EagleEye VISTA’S most influential
Vol. 14 Issue 6 5.14.15
p. 20 Justin Villard Brian Wood Mark Newton Jim Flanigan Kent Allison Linda Hammerton-Morris Schehera McKasson Michael Weaver Lindsey Jaffe Miller Jessica Harris Gabe Rodriguez Erick Sherwood Anirudh Mathukumilli Kira Amels Sam Atlas Janey Galligan
Mountain Vista High School | 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
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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 Kit Miller Hayley Mustin Peyton Reeves Austin Sack Lexi Weingardt Kenzie Winslow Taylor Zakhem
Staff
Junior Mallory Pugh dribbles past a defender. p. 39 Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
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 Unsigned letters will not be published.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 school news
Stories and statistics pertaining to the ending year are given.
9 stuff that doesn’t tick me off
Editor Tyler Kraft shares his last Eagle Eye column.
10 commentary
Editor Cesco Viola shares his views on happiness.
11 political
Teachers share reviews of the school district.
14 Senior stats
NEWS
21 Justin Villard 31 Jessica Harris by Christian Holton and Graham Carroll
22 Brian Wood
by Savanah Howard and Lauren Lippert
23 Mark newton
by Lexi Weingardt and Gowri Kalyani by Tara O’Gorman and Katie Pickrell
by Austin Sack and Gabe Rodriguez
by Tyler Kraft
34 Anirudh mathukumilli
24 Jim flanigan 25 Kent Allison by Conner Davis
26 Linda Hammertonmorris by Amy Huang
27 Schehera Mckasson
by Erick Sherwood
28 Michael Weaver
Seniors share their words of wisdom.
29 Lindsey-jaffe miller
31 sports briefing
32 Gabe Rodriguez
33 Erick Sherwood
Statistics on where seniors are going after high school.
Open Forum Content 19 Staff editorial 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
Statistics for spring sports, including women’s soccer, are given.
> CHECK OUT
by Regan Lavallee
The map of where members of the Class of 2015 are going to college.
by Tyler Kraft and Reagan Fitzke
35 Kira Amels
by Reagan Fitzke
36 Sam Atlas
by Taylor Desmond
38 Janey Galligan
Cover Photo by Reagan Fitzke
by Hayley Mustin
by Kit Miller
by Kenzie Winslow and Peyton Reeves
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Darren Woon
Just keep swimming: Junior Darren Woon practices with his team at Northridge Recreation Center. Woon qualified for the state swim meet, which was held Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. “Next year will be my senior year and it will really give me an opportunity to step up and be a leader for the team, which I am really excited for,� Woon said.
photo by Conner davis 4
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Photo by Kaitlin Zenoni
Photo by Emy Pye
Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
Photo by Amy Huang
Photo By Conner Davis
Will Dixon
play Ball: Senior Will Dixon throws a pitch during a varsity baseball game. “It was sad to play my last game at Mountain Vista. Four years is a long time and it was difficult to leave, but it was a good four years,” Dixon said. After finishing 14-5 in the regular season, Vista earned the right to host initial games May 12 in the 5A CHSAA playoffs.
photo by Reagan Fitzke
Issue Six 55 Eagle Eye Issue Eagle Eye One
Faculty ofthe Month Mary DeBolt
P
hysical Education teacher Mary DeBolt is the Individual Sports and Athletic Training teacher at Mountain Vista. DeBolt has been a teacher for 22 years and has been working at Mountain Vista for 13 of those years. DeBolt has also worked 16 of those 22 years in Douglas County School District. She works with people of all different types of personalities in a different grade every day. “Personally I talk about respect, bullying and making my classroom being safe zone,” DeBolt said. “I follow through with bullying issues but in the hallways I see and hear the bullying going on.” “I loved the idea during prom week about having the week dedicated to acts of kindness,” DeBolt said. DeBolt enjoys making a student’s day or making a difference in their life. Every day she greets them with a smile, even if she doesn’t know them, asks them about their life and what grade they are in to get to know them better. Tara O’Gorman
numbers By the
VISTAj recently took a look at some interesting statistics about this summer. Here is what we found:
Summer break is
Monday,
74 on
for all recreation centers.
for freshmen.
Outdoor pools
will open on
days long, with school
starting
May 25 Aug. 2
10
2015 senior graduation is scheduled for
May20 9 a.m. at Red Rocks at
The last day of school is May 27.
may 18-28 Final Weeks for Grades 9, 10, 11 Normal Finals 18:Schedule 20:No 26:Finals School 22:Day 1 Day 2
Periods 1-7 Graduation SOAR and Periods 1-2
19:
Normal Schedule
21:
Normal Schedule
Periods 1-7 Periods 1-7
25:
No School
Periods 6-7 Periods 3-5 ***********
27:
Finals Day 3
SOAR and
28:No School
First day of Summer Break
Summer Break May 28-Aug. 10
What are you looking forward to during this summer? “We plan on going to Elitch Gardens, hanging out with friends and going camping.” –Habiba Keshk, 10
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“Probably just staying here and hanging out with friends. We might go to the movies, go to the mall.” –Aya Keshk, 11
“The outdoors. I like the cold temperature and the trees. It’s just relaxing.” –Katelyn Palumbo, 10
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Stuff that I decided to mix it up a (Doesn’t)
tick me off Tyler Kraft
S
little bit and keep you guys on your toes. After all, it is my last column. Why not change it up?
Photo Illustration by Reagan Fitzke
o this is it. The last ride. The final frontier. Well my friends, I guess all good things must come to an end. This will be the last “Stuff That Ticks Me Off” I write for the VISTAj program. Except this time, I decided to put a little twist in it. I realized that many of the students who only know me through these articles only know me as a cynical person who sometimes has a funny little line here or there. That is all about to change. I decided to show that there are things about Vista that I do like. Note that this article will not be including the hallways, slackers or the Freshman Class. First, I really appreciate all the security staff does for the student body. There has not been a day in which I did not feel safe here. The security guards all do a really great job at making the wonderful Mountain Vista atmosphere possible. I also gave the security guards a lot of grief over the past few years with many of
my commentaries. I criticized the policies they enforced during my four years and even called them out specifically once or twice. Yet they still answered the questions I asked them time after time. I really appreciate that. The janitors at this school are another group who I am very appreciative of. I never once had a problem with this school looking dirty even though I often times saw our student body do its best to make it look as if a tornado had just touched down in the upper hallway. I also had quite a few great teachers during my time at Vista who influenced the way that I approached my topics. There are three who automatically come to mind. The first is Mr. Flanigan. I am not sure that I have ever had more fun in a class than I did in Flanigan’s Advanced Placement U.S. History class. I learned many things both from his class and him as a person. I am very appreciative of what he did for me as a teacher and a person.
Next is Mr. Wood (the young one). I had Wood this year for AP Calculus AB and he transformed me as a student. For much of my high school career, I struggled and did not enjoy math but Wood installed a new sense of motivation in me to become better as a student and a person. Wood is hilarious if you didn’t know that already. His class was often the highlight of my day. I still maintain that Manny Pacquiao would beat Wood in a boxing match though. Then there is Mr. Newton. He helped formed me into the journalist I am today. He let me know that even when I failed it was still okay as long as I bounced back. The last teacher, although he doesn’t actually teach a class, is Mr. Weaver. Weaver taught us how to become a better person day after day while facing adversity himself. I believe that if it wasn’t for Mr. Weaver, Vista would not have improved itself in the way it has since I was a freshman. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the people who helped me to write these articles. When I first started, I had no idea on how to write an article that would grab the attention of any magazine reader. With the help of Wes Edwards and many other editors, I think that I was able to make a column that people could look forward to reading. The readers of these articles also mean a lot to me. I wrote these articles hoping that even if just one person read them, that person would leave school that day happier than when they arrived. My friends were a major part of these articles. They didn’t tick me off but helped me come up with ideas of what ticked me off. They also managed to find the mistakes I made and never failed to notify me of them. I always got a kick out of that. I really appreciate all that Mountain Vista has done for me, especially providing me the opportunity to rant about whatever I wanted to. I will miss it dearly, but I know our next writer will carry on the tradition. It’s been real Vista, take care.
