Vista
Mountain Vista High School 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge Highlands Ranch, Colo. | 80126 Issue 6 | Vol. 10 | May 24, 2011 www.vistanow.org
Mountain Vista’s
Top20
Epic
People
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table of contents Leaving | Vista
New principal Michael Weaver sits in his soon-tobe office while visiting the school.
Photo by Trevor Zalkind
Hockey | Triplets
An ode to the three teachers who started Vista, but are now leaving
Unique | Artistry
Sara,Leah and Megan Nelson bring hockey into their family life
4 Scholar | Students
Two students who are in the running for the top in their class
Two artists take pride in their individuality
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6 Incoming | Johnson | Weaver Leaders The new freshman Comparison
representatives speak on their goals for next year 13
Out with the old and in with the new principal 7
5 Giving | Back
Rising | To The | Challenge
Supporting the community while giving back
Gabbi Miranda plays for out of state teams while managing school 14
8 Team | Player
Jane Chui finishes strong whether she won or lost
Running | On | Both | Teams
Stephen Chipman tops
9 both track and cross
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Many of us tend to just go along with our normal activities during the average school day — roaming up and down the halls, racing back to class from lunch, getting ready for practice and trying to finish all the homework we were assigned during that day. It can sometimes be difficult to observe when one of our peers does something interesting or something that we may not be brave enough to do ourselves. Someone who may just be sitting two desks next to us could be an amazing athlete or may even give up some of their time to do better for the community. Even more challenging than reaching out to someone you do not know is being a person who makes the difference, small or large.
country
15 It takes an enormous amount of courage to leave the safe haven of Mountain Vista to go teach in a foreign country or move on from a school that they helped open. That same courage lies within those who waltz into Vista’s doors from across the street wanting to be leaders. Whenever getting to know someone seems like a hassle or even a scary concept, we all too often miss the opportunity to get to know someone who is a little more proud of their uniqueness than we might be in ourselves. We can all learn something from that person who works after school to support themselves and their family, or the person who is so happy with themselves that bullying rarely affects
them. Maybe some of that confidence that radiates in other Mountain Vista students can be passed along to our peers. But of course this requires action. The Eagle Eye staff has been influenced by TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and more importantly we have been inspired by you, the unique members of the Mountain Vista student body. Before you take off for the summer lose track of most things related to the school, we would like to highlight those EPIC people who are not afraid to stand out and be proud of what makes them special.
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VISTA’S GOLDEN TEACHERS
Three of Mountain Vista’s most influential teachers depart after 10 years Jack | Reeves
Theland | Thomas
Shirl | Chumley, English teacher, 10 years It is always saddening to see a role model leave a school. Shirl Chumley, an MVHS teacher of ten years, is leaving Mountain Vista High School to take another teaching job in South Korea. Chumley, who has been the department chair of the English department at Vista, has taught AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and
Composition, and English I. Chumley. “It’s been so great to interact with so many kids,” said Chumley. Trevor Zalkind, junior, was in Chumley’s AP Language and Composition class this past year. “ Ms. Chumley was the source of my academic growth throughout my high school career,” said Zalkind. “I’m glad to have had her as a teacher and I wish her the best of luck in
Korea.” Chumley leaves Mountain Vista students with one final message: “stay as wonderful as you are.”
“
Stay as wonderful as you are.”
