2018-2019 Eagle Eye Issue 1 by Mark Newton

Vista Nation Domination: the XC teams canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop winning.

Issue 1

Vol. 18

November 16, 2018

photo by Ella Iveslatt

Senior Jack McFarlane and other members from MV Unit lead the “rafting” cheer during a homecoming pep rally assembly. “It was funny because I wasn’t actually supposed to be [leading the cheer],” McFarlane said. “It made it a lot easier to get rowdy will all my friends and it was fun getting everyone exicted.” MV Unit members are in charge of getting the student section loud and excited at school events. Photo by Michael Place

Editors

Carly Ems Hannah McClain Ben Yoshida Michael Place Lexi Riga Anne Gerringer Bronwen Cartwright

Staff

Cole Schwendeman Zach Braady Emery Davis Paige Gerling Mandira Gowda Molly Houser Ella Iveslatt Dylan Kane Annabelle Kiely Audrey Lyp Emily McClenathan Dave Miriyala

Greyson Koinzan Brendan O’Keeffe Madison Paul Julia Kirsch Ryan Karsten Alex Simpson Caden Kroonenberg

Emma Wright Soren Brockway Hannah Corbet-Thiele Brendan Elkins Dillon Bateski Camila Fowler Madison Hirsch Seth Howard Hannah Jenkins Zoe Kirsch Georgia Lane Carly Palazzo

Policy

Eagle Eye, a legally recognized public forum for student expressions, is published four times a year by the student journalism class 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 administartion or the Douglad County School District administration. Board policy regarding student publications (JICEA and JI/JIA) are avaliable in the publications room (U328) or the principal’s office.

Letters to the editors

The 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 Unsigned letters will not be published.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 email.

contents 6

Quick Reads

Youth Power

Go Green

5A and 5B | Opinions

1 in 5

Lifestyle

XC Dominates

Contact

Eagle Eye| Mountain Vista High School: 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Rnach, CO, 80126, 303. 387.1500 Adviser: Mark Newton — mark.newton@dcsdk12.org Editors — eagleeyeeditors@gmail.com

Distribution

Single copies are free. Where avalible, additional copies of this paper are eligible for purchase for $1 each. Contact the Eagle Eye editors 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 will be prosectued.

photo by Michael Place

wa-ter you drinking

By Seth Howard and Brendan Elkins

o you hate drinking lukewarm water from one of the school fountains? We can help you find the best place to find your next drink to be ice cold. We conducted a study that finally answers the question that students and faculty alike have been asking: Which water fountain is the best in the school? We believe that students generally prefer drinking cold water. We assessed the water temperature and pressure (water height) in our ranking process. Our research found that the two best fountains at Vista are in the back of the upper 300s (U300s) and the middle of the U300s next to the men’s bathroom. The fountain at the the back of the U300s is 53.4°F and has a high stream, but the fountain at the middle

of the U300s has a temperature of 50.2°F and has a lower stream, making it more difficult to fill up water bottles. Junior Ethan Love said he perfers the water fountain in the back of the U300s. “It’s always really cold,” Love said. Security guard and varsity baseball coach Ron Quintana also sides with the fountain in the back of the U300s. “It is by far the best water fountain in the school,” Quintana said. In conclusion, if you are looking to fill up your water bottle, your best fountain will be found in the back of the U300s. If you do not have a water bottle, vistit the water fountain in the middle of the U300s for a cold and steady source of refreshing water.

Kobby Adu :

Making a Name

By Zach Brady

t is impossible to achieve extraordinary goals in our lives without first taking extraordinary risks. Many high school students hold themselves back due to fear, uncertainty, and potential failure, but junior Kobby Adu is an exception to this commonality through his undeterred passion for rapping. Adu began his rapping career one year ago. “I started rapping, because I knew I was smooth from the beginning,” said Abu, who added his style was heavily inspired by his favorite rapper and childhood inspiration, J. Cole. Adu has posted ten songs onto his Soundcloud account. “My end goal is for my music to blow up on a global scale,” Adu said.

Junior Max Duque, one of Adu’s closest friends, expects great success for Adu. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Kobby reaches the Billboard Top 100 soon,” Duque said. “He is for sure a future Grammy Award winner.” “I rap to express my thoughts on different problems in the world,” Adu said. Adu uses his writing talents to create songs that flow, rhyme, and possess a message important to him. In the first year of his rapping career, Adu has displayed potential to become a player in the music industry. All that remains, he said, is a broader recognition for his product. Experience Kobby Adu’s music for by searching the name “SmoothAdu” on Soundcloud.

