Eagle Eye Newsmag. Issue 4 by Mark Newton

ee eagle eye

Mountain Vista High School 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge Highlands Ranch, Colo. | 80126 Issue 4 | Vol. 11 | February 16, 2012 www.vistanow.org

Photo by Cody Enboden

Photo by Sammy Linares

Photo by Kyle Waters Photo by Taylor Atlas

NEXT THE VOICES OF

Stuff That Ticks Me Off:

Problems with “great literature”

Scott Moldenhauer moves to Vista to play hockey

page | 6

page | 31

Caleb Williams

Erica Rasquinha

Dodge, Duck, Throw, Repeat. Aksel Campbell, senior, hurls a ball

during the dodgeball tournament for Hero Week Jan. 25. “We just got tatted up and played,” Campbell said.

Photo by Trevor Zalkind

BEGIN BEFORE WE

February 2012 What you need to know right here right now

CONTENTS 4

THE FUTURE FOR VISTA

After learning of the potential cuts for next year, a new block schedule may be in the works.

Nineteen people and two clubs in our community detail their passions and talents, and what lies ahead.

KIARAN STEWART

Freshman Kiaran Stewart traveled to Indonesia to compete in a robotics tournament.

After transferring to Vista solely for hockey, senior Scott Moldenhauer finds success with new team.

THINGS TO

1 2

1 2 3

PROM FASHION SHOW Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m., commons

ATTEND A HOCKEY GAME Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. Colorado Sports Center

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Thursdays after school, U318

TWEETS

HERE TO PLAY

THINGS

TO DO

THREE Molly Millingtom senior

“Learning about fishies today in aquatic biology. #MVHSEagleEye” Senija Paich senior “I was hoping Ms. P would ask what a bugle was in this poem we’re analyzing so I could say ‘a delicious cornucopia shaped cheesy treat.’ #MVHSEagleEye”

WATCH MEN’S BASKETBALL Feb. 16, 7 p.m., main gym

Emily Le senior

UNIFIED BASKETBALL

“I just emailed my teacher about somthing not related to school. Is that sexual harrassment? I hope not! #MVHSEagleEye”

Feb. 22, 6:15 p.m., aux. gym

THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH March 8-10, 7 p.m.

IF YOU HAVE...

ONE HOUR |

Check out My Favorite Mufﬁn at 2201 W. Wildcat Reserve Parkway (page 12).

ELIJAH VALDEZ

ONE AFTERNOON

Visit the senior art show to see pieces by Vista students at the Castle Rock Outlets Feb. 25-March 3.

What will you do to keep Rachel’s Challenge? “I’m going to try and be nicer to everyone, not just my close friends, and I’ll try and put a smile on someone else’s face every day.”

ON VISTANOW.ORG | | Review of new horror film Woman in Black

A teacher’s thoughts on Rachel’s Challenge

Holocaust survivor Jack Adler visits Vista

eefebruary.16.2012

www.vistanow.org

word

“Six-of-Eight” schedule planned for 12-13

Wes | Edwards

Mountain Vista High School Possible Schedule 2012-2013 School Year Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Period 1

Period 2

Period 1

Period 2

block Period

Period 3

Period 4

Period 3

Period 4

block Period

Friday Period 1 regular Period Period 2 regular Period Period 3 regular Period Period 4 regular Period

Lunch Period 5

Period 6

Period 5

Period 6

block Period

Period 7

Period 8

Period 7

Period 8

block Period

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february.16.2012 www.vistanow.org

Period 5 regular Period Period 6 regular Period Period 7 regular Period Period 8 regular Period

Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen’s promise to explore new and innovative ways of scheduling is the district’s main strategy for enduring the budget cuts brought about by the failure of Proposition 103 and ballot measures 3A and 3B. “The biggest thing that we’re pretty sure of is moving to what they call the six-of-eight schedule,” Principal Michael Weaver said. Right now, teachers are responsible to teach five out of seven classes, with two planning periods. Weaver provided an example: if there are six teachers in a department, each teaching five classes, there will be a total of 30 sections being taught. “When you go to a six-of-eight schedule then every teacher is required to teach six,” Weaver said. “So, you can eliminate one teacher and have five teachers teaching six sections and you keep the same amount of sections for kids, but you reduce it by one teacher. “The district has asked that all high schools in the district go to a six-ofeight schedule, in order to reduce the number of staff necessary, therefore, saving money.” For this new schedule to work, the school will have to change its existing, seven-period schedule, to, most likely, a block schedule. This would require having extended classes, about an hourand-a-half, for four classes per day, alternating which four classes you have each day. Most likely, Friday or Monday would become an eight period day, each class lasting approximately 40 minutes.