Shirl | Chumley
Mark | Wurst, music director, 10 years
After 31 years of teaching and directing, Mark Wurst, band and orchestra director at Mountain Vista, is retiring this year. Since the opening of the school in 2001, Wurst has led the music program, creating several classes like Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz I and II. When asked why he started teaching at
Mountain Vista, he said that Douglas County was growing at an incredible rate and that he’d always wanted to open at a school, so he took the opportunity when it presented itself. Wurst has influenced numerous people during his 30 year career, many of which attended his last concert on May 10, including former students and coworkers like Steve Johnson. The auditorium was packed
with “fans.” Between the pieces were interludes in which people who had been positively influenced by Wurst spoke about him and his accomplishments. “I love Mr. Wurst. I think he’s one of the best teachers,” said Denis Shipman, senior, a student of three years. “He’s really been a good band director. I’ve had a lot [of teachers], but he’s the best.” Photos by Trevor Zalkind
Tim | Taylor, physical education, 10 years Tim Taylor, physical education teacher at Mountain Vista High School, is retiring after ten years of service to the school. Students have long been seduced by the unique Adventure program that Taylor has brought to Vista. “It has provided an opportunity for students to challenge themselves,” said Taylor.
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He says that it is his most important contribution to the school. But Taylor has also had contributions to the MVHS boys’ golf team, being the varsity coach for each team. Also key to Taylor’s success was the support from the student body. “He is a nice respectable man. He knows what he is doing and I will miss him,” said
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sophomore Ryan Eason, a student in adventure. Taylor said that after being able to grow with the school in his ten years, he will miss the students the most.
“ He is a nice,
respectable man. He will be missed.” Ryan | Eason
Word Junior Kayla Olson, a prospect for valedictorian of the class of 2012, doesn’t let the stress of high school get the best of her. The junior said she enjoys school and takes interest in her classes.“I like to learn,” said Olson.“I find the material interesting and I’m not taking AP classes to boost my GPA.” Olson takes advanced math and science classes because she said she is interested in studying engineering or medicine and research. Olson said she might be interested in attending the Colorado School of Mines because it has good science and math programs.“My study habits are awful,” Olson said. “However, (even though) I procrastinate, I get it done., Olson said. Just like many highschool students, she too too struggles with study habits. She also said that she doesn’t spend too much time on school work. “I put in whatever effort is necessary, but I do have a social life,” she said. Although Olson used to feel stress to get perfect grades in elementary school, she said she has grown from then and has prioritized her life. “I was a perfectionist in elementary school and now I’ve accepted that things don’t always have to be perfect.” Olson also said she does not feel the need to speak as valedictorian. “It would be an honor, but I’m going to need to acquire some public speaking skills,” she said. Olson said that her parents are more than supportive and never pressure her about doing well in school. “My parents don’t care about my grades,
More than a grade
they’re more into me being a good family member. I try my best and whatever happens happens. I won’t be upset if I get a B.”She does not view learning as a chore, but rather something she enjoys. “I don’t care what people think of me, I’m a nerd and I’m alright with that.” Olson said.
Pam | Shapiro
Matt Miller
Kayla Olson
Matt Miller, holds a high GPA also and is also in the running for valedictorian.Miller said that he knows that his hard work in school will soon pay off. “I know all the effort I put in will help me in the future.” he said. He also said he truly enjoys school “I like it because I love learning and seeing my friends.” Miller said he works hard and does whatever he can to improve his chances of getting accepted to one of his two dream schools: Stanford or Princeton. Miller said he’s very strategic with the way he studies.“I balance out my hard classes with easy classes, and I don’t worry about the easy classes,” he said, adding he doesn’t feel any pressure to get good grades. “I want to do well. I have internal motivation, rather than external motivation.” I don’t really struggle with subjects, it’s just time management.” Both Miller and Olson said that they have a passion for learning and want to prepare for their future. Perhaps that’s the key to their academic success: to simply enjoy learning and take away as much knowledge as possible for the future.