Passion for Poetry

Q&A with Brayden Tuers By Cole Schwendeman

A few students from Spoken Word Club came to school early on a Tuesday when everyone else had the day off. They were performing some pieces for a teacher staff development class taught by sponsor and English teacher Jason Fisher. Each piece related to a subject area in order to illustrate how to incorporate poetry into the classroom. One powerful poem by freshman Brayden Tuers related to the Second Amendment. Q: Why did you join Spoken Word Club this year? A: I joined Spoken Word because I’m in creative writing class, and I have learned that I have a passion for it. Poetry isn’t specialized enough in lower grades, so I didn’t know I had a passion for it until I joined Spoken Word. Q: Do you think being nervous helps you perform? A: Yeah, definitely. Sometimes when you get nervous and you’re jittery, people cry; especially if it’s an emotional piece, they will cry during their piece. Although, obviously it’s sad, it gives it that much more of a developed emotional aspect, and the performance is a hundred times better. Q: Why do you love poetry? A: I love poetry because it is almost therapeutic. It is a way of talking out your feelings [and] what is important to you. The fact that other people are listening is why I like Spoken Word so much, not just regular poetry; like in a book. The idea of other people listening and hearing what you have to say about what is important to you is just so powerful. Regardless, if you like poetry or not, you will always come out of a poetry reading feeling good. Q: Do you think the performing aspect of Spoken Word adds an additional element? A: Definitely. Like I said, when you’re reading poetry, regardless, it can be powerful, but with Spoken Word, your poem is supposed to make sense, and the audience should leave knowing what you said, what is important to you and the main idea of your piece. Sometimes interpretation, like in Edgar Allen Poe, is important and powerful, but it is so much more powerful to hear it from someone else and to hear the empathy in their voice. When I read Edgar Allan Poe’s books, obviously I can’t hear him. I can tell it is emotional, but I can’t hear his voice which would be so much more powerful.

photo courtesy of Sarah Strickling

Colorado to Ghana Five students travel to Ghana and recieved an unforgettable experience. By Greyson Koinzan Kicking around a soccer ball in the scorching, humid sun of Ghana with children of Winneba was just one of Samhita Bheemireddy’s, 12, most treasured memories of fall break, and of her life. “Any interactions I had with any of the students either at the Hovde House or at the school where we built the playground were my favorite because the games we played allowed us to cross any language barrier and just have fun so I really treasure those memories,” Bheemireddy said. This international trip wasn’t just about fun and play. It was about service, leadership, and the goal of change. Over fall break, Bheemireddy and seniors Zoe Johnston, Madison Schall, Sarah Strickling, and Mikaila Faller, along with school social worker Julie Sturgeon, traveled to Winneba, Ghana to engage in an international service effort to help alleviate pressing issues on the city. “I’ve always been passionate about helping others and exploring different cultures so I thought the trip would be a great way to expand my knowledge and change my perspective of the world while being able to do some good,” Strickling said. The team went with an organization through Castle View High School called Colorado to Ghana. In preparation for

their trip, the students learned about the issues facing the country and raised money to buy supplies to bring to other NGO’s stationed in Ghana. Knowing its capability of improvement, the group was motivated to provide aid in any facet. They understood there were a plethora of problems to tackle, such as lack of food and water, child labor/ slavery, and education, but they knew their efforts could make a great impact for the individuals in Winneba. Being able to work one-on-one with citizens shed a new light onto underdeveloped nations for the volunteers. “Working with the kids and seeing how the community worked together and was able to find so much happiness despite all of their misfortunes and despite how little they had was really eye-opening,” Faller said. “That and experiencing all of this with the group of people I went with really brought us closer and brought some truly incredible people into my life.” From painting a school and building a playground to merely being able to work with friends and Ghanaian residents, the trip was the chance of a lifetime. With community service hours, the project gave students a new perspective on international relations and life itself. “I’ve always been told to be grateful for where I’ve grown up but being in

photo courtesy of Zoe Johnston

photo courtesy of Samhita Bheemireddy

Ghana really put that into perspective,” Strickling said. “I had to come to to the realization that I shouldn’t feel guilty for what I have but utilize my resources and opportunities to help and empower others. “Being back has allowed me to process more and more and that feeling of being powerless has morphed into a need to do more,” she said. “It’s empowered me to not only work with the group that but also take action on my own.”

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of RELIGION, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of SPEECH, or of the PRESS; or the right of the people peaceably to ASSEMBLE, and to PETITION the government for a redress of grievances. 8

Youth Pow By Audrey Lyp, Carly Ems, and Paige Gerling

ary Beth Tinker was our age when she changed student rights in public schools forever. In her eighth grade year, when the Vietnam War was in full swing, Tinker realized she wanted to put her voice towards making a change. At 16, Tinker was in a court case that went to the Supreme Court because she made a simple act of silent protest. The violence Tinker witnessed on the news had a profound effect on her. She heard the stories of deaths, bombs, and violent protests. Tinker, along with four other students, felt they needed to support peace and love among the time of turmoil. To mourn the dead on both sides of the war, the students wore black armbands to school, which teachers threatened to suspend them for doing. To the school district, the armband was a distraction. Tinker’s school administrators thought the kids didn’t need to be talking about controversial topics. “The problem is, without controversy, you don’t have education, and you certainly don’t have democracy,” Tinker said during her Sept. 25 visit to Mountain Vista High