Initial reactions by both students and teachers vary, finding both positive and negative aspects of the proposed schedule. “On one hand it would be advantageous because we would have more block periods, which I prefer over the shorter, sevenperiod day,” sophomore Dylan Ingram said. “On the other hand, I don’t really like the idea because I’m personally adjusted to the schedule and I’d rather not have to readjust.” Balancing the new budget will require a new schedule which would allow for the laying off of teachers and retaining the same number of classes. The amount of money that would be saved by laying off one teacher from each department would near perfectly fill the gap left in the budget, which is nearly $700,000. “(The cuts) will be effective, but they’ll still have to lay off teachers and other staff,” technology teacher Timothy Padjen said. “I’m in favor of block days and single days. Going overboard in either direction is not a good idea.” By changing the schedule from a seven-period day to an eight-period day, teachers retain the same amount of planning periods, but requires one more class to teach. To make this a viable schedule, the block class periods will most likely be used. Think of a schedule similar to the current Wednesday and Thursday schedule, even classes one day, odd classes the next. This would be for four days a week and the final day an eight period day. “It would get rid of some of the positive aspects, like having every class on Monday and

WHAT WORRIES WEAVER Friday, to go over material at the beginning and end of each week which I really appreciate,” Ingram said. To create the time for a new block period, SOAR and CONNECT would most likely disappear and be changed into the new eighth period. “I would like CONNECT to be gone, but I definitely wouldn’t appreciate SOAR disappearing because having every teacher available at a certain time is really advantageous,” Ingram said. Padjen said this proposed schedule change would also affect each teacher’s ability to perform to the highest level, as well as the students’ ability to learn. “In order to be the same teacher that I am now, I will have to use some of my planning period to help students who need extra assistance,” Padjen said. Despite these sacrifices, teachers are still optimistic to find the positive aspects of this schedule change. “The pros are that there, most likely, won’t be cuts in the classrooms themselves,” Padjen said. “(The students) won’t see less computers or any old technology. The students won’t see the cuts.” According to Superintendent Fagen, the district is committed to upholding the high standard of education that (Douglas County) is known for.

Interview with Principal Weaver conducted by Riley McCloskey and Shannon Van Dok Photos by Cody Enboden and Trevor Zalkind

MICHAEL WEAVER “What we’re doing right now is building various models based on different reduction amounts.” MODERATE SCENARIO $200 (reduction) x 2,074 (students) = $414,800 budget cut WORST-CASE SCENARIO $500 (reduction) x 2,074 (students) = $1,037,000 budget cut 2012-2013 Projected Enrollment: 2,074 — Source: Michael Weaver

LAST YEAR’S BUDGET

Interview with Principal Michael Weaver

$3,216 Per Pupil Revenue for 2,041 students last year

“That gives us $6.563 million to work with. They then add some other costs in here that they pay you for, an additional $2.963 million, so our overall working budget last year was $9.526 million and then you start taking out for costs of everybody, for cost of teachers, for cost of classified counselors, secretaries, and then Special Education, general supplies, and you get down and your goal is to break at zero.”

REDUCING STAFF “You never like to have to reduce staff. I’m really curious, as is every principal, what February 17 will show us for site-based budgeting. That’s my apprehension because you’re talking about people. You look at this and you can just look at the human resources side of it and say it’s just numbers and money, but when you actually have to sit down and say, ‘(Mark) thank you for your service but we’re reducing your department and you’re the one’, that’s the apprehension, when you start involving (and) start impacting people.” MVHSEagleEye

ee“THERE’S ALWAYS VALOR” Editor Taylor Blatchford received a letter about a commentary she wrote on the recent Douglas County election and budget situation. It was published in the Highlands Ranch YourHub paper, a local supplement of The Denver Post. A few days later, she received the anonymous letter below. Here, she shares the experience of recieving an anonymous letter. Taylor Blatchford | taylor.ruth4@yahoo.com

❃ As I read the letter, I began to feel angry. The author insulted my education and intelligence by questioning if I had even written the article in the first place.