Photo by Trevor Zalkind
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Pulse
Bringing hockey home3
Nelson triplets reflect on common passion MEGHAN
Graphic by David Orser
LEAH
SARAH
Photos by Kyle Waters Middle Photo by DR Photo
M Pam | Shapiro
Meghan, Leah and Sarah Nelson don’t view ice hockey as simply a sport, but a way of life. The thrill of the blades touching the ice, the roaring of the crowd and the desire to rise above the rest. The triplets proved their passion for the sport by becoming state champions on May 15, 2011. The Nelson triplets first
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began to play ice hockey when they were eight years old. From then on, Meghan said their dedication for the sport began to grow. Meghan said she believes passion, drive, and perseverance are just a few of the qualities that her and her sisters share in hockey. The triplets are all on the Colorado Select team. Leah is on the 19 A team, which is the recreational team, while Meghan and
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Sarah are on the 16 AAA team, which is the top most competitive level. All three sisters play together for the Grizzlies, which is the varsity hockey team at Thunder Ridge. Meghan and her sisters play at Thunder Ridge, instead of Mountain Vista, “Because there aren’t enough girls to have a team just for one school, so we have to combine by
districts,” said Meghan. Ice hockey prevents the Nelson sisters from arguing. “It keeps us from fighting, because we’re away from each other more,” Meghan said. Meghan said she developed a passion for skating at a young age.“I fell in love with skating,but refused to do it without pads and I didn’t want to wear a skirt, so that ruled out figure skating and I went to hockey.”
Meghan said the best part of playing ice hockey is getting to visit all of the different sights. “I like that I get to travel everywhere,” she said. Hockey not only gives the Nelson sisters joy and a sense of accomplishment, but it completes their lives said Meghan. “It balances out my life,” said Meghan. “I like the challenge.”
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New Beginnings, New Opportunities Incoming principal Michael Weaver looks forward as former principal Steve Johnson takes new district job
Taylor | Blatchford
Taylor | Blatchford MICHAEL WEAVER can be seen walking through the halls of Mountain Vista with a smile on his face, stopping to talk to students and teachers. Weaver described himself as bringing “a level of energy and enthusiasm” to school every day. Weaver, current principal of Bear Canyon Elementary and former assistant principal of Summit View Elementary, was chosen March 7 as the Mountain Vista principal effective July 1. Weaver said it has always been a goal of his to return to the secondary level of education, but the only high school he was interested in was Mountain Vista if the position became available. “I have really missed the energy, tradition, level of interaction and community feel that go along with any high school,” Weaver said. Weaver said he feels “humbled, honored, and
Photo by Trevor Zalkind amazed” that he was chosen over 30 other candidates. “I think the most humbling part is that all involved in the process saw something in my work as a school leader or in my leadership style that they felt would be a great fit for our community,” Weaver said. The major differences between being the principal of elementary schools and high school will be adjusting to the size and setting, as well as different issues, Weaver said. “I can’t wait to be associated with all of the incredible things that are going on at MVHS from incredible academic achievement to the opportunity for every kid to have a place to connect,” Weaver said. “(MVHS) is already a special place, so I hope that I can be a part of developing that reputation and tradition.”
Johnson on Weaver: “I’m excited that (Weaver) is the new principal at Mountain Vista. He brings a fresh perspective, new ideas and a renewed focus on making every classroom a great place to learn for students.”
On the morning of November 3, principal STEVE JOHNSON got on the intercom during announcements and tearfully announced that he would be leaving Mountain Vista for a different job within Douglas County. Students in classrooms throughout the school were shocked as their principal announced that he would not be returning after winter break. Steve Johnson was the principal of Mountain Vista for nine years. Johnson left Mountain Vista in December to become the Douglas County School District Director of High Schools. “It was an opportunity to learn and take on new challenges,” Johnson said. It was a struggle to decide to leave MVHS because I have enjoyed the students, staff and community so
much.” Johnson said he has worked with incoming principal Mike Weaver for six or seven years while Weaver was the principal at Bear Canyon Elementary and the assistant principal at Summit View Elementary. “I’m excited that he is the new principal at Mountain Vista,” Johnson said. “(Weaver) brings a fresh perspective, new ideas and a renewed focus on making every classroom a great place to learn for students.” Even with a different job within the district, Johnson said he still hopes to come back to Mountain Vista in the future. He was also at graduation to shake every graduate’s hand as they walked across the stage. “In my new job, I have to support every high school,” Johnson said, “but in reality, I’ll always be a Golden Eagle.”