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Tears for JOY
H
Francesco Viola III
America’s obsession with being happy is innocent enough, but it has unforeseen consequences.
appiness is elusive in the United States of America. Despite how much importance is placed on it, only one third of Americans are very happy, according to Harris polls. According to studies and tests, the reason for this lack of happiness is not due to a lack of trying. Ironically, one of the primary reasons why so many Americans are unhappy is that Americans obsess about it. “A culture that talks about happiness as much as we do is giving the sign that we’re concerned about happiness and I mean concerned in a slightly negative way,” Darrin McMahon, a historian at Florida State University and author of “Happiness: A History,” told creativitypost.com. “We obsess about happiness and that may be an indication that we’re not actually all that happy.” It is important to note that roughly one third of the happiness a person feels is outside of that person’s control. “As a rough generalization, about a third of the factors that determine outcomes of wellbeing are genetic or biological,” cognitive psychologist Rick Hanson and author of “Hardwiring Happiness” told the Huffington Post. This makes two thirds of the happiness we feel dependent on our environment, as well as ourselves. With these ideas in mind, one of the most common problems that being obsessed with happiness can bring shows itself: the hedonic treadmill. The hedonic treadmill is chasing after external recognition and experiences that a person believes will bring him happiness, as opposed to finding the happiness in the experiences that someone is already going through. According to the theory, designed by Ed Diener, Richard E. Lucas and Christie Napa Scollon, good and bad feelings affect happiness temporarily, then people return to a neutral state. The self-help industry thrives off of this, but it is not always what it seems. “There are snake oil salesmen in the business world who are making massive amounts of money by selling positive psychology to corporations as a way to organize work forces,” McMahon told creativitypost.com. “But there’s not a whole lot of science behind what they’re claiming, at times.” This contributes to the perpetuating idea that happiness can be easily bought
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Photo by Francesco Viola III
and sold as a commodity. “There’s a certain tendency in our culture to want to graft some kind of happiness onto an existing structure,” Hanson told creativitypost.com. “If you just fill in the blank - get this car, find the right shade of lipstick, go on vacation in Mexico, lose those five pounds - suddenly you’ll be happier and have the fulfillment you want in life. Let’s be clear: The main happiness industry in America is the advertising industry.” An additional problem the American obsession with happiness creates is the fear and devaluing of negative emotions, as well as challenging experiences. Australian social researcher Hugh Mackay, author of the book “The Good Life,” argues that the fear of sadness has become a new Western disease. “We’re kind of teaching our kids that happiness is the default position - it’s rubbish. Wholeness is what we ought to be striving for and part of that is sadness, disappointment, frustration, failure; all of those things which make us who we are.
Happiness and victory and fulfillment are nice little things that also happen to us, but they don’t teach us much,” Mackay said in his book. “I’d like just for a year to have a moratorium on the word “happiness” and to replace it with the word ‘wholeness.’ Ask yourself ‘Is this contributing to my wholeness?’ and if you’re having a bad day, it is.” Dealing with negative emotions may be an unpleasant experience, but it can be beneficial. “Sorrow tenderizes the heart,” Hanson told creativitypost. com. “Attending to the suffering of one’s self and others has dignity to it - a nobility even - and it’s important to do, particularly in our culture that always wants to ‘fix it fast.’” No one can have a life that is devoid of negative experiences. In light of this, it is important to embrace painful emotions as a fact of life. Failing to do this will only ruin positive emotions. A happy life is obtainable, and it can be achieved when searching for it from a different perspective.
CITE
STRIKES OUT with Mountain Vista teachers
DCSD struggles to create an ‘accurate’ teacher evaluation system.
“I
john bellipanni
t would be shameful if we’re building systems that aren’t improving teacher performance,” Douglas County School District (DCSD) Assistant Superintendent Steve Cook said. Cook’s comment was prompted by the same question 50 Mountain Vista teachers responded to: “Is DCSD’s current teacher evaluation system an accurate reflection of teachers’ performances?” According to more than two-thirds of those who responded to the Eagle Eye survey, it’s not. Much of the controversy regarding the topic is in relation to DCSD’s new Continuous Improvement of Teacher Effectiveness (CITE) evaluation system. CITE is DCSD’s version of the statemandated teacher evaluation system and encompasses two major components: teacher practice, also referred to as CITE 1-5, and student performance, also known as CITE 6. “CITE 6 is really data driven,” Assistant Principal Rob Ceglie said. “The expectation is that teachers pick one skill to focus on and collect data from two different points. It’s held harmless this year (and 2015-16) in terms of their evaluations.” However, as required by a new state law, the school district must implement CITE 6 in 2016-17. “It seems like a lot of hoop jumping,” math teacher Brian Wood said. “It’s probably better than what we did before, [but] it still isn’t good, and it requires way more work from teachers.” Several other Vista staff members echoed Wood’s comments.
14%
0% 26%
18%
“I know teachers in this building that are incredible teachers who are not getting [the] highly effective [rating] because they haven’t taken the time to jump through all the hoops,” social studies teacher Michelle Minish said. Spanish teacher Linda HammertonMorris agreed CITE was accurate, but noted “the process is tedious and takes away from instructional time.” “We get that one quite a bit,” Cook said. “Evaluators (building level administrators) are there to help serve in that capacity.” Teachers also appear frustrated with much of the CITE content. Wood expressed some of the most important parts of teaching are overlooked in the CITE evaluation. “Teaching is a lifestyle, not necessarily a job, and you could be great from 7:30-2:50 and still not be great at teaching,” he said. Teachers’ reported dissatisfaction in the way CITE was executed this year. “I think that one of the issues we have in Douglas County is that we seem to be more concerned with being first than being best,” Wood said. “I would rather that we slow down on new initiatives and do a better job of making sure we understand all the implications and the unintended consequences of what it is we’re doing.” Ceglie said building-level administrators are in the same spot as teachers. “We’re still in the process of interpreting what [CITE] is asking, what it looks like in the classrooms, and trying to figure it out as we go,” he said. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of CITE is its link to Pay for Performance, DCSD’s framework for a competitive
immediate reactions District employees respond to survey
42% The current Douglas County School District evaluation system provides and accurate reflection of my performance as a teacher. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
market salary. Teachers’ annual raises are determined through their evaluation status. “Pay for Performance is a reflection of overall evaluation scores,” Ceglie said. “Now, when I work with teachers, I don’t think about that. That’s not in the front of my mind.” Wood says Pay for Performance could be a cause for concern if not implemented properly. “You’re playing a very risky game when you start attaching those pilot programs to how much people are making,” he said. “A lot of [CITE] is so ambiguous,” Minish said. “If [the district is] going to tie this to my pay, I need to know what this means.” Teachers and administrators also report frustration that the CITE model keeps changing. “This is year three, and like I said, [evaluations have] been changing every year,” Ceglie said. “We’d like to think it’s for the better, but we’re still in the process of interpreting what this is asking.” Principal Michael Weaver said some teachers are bothered by a lack of consistency in CITE. “On the side of the teachers viewing [CITE], it’s almost like a moving target for them and has been since it was implemented.” Weaver said teachers haven’t been given enough clarity regarding evaluation expectations. Cook has a different view on CITE’s evolution. “I don’t know that I would agree that we keep changing the expectations,” he said. “I think we keep refining what those look like.”
Michelle Minish Social Studies Teacher “That still surprises me. I would have thought it would have been a little bit more disagree and a little bit less agree.”
Michael Weaver Principal Rob Ceglie “I’m not surprised. I Assistant Principal think that, first of all, in the scheme of things, the “I don’t really have a reaction to the statistics. system in and of itself Honestly, I didn’t create is fairly new and it’s changing expectations. It the evaluation system. It’s not something I solely has changed and adapted put into play, and it’s our since it was implemented job to work with what the around October, twoand-a-half years ago.” district gives us.”
Steve Cook Assistant Superintendent “It’s interesting data. It’s hard for me to comment on it … because I don’t know all of the circumstances of the survey … Don’t take this the wrong way, but this also one of 70 schools. There’s almost 4,000 teachers in this district.”
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STILL NEED TO GET YOUR YEARBOOK? It’s not all that complicated…It’s quite easy, actually. Friday, May 15 in U332 Before school, 7:10-7:30 a.m. A Lunch, 11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m. / B Lunch, 12:35-1 p.m. After school, 2:55-3:15 p.m. May 15-21 in U332 Before school, 7:10-7:30 a.m. After school, 2:55-3:15 p.m. May 22-27 from Finance Office Before school, 7:15-7:30 a.m. After school, 2:55-3:0 p.m.
• To get your yearbook, all schools fees and fines must be paid in full. If so, please pay at Finance Office and get book there.
