ms. Storie as a female engineering teacher,” Ostby said. “She is a role model to other female students that are interested in engineering and she shows that women are more than capable of going into the engineering field.” According to “Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM),”an Executive Office Presidential report from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, women represent a mere 24 percent of the STEM workforce in America. “I think girls aren’t very interested in going into engineering because they are more directed towards things like design, but that is also a part of engineering,” Ostby said. “If the public gave girls the option to learn more about engineering, I believe a lot more females would definitely
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go into that field.” Storie also said female careers in engineering are on the upswing. “I think [the amount of girls in engineering] is going to increase over the years because more girls are becoming interested in it, but, when the program started, it was very male-dominated,” Storie said. “From Intro to Engineering to Engineering I the amount of kids decreases by 50 percent. As far as girls go, we start with about six or seven, then go down to three, then go down to one.” Despite being the only girl, Ostby said she enjoyed Engineering III and earned the respect of her classmates. “I took more control of the project and became our group’s leader,” Ostby said, “and the boys realized I was capable of doing work.”
Brooklyn Ostby: Ostby is the only girl in an Engineering III class in the entire 2014-15 school year. She hopes that more girls will follow her lead in the future. “I think that if the public gave more girls the option to learn about engineering, a lot of females would definitely go into that field,” Ostby said.
1. Ostby cuts a piece
of wood. “I am very interested in going into engineering for college and getting my degree in it,” Ostby said.
2. Ostby works on a
design.“I think girls aren’t very interested in going into engineering because they are more directed towards things like design, but that is also a part of engineering,” Ostby said.
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Sharing the Responsibility Peyton reeves | Photos Courtesy neathery manucci
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ackling the role of leading an organization with over 100 students has been a huge learning experience for two seniors. Having the opportunity to share the title of presidency for an organization this large showed co-presidents Jake Pierzchala and Ali Smith what it really means to be a leader and be a member of DECA. Smith, who has been a part of DECA since sophomore year, now is in charge of it. Smith said she tries her best to serve as a role model to the kids and assist them with anything she can. “I help at practice nights,” Smith said. “The officers and I role play with DECA kids and critique them and help them practice tests to get them ready for
Ali Smith: Ali Smith has been a member of DECA since her sophomore year and is very passionate about the chapter. “Helping our DECA chapter succeed is the officer team’s biggest priority. Rather than tell others what to do, it’s more important to step up and lead by example,” Smith said. Her dedication and commitment to the program shows and the results of the chapter reflect her hard work and leadership. 16
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competitions.” Both seniors said leading the organization has taught them many important life lessons. “It taught me that leadership isn’t about governing others, it’s about serving others,” Smith said. Pierzchala, who has been doing DECA for three years, said he feels honored to uphold the role of president. “I’m able to lead by example and also to take things hands on when it comes to planning,” Pierzchala said. “I’m very passionate about DECA and I’m very thankful to have this position.” Pierzchala said DECA doesn’t just give people the chance to meet others but also prepares students for real-life situations. “My favorite part about being a member of DECA is that I am able to prepare myself for the real business world,” Pierzchala said. “It is a fun atmosphere but I am also able to learn such quality skills. I love participating and meeting new people.” Smith said the key part of leadership is running the entire DECA chapter, which has helped her grow as an individual. “I’m able to help the chapter grow and get better at what we do. To me, it means that when the chapter succeeds it’s because the team put in the work that we needed to in order to help the chapter and that’s incredibly rewarding,” Smith said. Having the opportunity to co-run DECA gives Pierzchala and Smith a chance to view tasks from different angles. “It’s easy to bounce ideas off each other,” Pierzchala said. Smith and Pierzchala both said they have experience, dedication and passion for the entire DECA chapter. “I think it’s good for the chapter to have two different presidents because it means they have two different people with slightly different perspectives,” Smith said. “Because of this, the chapter gets the best ideas from both of us and Jake and I are able to help each other make it happen.” “Ali and Jake have different strengths and experiences in leadership which makes them a great team,” DECA sponsors Neathery Manucci and Blaine Haskell said. With state coming up Feb. 21-24 at the Broadmoor, both presidents will be practicing role play and helping other DECA with theirs. “I am looking forward to competing at state and hopefully qualifying for nationals,” Pierzchala said.
1. Seniors Ali Smith
and Jake Pierzchala placed at the DECA districts competition and will move on to the state competition at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. “I’m excited to spend all of that time with my friends,” Pierzchala said.
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The winners from the DECA Vail Competition in Beaver Creek are pictured below. The chapter received a trophy and vintage ski poster for winning the competition overall.