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Soul
Ashley Haynes
Mason Simmons 100 Hours
375 100 COMMUNITY SERVICE: WHO’S GIVING BACK? Ashley Haynes and Mason Simmons talk about their experiences as aides in the community.
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Jack | Reeves Caleb | Williams When Mountain Vista students try to imagine getting all of their community service hours done, Mason Simmons, sophomore, thinks back to the summer of 2010. Simmons still dreams about it. That year he was a part of a volunteer organization through St. Andrews United Methodist church, uniting with church members and local members in the community to help build a pre-school and a special needs school in the heart of Belize. “We did a lot of painting and maintenance,” said Simmons. “We also got to give a bunch of kids shirts and shoes. The schools that
we built are the basis of what schools should be.” But Simmons also remembers the poverty of Belize. “Even the nicer areas were still pretty bad,” said Simmons. But Simmons embraced it, looking to help the community. “We’re given a lot living in Highlands Ranch. It only seems fair to give back.” This summer, Simmons hopes to make another trip to a third world country in need of aid. With the trips’ help, Simmons hopes to collect another 100 hours of community service before he graduates, giving him a grand total of 200. Ashley Haynes, a junior who volunteers every week at Littleton Hospital, has logged 375 community service hours so far.
She works in the women’s newborns and children’s after-hour wings. Helping out at the hospital is particularly special to Haynes. She hopes to be a nurse when she grows up. “I’m doing something I’m passionate about, while at the same time helping people,” she said. “I enjoy it greatly.” Haynes said there are several benefits to volunteering, even if you don’t want to work in a hospital. “It does a great job for preparing you for the real world in a way that helps people,” she said. It was easy to get involved and the experiences are great, said Haynes, who hopes to log 500 total hours by the time she graduates.
Pulse
Jane Chui, Team Player, Ends Track Season Strong Taylor | Blatchford Jane Chui isn’t a varsity runner that runs a 5:30 mile, or a girl that wins races. Chui is a team player, doing what she needs to to help the track team. She comes to every practice and races in every JV meet, no matter what place she finishes. Chui, freshman, is a member of the MVHS track team. She runs distance events such as the 800-meter run and the mile run. Chui has run in the junior varsity track meets all season. Chui said she was interested in joining a sport to get more exercise, and her friend Sarah Burgoyne, freshman, recommended that she run track. Chui said she thought distance running would be very hard, but she was surprised by the family aspect of the team. “All the people are very inviting and very happy,” Chui said. “That made me a better runner. I like it when they support me and say I can do it, then I (can) do it.” Chui said throughout the season she has improved her time, and also worked on being less reserved as a person. Burgoyne said she suggested that Jane should join track because running is fun and there are lots of nice people on the distance team. “I’ve seen her run longer distances and improve a lot,” Burgoyne said. “I think she’s also gotten more confident.” Though she sometimes trails behind the others, Chui is always there to cheer on other runners at their races. She is willing to run to help the team and do what she needs to, said Burgoyne. “I want to end the season strong and do the best I can for the team,” Chui said.
Photo by Trevor Zalkind
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CLASS Of 2012
“
Deadline for senior pictures and quotes Friday, Sept. 30, 2011
Question about senior baby ads (separate from senior pictures)? Visit www.theyarebookcompany.com for more information.