School. She shared with Vista students and staff her message of empowerment. Today, Tinker is an activist for student expression and voice. On Sept. 27, Tinker was the keynote speaker at a statewide student media conference sponsored by the Colorado Student Media Association called J-Day. She shared with nearly 2,000 student journalists and teachers how her time in various courtrooms taught her the importance of student’s voice and the First Amendment. She encouraged students not to take the First Amendment for granted. “Without the First Amendment, we’re nothing, and our democracy is nothing,” Tinker said. Tinker emphasized how the First Amendment guarantees American’s individuality. She reminded the audience that students have to right to act on the five freedoms. Tinker wanted students to know that these freedoms give Americans powers other countries aren’t fortunate enough to have in place. The freedom of

our school. our freedom.

photo by Hannah Corbet- Theile

“Without the First Amendment, we’re nothing and our democracy is nothing.”

religion

MVHS students come together, hold hands and pray at the pole before school starts.

ower

the press, petition, assembly, religion, and speech are what allows individuals to express themselves, she said. To celebrate these freedoms, when Tinker visited Vista, she asked students to start a conversation with her to show how people can speak about controversy while talking respectively. “People always want to say kids don’t know what they’re talking about, but you do know so much,” Tinker said. “You know things that adults forget.” Tinker said she believes every student has a voice and that they need to use it. Tinker added that she wants kids to know that they may be young, but they can have just as strong of an impact on the world as adults do. Tinker said if people learn to turn their voices on and use them to demonstrate the message they want others to hear, society could be improved substantially. Acknowledging how hard it can feel for a young student to use their rights, Tinker insisted that a classroom is not a barrier. She added that walking into a school doesn’t change the rights of students. Tinker

photo courtesy of 6Twelve

speech

photo by Mark Newton

Top Left: Mary Beth Tinker speaks at J-Day on Sept. 27 at CSU. Above: The MV Media staff take a picture with Tinker after hearing her speech on the First Amendment.

endorsed the First Amendment as the only common ground all Americans have. Tinker used the example that if someone supports gay rights, he or she has the right to say he or she does, and if someone doesn’t support gay rights, he or she can also use his or her First Amendment right by saying so. Tinker articulated on how people need to merely talk— respectively, of course. She wanted everyone to share perspectives but still value different opinions. Her message was simple —you can’t make a change by staying quiet. “The problem is that so many people limit themselves way beyond what they need to do,” Tinker said. Tinker concluded that all amendments have limits and the First Amendment does not justify hate. She again emphasizeed the importance of respect. “Are we satisfied with the way things are?” Tinker said. “No, things could be better, and the First Amendment is our way of getting there.”

Senior Maya Winslow uses her freedom of speech by addressing her beliefs for the upcoming year during her campaign for the class of 2019 student photo by Victoria Coffman body president.

press

Junior Georgia Lane is a member of the MV Media staff and uses the freedom of press everyday to get news and stories out to the MVHS community.

assembly

photo by Carly Ems photo by Michael Place

MVHS students exercises their right to assemble by gathering in front of the school during the “National School Walkout” on March 14, 2018.

petition

Senior Sierra Godfrey started a petition to change the DCSD policy for snow days and late starts after the Nov. 12 snowstorm when students came to photo courtesy of Sierra Godfrey school on icy roads.

Douglas County votes on 5A and 5B Measures pass to improve schools

GOALS 4 Attract and Mountain Vista High School became a polling station this past election Douglas County voters were tasked with deciding whether they wanted to implement two important funding programs for schools within the state and in the school district. Measures 5A and 5B, a mill levy override and a bond measure, will be used to fund schools in various ways around the district. Official results for tax measures, 5A and 5B, have been released. As of Nov. 14, Measure 5A was ahead with 53.81 percent of the vote and 5B is ahead with 52.22 percent of the vote. The results officially will be certified Nov. 26. According to Douglas County School District, Measure 5A will increase the teacher salary and will be invested in retaining excellent teachers and increasing resources for teachers and staff. DCSD will

retain quality teachers and staff

4 Provide

photo by Michael Place

receive less than $8,000 in total funding per pupil, a small amount compared to other school districts in Colorado. This will be the first funding increase in 12 years. “A lot of our teachers have been here for a number of years and have been through a pay freeze,” Mountain Vista’s Principal Michael Weaver said. “It will help keep us competitive with surrounding districts.” Measure 5A will hopefully lower costs over time by helping retain quality teachers, reducing the need to train new teachers. According to the Colorado Department of Education, DCSD teachers make $53,080 on average, significantly lower than surrounding school districts Cherry Creek ($71,711), Littleton Public Schools ($66,399),

and Jefferson County ($57,154). Measure 5B has passed, and the school district plans to invest in school utilities such as construction, transportation, security, and career technical education. Even though the measure passed, approximately 47 percent of voters voted against it. Voters argued that they weren’t completely sure how the money was going to be spent, claiming that the Board of Education could use these funds anyway that could. Another argument these voters had was that students in the DCSD already are performing very well and that they didn’t know if the increase in funds would necessarily create better students.