Dear Taylor,

❃

Not too long ago the annual budget for DCSD was near 500 million dollars. Due to the economy present in this country everyone has to give a little and the DCSD is no different. When the economy is better, people will be better, and then schools will also be better.

Really? Last time I checked, I was the one in a public school directly experiencing the effects of budget cuts, not him/her.

❃ I’m in the public school system, and not going to Valor, because no matter how privileged the author seems to think all Douglas County students are, not everyone can afford $14,000 per year tuition.

❃ In the last paragraph, he/she seemed to assume that I am a whining, spoiled Highlands Ranch high school student who just wants to complain about how bad I have it, which is not the case at all.

❃ What frustrated me the most was the fact that the author had not included his/her name with the letter, so I had no opportunity to respond in any way to have an intelligent conversation. As a journalist, I am at least proud enough of my work to put my name on what I write.

Assuming you actually wrote the story in the Hub today, I’d have to say the educational system is doing ok. If your parents or one of your teachers wrote it for you, then maybe not.

It’s unfortunate that class sizes have to be bigger due to less teachers, but I’m not convinced that’s true. The district has to spend valuable tax dollars wiser. If the district eliminated some of the administrative positions that pay exorbitant salaries and put some of that money into teachers, you wouldn’t even see the difference. The district has to stop building schools that don’t cost eight million dollars but are eight million dollars over budget. I could easily afford another $45 on my tax bill if that’s actually what it would be. But, why should I. I’ve been paying property taxes in Douglas County for 45 years and I haven’t had a student in a Douglas County school for 25 years. What have I received for my tax dollars? One more school in Castle Rock, three more in Parker, and four more in Highlands Ranch. If the budget cuts are so bad, schools are so overcrowded, and teachers are being laid off, why would anyone be interested in moving to Douglas County? The reason is that it’s not nearly as bad as you think and things are so bad in California that half of that state has moved to Highlands Ranch. There’s always Valor. Hang in there, you’ll get your high school diploma, get a scholarship to an Ivy League school, and go to work for an organization whose agenda is to complete the socialization of America, me paying for your education. P.S. Is one of your parents a teacher?

february.16.2012 www.vistanow.org

vista

STAFF

STUFF THAT

TICKS

ME OFF

EDITORIAL

Taking advantage of what’s next

Utilizing passions to move forward

Williams’ opinion on the determination of ‘great literature’ Caleb Williams | calebio1994@gmail.com

Our society often confuses age with quality when it comes to creative works. The fact that Johnny Mc14thCentury wrote an uninteresting novel back before man had discovered the concept of walking upright does not solidify his place as a literary great. Here, take this: “Martin and Carrie took an afternoon stroll down the terrace, the daisies were in bloom, and for a moment, the most dominating sound was the light tap of his cane against the trail.” Now print it, bury it in the back of a library until my youngest future grandchild starts filing for social security, and then bring each high school teacher and scholar a copy of this mish-mash. Now, watch as they dissect it like a cop show autopsy, and start drawing insane conclusions: Well, Martin’s cane must symbolize some form of temporary power. Why are the daises in bloom? Are they hiding the true sorrow of the situation? Is their stroll really a metaphor for the tightrope walk which Americans took part in during Vietnam 2.0 (The future’s politically correct term for the current War on Terror)? No. None of it symbolized or represented anything else. It was a painfully boring tale that I made up in about nine seconds.

Anyone can do this. Many people have. Is it such a blasphemous thought to state that maybe “The Alchemist” wasn’t that incredible of a story? Would it really be so shocking if we discovered that “As I Lay Dying” is really just a confusing and asinine account of one Jerry-Springer-worthy southern family — toothless father, pregnant 17-year-old daughter, son with an interesting fetish for his horse — as they drag their mother’s dead corpse halfway across the state? Let’s take a look at some classic poetry: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” Okay, modern-day translation: “Shawty hot like July.” Is mention in a history book the only thing that ensures one’s greatness? Is age the equivalent of quality? The implication with such a claim is that only the well-known has value, and what is yet to be discovered might as well not ever be. Forget anyone who started writing after the invention of the wheel. The up-and-coming writer’s works are useless and pedantic next to William Faulkner’s brilliant “My mother is a fish.”