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Soul
The Art of Individuality “I’m not trying to stand out because other people want me to.” Caleb | Williams His confident outward appearance, style and demeanor are instantly recognizable as Kenton Kinneer makes his way through the arteries of Mountain Vista. As an active member of Anime Club, the Art Department, and the Vistabased dance group known as Project Kaya, Kinneer, a junior, has solidified his place as a highly individual member of the Mountain Vista community. “I got started with art out of pure boredom really,” Kinneer said while working on a backdrop for Tech Theatre. “Boredom eventually leads to creativity, and that’s how I got into a lot of the creative stuff I do now.” Kinneer has a very open and large respect for artistic creativity, particularly those of Asian influence, which is reflected in his frequent involvement in Anime Club. “A friend of mine showed me some anime
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beyond that of like, ‘Pokemon,’ when I was in seventh grade and I just noticed all the energy and passion that it had in comparison to American animation,” Kinneer said. “You can just tell that it’s like their (animators) whole world. They really care about the artwork they’re making.” Kinneer’s initial exposure to anime further introduced him to the Asian culture that he now embraces so much, a major aspect of which was the music. The Japanese artist Kaya, in particular, was the purpose behind the formation of Kinneer’s dance group, Project Kaya. “Project Kaya all started with me, Matt (Valdez, graduated senior) and Mitch (Pash, junior) trying to remake some of Kaya’s music videos,” Kinneer said. “After a while we started adding in our own original choreography and before long we were performing for Anime Club
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and stuff. We just recently did a show for AIDS awareness (CSU’s annual National Native HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day). The whole event raised about $22,000.” While Kinneer has an enormous respect for Asian culture, he also finds influence from American creative culture. “I want to be a chef someday and own my own restaurant. I’d want to do an American bistro with Asian influence,” he said. “People could get dishes like a cheeseburger with Chow Mein. It’s really cool to find that balance between two cultures like that.” “A lot of people can’t find the balance between being an individual and following the crowd,” he said when reflecting on the concept of individuality in high school. “You don’t have to entirely set yourself apart, just find something about yourself that makes you you and let that
develop.” Despite having influences in his life, Kinneer said nobody really influences him to be an individual. “I’m not trying to stand out because other
people want me to. That defeats the purpose of doing your own thing,” he said. “I want to be who I am because I want to be who I am.”
Unique aspirations for the pastime of art Macy | Morgan Junior Alex Linares sat calmly and collected with headphones and an iPod in her math class. Her bright red hair and skinny jeans provided a distinction between her and many of the others in her class as she omitted an ambience of eccentricity. Donning a shirt depicting the constellations, she calls herself “weird, talkative and creative.” With her already idiosyncratic demeanor that often stands out in the crowd, her creativity is more than prevalent — especially in her artistic creations. “I’ve always loved art,” she said. “I’ve done art since I was a little kid. I would paint all day on everything.”
Drawing inspiration from artists who help other people with their own art, Linares said she strives to become an art therapist — one who encourages the expression and release of feelings through art. “It’s like talk therapy, but they paint what makes them feel sad or happy,” she said. “It helps them release their feelings.” Linares partakes in a multitude of other activities as well, including cooking and kayaking. But through paintings, drawings, photography and other forms of expression, Linares portrays her individualism and eccentricity with every stroke. “I like a lot of different stuff than what’s the norm here.”
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THE NEXT LEVEL
OF LEADERSHIP
Editors Note: Lexi Burbey (left), Robert Erickson (middle) and Jae Lee (right) are the three incoming freshman representatives for Student Leadership. While these students may have not impacted the school yet, beginning Aug. 8, we expect they will. Here are a few things they each had to say about themselves and what they plan to do in leadership and what they are looking forward to in high school. Joanie | Lyons
“I am fun, a people’s person and I am involved in National Junior Honors society,” said Lexi Burbey. “I love sports. I play lacrosse and football. I’m also in a thespian troop, which is like the thespian conference at the high school,” said Robert Erickson. “I love music, I play three instruments (bass, saxophone, and drums) and I’m a good student,” said Jae Lee. I want to do things that are possible and students actually want while I’m in leadership. I am not really sure what I am going to do next year in leadership since I do not really know what the school wants and needs. I am going to have an open mindset going into this and I am going to listen to people, especially the students and what they want. When I’m in leadership, I want to make sure that everyone is equal in high school and nobody is bullied. I think I was more nervous at the beginning of this year for high school but now I’m excited to be able to experience new opportunities. The one thing I am excited for is lockers. High school just feels like the next step and I’m definitely ready for it.