mental health support for students

4 Career

focused learning and technical education

4 Enhance safety and security at schools

RESULTS —5A— For: 54% Against: 46% —5B— For: 52% Against: 48%

First Amendment Rights in Sports How has Colin Kaepernick used his First Amendment Rights? OPINION By Hannah Corbet-Thiele and Hannah Jenkins

The First Amendment gives us the right to assemble, but how far is too far? Sept. 1, 2016, the San Francisco 49ers were about to begin their final preseason game against the San Diego Chargers when the National Anthem began to play. The entire stadium fans, players and coaches alike, rose to their feet and put their hands over their hearts, all except two. One of these people being Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback of the 49ers. No one understood why Kaepernick would do this but in a later interview all of our questions would be answered:

“

I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

One of the many who believes this is junior Liberty Campbell. “A lot of people think it is okay to kneel because it is part of our First Amendment right,” Campbell said, “but I feel protesting the flag is not the right time to protest, especially because it has been with us for years and years.” On the other hand, many other Americans, including sophomore Allyson Ball, believe that what he did was fine because he was protesting — a right protected by the First Amendment. “I don’t personally stand for the pledge. It’s not out of disrespect, it’s that I don’t feel aligned with this country,” Ball said. “I don’t feel I should pledge my allegiance because I don’t truly feel like I am when I do and I feel like it is the same with him.” Kneeling for the National Anthem is a form of protest that is not violent or disruptive, therefore it is covered in the First Amendment.

Mike Morbeck/Creative Commons

Nike, a company known for using controversy as a marketing tactic, decided to have Kaepernick be one of the faces in their recent “Dream Crazy” campaign. It gained a lot of attention for Nike from the press and as well as everyday citizens. People were burning their Nike products because they saw it as a way to protest Kaepernick and what he did. “I think Kaepernick is a very controversial subject these days and I think it was risky what he did but he does have the right to do that,” Contemporary World Issues teacher Patº McGuire said. “I believe it was good marketing for Nike.” The burning of Nike products is undeniably one of the stupidest forms of protest.

Serena Williams Speaks Up

Edwin Martinez/Creative Commons

Serena Williams

Carine06/Creative Commons

Carlos Ramos

Naomi Osaka, a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) player, won the 2018 U.S. Open Grand Slam against 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams. Osaka made history as the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam title. However, her spectacular victory was overshadowed by another event worthy of a headline: the controversy between Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos. Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, was seen giving her what seemed like a thumbs up during a game, to which Ramos penalized Williams a point on the basis of illegal coaching. This occurrence led to a series of events that became a topic for debate. After the penalty, Williams broke her racquet, and Ramos consequently penalized her again. Angered, Williams loudly criticized Ramos for unfair umpiring, claiming, “I don’t cheat to win, I’d rather lose.”

All of her misconducts added up to a penalty of one game, and Williams was fined a total of $17,000 for her code violations. Osaka, who was previously leading 4-3, now led 5-3. I argue that Williams reasonably earned her penalty for throwing her racket, and another one for verbally abusing the umpire, calling him “cheat” and “thief.” According to “U.S. News & World Report,” Mouratoglou admitted in an interview for ESPN that he had coached Serena. “I’m honest, I was coaching. I don’t think [Serena] looked at me, so that’s why she didn’t think I was coaching. But I was, like 100 percent of the coaches on 100 percent of the matches. So, we have to stop this hypocrite thing,” he said. “Osaka’s coach was coaching every point too.” Even though Serena never saw the gesture, the penalty was still reason-

Colin Kaepernick, pictured here in 2012, played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2016. Nike has always loved using controversy as a marketing tactic and they saw this as the perfect opportunity for more press. Not only are you wasting your money, but you are also burning shoes that others who are less fortunate desperately need. Plus, burning Nike shoes will actually benefit Nike because it creates free publicity the more you talk about them. The ability to disagree and protest is arguably what sets America apart from the rest of the world. Though sometimes protests seem disrespectful or stupid, it is quite admirable when someone sacrifices everything for their beliefs.

OPINION By Mandira Gowda able. Williams had also accused Ramos of being “sexist”. Whether that was true or not, it’s impossible to tell. Williams claimed she’s seen men perform more aggressive acts and not get penalized by Ramos for it. Serena’s standpoint is reasonable. To her, it seemed the penalties were unfair. However, each and every one of the penalties could be justified, thus making her outburst at the umpire unnecessary. Looking back, nearly every player who criticized Ramos for inconsistent and unfair judging never took it as far as Williams did. Serena should have called over the referee before confronting the umpire, thus getting two opinions and perhaps someone who is able to side with her in her argument. If Williams hadn’t outspokenly criticized the judge, she may have had a chance to regain her penalties in the game.

photo

Junior Cassidy Christian carries an old printer to the cardboard box reserved for other bust printers.