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

Wes Edwards Cody Enboden Zane Johnson Gabe Rodriguez Lyndsey Trujillo Shannon Van Dok Cesco Viola PHOTOJOURNALISTS Taylor Atlas Jason Colbourne Sammy Linares Tommy Ryan Kyle Waters GRAPHICJOURNALIST David Orser WEBMASTER Abhi Sharma

ADVISER | Mark Newton, MJE POLICY

When we look at society today, one aspect of the way that we live stands out. As we advance through middle school, high school and college, as we grow older, as we embark on different paths of life, we fall into a routine, a ﬂow that takes us from day to day, then year to year. Life as defined by our society maintains a necessity to constantly move forward, to always try to advance to the next thing. Though it seems like we have so much time, so many years to enjoy life, it goes quickly — some of us have already signed to college or graduated early last semester, ready to start our lives as adults. And for everyone else, it is only a couple years away. We no longer have the opportunity to just daydream about our futures every day, all day — when we were four and five years old, we all wanted to be firemen and professional

Eagle Eye, a legally recognized public forum for student expression, is published six to nine times a year by the Newspaper class for students of Mountain Vista High School. Expression made by students in the exercise of freedom of speech or freedom of press is not an expression of Douglas County school board policy. The views expressed in Eagle Eye do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, adviser, MVHS administration or the Douglas County School District administration. Board policy regarding student publications (JICEA and JI/JIA) is available in the journalism/ publications room (Room U328) or in the principal’s office.

athletes and presidents, and perhaps we’ve maintained those particular goals, but the time to actually pursue them is upon us. Whether that goal is to play lacrosse, become a musician, embrace your religious identity, enter the military or start a chain reaction, we must indulge in our individual talents and passions. It is these things that widen the gap between one’s life and a life of routine, of endless pattern. When we grow older, we don’t want to fall into the drab rituals of eat, work, sleep. We want to live life, and find success in the endeavors that best utilize what we have to offer the world. If your talent is skateboarding, embrace it; if your passion is music, indulge in it; if your goal is to be a mother, do it. Looking to what’s next for us does not necessarily have to be simply college, or work or growing up — such attributes of the typi-

cal American lifestyle do not have to limit us and our abilities. We are each given unique characteristics and talents that are unlike those of anyone else, so use them to your greatest advantage and take the opportunities to enjoy life in a different way, your own way. Yes, society often expects us all to follow the same road to success, but it’s more about the little things along the way, such as the relationships you build and the risks you take and the lessons you learn. In the end, it’s the things that we love to do that truly define us and allow us to enjoy life. Whatever it is you’re passionate about, use it, and don’t lose sight of it going into the future. Don’t be afraid to be uncommon, to be outstanding, and allow your passion to take you places, to see what lies in store — and see what’s next. Photos by Taylor Atlas and Jason Colbourne

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. FAX: 303-387-1501. Adviser e-mail: mark.newton@dcsdk12.org. Publication e-mail: EagleEyeNews@dcsdk.12org

COST Single copies are free. Where available, additional copies of this paper are available for purchase for 50 cents each. Contact Eagle Eye for more information. Taking more than one copy of this paper with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading this edition of the paper is prohibited (C.R.S. 18-4-419). Violators, subject to prosecution and penalty under C.R.S. 1321-123, will be prosecuted.

OPEN FORUM CONTENT Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service and Creative Commons licensing. ©2012 Eagle Eye/Mountain Vista High School. All rights reserved.

THE FIRST AMENDMENT Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

MVHSEagleEye

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MVHSEagleEye

NEXT THE VOICES OF

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE UNCOMMON

Rachel’s Challenge Kelly Stanek, Emily Stowall and Kiah Bradley, seniors, create paper chains

with the goals presented by the Rachel’s Challenge assembly in their Marketing II class on Jan. 25. “Even though I may just be a girl from Colorado, I can make a difference,” Stanek said.