To purchase a 2015 Aerie yearbook now, see Mr. Newton in U328 with $99. Eagle Eye
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20 We are Cla th ss e of
On May 20, 2015, the Mountain Vista Senior Class will graduate at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Throughout the four years of high school, each senior encountered both simple and complicated ends to high school. Yet, throughout each of these experiences, we became the individuals we are today. While each of us will be going our separate paths, today we are united under the one thing we all have in common.
top majors (by area)
Trade & Personal Services Interdisciplinary Public & Social Services
4 6
Social Sciences Health & Medicine
alternative plans
54
Mathematics
68 71
Science Undecided
93
Business & Marketing
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engineering: 52 students business: 66 students education: 17 students Biology: 16 students computer science: 16 students marketing: 14 students Nursing: 14 students Music: 11 students
30 32 33 34
Arts/Humanities
14
top majors (individual)
Eagle Eye
gap year: 3 students military: 11 students army: 5 students marines: 2 students air force: 3 students Navy: 1 student career: 3 students
015 top states
senior mean to you? Ashton winkleman
“It means I get to graduate and go on to college.”
Natalie Eckoff
“It means working hard, making memories and hanging out with friends.”
Corrinne Landy
“It means my last year of high school. It has no other significant meaning.”
Danny Tripple
“It means finding out what I want to do with the rest of my life and being excited.”
Zach Esteppe
“It means a lot of responsibility and the last step before going out on my own.”
Christian Winfrey
“It means being at the top and doing what no one can do. Everyone does it, but it does feel special. Ya feel me?”
top 5 colleges State university 1. Colorado 62 students of colorado-boulder 2. university 59 students ahoe community college 3. arap 20 students of northern colorado 4. university 22 students of kansas 5. university 9 students
Hawaii:
1 student
Alaska:
0 students 1-5 students 6-10 students 11-20 students 21+ students
what does being a
Colorado: 243 students California: 22 students Arizona: 20 students kansas: 14 students
texas: 9 students utah: 9 students washington: 9 students wyoming: 8 students
To view an interactive map and further information on the Class of 2015, including students’ colleges, intended majors, etc. visit:
vistanow.org / 2015senior-future-plans / Eagle Eye
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destinations VISTAj surveyed the members of the Class of 2015 about their plans after high school. We obtained information from 427 of the 493 members of the Senior Class. While the majority of students will attend a college or university in the fall, others will enter military service, work, serve religious missions or take time off from school. To the right is an alphabetical list of the seniors whose responses we received and their plans after leaving Mountain Vista. To view an interactive map and further information on the Class of 2015, including students’ intended majors, visit vistanow. org/2015senior-futureplans/.
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A: Abulhawa, Adam: Colorado State Universityy Akarapusit, Gigi: Chulalongkorn Universityy Arky, Nichole: University of Colorado Bouldery Alarcon, Daniela: Metropolitan State Universityy Albrechtsen, Megan: Utah State Universityy Alexander, Amy: University of Colorado Bouldery Ambrose, Addison: Art Institute of Coloradoy Andrews, Erik: Arapahoe Community Collegey Andrzejczak, Tessa: Colorado State University y Archuleta, Kevin: Metropolitan State University y Aretakis, Christopher: Northwestern University y August, Madison: Colorado State University y Auth, Carter: Oregon State University y Axelson, Victoria: Metropolitan State University B: y Babbitt, Brayden: Brigham Young University y Babcock, Chase: Marymount University y Balwani, Harsh: San Diego Miramar College y Barich, Brandon: Dominican University of California y Barich, Sean: University of Colorado Boulder y Barker, Christian: Wesleyan University y Barker, Justin: Texas Tech University y Batmanglidj, Nick: Arapahoe Community College y Beaudreau, James: University of Colorado Denver y Bellipanni, John: University of Colorado Boulder y Benavides, Christian: Arapahoe Community College y Benda, Jayme: Denver Community College y Benson, Austin: University of Kansas y Beram, Annalee: University of Colorado Denver y Beresford, Ray: Western State Colorado University y Bergstrom, Morgan: Colorado School of Mines y Bielecki, Nikolai: University of Colorado Denver y Billett, Holly: Central Michigan University y Bills, Skye: Vocational College y Blackburn, Zach: Gap Year y Bocker, Andrew: Colorado School of Mines y Bonds, Karina: University of Colorado Boulder y Bonner, Alex: University of Oregon y Booras, Peter: University of Colorado Boulder y Bougan, Tim: University of Colorado Denver y Boyovich, Derek: Military – Army y Brady, Christian: University of Arizona y Bravo, Ashley: Univeresity of Northern Colorado y Breeling, Andrew: Northern Arizona University y Brennan, Kiel: Mercer University y Brenneman, Kennah: Humboldt State University y Brenner, Jenny: Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology y Breuker, Craig: Colorado State University y Brewer, Derek: Colorado School of Mines y Brook, Cole: University of Colorado Boulder y Brown, Chloe: Colorado State University y Browning, Kayla: Colorado State University y Bryant, Josh: Arapahoe Community College y Burbey, Alexandra: University of California at Berkeley y Burget, Amanda: Dixie State University y Burrup, Katrina: Baylor University y Busek, Bradley: University of Colorado Boulder C: y Cagle, Tyler: University of Colorado Boulder y Cahill, Shane: University of Mississippi y Campbell, Andrew: Wyotech y Campbell, Zack: University of Texas at Austin y Carlson, Lauren: Colorado State University y Carlson, Maddie: Arizona State University y Caronia, Nic: Arapahoe Community College y Cattich, Brandon: Southern Virginia University y Cesmat, Aden: Colorado Mesa University y Chambless, Haley: University of Colorado Boudler y Chapple, Hannah: University of Denver y Chatwin, Hannah: University of Colorado Boulder y Chavez, Christina: Colorado State University y Chavez, Kristina: Colorado State University y Chisholm, Amber: Career y Christensen, Shyann: Career y Claggett, Teagan: University of Colorado Boulder y Cler, Kristin: University of Colorado Boulder y Clinger, Lexi: University of Colorado Denver y Conner, Nick: University of Colorado Denver y Contreras, Omar: University of Colorado Boulder y Cook, McKenna: Arapahoe Community College y Cooper, Emma: University of Colorado Boulder y Cope, Gretchen: University of Colorado Boulder y Cortez, Blayze: Icon Collective Production School y Cossmann, Hannah: University of Washington in Seattle y Cox, Cameron: University of Colorado Denver y Cox, Nolan: Colorado State University y Craig, Maren: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota y Cramer, Cameron: Arizona State University y Cravens, Maddie: Northern Arizona University y Crepeau, Madison: University of Wyoming y Culbertson, Spencer: Arapahoe Community College y Cushatt, Jake: Military – Air Force D: y Dagg, Gavin: Military – Air Force y Dagg, Merrick: Military – Army y Dahn, Keely: Arapahoe Community College y Dehner, Chase: Colorado Mountain College y Del Turco, Marissa: University of Nevada Reno y DeMey, Andrew: Montana State University y Dempster, Jason: Military – Marines y Dent, Spenser: Military – Army y Deppey, Kirsten: University of Wyoming y Desmond, Cameron: Boston College y Devers, Alyssa: Colorado State University y Dew, Emily: University of Denver y Dixon, Will: Colorado Mesa University y Dorr, Alexander: Colorado State University y Drake, Levi: University of Colorado Denver y Dufek, Mia: University of Nebraska – Lincoln y Dugger, Mason: University of Colorado Denver y Dunn, Logan: Arapahoe Community College y Dunnebecke, Daniel: Montana State University y Dutton, Zoe: Colorado State University E: y Eckhoff, Natalie: Arapahoe Community College y Ell, Sam: Arizona State University y Elliot, Garrick: Colorado State University y Epp, Kailey: University of Colorado Boulder y Erickson, Robert: University of Colorado Boulder y Esparsen, Vanessa: Grand Canyon University y Eveland, Alexandria: University of Colorado Colorado Springs y Ewing, Emily: Chapman University F: y Farley, Aaron: Gap Yeary Federico, Sidney: University of Colorado Boulder y Felder, Callie: University of Colorado Boulder y Feldman, Joey: Fort Lewis College y Fessenden, Danny: SUNY Maritime College y Findley, Brandon: Colorado State University y Fink, Will: Baylor University y Fink, Devin: University of Oregon y Fitzsimmons, Delaney: California Polytechnical University y Flynn, Tommy: University of Colorado Boulder y Fornaro, Antonia: University of Northern Colorado y Chad Forrest: Military - Marines y Franks, Katelin: Montana State University y Freeman, Dylan: Colorado Mesa University y Frydrychowski, Anthony: Navarro College y Fuller, Adam: New Mexico State G: Galbraith, Peyton: Arapahoe Community College y Gale, Jacksyn: Grand Canyon University y Galligan, Libby: University of Missouri Columbia y Garduno, Madi: Fort Lewis College y Geist, Karly: Colorado State University y Geist, Kyla: University of Northern Colorado y Gibb, Ryan: BYU Idaho y Gill, Rachel: University of Colorado Boulder y Glide, Katie: University of Northern Colorado y Gonzalez, Stephany: Music Industry y Goodrum, Courtney: University of Colorado Colorado Springs y Grover, Brian: BYU y Gruszczynski, Austin: University of Colorado Boulder y Gudgel, David: University of Wyoming y Gunter, Drake: University of Colorado Boulder y Gutierrez, Alyssa: Colorado State University y Guy, Allie: University of Colorado Denver H: y Haasbeek, Gracie: University of Missouri Columbia y Haberkorn, Kenzie: Tulane University y Hainsey, Sara: University of Puget Sound y Han, David: University of Kansas y Hancock, Bryan: Hobart College y Hankins, Griffen: Montana State University y Harris, Jessica: BYU Hawaii y Harris, Sarah: University of Colorado Denver y Harris, Sean: Colorado State University y Hart, Jacob: University of Northern Colorado y Hart, Ashley: University of Northern Colorado y Hayden, Molly: Community College of Denver y Healey, Sean: Montana State University y Heikoff, Will: Auburn University y Heiland, Kelsey: Augustana College y Henry, Meg: Whitman College y Hewlett, Alec: University of Colorado Denver y Hix, Mikayla: Colorado Mesa University y Hoag, Randy: University of Wyoming y Hobbs, Elizabeth: University of Colorado Boulder y Holdren, Kobe: Idaho State University y Holley, Camden: Utah State University y Hood, Adrian: University of Colorado Denver y Hovater, Whitney: University of Alabama y Hukill, Megan: Colorado State University y Hutto, Jake: Buena Vista University I: Ike, Brendan: Ohio State Universityy Ingui, Katie: Arixona State University y Ireland, Katie: Montana State University y Ireland, Emily: University of Northern Colorado y Jarosz, John: Metropolitan State University y Jeffries, Sam: University of Colorado Boulder y Johns, Nick: Colorado State University y Johnson, Lucas: Colorado School of Mines y Johnson, Michael: Colorado State University K: Kammerer, Annika: University of Colorado Boulder y Kampfe, Cassidee: Fort Lewis College y Kavorkian, Matt: University of Denver y Keller, Elyse: Rocky Mountain College
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of Art and Design y Kelly, Conor: University of Colorado Boulder y Kendall, Lucy: Lindenwood University y Kessel, Kaleigh: Washington State University y Khatri, Meera: University of Colorado Colorado Springs y Kim, Hallie: University of Colorado Boulder y Kirscher, Tommy: Colorado State University y Klatt, Dani: Augustana College y Koehl, Katie: University of Northern Colorado y Koinzan, Carson: University of Denver y Koneval, Franny: University of Northern Colorado y Korinek, Nathan: Colorado State University y Kraft, Tyler: University of Missouri Columbia y Krason, Taylor: University of Northern Colorado y Krasuski, Ana: University of Colorado Boulder y Krawczyk, Jacon: Arapahoe Community College A: Labarrie, Hannah: California Polytechnical University y Landy, Celeste: University of Colorado Boulder y Landy, Corrinne: University of Wyoming y Lane, Carter: University of North Dakota y Lang, Sarah: University of Arizona y Lanka, Izzy: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University y Lauck, Corey: Colorado State University y Le, Tammy: University of Colorado Boulder y Lewis, Haley: Colorado Mesa University y Lewis, Cate: Colorado State University y Lewis, Nolan: University of Colorado Boulder y Lieb, Scout: University of Colorado Denver y Livingston, Kailey: University of Colorado Boulder y Lopez, Molly: Grand Canyon University y Lopez, Mikayla: Augustana College y Lovell, Allison: California Polytechnical University y Luke, Paige: Colorado Mesa University y Lutz, Madison: University of Northern Colorado y Lyons, Annie: Oregon State University M: Maher, Hailey: Arapahoe Community College y Mahoney, Connor: Gonzaga Universityy Mann, Zachary: Army y Manwaring, Matt: Utah Valley University y Manzanerez, Anthony: Seattle Pacific Universityy Markham, Nikki: Northern Arizona University y Marsh, Ryan: University of Northern Colorado y Marsh, Mackenzie: Colorado State University y Marshall, Hayden: University of Alabama y Massey, Megan: University of Tennessee y Mather, Caroline: Carleton College y Mathews, Molly: University of Northern Colorado y Mathukumilli, Anirudh: California Institute of Technology y Matzke, Tyler: Western State Colorado University y Mawhinney, Connor: College of William and Mary y May, Torin: University of Colorado Boulder y McAllister, Analeece: University of Colorado Bouldery McCarron, Delainey: Dalhousie University y McComb, Ashlyne: Sanford Bouldery McCombs, Maddy: University of Puget Sound y McDougal, Morgan: Oklahoma State University y McGeeney, Hunter: Marymount University y McGraw, Andrew: University of Colorado Boulder y McGraw, Brendan: Ohio State University y McGraw, Moira: Arapahoe Community College y McGuire, Megan: New Mexico State University y Mckay, Allie: University of Kansas y McKean, Morgan: Fort Hays State Universityy McKelvey, Nick: Colorado State University y McKinzie, Jesse: University of Wyoming y McMullan, Erin: Colorado State University y McWilliams, Sara: Colorado State University y Mestas, Richie: Front Range y Meyer, Jake: University of Northern Colorado y Michel, Derek: Metropolitan State University y Michel, Heather: Colorado Mountain College y Miller, Rachel: University of Kansas y Mitchell, Andie: San Diego State University y Mitchell, Emma: Grand Canyon University y Moenninghoff, Dylan: University of Oregon y Monheiser, Nick: Colorado State University y Monte, Elijah: University of Colorado Denver y Morgan, Aja: University of Colorado Denver y Morris, Isaac: Colorado State University y Morris, Matthew: Colorado State University y Morrow, Denver: University of Phoenix y Mumper, Marc: Grand Canyon University y Murray, Halle: University of Arizona N: Nalen, Eliza: BYU Idaho y Nedved, Riley: Colorado State University y Negrete, Darral: Air Force y Nelson, Luke: University of Northern Colorado y Nelson, Carly: University of Arizona y Netherton, Sarah: University of Kansas y Neve, Dylan: Colorado State University y Nevins, GA: University of Kansas y Newlon, Collin: University of Iowa y Nicolosi, Sean: Metropolitan State University y Niebolte, Natasha: Johnson and Wales University y Nodland, Alyssa: University of Arizona y Noebel, Gunnar: Western State Colorado University y Nolta, Pierce: Bowling Green State University y Notarmuzi, D.J.: Colorado State Universityy Novak, Sawyer: University of Missouri Columbia y Nugent, Olivia: University of Mississippi y Nunez, Isabel: Army y Nunnelee, Rachel: Colorado State University y O’Connor, Ryan: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University y O’Connor, Brenna: University of Colorado Boulder y O’Leary, Taylor: Red Rocks Community College y Oliver, Claire: Colorado State University y Orr, Austin: Nebraska Wesleyan University y Otsby, Brooklyn: Boise State University y Ostdiek, Sydney: Metropolitan State University y Oullet, Sasha: Savannah College of Art and Design P: Paap, Austin: San Diego State University y Pallarito, Cosmo: University of Colorado Boulder y Palma, Samantha: University of Colorado Boulder y Patierno, Cutler: Califronia Polytechnical University y Pavey, Andrew: University of Colorado Boulder y Pavone, Blaire: University of Northern Colorado y Peluso, Tony: Colorado State University y Penneck, Jenny: University of Houston y Pepper, Nick: University of Kansas y Phelan, Erin: San Diego State University y Pierzchala, Jacob: Indiana University y Pippin, Anna: University of Colorado Denver y Pless, Kyle: Rutgers Universityy Pomeroy, Sami: Colorado Mountain College y Pozder, Spencer: Northeastern University y Prevato, David: Arapahoe Community College y Price, Matthew: BYU y Propernick, Jake: Colorado Mesa University y Pye, Emy: Colorado College Q: y Quick, Sean: Colorado State University R: Rainwater, Katie: Fort Lewis College y Ramsey, Taylor: University of Oklahoma y Raschke, Allison: University of South Dakota y Reed, Kayla: Pepperdine Universityy Rex, Lauren: Gap Year y Rivera Matos, Carla: University of Colorado Denver y Roberts, Scott: Colorado State University y Rodriguez, Gabe: University of Colorado Boulder y Rogers, Megan: Colorado State University y Romine, Nicholas: United States Naval Academy y Rouch, Nick: Western State Colorado University y Rourke, Maddie: University of Houston y Rouse, Ryker: Colorado State University y Royle, Sierrah: University of Northern Colorado y Rubner, Nolan: San Diego Mesa College y Ruppert, Lizz: Colorado Mountain College y Rust, Megan: Chadron State College y Rust, Megan: Chadron State College y Rybitski, Alex: New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts S: Salanitro, Bri: University of Northern Colorado y Salinas, Melanie: Arapahoe Community College y Sanders, Michael: Moody Bible Institute y Sawaged, Louie: Fort Hays State University y Schmalz, Nick: University of Northern Colorado y Schroer, Rachel: University of Redlands y Schwartz, Chris: Plumbing Electrical School y Scott, Katy: Colorado Mesa University y Sculte, Nicole: Arapahoe Community College y Seniw, Weston: University of Northern