photo by Molly Houser

GOLDEN EAGLES GO GREEN BY MOLLY HOUSER

Mountain Vista Key Club members join HRCA community to support Electronic Recycling and Paper Shred event 12

photo

Junior Cassidy Christian carries an old printer to the cardboard box reserved for other bust printers. “I believe that protecting the environment is extremely important,” Christian said. “Electronic waste greatly damages it. The Highlands Ranch Community Association in partnership with Techno Rescue, held their annual Electronic Recycling and Paper Shred event Sept. 15 in Town Center. Christian, and three other Key

Club members dedicated their Saturday to the event. Students from surrounding schools, and other service organizations, came to help the HRCA in the yearly community service event. “I felt like it was my duty to help the community and the environment,” Christian said. The event was designed to encourage the Highlands Ranch community to safely dispose of electronics. “[The HRCA] has been doing this event for about 14 years,”

An HRCA volunteer helps a recycler from the Highlands Ranch.

Become a proactive recycler at school and at home

by Molly Houser

Key Club members William Price, Joshua McMartin, Michael Alvarez, Emma Wright, and Cassidy Christian help recycle the electronics.

by Molly Houser

HRCA employee Pal Cibers said. “[I got involved because] I believe in recycling, I think we need to do it, I think everyone should do it if they can. It’s a good thing to be doing for our Earth.” The HRCA worked with Techno Rescue, an I.T. Company with certifications in electronic recycling. “I’ve been with the company for 12 years. With our history, there’s two things we love: the environment and technology,” Techno Rescue’s Nidal Allis said. “For us it’s not

3 WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

about making big money, we truly are believers in protecting the environment.” The company volunteered to help the event, because they truly believe in doing the right thing in order to help both the environment and the community. In addition, the company aims to educate Coloradans on the laws around disposing of broken electronics. “It’s a law,” Techno Rescue’s Rhonda Gamble explains. “Governor John Hickenlooper

signed a law in 2013 that made it illegal to put electronic waste in landfills.” All proceeds went to the Highlands Ranch High School Scholarship Foundation.

Love Food Hate Waste NZ/ Creative Commons

Waste less food. The average American wastes a pound per day.

Join the Roots & Shoots Club. They do outdoor community service projects. The club meets Wednesdays after school in Room U413.

ONE IN FIVE

people are affected by mental illness By Ella Iveslatt

iley starts every morning taking pills prescribed for her mental illnesses. She may take medication every morning, but like many other Mountain Vista students, she attends concerts and loves listening to music. “I like to think I live like a normal teenager. It’s just that I have some extra difficulties I have to face,” the sophomore said. “Some days, I have a lot of anxiety about social situations, school, and it is like [extra] stress. On other days, especially when my depression is really bad, [I] don’t want to do anything and it’s exhausting because [I] have to put on a good face and go to school.” Riley, who asked that her real name not be used to protect her privacy, is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, severe depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. One in five people suffer from mental illness. And at Mountain Vista it’s no different. “There [are] mental health disorders, which are diagnosable, and in our school, there’s probably a population of 20 percent [who have a mental disorder],” said counselor Michael Monnet. Monnet said the pressure in the Highlands Ranch community to succeed is apparent in the lives of Vista students. Monnet said success to many high schoolers and community members, is a 4.0 GPA, straight A’s, and taking every Advanced Placement (AP) class the district offers.

However, success is none of these. There’s no general definition for success. For someone, success may be graduating high school, and for another, it may be graduating college with a doctorate in medicine. Riley is currently is taking two AP classes and one honors-level course, which, she says, can be overwhelming. “My lowest lows are when social situations go bad, or when I am having trouble at home or with academics,” Riley said. “It becomes this vicious cycle of me getting stressed out, and then performing poorly, which in turn triggers my depression and makes it hard for me to find motivation to keep trying.” Mental illnesses can complicate the life of any student “Let’s say you have ten cents, and you want to go to the store to buy gum or candy. A mental illness costs you three cents, and the gum costs seven cents. When you leave the store, you have no more money,” said Monnet. In the analogy, money symbolizes resources. If someone doesn’t have a mental illness, they keep the “three cents” or remaining resources. Those that do often have limited energy, and struggle to balance home life, academics, relationships, and health. To help find that balance, Riley sees a therapist once a week.

“[Therapy is] a place where I can talk about problems in a judgement free, unbiased place with a professional [who] is on [my] side,” Riley said. “It is also a place that gives me opportunities to find strategies to help me feel better and deal with my issues.” The job of school counselors like Monnet may is to ensure students receive a high school diploma, but more often than not, this includes helping with other issues, such as tragedy or social and home lives. With a school student population of around 2,200 students, that means statistically that around 440 have a diagnosed mental illness. Monnet said resiliency is the key to success when attempting to cope with a mental disorder. “[Mental illnesses] have almost become buzz words,” said Monnet. “The backside is that many people in our community assume that because they are facing mental adversity or stress that they can give up. Many of them shut down the idea of being successful because they think they can’t do more.” According to “Psychology Today,” students who suffer from mental illness can improve with therapy, exercise, healthy eating, limiting stress, helping others, and getting enough — at least nine hours — sleep. Additionally, the MVHS Counseling Department offers mental health support for students.