Photos by Cody Enboden

The Movement

Seh-Kai Liao

Ray Whittiker

Marcela Mendoza

Paa Adu

Kelsey Adams

Daniella Mendoza

Dylan Schleuber

Nadia Carroll

Rebecca Mendoza

Jewish Student Union

Halie Conroy

Kara Shepherd

Logan Clark

Miranda Griffin

Holly Billet

Dylan Whittier

Tailor Smith

Oberle fixMeagan the economy

John Sage

Susie White fix the economy

AND SEE WHAT LIES IN STORE - WHAT’S NEXT

EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS GIFTED WITH TALENTS AND PASSIONS, THINGS TO EMBRACE AND TO BUILD UPON, THINGS THAT MAKE US UNCOMMON. THESE TALENTS AND PASSIONS ARE NOT ONLY WHAT TAKE US FORWARD, BUT ALSO ALLOW US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHO WE ARE. THE EAGLE EYE HAS GATHERED 19 PEOPLE AND TWO CLUBS THAT DEMONSTRATE THE PURSUIT OF PASSION AND THE LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT’S NEXT.

MVHSEagleEye

scope

MARCELA, DANIELLA AND REBECCA MENDOZA

Three sisters left behind a life in Honduras to pursue their educations, so what’s next? Wes | Edwards Photo by Jason | Colbourne

T Photo by Taylor | Atlas The Movement which supports To Write Love On Her Arms is having a benefit concert Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at Vista. The leaders of the club, Edyn Schwartz and Eric Wilson, are required to host monthly events to raise money for the organization. Vista is one of the “test schools” for The Storytellers, a high school campaign that branches off of the organization. Student performers like seniors Sierra Seydel and Courtney Dover will be singing. Faculty members like Meg Blaze and Rachel Matthews will be performing as well. Vista Idol winner, Anyssa Walker’s next time on Vista’s stage will be for the benefit concert. “(Performing) means a lot to me because it is to support people who are struggling with suicide and cutting,” Walker said.

february.16.2012 www.vistanow.org

Three new faces at Mountain Vista may not appear to be anything out of the ordinary; however, when you consider the lives they left behind and the future they plan to live, their story

becomes unique. Sisters Marcela, Daniella and Rebbecca Mendoza first joined the student body at Vista on Nov. 21, 2011 after moving from the capitol, Tegucigalpa, Honduras in Central America. Along with leaving their friends and distant family, the Mendoza family also left behind an unstable and dangerous life. “Our oldest sister (Andrea, 22 at the time) was kidnapped,” Daniella, senior, said. “Our parents were getting calls for money and threats.” After 23 days, Andrea was returned to her family without harm in exchange for the ransom money. According to the sisters, this is not an uncommon occurrence in Honduras due to the fact that gangs run rampant throughout Central and South America. “She wasn’t hurt, but we still don’t know who did it,” Daniella said. “Sadly, it happens a lot.” Their older sister, Andrea, 24, moved to Colorado just after the incident two years ago, to be with her husband who was studying to obtain his Master’s degree nearly one year ago. The couple now owns a franchise of My Favorite Muffin in Highlands Ranch. The rest of the Mendoza family followed hoping to leave behind the danger

Marcela, senior, Daniela, sophomore and Rebecca, freshman Mendoza came to Highlands Ranch in November of 2011 from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Their sister, Andrea, owns the My Favorite Muffin in Highlands Ranch, where Marcela, senior works. of living in Honduras. The parents especially wanted to improve their daughters’ education. All three sisters agreed parent’s were looking out for their safety when they made the decision to move to the United States. Without the fear of violence and instability interfering in their lives, Daniella said, the entire family is looking to the future to make it as prosperous as possible. “I would like to go to Metro State to get higher grades and get scholarships to maybe study in Europe,” Daniella Mendoza said. “I would like to get my Master’s in business.”

Rebbecca and Marcela said they are still undecided if their family will stay in Colorado for the remainder of their high school careers, yet are still determined to enjoy the time they have here. Ten years from now Marcela and Rebbecca said they can see themselves starting a family after finishing college. “I really like business,” Marcela Mendoza said, “maybe go into marketing.” The sisters say the opportunities in the United States are much greater than those in Honduras. “For studying, it’s a better opportunity,” Daniella said. “I always wanted to go to colleges here but we didn’t have the opportunity before.” Rebbecca finds another, more important advantage: “Here, we are safe.”