Colorado y Severance, Cindy: Colorado State University y Shapiro, Stephen: Colorado State University y Shellenberger, Ashlyn: Colorado State University y Sherwood, Erick: University of Colorado Boulder y Simon, Katie: Arapahoe Community College y Smith, Daley: University of Colorado Denver y Smith, Alyssa: San Diego State University y Smith, Alison: University of Colorado Boulder y Smith, Cory: William Jessup University y Smith, Regan: Brigham Young University y Soper, Tori: University of Colorado Boulder y Spieker, Trevor: University of Colorado Boulder y Stacy, Chad: University of Colorado Boulder y Steele, Allie: Baylor University y Stewart, Tyla: University of Oregon y Stewart, Kiaran: Colorado State University y Strecker, Kelly: Fort Hays State University y Strickling, Carter: San Diego State University y Strohmeier, Alissa: University of Wyoming y Stromberg, Tyler: Colorado State University y Stroud, Lindsey: University of Colorado Boulder y Stueber, Sarah: University of Colorado Colorado Springs y Subart, Brady: Western State Colorado University y Suri, Arjun: University of Colorado Boulder y Swartley, Charis: New York University y Sweeney, Kiera: University of Colorado Boulder y Tagliarino, Erica: The New School of Design (Parsons) y Taylor, Savannah: Utah State University y Teegarden, Troy: University of Kansas y Tew, Lauren: Colorado State University y Theis, Anna: University of Colorado Boulder y Thomas, Olivia: Liberty University y Thompson, Stephanie: Colorado State University y ThuneLarsen, Espen: Colorado Mesa University y Thye, Sophia: Colorado State University y Tofield, Michaela: Arapahoe Community College y Torres, Julia: Huntingdon College y Tosch, Kristin: Colorado State University y Tran, Caitlin: Cosmetology y Tran, Dylan: University of Colorado Boulder y Traynor, Delaney: University of Kansas y Troxel, Preston: Western State Colorado University y Vaithianathan, Ashwin: Purdue University y Van Leuven, Elise: Colorado State University y Varra, Jake: University of Alabama y Veihman, Jack: University of Colorado Boulder y Vickers, Sarah: University of Colorado Denver y Viergutz, James: University of Tampa y Vigliotti, Grace: Colorado State University y Vigliotti, Jill: Colorado State University y Viola III, Francesco: Theatre y Wade, Jordan: Baylor University y Walker, Jaci: University of Oregon y Wallace, Quinn: Colorado School of Mines y Walz, Zach: University of Northern Colorado y Washington, Ted: Community College of Denver y Wasmuth, Caulder: Metropolitan State University y Watkins, Brian: Escoffie y Watson, Danielle: University of Wyoming y Welch, Savannah: Colorado State University y White, Molly: Metropolitan State University y Wickoren, Emma: North Dakota State University y Wilhelm, Jackson: Colorado State University y Williams, Allison: University of Colorado Boulder y Williams, Hayden: San Diego State University y Winfrey, Christian: University of Colorado Boulder y Winfrey, Sophia: Montana State University y Winkelmann, Ashton: University of Denver y Yorker, Bailey: Fort Hays State University y Young, Natalie: Colorado State University y Young, Micayla: Arapahoe Community College y Yu, Trey: Colorado State University y Zakhem, Taylor: Art Institute of Colorado y Zayas, Nick: University of Colorado Denver y Zenoni, Kaitlin: Marquette University y Zenoni, Andrew: Gonzaga University y Zenoni, Ryan: Gonzaga University y Zhao, Eric: University of Colorado Boulder y
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Welcome to the real world, everybody! —John Bellipanni
Keep moving forward no matter what. —Tyler Kraft
Take advantage of every single opportunity. —Tori Soper
Don’t forget what’s important to you. —Antonia Fornaro
It won’t be your whole life. —Daley Smith
Trust me kid, you’re gonna fail. —Jake Cushatt
High school sucked, but it’s OK. —Taylor Zakhem
The sun will come up tomorrow. —Ana Krasuski
Look forward, but also look back. —Erica Tagliarino
Life sucks and then you die. —Francesco Viola III
Learn to say yes, and no. —Gretchen Cope
Lessons learned, but have no regrets. —Kaitlin Zenoni
Senior Words of Wisdom
VISTAj editors share six-word stories about high school Eagle Eye
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Faculty
kent allison jim flanigan linda hammerton-morris lindsey jaffemiller schehera mckasson mark newton michael weaver brian wood
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When did you start working at Vista? Four years ago. What is your goal when teaching your students? I think my goal is for my students to actually develop problem solving skills, critical thinking skills and some confidence in their ability to solve problems. What is your favorite part of teaching at Mountain Vista? I don’t know. There are so many things that I like. I like the classes I’m teaching. I like the students I’m working with. I really enjoy the kids I work with. What is your favorite type of ice cream? Black cherry with hot fudge. Why do you do what you do? I enjoy it, but more than that I take pride in making a difference.
Photo by Reagan Fitzke
Justin Villard Bringing humor to chemistry.
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Christian holton & Graham Carroll
onnecting with students on a personal level is an important aspect of teaching and Justin Villard knows just how to do this Villard is a chemistry teacher who is completing his fourth year at Mountain Vista. “There are so many things I like about teaching at Vista,” Villard said. “I like the classes that I teach. I like the students I’m working with. I really enjoy the kids.” What sets Villard apart from most teachers is his ability to connect with students.
“He cares about his students especially the ones that want to learn. He makes sure they get what they need,” junior Sam Allen said. Allen, who is in Villard’s AP Chemistry class, said. Villard does not put on an act to teach his students. “He loves teaching,” Allen said. Villard never hesitates to answer students’ questions and makes an effort to make sure the students understand what he is teaching, all while maintaining a sense of humor. “He has a humor that
everybody loves,” Allen said. For example, before every class Villard starts off the class with a chemistry joke that is related to the unit in class. Villard’s goal, however, is not only to teach chemistry, but to help students become better thinkers. “My goal is for my students to actually develop problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and some confidence in their ability to solve problems,” Villard said. “I enjoy helping my students, but more than that I take pride in making a difference.”
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When did you start working at Vista? I’ve been here seven years. My first year was 2008-09. What is your goal when teaching your students? My goal is to equip kids for the future, help them become better people and learn to reciprocate an adult relationship. What is your favorite part of teaching at Mountain Vista? Working with kids. What is your favorite type of ice cream? Denali moose tracks, private selection. It’s the best ice cream ever. Why do you do what you do? I teach because I can’t imagine not having relationships with high schoolers. It gives me energy. Who do you hope to be for the students at Vista? I hope to be somebody the students know they can come to if they have questions, whether it’s about school or life or advice. Hopefully, I’m somebody that students know actually likes students.
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Photo by Savanah Howard
Brian Wood A math teacher who deals in more than just numbers.
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Savanah Howard & Lauren Lippert
n the basketball court he yells like any other coach, in the classroom he shares his own schooling experiences with students and in the midst of it all is likely thinking of his favorite, Denali Moose Tracks ice cream. Math teacher Brian Wood is a well known face on the Mountain Vista staff. He’s also a father of two, a husband, a basketball coach, a writer, co-leader of Link Crew and a talented emcee for assemblies. Students distinguish between Wood and his father, who is also a math teacher,
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by referring to Brian Wood as “Young Wood.” Together, the father and son duo coach basketball. Young Wood often shares his embarrassing moments with students in his classes, connecting with them on a whole new level. Working with high schoolers gives him energy, making his day more interesting. He is a dedicated teacher, someone who won’t let his students fail his class unless they “really try to.” Even when he yells, Wood wants his students to become better people, to get ready for
their future as adults. Through seven years of teaching, Wood has never skipped a beat with his book writing. He’s currently working on a new book about a high school love story, and has previously published four books. Wood is also passionate about his wife and children. Being a compassionate man, Wood hopes to be a person students and teachers can turn to for advice. His passion for teaching and coaching comes with his strong relationships with high school students.
Mark Newton
Giving power to the students one yearbook at a time.