REVIEW//DILLON BATESKI H H H H H = AWESOME

Central Park food options galore HHHH

Shake Shack is a new burger joint to Central Park Drive plaza. My favorite shake is the Fuggedaboutit. The shake has chocolate custard with cinnamon fudge sauce and Mast Brothers Shake Shack dark chocolate chunks. My favorite burger is the Shackburger because it is just so yummy. Overall, I would rate Shake Shack at four stars because they serve delicious burgers and

HHHHH Torchys Tacos originated in Austin, Texas and finally found its way to Colorado. My favorite taco is the Baja Fish because the flavors are so amazing and it tastes so good. I also love the nookies, which are fried cookie dough balls because they melt in your mouth. They are so unique. With all of the food, I would rate this five stars because the tacos are so phenomenal and it all tastes so good everytime you go.

REVIEW//ZOE KIRSCH

THE BEST ARTISTS TAKE ON

C O L O R A D O HALSEY

July 31, 2018 | Red Rocks

he Halsey concert at Red Rocks was one of the best Red Rocks concerts I’ve ever been to. I had a general admissions seat, and the section didn’t start until row 49. My friend and I were able to get a spot at the center of row 49. Halsey had two opening acts as opposed to one. Halsey put on the most amazing show by including some of her older hits in the concert. She even played the hit song “Closer” while she performed in what I believe is the best concert venue in Colorado. I consider Red Rocks one of the best venues because of how big it is. Red Rocks has a very upbeat and energetic feel to it. This was easily one of the best concerts I had ever been to.

BAZZI

July 20, 2018 | Gothic Theatre

he Bazzi concert at Gothic Theater had a very energetic atmosphere. Gothic Theater is a relatively smaller venue with a capacity of 1,100 people. In the theater, all sense of personal space is lost. I don’t mind the coziness of the venue; I personally enjoy getting to know the people around me. My favorite part about going to concerts in smaller venues is how the performance of the artist is delivered on a personal level. At smaller venues like this, a majority of the people at the concert are true fans who are there to support one of their favorite artists. At the Bazzi concert, I was so close to the stage that I felt more present and engaged with the show. Being so close made my experience so much better because I got to hear and see better the entire concert.

JEREMY ZUCKER HHHHH

Zoes Kitchen is a fast, healthy, and a casual restaurant chain that serves Mediteranian food. They have salads, pitas and chicken sandwiches. My personal favorite, the cauliflower rice bowl, always tastes so fresh and the sauce they put in it is so delicious. I would rate Zoes Kitchen five stars because the food always meets all of my expectations.

October 4, 2018 | Larimer Lounge

t the beginning of October, I went to the Jeremy Zucker concert at Larimer Lounge. This venue is the smallest of any I’ve been to. Jeremy Zucker played an amazing show, had an outstanding opener (Carlie Hanson), and he was very engaging with the audience. He made the concert very personal by telling us what Denver meant to him, and he even brought a fan on stage. The whole concert, I was no more than ten feet from the stage. The lounge itself was a very highenergy, small, fun environment. Being with all of my friends made it so much better, too. I really appreciate how Larimer Lounge gives my favorite smaller artists a place to perform in Denver. This was my first time ever attending a concert at Larimer Lounge, and I definitely plan on attending more concerts here.

Fall Festivities It’s that time of year when you break out the fuzzy socks, sweaters and beanies and get into the feeling of fall. There are so many activities you can do whether you want to be active or just bundle up in a cozy blanket. // By Soren Brockway

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Flavor

Thanksgiving Dinner

With a survey done on Twitter, students have voted their favorite pies to eat in the fall time. Out of the 103 people who voted, the highest amount liked was pumpkin at 55 percent, apple fell second at 30 percent, pecan at 10 percent, and 5 percent had other favorites. Pumpkin pie is my personal favorite because once you add whipped cream it tastes delicious. Also pumpkin pie brings back a lot of special memories I have with my family.

Pumpkins are a must in decoration and food. There are infinite ways you can involve pumpkin into your fall festivities. You can carve pumpkins with family or even friends. Make pumpkin seeds and get pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, which are very popular around the fall. Pumpkin just adds to the fall feel. Anywhere you go there’s most likely something pumpkin to get you in the spirit of the leaves falling and Thanksgiving around the corner.

Thanksgiving is a great day for eating food, seeing family, and realizing what you are thankful for. You can celebrate with family, friends — also known as Friendsgiving — and even people you work with. Traditional Thanksgiving foods are turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, green beans — even green bean caserole. Thanksgiving brings so many people together and makes for some amazing memories. It is personally one of my favorites.

Corn Maze

Game Night

Meal Donations

One of the most classic activities to do with friends or even family is to go get lost in a corn maze. There are many great corn mazes around the Denver area. Some even offer after dark corn mazes which fulfil the fall even more. A close garden you can visit is the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms which has day and night maze times. It is one of my favorites because I have a lot of fun memories at this corn maze.