MVHSEagleEye

A Br

ght Future

Students, teachers, and administrators remember Kara Shepherd’s work and get ready for what’s next as she prepares to end her final year as the principal of Mountain Ridge

HOLLY BILLET

scope

Owner of SlapShot Bakery

Owner of her own company as a freshman, what’s next? www.slapshotbakery.webs.com Marilyn | Cosson Photo by Jason | Colbourne

Marilyn | Cosson

Photo by Taylor | Atlas

After leading Mountain Ridge Middle School to success, Principal Kara Shepherd is saying goodbye to the school she founded ten years ago. From the school’s humble start in the basement of Mountain Vista High School to its current position as a leader of the middle education philosophy, Shepherd has brought her passion for kids into every aspect of the school. Shepherd said she founded Mountain Ridge with a vision to provide opportunities to every child, regardless of their interests. She said every decision made by herself or faculty is made with the kids in mind. The school’s success, she said, stems from a love for working with adolescents. From a vast number of clubs and activities, to advanced programs such as STEM, Shepherd ensures that the child’s interest is sparked and they are prepared for what lies ahead in high school. Seventh grader Madison Decker said it is Shepherd’s involvement in her students’ lives that has made the difference. Decker said Shepherd takes a hands-on approach to her job, talking to students in the halls and providing help if they should need it. “She challenges

february.16.2012

us, and lets us be original” Decker said. Decker went on to say that students at Mountain Ridge are allowed to organize their own after-school clubs and take an active role in their education. While there is clear focus on making learning creative and fun, the practical preparation students need for high school is not overlooked. Eighth grader Zoe Blandon said she feels confident that she is ready for what lies ahead. “(Shepherd) makes sure that teachers prepare us in the fourth quarter for high school,” Blandon said. Eighth grader Jordan Waller said Shepherd emphasises the importance of a positive attitude. “Everyday on the announcements she tells us to have a positive day and to remember that the choice is always ours,” Waller said. Shepherd has introduced programs such as FISH and weekly anti-bullying meetings to encourage positive relationships among students. In these times of financial crisis in education, Shepherd has continued to provide these vital opportunities to her students despite cuts at the district level. Social Studies teacher Deb Fox-Gliessman said that Shepherd has been a master of scheduling and budgeting. At a time when many teachers are losing their jobs, Fox-Gliessman says it is phenomenal that Shepherd has held

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onto staff. Fox-Gliessman, who is a member of the selection committee in place to hire a new principal, said she is most worried about losing Shepherd’s financial expertise and commitment to middle level education. Language Arts teacher Russell Loucks said he appreciates Shepherd’s dedication to middle education. “Throughout her decisions, the focus remains on the whole child, socially, emotionally, and academically,” he said. Loucks said he believes Shepherd’s vision will stay with the school even after she has retired. He added that Shepherd has worked to engrain the ideas that have brought success to the school in the minds of all the staff. While he said that change is inevitable, the staff at Mountain Ridge will carry Shepherd’s torch. Shepherd, too, sees a bright future for the school she begun. When asked what affect she believes her retirement will have on the school, Shepherd merely smiled and replied that nothing will change. She said she feels confident the mindset of creativity and opportunity is well established, and teachers and students will continue even after she is no longer in the principal’s office.

The hefty price tag on a college education can seem daunting for students and families. While parents often begin compiling savings and students spend hours applying for scholarships, freshmen Holly Billett is taking a sweeter approach to her college savings. Last year, Billett opened Slap Shot Bakery, selling cupcakes and tiered cakes to customers. What begun as a hobby, morphed into a viable business for Billet when she brought some of her homemade cupcakes to a friend’s birthday party. “Everybody tried them and loved them,” says Billett. She credits her friends with giving her the idea to turn her passion for baking into a profitable business. A good student already in her freshman year, Billett says, “I’ve always wanted to go to college, and this is a good way to save up for it.” All of Billet’s profits from Slap Shot Bakery go directly in her college fund, helping her save up for her future. Between playing AAA hockey, preparing for varsity lacrosse tryouts, and maintaining her GPA, Billett manages to stay busy. She says that the biggest challenge of starting her own business has been finding the time to juggle all these things. When asked about college, Billett is leaving her options open. While she may not have her eyes set on a dream school yet, Billett says that she plans to continue pursuing hockey and the culinary arts, and her plans don’t stop there. Looking several years ahead, Billett says she wants to move to France and open a bakery. For now, Billett business thrives on word of mouth. She describes her business plan as a chain reaction. “I sell to friends and family, and they tell their friends and family,” she says.