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Taking Nhs to new heights Savanah Howard & gabe rodriguez | Photos by erica tagliarino
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ast year as a junior, Anirudh Mathukumilli envisioned some big changes for National Honor Society (NHS). Toward the end of the 2013-14 school year, Mathukumilli gave a speech to his fellow classmates involved in NHS stating that with an organization of over 100 people, NHS could help the community more than they imagined. A few moments later, Mathukumilli was elected president. At first glance, Mathukumilli thought taking on the NHS presidency seemed easy. “Last year, I was one of those people that complained,” Mathukumilli said. “We didn’t do much or there wasn’t much going on and I wondered what the leaders do.” As Mathukumilli took on the position, he realized there was more to leading NHS than he believed. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that people don’t see,” he said. Mathukumilli said the biggest change he wanted to make was to include more events in NHS. As the end of first semester drew closer, the sponsor of NHS, Heidi
Anirudh Mathukumilli: Senior Anirudh Mathukumilli, president of National Honor Society (NHS) tells all about his journey as a leader so far this year. “I wanted to become president because I thought I could change things, make [NHS] more organized.” Mathukumilli said. 14
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Schuster, had back surgery, which limited the NHS officers’ abilities. “We had a request from a family that couldn’t afford Christmas dinner so Ms. Schuster helped organize that,” Mathukumilli said. “We gave this family of seven kids and a single mom, a whole Christmas dinner, Christmas presents, everything.” Mathukumilli said finding more community service events and getting them approved by administration has been the biggest challenge this year. After getting events approved by administration, Mathukumilli said the next challenge is getting students involved. “I hope [members] are a little bit more active, in the way they do things. NHS only really gets good if everybody is in the same spirit of things,” Mathukumilli said. “If everybody says, ‘Hey, we should do something for the community,’ then it becomes a lot more fun and useful for everyone.” Another change Mathukumilli wants to bring to NHS in the remainder of the school year is doing more environmental events. Mathukumilli said many past events were fundraisers, which didn’t require as many hours and dedication. “We’re actually working on getting a trail renovation [event] set up,” he said. “There is a service that goes around pretty much all of Colorado and they build [or] add new trails. They’re always looking for volunteers to help with that.” Mathukumilli said NHS officers also would like to have a team bonding event for the Senior Class. “We want to get senior day out there so that people will think of NHS as a fun [time], as opposed to just community service,” he said. Throughout all the struggles, Mathukumilli said he has learned many lessons as the leader of NHS. “I wanted to become president. I thought I could change things, come up with new systems and make things more organized,” he said. Mathukumilli said he has become more aware of his community. “It’s definitely made me more aware and made me want to help it more,” Mathukumilli said. “Now [I think] we should do something bigger, [large groups working together] is crucial to building a community. “[Leading NHS] has changed the meaning of community service for me.”
1. Students in NHS
work on making handmade blankets. The blankets were donated to Doctors Care, an organization that helps families in need get medical care.
2. President of NHS,
Anirudh Mathukumilli gives his first speech as leader of the club. “I didn’t really type up a speech. It was all, in the moment sort of thing,” Mathukumilli said.
3. Seniors Sasha
Ouellet, Sami Palma, Anirudh Mathukumilli, Nolan Cox, Derek Brewer and Haley Chambless pose together after the NHS induction ceremony. Eagle Eye
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QUESTIONS
with Student Body president erick sherwood
Eagle Eye: What’s been your favorite part of this year? Erick Sherwood: So far I think my favorite part of this year would be our spirit weeks, starting with Homecoming Week and Wish Week. I think both of them have challenged us and our leadership abilities and our creative abilities. It’s really brought the school together because we have tried new things with both weeks and I think the risks we took really paid off. EE: What’s been the toughest part overall of your year? ES: The toughest part is probably just getting as many people involved and feeling important as possible. When I was elected, my main goal was to really recognize all of the different aspects and accomplishments around the school, whether that’s sports, the arts or academics. That’s just been a big challenge because it is easy to glorify sports teams but it is not as easy to glorify arts and academics, so that is a challenge. EE: It seems that this year’s leadership group has been really close. What has been the best part of this year’s group? ES: I’ve been in leadership for four years and this is the first time in my experience that I feel comfortable talking to everyone in the group. I think this is because we’ve done a lot of team bonding and activities. For instance we went to Washington, D.C. recently and that was a really great opportunity for us to grow as leaders and students. EE: What’s been the best event that you guys have put on this year? ES: I would definitely have to say the homecoming dance. We took a really big risk this year and went with the same theme from the musical for the week. The dance was really difficult because it was an Oz theme and we had to incorporate all the different aspects of the movie into one venue, but it all paid off in the end. EE: This might be a little personal, but who has been your favorite person to work with in the leadership group? ES: I don’t know if I can pick a favorite student but I have grown really close with (sponsor Lindsey) Jaffe this year. Before this year, I hadn’t really known her and was actually a little afraid of her to be