Whether you are playing with family or friends, game night is one of the best ways to bring people together. You could play so many different types of board games, like Monopoly, Sorry, Jenga, or even my favorite Uno. Regardless of what you play, it is a good time to get loved ones together and have innocent fun. It also allows you to disconnect from any distractions you may being having. It’s a good time to detox from technology and focus on what matters: friends and family.

Throughout the holiday season, many families struggle with being able to provide for their loved ones. Some stress about putting food on the table or even getting there children gifts. A good way to give back to the community and even to the homeless is to donate canned goods and meals to people who can’t afford to. Many churches and school have fundraisers you can donate to as well. It’s a good way to do something positive while still having a productive time.

Family Football Games

Volunteering

Holiday Baking

Thanksgiving time is a great time for outdoor activities. One of the most popular is family football games. It allows you to have innocent fun while being allowed to tackle your siblings. Without getting in trouble. You even have the option of just playing two-hand touch to keep people from getting hurt. Regardless of whatever one you decide to play, it is a perfect time to run around, have fun, and get competative with your family and even friends.

A lot of people find volunteering as something fun to do around the holiday times. Whether it be at soup kitchens, giving out blankets to the homeless on the streets, or volunteering at your local church for any programs they help promote, giving back to the community around the holiday season is one of the best things to do. It can also be very positive to do with friends and family. Giving back allows you to reflect on all of the things you should be grateful for.

Holiday baking is the most festive thing you can do. Making cookies, brownies, puppy chow, and even cake is wonderful. No matter what you bake decorating it is the best part. There are so many designs you can put on anything you bake: a pumpkin, a turkey or even a football. Regardless of what you design, it will require so many different colors and elements of small details, which will make you masterpiece look all the better.

Danielle Scott/Wikimedia Commons

Colin M.L. Burnett/Wikimedia Commons

Scott Bauer/Wikimedia Commons

how to do

H I GHS C Hallways are terrible because students make them terrible.

Incredible events are the ones you attend.

Go big or go home.

Have time for yourself.

Studying is key.

When the bell rings, you should head out the door, wave hi to a few people, and keep walking. Stopping to have a conversation about how your last class period was doesn’t help the already crowded halls.

When you show up to events, you are getting involved. (I know it’s cliché but seriously this is important). You are also showing support for your peers. Everyone at Vista is a family and no one should get left behind.

All you have to do is participate. “Enjoy it while it lasts because it goes by quick,” senior and MV Unit leader Cody King said. “Go to games, go to events, and try and have as much fun as possible while you’re still a kid.”

High school is stressful, so let yourself be a human every once in a while. Hang out with friends, go to lunch and laugh a little. You’re only human and can only do so much.

Don’t walk into your class and say you are going to “wing it.” Go in with the knowledge you need and take a minute or two beforehand to look over your notecards, notes, and assignments for the unit.

photo by Anne Gerringer story by Georgia Lane

C H OO L Continue the traditions.

Hand on to the goodtimes.

Open yourself up.

“We do [the same thing] all over again every day,” teacher Lindsey Jaffe said. “When we get to break it up with homecoming week or Wish Week or even a dress-up day, it makes the day a little bit more exciting and something to look forward to.”

Keep each event and memory close to you. Take pictures of the time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt. Write down each time you find something out about yourself you didn’t know before.

Don’t put yourself in a bubble. Allow yourself to be outgoing. Meet new people in the hallway whether you know them are not. Start slow and by senior year you will be thriving with a bright smile.

Only allow for positivity.

Approach every day with a positive outlook and it will make for a happier week. If you have a test take a deep and believe in yourself. One negative thought can throw your whole week off balance.

Late work is late work.

When something is due you should turn it in. Life happens and if you can’t turn the assignment in, tell your teacher before hand. They will understand. Teachers are here to help you. Be honest and own up to the late work, but get it done. Deadlines are important.

photo by Soren Brockway

photo used with permission of Tim Bourke

“They’re just kids having a lot of fun and doing the right things to be successful.” —Angela Lowell 20

photo used

photo used with permission of Jonathan Dalby

photo courtesy of Mountain Vista XC

Unstoppable Together By Soren Brockway and Cami Fowler

ithin the cross country team, you won’t just find a group of runners, but you’ll see family members dedicated to working for their teammates rather than for themselves. Every member of this 120-person team makes it what it is. No matter how far the team goes, whether to the last meet or all way to regionals, everybody is equal and valued. The coaches appreciate everybody no matter their rank on the team. “Coach (Jonathan) Dalby does a really good job at not singling anyone out, and Coach (Eric) Selle is really good about enforcing being a good teammate,” Coach Angela Lowell said. The team upholds the idea that one should work hard for your teammates rather than just focus on individual improvement. “I love being a part of the team because of the support I get from my teammates and other people. We are all friends, and it makes it really fun,” sophomore Shantell Hafner said. These values bring the team closer, creating a family-like environment and strong friendships. “We spend a lot of time together between practice, meets, and potato parties, so we’re all close,” senior Makenna Anderson said. “This team is something special that you can’t find anywhere else. I’ll miss being able to spend my weekends with them.” Every runner on the team accomplishes so much, but in the end, they are just dedicated kids doing what they love. “They’re just kids having a lot of fun and doing the right things to be successful,” Lowell said.