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Gabe rodriguez & austin sack
ithout the influence of Mark Newton — or as a lot of us call him, Newt — there is no VISTAj. I’ve had the immense pleasure of having him as a teacher in all four years of high school with a total of six different classes, and I couldn’t imagine my high school career without
his ability as a teacher, as an adviser and as a friend. Newt’s teaching abilities are like none I have seen before. He doesn’t exactly teach us journalism kids a concrete lesson each day; but rather, he inspires us to teach ourselves. The greatest part of being in Newt’s journalism classes is that he allows us to choose our
own specialty. One of his core principles is, “Be good at everything, and be great at something,” which allows each of us to develop our own individual passions. His personality is a combination of seriousness and flippancy that help make the learning environment a more engaging atmosphere.
His continuous jokes run along with his words of wisdom that help each of his students and VISTAj staff members to learn something on their own. Newt is one of the most supportive teachers, who will spend his personal time with you outside of his money because of his clear passion for being a teacher.
What is your goal when teaching your students? To make sure that they have the ability and power to do what they like and to find their passion. I hope I can teach them a little about journalism, but mostly
I want to teach them to believe in themselves.
do. I want the students to understand they are valuable and their contributions to the world should be positive. I believe in kids.
Why do you do what you do? Sometimes school can tell you what you can’t do, but in this room we are all about what you can
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Jim Flanigan The charismatic leader of the history revival.
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Tyler Kraft
nyone who walks around the back of the U400s will hear his voice. There are times where you can hear him ranting about how World War I was a bar fight. Or other times where he teases a student just to liven the class up a little bit. No matter what, Jim Flanigan makes his voice heard. Flanigan has been a teacher at Mountain Vista for 11 years. In his time, few other teachers have brought the passion and excitement he brings with him every single day. His passion leads to many interesting activities throughout the year. There is one point where in his AP U.S. History class that he picks out a student to act out a bar fight with him. He then demonstrates how the bar fight resembles World War I. This is just one of the many activities Flanigan provides so his students will associate learning with fun. As a teacher, Flanigan makes cares for his students inside of class as well as outside of class. He often makes a point to go talk to his students in the hallway and give them a good laugh. Flanigan also has been the quite successful Vista men’s and women’s tennis coach. This past year, the women’s tennis team went undefeated to win the Continental League title. Flanigan is an amazing teacher and an amazing person. I am proud to say that I was his student and had the opportunity to learn so many great lessons from him.
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When did you start working at Vista? I started working at Vista in 2004, so this is my 11th year teaching at Vista. What is your goal when teaching your students? My goal when teaching my students is giving them something that they can take with them to use in life. Why do you do what you do? I have never gotten up one day in my adult life and thought, “Dang, I have to go to work today!” My father told me very early in my life, “Find something you love and you will never work a day in your life.” I know that that all sounds corny, but I really have never felt like I am working at Mountain Vista. I have always felt like every day is an opportunity to teach kids about life and every day I feel like I learn something new about life from kids. I also love history and the journey that mankind has taken to bring us to the moment where we find ourselves. This job gives me the opportunity to impact lives through teaching others about history.
Kent Allison
An Apple Award winning technology teacher at Vista.
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Conner Davis
ent Allison, the chair of the Business & Technology Department, received the Apple Award this year because of his teaching style. He leads class in ways that inspire students and makes them want to delve deeper into technology and engineering. The way Allison introduced
new concepts this year made it so that everybody was interested in finding out more — some students so much that they went back before school and experimented with the 3D printers and high technolgy equipment. Allison’s students often used this time in the morning to work to make their class projects good enough to get a
“Wow!” from their teacher. By handing out blocks of wood and saying, “make a CO2 car,” or a pack of random papers and bits of balsa wood and saying, “build a plane,” he challenges everybody to innovate. He does not give out challenges that are hard though, they are thought invoking — ones that make
students strive to do well and impress their peers and teacher. Those mornings where the tech lab was filled with students who kept learning from Allison — even outside of class time — made it evident that he cares greatly about the success of his students and wants them to learn something, even if it’s not while he is officially on the clock.
What is your goal when teaching your students? I want students to be empowered in my class, to feel like they can create anything.
Vista? The students! And the STEM lab. It is pretty sweet to come to work and have access to all these amazing tools.
My version of peanut butter ice cream.
What is your favorite part of teaching at Mountain
What is your favorite type of ice cream?
Why do you do what you do? I had some amazing teachers that I looked up to and I love helping others.
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Linda Hammerton-morris Making learning a fiesta.
“I
Amy Huang
just fell into teaching,” Linda HammertonMorris said. Hammerton-Morris always knew that she wanted to pursue something involving Spanish, however she did not plan on becoming a teacher. Originally, she received her undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University of Ohio in Business/Finance with a double major in Spanish. She planned on pursuing a career in banking. However, she realized that banking was not for her. “You have to be quiet in the banking industry and I don’t know why I ever thought that was the place I ought to be because I’m not a quiet person,” she said. Prior to graduating college, Hammerton-Morris was looking for a job that would allow her to travel. By a twist of fate, she ended up joining the Peace Corps and serving for two years and three months in Ecuador. “It was the best choice I’ve ever made. I’ve always been a traveler,” Hammerton-Morris said. After she returned from Ecuador, Hammerton-Morris faced challenges. She was living at home, not knowing what the next step was. Then, she received an offer to be a Spanish tutor at a ski academy in New Hampshire. From there, she realized teaching was something she had a passion for. It involved Spanish and allowed her to be her energetic self. Learning Spanish is exciting because of H-M’s contagious laugh and engaging way of teaching. She motivates students to learn more about the Spanish language.
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When did you start working at Vista? August 2003 What is your goal when teaching your students? My goal is always to instill some degree of interest in Spanish. If I can just get [students] interested and make them more aware of another language [or] another culture, that’s my goal. What is your favorite part of teaching at Mountain Vista? The students. Hands down, the students. They are why I can get out of bed everyday and come to school. Why do you do what you do? I do what I do because number one I like to be around people. I like the lights. I like the energy and you just can’t find that in the banking industry. I do what I do because it suits my personality and it allows me to still pursue Spanish. What is your favorite type of ice cream? Mint Chocolate Chip
Photo by Tyler Kraft
When did you start working at Vista? In the fall of 2001. What is your goal when teaching your students? To inspire students to have a passion for the arts. Big picture (is) to give kids life skills that will be applicable as they head out of here. More importantly, through music, which is great. What is your favorite part of teaching at Mountain Vista? I get to teach music. Seriously, it’s the greatest. What is your favorite type of ice cream? Chocolate. Why do you do what you do? I love kids and I love watching them find success and feel inspiration through the outlet of music.
Schehera McKasson The voice behind Mountain Vista’s choir program.
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Erick Sherwood
chehera McKasson is one of a kind. Each and everyday, she truly inspires me to be a better person. She loves her job and she makes it known through her passion and enthusiasm. Choir has always played an important role in my life and I’ve been fortunate enough to be under the direction of McKasson throughout all four years of high school. Due to her encouragement, knowledge
and unwavering helpfulness, I have grown, not only as a singer, but also as a person. What sets Mrs. McKasson apart is the connection she builds with her students. She truly cares about each and every person she teaches. Class always begins with her asking how we are, what we’re doing over the weekend or how school is going. She always treats us with the utmost kindness and respect. There’s never a day
that goes by where I don’t feel comfortable and happy in her class. Unfortunately, this is Mrs. McKasson’s last year at Mountain Vista. She is a teacher that I, and so many other students, will always remember. She has left an amazing mark on the Mountain Vista community. Having known her for 14 years, she’s more than a teacher, she’s a friend to both me and my family.
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What is your goal when working with students? My overall goal, not only for myself but for our staff and our school, is do whatever I can to provide some part of the experiences that will involve every kid. Hopefully the way I go about my business will impact the majority of kids on a daily basis. What is your favorite part of working at Mountain Vista? The student interaction is definitely my favorite thing — when I can be out and about, when I can be involved in events, when I can be in classes talking to kids. Why do you do what you do? I love it. I love working with kids and the staff and community. Professionally, it makes me feel very good about what I do. I feel like I am making a difference in education and the lives of teachers, and providing them a good, quality place to work, and the lives of the kids and giving them a good, quality place to go to school. I think that is hugely rewarding and I feel very lucky being able to do what I do because I go home feeling good.
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Photo by Reagan Fitzke
Michael weaver As bright is to the sun, motivated is to this principal.
Kit miller
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ichael Weaver has been the principal at Mountain Vista for four years. He is described by his co-workers as having a lot of energy and passion for education and the teachers and students he works with, which comes from his childhood of growing up with a special-ed teacher as his father and a principal/counseling secretary as his mother. He also has a sense of humor that keeps his coworkers on their toes with his fun comments and crazy ideas.