Billett’s cupcakes and personalized cakes can be order at her website, www.slapshotbakery.webs.com. Prices vary based on the desired decorations, fillings, and icings. Delivery is free to anywhere in Highlands Ranch. Billett says that her most popular ﬂavor is Vanilla, but customers have a total of ten ﬂavors to choose from. Whether embracing hockey, baking, or business, the future is bright for this young entrepeneur.

Photo courtesy of Holly Billet MVHSEagleEye

MEAGAN OBERLE

PAA ADU SEH KAI LIAO

Mother | Teacher

English teacher hopes to return next year

AP Calculus AB, European History, Computer Science, Chemistry and Psychology (Liao)

Cody | Enboden Riley | McCloskey Photo by Cody | Enboden

Four or five AP classes as sophomores, what about next year?

Eagle Eye: What have you missed most about teaching this year? Meagan Oberle: I miss the students and the fresh perspective they brought to my life on a daily basis. I also miss feeling inspired by my students’ creativity and intelligence. I loved reading those brag worthy projects and pieces of writing. EE: Has it been hard to be away from students and colleagues for so long? MO: It has been hard, especially this semester; however, I have great colleagues who are also friends. They came to visit me when I first had Beau, and we’ve been able to continue to get together throughout the school year. EE: How do you like being a mom? MO: I like it. It’s definitely been a big change. My whole world’s become about him versus anything else. It’s wonderful — it’s really fun. He (was) six months on the 31st (of January). EE: Has he been doing all right these past six months? MO: In the beginning, he was colicky and he has acid reflux. It was tough, he cried all the time. It was really hard because he was in pain and I was trying to figure out what was wrong, but he’s doing a lot better now. EE: So everything has been going normal besides that? MO: Everything has been going well besides that. I just moved down to Highlands Ranch. I used to live in Denver, and I’m enjoying the convenience of the suburbs. EE: Do you have any goals in the near or extended future? MO: Oh gosh, I should have goals. I don’t know, be a good mom, be a good teacher, be able to do it all. I’m so

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Gabi | Capocelli Photo by Kyle | Waters EDITORS’ NOTE: The bold is Paa Adu and the italic is Seh Kai Liao. All of the following are direct quotes.

focused on him that I don’t really think about anything else. I don’t even read books anymore. I mean, I only read parenting books, My husband’s like ‘You gotta get a good book and get parenting off of your mind for a little while’. I have four or five parenting books I’m reading. EE: Did you have a hard time picking a name? MO: Yes, it was terrible. His full name is Beau Thomas Thumel. Beau was my brother’s nickname

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when we were growing up. Thomas is my dad’s first name. I was convinced, I wanted to name him Sawyer and Tucker, but he’s a total Beau. EE: Have you been able to leave the house? MO: I don’t leave that much, like here and there, but when I’m gone, I can’t relax, which I didn’t expect. I look forward to having a moment to myself and then when I’m gone, I’m like ‘Oh gosh, what’s going on?’ Is it shocking you how fast he’s growing? Yes. Even right now, like this, he never really is that vocal. It’s crazy.

I was born in Ghana and lived there the first seven years of my life. I have grown up around intelligence all my life, so it would be remiss of me not to try my hardest when it comes to education. My parents have always told me the reason we moved to the U.S. was for my education. I thank my parents for blessing me with genes and an aptitude for learning. My parents positively inﬂuence me by urging me to work as hard as I can. My parents met while working on their doctorates: my mom, psychology; my dad, kinesiology. My parents want me to do well. They didn’t pressure me into taking these classes. In seventh grade, I nearly failed Algebra I. Sad thing was, I didn’t care. Learning is effective in broadening one’s perspective. Learning shouldn’t be just learning about the French Revolution, the formation of complex ions or deﬁnite integration. Learning should be learning how to learn. I have always been relatively motivated, but not as much as I have been in the past year or two. I’ll probably forget the fundamental theorem of calculus by the time I graduate. The best way to get things done is by working fast and efficient. It’s not that I’m even that smart. I’m just good at learning a lot of things in a small amount of time. I work hard to make the most of the