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honest. But this year I had the opportunity to really grow with her and kind of learn different leadership traits from her. I also had the opportunity to teach her different things about leadership that she maybe didn’t know. So, it has been really fun working with her this year. EE: Are there any perks to being Student Body President? ES: On a day-to-day basis, no, there aren’t any perks. I don’t get any special treatment throughout the day. I will say that one of the biggest perks is that I do get to make a speech at graduation. EE: Do your teachers hold you to a higher standard because you are Student Body President? ES: That is definitely true. I walked into this year kind of expecting the teachers would help me out and go easy on me during spirit weeks, but they don’t. They’re like, ‘You’re the president for a reason,’ so I am expected to handle both academics and extracurriculars and leadership all at the same time. It does get really overwhelming because I am held to a high standard, but I am up to the challenge. EE: What was your favorite part of Wish Week? ES: The Friday assembly where we met Asher as a school was probably my favorite part of Wish Week just because that really summarized our entire week as a whole because our entire school came together for someone in need. EE: Out of this whole year, do you wish you had done anything differently out of all the things you have done? ES: Overall, one of my main goals coming into this year was that I wanted to change leadership from just an event-planning class to an actual leadership setup. We went in the right direction and started doing things that other leadership classes in the future will carry on. So, I feel like we made an impact in that sense. Looking back, I do wish we made a bigger impact on changing this year, but I feel that we took a turn in the right direction for future years. EE: Does leadership have any other big plans for the rest of the year? ES: The end of the year is an easier time for us because we spent all of the fall planning for homecoming and then all of winter planning for Wish Week. And, we do have Prom Week coming up in April but that is easier than the other two weeks because that isn’t really our thing, we don’t plan prom. But, we are going to try to get out into the community as a class and make a change through community service. We will also be trying to make a difference in our school on a day-to-day basis.
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Wrestling
Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
Senior Jenny Penneck will swim for the University of Houston next year.
The Mountain Vista varsity wrestling team only has a few matches left before regionals and it is a frenzy to try and rank in the top four to qualify for the State Tournament. “I’m hoping to qualify for the State Tournament by continually working to improve,” senior Drake Gunter said.
Swim & Dive The Mountain Vista women’s varsity swim and dive team only has one week until the state meet. The Golden Eagles have competed in five dual meets, winning three of the five. They competed in two league meets, winning both. Vista also competed in three invitationals, placing in the top 10 for all three meets.
Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team’s season is over halfway complete and the team has a record of 10-9. Their hardest game, according to the players, is out of the way after they played Highlands Ranch. With only four games left heading into the State Tournament, it will be a challenge to end with a winning record.
College Sports On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 27 seniors signed to play sports at the colleges of their choice Senior Jenny Penneck recently signed a national letter of intent to the University of Houston for swimming. At the University of Houston she will major in engineering. “I think it will be a lot more challenging but still very fun,” Penneck said. She added that she is excited to continue her career as an athlete in college. On Feb. 4, 27 athletes from Mountain Vista woke up early to sign letters of intent to play a sport at the college of their choice. “It felt really good to sign and [it] makes me really happy that I can continue to swim in college,” Penneck said. She has been swimming for 10 years and is excited to take her
passion to the next level. “At first my mom made me swim, but then I learned to love it. I feel super calm and relaxed when I swim,” Penneck said. “Swimming makes me happy.” Penneck has already had the struggle of competing in a sport as well as being in high school. “I have struggled with balancing my school work and swimming,” she said. Penneck said college is going to be a different atmosphere for both swimming and school. “I am looking forward to getting to swim with new people in a new environment and changing things up,” Penneck said. “I am most nervous about all the hard practices and being away from my parents.”
With Varsity Ice Hockey Player Tanner Gillis What has been the most exciting part of the season so far? TG: The most exciting part of the year so far was probably winning against the number one and number two teams in the state, Cherry Creek and Ralston Valley. How far do you think you guys can make it this year?
TG: I really hope we make it to the Final Four. It would be the first time we make it past the Elite Eight and that would be pretty awesome to make it to the Final Four. Who do you think is your biggest competition? TG: Our biggest competition is probably going to be Regis.
What do you wish to accomplish this year? TG: I hope to beat Regis and then go on to state. It would be really awesome to make it to the Final Four and possibly win state. Who are you most excited to play with and see play this season? TG: A lot of the younger guys, the freshmen and sophomores. They just
bring so much energy to the team and it is a lot of fun to play with them. What has been something the team has had to overcome this season? We all come from different clubs, so we all play different ways, so coming together has been kind of hard, but that is a lot better now.
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Photo by: Gabe Rodriguez