She’s faster than your wifi

Q&A With

Jenna Fitzsimmons

photo by Cami Fowler and Soren Brockway

By Soren Brockway, Cami Fowler and Ella Iveslatt

What has been your favorite moment this season and why? “I don't know if I have necessarily one event, but just kind of like being with the whole team. We have such a deep team and so many different amazing runners that it’s really cool just to get to know them and race with different girls. We had a potato party that was super fun.” Why do you run? “I really just love the sport. Both my sisters ran, so I just grew up watching them run, and that was really cool. And, I just wanted to follow in their steps.” When did you start running? “I don’t really know. I used to do the fun runs in elementary school.”

How have you improved this season? “Probably just like a lot of different levels, like a lot of mental changes. I feel that a lot of running is actually mentally pushing yourself and just getting through the hard workouts. Having my teammates always right next to me is really helpful because they push you so much.” What was your hardest run this season and what was your favorite run? “I don't know. It really depends. Some of the races can be really challenging and then some of the runs and workouts we do are really hard at the beginning of the season when it’s super hot. When you’re just starting to get into the hard workouts, it can be really

challenging, but just knowing that like those few weeks of training are really going to help you in the end. My favorite run is probably just like some of our long runs. Usually they can be like 80 minutes, so it’s a long time, but we just talk a lot and it’s really cool. All of the girls are super close and you can pretty much say anything to each other.” What effects have your teammates and coaches had on you? “A really big impact is that the girls we run with are so motivating. Every workout and run they are pushing you, and if I didn’t have them or [if] the coaches weren’t there to push you, I don’t think any of us would have the same success we’ve had.”

VISTA NA State 5A Championships. Boys place second and girls take home first— starting a record for Vista.

State Championships: Boys take home first on Oct 26, 2013.

Boys win state for the third year in a row on Oct. 25, 2014.

For t a row wins f

2012 2013 2014 201

The first big win for Vista was on Oct. 11, 2012 at the Continental League Meet. Both the girls and boys teams win first place.

Boys win third place at the Nike Cross Regionals in Arizona on Nov. 23, 2013.

Back again at the Region 5-5A championship, boys earn first and girls secure a second place win on Oct. 16, 2014.

At the Region 5-5A championships on Oct. 23, 2015, both the girl and boy teams win first.

Runners Dissect

What’s going on in your head? “During a race you’re supposed to be confident in yourself and checking for the next person and so most of us are looking for the next person to try and race. Like who’s up there?” Zoe Simmons said.

featuring junior Seth Rouse with commentary from senior Zoe Simmons

“Really just all the work I’ve put in through the season and putting it all to use. Just going out there and running for my team,” Rouse said.

What’s with the bright t-shirts anyway?

Do you keep your numbers? “Yeah! I have a scrapbook of them,” Simmons said.

Are your legs sore right after a race? I’m normally on an adrenaline rush so you kind of lean over because you are dead [and tired], but the soreness doesn’t kick in until the next day.

“The bright green shirts are something that Dalby and Selle created because they wanted to be obnoxious and like [have something] that we can all see each other in. So at races if you’ve ever seen pictures all of our parents have them,” Simmons said. How do you choose your shoes? “In this picture he is wearing flats, which have spikes in the bottom of them. They are not cleats. They are thin, light-weight shoes and you can take out the spikes if you want. There really sharp metal little spikes. It’s for traction. On track, you use shorter ones because it helps you bounce of the track faster. Especially in grass races we use them. In cross country you can use up to half-inch [spikes]. Those ones are scary. You only wear [these shoes] for racing,” Simmons said.

Do have a favorite pair of shoes? “I do not. We run in them so much we usually go through them pretty often,” Rouse said.

ATION XC For the fourth year in a row, the boy’s team wins state. Girls place fourth on Oct. 31, 2015.

At NXR Southwest Regional Championships on Nov. 19, 2016, the girls team wins first.

On Dec. 3, 2017 the boys team takes home third and the girls take home sixth place in the nation at NXN Nike Cross Nationals. The follow month, Jenna Fitzsimmons is named the 2017-18 Gatorade Colorado Girls Runner of the Year.

Now, the teams will travel to Arizona to compete in the NXR regional championships on Nov. 17 in an attempt to keep their successful streaks.

015 2016 2017 2018 At state on Oct. 29, 2016 both the girl and boy teams earn second place.

Both teams achieve first place at state on Oct. 28, 2017.

Another state win as the girl’s team wins first and the boys place second on Oct. 27, 2018

photo by Michael Place photo by Hannah Corbet- Theile

photo by Carly Ems

photo by Paige Gerling

photo by Dillion Bateski

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photo by Carly Ems

photo by Cami Fowler

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