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“Sometimes I have to look at him and just ask, ‘Are you serious?’” Weaver’s administrative assistant, Susie Durdy, said. Although his co-workers guess his favorite ice cream is Rocky Road, it’s actually Mocha Almond Fudge. The many different ingredients of the Mocha Almond Fudge can be related to the many different things going on in Weaver’s life. That’s no problem for him though. Weaver is organized and thoughtful about what he has to do. He always has a set of goals that he aims to
accomplish each and every day, but he also enjoys the variety that education brings. He inspires those around him with his dedication to the students. Weaver keeps in contact with as many students as possible, greeting several in the hallways each day. His caring for them is undoubtable. “I remember during a crisis situation involving a group of students, [Weaver] was able to put everything else aside and just let that be his focus for the day,” Durdy said. “I will never forget how dedicated he was to those kids.”
Photo by Reagan Fitzke
When did you start working at Vista? I started working at Vista nine years ago. What is your goal when teaching your students? My goal when teaching students is to make it enjoyable, make it fun, but also make them think outside the box and try something new. What is your favorite part of teaching at Mountain Vista? I really enjoy the kids we have here. We have good energy. We have good faculty and administration. Overall, it’s just a really positive vibe. What is your favorite type of ice cream? Anything with chocolate. Why do you do what you do? I think because I didn’t always make the perfect choices, I didn’t really have anyone who was there to help me through things. I think that’s the best thing about being a teacher is that you can really make a difference with kids.
Lindsey Jaffe-Miller Teacher. Leader. Role Model. Friend.
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Kenzie Winslow & peyton reeves
indsey Jaffe-Miller is known to many as simply “Jaffe.” She teaches four Family Consumer Science classes, is a former varsity-level coach and runs Student Leadership and Link Crew. To say that she is just a teacher would be a huge understatement. In the past, Jaffe was the head varsity coach for the girl’s volleyball team. Year after year she led her team to state and increased the skill level and love of the sport for many aspiring volleyball players.
This year, some might say that Vista has had the best school spirit and motivated the most impressive student section in years. Jaffe takes to Twitter to spread the news of big games, events and opportunities. Being responsible for Student Leadership isn’t much different from coaching. Big events put on by “StudLe” are similar to the big games in volleyball. Jaffe uses a lot of the same strategies from coaching when she’s working with the leadership team. Jaffe is in charge of Link
Crew, which has over 200 members. Link Crew is responsible for helping freshmen get adjusted to life as a high schooler, so it’s fair to say Jaffe impacts the entire student body. Jaffe said she teaches because she likes to make it enjoyable for her students, but also make them think outside the box. She strives to make a difference for her students and her impact on them is definitely notable. Teacher. Leader. Role Model. Friend. Jaffe makes Vista wonder: What can’t she do?
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students Kira amels sam atlas janey galligan jessica harris anirudh mathukumilli gabe rodriguez erick sherwood
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Jessica Harris
Starting off every day with a little bit of laughter.
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Gowri Kalyani
enior Jessica Harris’s voice brings smiles to people’s faces when she speaks enthusiastically and giggles constantly on the morning announcements. What drives her everyday is her goal of wanting to make people laugh and smile, as well as just trying to make everyone’s life better in some small way. Many students in the school also explained Harris has some
distinctive qualities that set her apart from others. “I think the big thing is that she sincerely cares about other people,” senior Anna Theis said. “There are lots of people who just try to make it through high school doing as little as possible, but she tries to do as much as she can and be involved, as well as meet many people and give them the best experience imaginable.” Theis also explained that
Harris is known for caring a lot about other people. “She is so funny,” Theis said. “Sometimes she cares way too much about people. Jess is so caring and just so loving and she really wants to help everyone that she can. Everyone she meets, she always tries to be open and honest with them and make them feel comfortable and welcome.” Not only is Harris
completely involved in school, but she tries to participate in activities outside of school as well. “At home, she is always helping out around the house and is always there to lift you up and be a friend,” her brother Austin, a sophomore, said. “When we go out on family vacations, she is an exciting person to be around and is never sad or annoying.”
Who is your best friend and how long have you known him or her? Anna Theis. I’ve known her since freshman year.
is probably doing the announcements or being voted for homecoming royalty.
My goal is really just to make life better for everyone.
What is your favorite memory from Vista? My favorite memory
What is your goal when you walk through the doors of Mountain Vista each day?
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GABE RODRIGUEZ Editor-in-Chief and full time student.
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tara O’Gorman & Katie Picrell
hough the VISTAj co-editor-in-chief was named Colorado High School Journalist of the Year, only few know how much work he truly put in or how often he went to sleep only a couple of hours before waking up just to make Vista’s journalism program out to be what it is. Today, senior Gabe Rodriguez is respected not only in the journalism room but by
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nearly everyone he comes into contact with. To his devoted staff, Rodriguez is the one to rely on for just about anything journalism. He put in the extra hours before or after school begins to create a quality product. Rodriguez vigorously attempts to create a comfortable relationship with each member on staff in order to encourage each one of them
to do his or her best. There is no doubt he succeeded. To many others, he is a loyal friend that is always there. Whatever views are held upon Rodriguez, the fact remains that he was influential. Mountain Vista has witnessed his extraordinary personality. Hundreds of people walk by him each day without quite noticing the hard work he puts in not only to please himself, but the entire school as well.
Next year, Rodriguez will move onto bigger and better things at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He leaves behind a legacy within VISTAj, the student body and Mountain Vista High School. Rodriguez has already made a lasting impact in the minds of the students and teachers of Mountain Vista, leaving them to wonder: Who it is he will impact next?
Who is your best friend? Choosing one of my best friends is kind of hard. I’d have to say it’s Corey Lauck. We’ve been really close friends since seventh grade.
What is your favorite memory from Vista? I think one of my favorite moments at Vista was probably the ThunderRidge/Vista basketball game this year. Being able to cover it with a small team of
VISTAj was really cool to be able to do. We got some really cool coverage of a game that was so intense and the fact that we won and some of my close friends were on the team made the whole event just awesome!
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Who is your best friend and how long have you known him/her? I don’t like the term ‘best friend.’ I’m friends with many people and I really try my best to grow close with all of them. I’ve known almost all my friends since freshman year or before, so I’ve been lucky to have them with me for all of high school. What sets you apart? I believe what sets me apart is my motivation and perseverance. I sometimes really wear myself thin, but I never give in to the stress and fatigue of school and Leadership. I don’t cut corners and I always try my hardest to do my best. What influence do you hope to have on others? I hope that I influence others to be themselves and make the most out of their time in high school. As (Student Body) President, I’ve worked to recognize the accomplishments and qualities of all different kinds of students here at Vista. I want people to feel appreciated and supported. I hope I have influenced students to see how important they really are.
Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
Erick Sherwood Leading others by encouraging with integrity.
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Regan Lavallee
ach day, I walk into Vista with the goal of making someone else’s day better,” senior Erick Sherwood said. “The smallest things can sometimes have the biggest impact on others, and I believe it’s so important to spread positivity.” For Sherwood, the doors to the school represent his daily opportunity to have a positive influence on others. Sherwood is the type of person who is not afraid to be himself. Whether he shows this on stage or in person, his positive energy motivates
others to make the best out of their high school experience. Some people might say Sherwood was elected Student Body President because he is well known among the student body. Sherwood, however, is not only recognized by various groups of students, he is friends with them. He works hard to acknowledge the accomplishments and qualities of the different groups in the school in order for them to feel supported. In doing so, he influences others to see the importance of being themselves.
Sherwood perseveres through different obstacles that approach him in life. Like any teen, he can become overwhelmed with different responsibilities. By overcoming that stress and fatigue, Sherwood stays true to himself by not taking shortcuts. His influence not only sets the example for the rest of Student Leadership, but also for the school. As each day ends, Sherwood exits the doors having influenced others to have similar attitudes.
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Who is your best friend and how long have you known them for? My best friend goes by the name Srikar Chandana. He’s over at Highlands Ranch High School. I’ve known him since third grade. What is your favorite memory from Mountain Vista? That’s hard. Prom last year was probably one of the best ones that I’ve had. It was just a lot of fun hanging out. What is your goal when you walk through the doors of Mountain Vista every day? I don’t know if I have a goal. Just to not fall asleep in class I guess. That’s my biggest goal. What sets you apart from other students? I don’t think I’m that different from anyone here. Usually, I’m just more optimistic about things. Most people complain about Monday and I’m just kind of like, ‘I’m here. I’m alive. Whatever.’”