Portraits by Sierra Thornley Lighting by Gerry Lopez
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Pulse
SOCCER SUPERSTAR
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Photo by Kyle Waters
Gabbi Miranda has a busy soccer schedule Riley | McCloskey Soccer has been a major part of Gabbi’s life since she was four years old. She trains every day after school for at least two hours and still maintains a 4.0 GPA. “My aspiration is to be on a full national team, every new level for me is a new challenge to rise to in every way I can,” Miranda said. Gabbi Miranda plays for Mountain Vista’s varsity girl’s soccer team, the Colorado Rush Nike team, the Colorado State Nike team, the Region 4 Olympic Development Program and the U17 U.S. Women’s National team. “(The U17 U.S. Women’s soccer team) plays countries around the world including Germany, South Korea and Nigeria,” Miranda said. “We also play national and professional teams.” Gabbi also goes to
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California or Florida for one week of every month to train for the U17 U.S. Women’s National team. She trains for four hours a day for seven days and returns home to make up all schoolwork that she missed. “Everything right now is crazy and exhausting but when my ultimate aspirations of going to a good college and being on a national team happens, it’ll all be worth it,” Miranda said. “My teachers are very flexible and understanding,” Miranda said. She often goes in before school, after school and during lunch to make up tests and assignments and to do her homework. Miranda misses a lot of school due to her passion for soccer, so to stay involved she joined Student Leadership. She also tries to attend as many after school
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activities as she can, like lacrosse games and Gold Dust. “I stay plugged in through Leadership,” she said. “It’s my favorite activity at Mountain Vista and I hope to continue on with it for junior and senior year.” Miranda was voted Junior Class Representative and said she hopes to improve school spirit and make events more fun. Miranda’s school year is coming to a close, but it is not over yet. She still has playoffs for Vista soccer and finals in her difficult classes like Spanish 3, Honors English II and Algebra 2 Trigonometry.
Miranda also recently committed to UCLA for the 2013 season. “UCLA was everything I was looking for from the moment I stepped onto their beautiful and lively campus. Music was pumping through the main quad and I look at BJ Snow (my future coach). He smiled and said, ‘the energy is contagious isn’t it?’ I was in awe. I knew this school was the one. After my visit I realized how incredible their academic and athletic programs are and nothing else was going to compare. I was convinced, the offer was put on the table and I took it. I am confident in how I can grow as a player and person, so this early of a commitment isn’t intimidating. It’s one of the biggest decisions of my life and I couldn’t be happier with it.”
Gabbi | Miranda
Photo illustration by Kyle Waters and Sierra Thornley
Pulse
TRACK TRIUMPH Stephen Chipman sets a fast pace for track, cross country Riley | McCloskey
Photo by Chelsea McGuire
Stephen Chipman, a junior at Mountain Vista, placed fourth in the 5A Division at the Colorado State Cross County Championships on Oct. 30, 2010. Chipman has been running for Mountain Vista varsity track and cross country since he was a freshman. He runs the 400-, 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter races. Chipman got in to running through his family. “Running is kind of a family thing,” he said. “I figured since they’re good at running that I might be too.” “I like track a lot because you can see how fast you actually go, not (like) just running long distance,” Chipman said. “But I like cross country more because the team atmosphere is more fun.” Chipman runs six days of the week to stay in shape, ranging between three and 12 miles. “We have a good track team this year,” Chipman said. “We have top jumpers, throwers and sprinters. The cross country boys also have a good shot at winning state next year.” In the winter Chipman plays basketball and he stays involved by going to school events like football games. “I feel accomplished (when I run) because I do something a lot of people think is crazy,” Chipman said. “So it makes me feel good.”
Photo by Jordan VanNote
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