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Photo by Erica Tagliarino
Anirudh Mathukumilli The Class of 2015 valedictorian shares his optimism.
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Tyler kraft & reagan fitzke
enior Anirudh Mathukumilli is the picturesque high school student. He is at the top of his class while being the president of National Honor Society and Technology Student Association, as well as the vice president of Future Business Leaders of America. Mathukumilli has every right to be proud of what he does, but he remains humble about his accomplishments. He has won several awards in both TSA and FBLA throughout the years, even qualifying for state and national competitions.
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And while his abilities as a student are widely known, Mathukumilli acts like every other student while in the classroom. He is always easy to strike up a conversation with and is always kind to his peers. Mathukumilli always can be seen with a beaming smile on his face wherever he goes. He does his best to keep himself and others going throughout the school day, hardly ever seeming down. Senior Haley Chambless was an officer with Mathukumilli this past year in both NHS and FBLA.
“I really appreciate the way he is able to put himself out there and be a friend to everyone, even when it means putting their needs before his own,” Chambless said. “He is such a strong speaker and leader so I am able to learn from him every day.” Mathukumilli is an inspiration to other students who strive to become great at what they do. He leaves Mountain Vista as the Class of 2015’s valedictorian and, if all goes according to plan, will continue on his path to a bright future.
Kira Amels
A slam poet whose words speak volumes.
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Reagan Fitzke
hen discussing speech and debate, many people tend to think of politics — opinionated students arguing about sophisticated and often somewhat boring topics. Coming to Mountain Vista speech and debate, however, is
an entirely different story. The team has an extremely talented speaker, specifically, a slam poet. Junior Kira Amels has found her voice through her years on the team. Amels has recently been participating in an online speech competition via YouTube, and has been selected
as one of the top 30 competitors in the country. She has also been using her skills in speech to help in another part of the school with the Gay Straight Alliance. During Wish Week she stood at an assembly and spoke about No Name Calling Week. Her voice showed nothing but
passion as she told the student body of what the club was hoping to accomplish. Amels is talented. She sends important messages through making art of words. Her voice is something that has the power to not only change Mountain Vista, but the lives of everyone who can hear her.
Who is your best friend? Picking one would be difficult. Two shoutouts I would have to give are to my buddy Peter Leonard, which is largely attributed to that we have been competing in Speech and Debate
together for the last three years. I also would love to give a shoutout to Mark Twal who is also a speech and debate buddy. What is your favorite memory from Vista? The second varsity tournament at Golden
High School this year. I placed first in the tournament and it was awesome because I haven’t even placed top eight for the past two years, so it was like, that finally tangible, “I made it” moment.
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Sam Atlas
The little man who makes a big impact.
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taylor Desmond
here are over 2,000 students who attend Mountain Vista High School, but out of the countless people who are at the school, there are few who influence the majority. One such person is sophomore Sam Atlas. He has already left a lasting mark on Vista after only two years. He participates in baseball, basketball and Student Leadership. He also plans to participate in Link Crew next year. Atlas is someone students look up to in sports and during school. He tries to be nice to everyone and believes he is a very hard worker. He is an individual who is willing to put in the effort in school, sports and activities. Atlas also is known as a dedicated person to his peers. “Sam is a smart, energetic, hard-working person who always gives 100 percent in everything he does,” sophomore Cole Blatchford said. During this past year, Atlas made both the sophomore basketball and baseball teams. Each team requires a lot of time, yet he was able to do so while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “He is the nicest kid,” freshman Will Mitchell said. “He is always positive and is great to have around on the field.” Atlas brings positivity in everything he does. He is an example of a student who goes above and beyond in all aspects of things at Vista. Atlas is someone who people look up to.
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Who is your best friend and how long have you known him/her? Cole Blatchford and I have known him since fifth grade. What is your favorite memory from Vista? Probably this year’s Wish Week because it was so successful and a lot of fun. What is your goal when you walk through the doors of MVHS each day? Just to make the best of every day and enjoy my teachers, my classes, learning, sports, ever thing. What sets you apart from others? I try to be nice to everyone and I believe that I am a very hard worker. I am willing to put in the effort in school and everything else I do.
Janey Galligan Making her mark early.
Hayley Mustin
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hen it comes to outstanding students, freshman Janey Galligan definitely meets the standard. This year is Janey’s first year at MVHS and she is already involved in a number of activities, while maintaining a high GPA. Galligan said she loves being involved at the school with her favorite activity being Student Leadership. Galligan is highly involved in Leadership and loves how close she is with all the members of the team. She said she has learned a lot about how to brainstorm and communicate, as well as how to apply these skills to the real world. Through Leadership, she also has created some of her favorite memories at Vista — her favorite being the final Wish Week assembly. She said it meant a lot for her and the rest of Student Leadership to see what they were capable of when they come together. They all felt a very strong connection to Asher, which helped them to work harder. On top of all the outside activities, Galligan is a strong student. Galligan’s favorite subject is history because she really enjoys learning about the past and how people live. “Janey is such an amazing person and is outgoing and fun. She makes Vista a better place by being friendly to everyone,” freshman Kendall Crepeau said. Through her leadership and academics Galligan has already left a mark on Vista and still has three years left to make it bigger and bolder.
Who is your best friend and how long have you known him/her? My best friend is Kendall Crepeau and I’ve known her since we were about 8, that’s when we met. What is your favorite memory from Vista? I think one of my alltime favorite memories was the final Wish Week assembly. Especially because I’m in Student Leadership, it really meant a lot to see that we were able to come together as a school to help Asher. What is your goal when you walk through the doors of Mountain Vista each day? To get through math without crying. What sets you apart? I definitely know how important school is, so I try to focus on that rather than other people’s business.
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EP!C Photos
Brady Subart
Stride for stride: Senior Brady Subart runs through first base after hitting a groundball against Regis Jesuit High School. “The best part of the season for me is how we’ve been able to battle back from adversity from the middle of the season and were able to hit a hot streak right before the playoffs,” Subart said.
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Baseball
Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
“Being the manager I gained a second family of amazing brothers,” junior Maddy Worley said. With the postseason still in full swing after two games May 12, the team’s next intended game could be tomorrow. Check chssanow. org for details.
Women’s Tennis
Varsity tennis ended the season undefeated and earned league and regional championships. Nine girls qualified for the 5A state tournament in Denver May 1113. For the final results, check VistaNow.org.
Men’s Lacrosse The Golden Eagles played Regis Jesuit May 13, hoping to make it to the championship tomorrow at Mile High Field at Sports Authority Stadium. Regis dealt the team its only loss this season. “If we work hard and stay focused good things will happen,” junior Noah Hirshorn said.
The varsity team celebrates after scoring a goal against ThunderRidge.
let’s kick it The Mountain Vista varsity girl’s soccer team overcomes two early-season losses continuing its quest for another state title. With two losses at the start of the season against Pine Creek and Grandview, the soccer girls have been playing the rest of the season with a chip on their shoulder. This lead to the team being able to defeat top-ranked teams — and Highlands Ranch rivals — Rock Canyon and ThunderRidge. “The wins against our rivals ThunderRidge and Rock Canyon were some of the best moments of the season,” junior Giselle Sawaged said. “It showed that we can work hard and work together as a team.” With a heartbreaking loss last year during the semifinals, the team hopes to redeem itself this post
season. Going into the 5A playoffs, the team was ranked No. 1 in the state. If the predictions are right, Vista should make it to the final, although they would then have had to beat Columbine High School May 13. A possible rematch against Pine Creek in the semifinals May 16 would likely be one of the best games of the post-season. The team has been preparing for these games the entire season. “It is such a reachable goal that we are all anxious to reach,” Sawaged said. “We have the talent now we just need to work hard.” The finals are set for May 20.
With Junior Varsity Track Star Jessica Gonzales
Jessica Gonzales: I get to run with my friends and I get to run with my school. It is a lot of fun.
ever since I was a freshman and she was a junior. We pushed each other and even though she graduated last year, I still talk to her about track and she helps me a lot.
Who had the largest impact on you as a track runner?
What is your favorite thing to compete in and why?
JG: I would have to say my friend, Taylor Marks. I have considered her my big sister for track
JG: My favorite race to compete in is the 4x100, hands down. That is because it is just such a
What was the best part of your last season running track?
fast race and I love being part of a relay team.
my last year running in high school.
What are you most excited for in regards to next year’s Vista track season?
How was track impacted your life?
JG: Next year I am excited for a new season and hopefully being healthy through the whole season so that I can P.R. (personal record) and maybe go to state in one or two events because it will be
JG: Track has impacted me in a positive way, I have made a lot of friends and I have been able to compete with them. It has taught me how much hard work truly pays off.
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