Sophomores Seh Kai Liao (right) and Paa Adu (left) study in the library. “Having Paa in my classes lets me relate concerning matters of stress and inside jokes,” Liao said. “I have always been relatively motivated, but not as much as I have been in the past year or two,” Adu said. educational system presented to me. I don’t have a great work ethic. It’s terrible, really. Learning a few facts may appear to be insignificant, but in accumulation, knowledge will help in future jobs and situations. I put nearly all of my time into things that will further myself. My time is mainly separated between schoolwork, FBLA and TSA activities. I have priorities — homework, friends, research, writing, reading, photography, poker. It varies. My workload appears to be overwhelming, but I stay motivated and eventually complete the task. My passion in life is doing what I want to do, not what other people want me to do. If you want it done right, do it yourself. I’m passionate about music, reading and playing tennis. Having one static, all-or-nothing goal is unrealistic. Try to avoid procrastination, because in the end it will all come back to you. It’s not the end that matters, it’s the journey. When life gives you lemons, you should try to make the most out of it, hopefully lemonade. Intrinsic motivation and determination are the most powerful forces in the world, in my opinion. Life will throw obstacles that can be conquered through persistence and hard work. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” | Helen Keller. “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for

tomorrow.” | Albert Einstein. My dream is to be happy 100 percent of the time. Perseverance. I’m 16, not naive. Seh Kai and I have known each other since fifth grade. We have four classes together. Having Paa in many of my classes lets me relate concerning matters of stress and inside jokes. It’s a really good thing to have someone who cares just as much about you — maybe even more — as a friend. It might sound a bit cliché, but I value my family and friends most. Life is a series of years strung together that ends with death. I believe that God has, and will continue to, give me opportunities that I will strive to make the most of. If I’m going to die anyways, I might as well have a good time while I can. I try not to dwell on the thought of failure. I know that God will open up another path for me in one form or another. I’d love to author a few books before I graduate. I want to travel the world and visit outer space, but most of all, enjoy life. All I can hope for is that I don’t become too lazy. I want to change the world in engineering and technology advancements. If I had to go to college, I would go to Oxford or Cambridge. I don’t really want to go though. I want to go to MIT in the business and engineering sector. If I don’t strike it rich as an author, I’ll go and be a beach bum. I hear that the weather’s nice around this time of year. I guess I’ll just work harder, take harder classes, stay motivated and get into a good college.

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7 DYLAN SCHLEUBER Seven things you should know about Dylan’s road to joining the military and what’s next. “I’m looking for a sense Jack | Reeves Photo by Kyle | Waters of pride in myself. With enough hard work put in, it will be accomplished.” “What’s appealing to me about the military is the way of life. There’s a whole different set of goals that I can acheive, instead of regular college.”

Dylan Schleuber, senior, kneels with the shovel that his great-grandfather used in the Korean War. He also is holding a picture of his great-grandfather and his platoon when they were in the war.

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“I’m nervous for basic training, but I’m also excited at the same time to be broken down and toughened up.”

“The military will pay for me to take college classes at Colorado School of Mines, where I hope to take some classes to help me out.”

“The basic training program takes about nine weeks and there is individual job training that takes 9-13 weeks, depending on the job.”

“I’m looking to acheive the highest rank possible, which for me would be Command Sergeant Major like my great-grandpa.”

“My great grandfather was command sergeant major in the Korean War. He was great at what he did and I hope to follow in his footsteps.”

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JEWISH STUDENT UNION In the midst of the newly formed Jewish Student Union at Mountain Vista, juniors Matt Sabel and Kendall Weistroffer explain the purpose of the JSU, and that anyone is welcome, Jewish or not. What’s next?

Positive Role Model Rabbi Michael Sunshine talks with members at the first JSU meeting Jan. 31. “The environment that we want to create should be inviting to all, Jewish or not,” said Sunshine. He works with JSU’s all over the state, from Longmont to Highlands Ranch. Mountain Vista High School is his southernmost location.

Jack | Reeves Gabe | Rodriguez Photos by Kyle | Waters

Faith. Kendall Weistroffer, one of seven iconic members of the newly formed Jewish Student Union (JSU) at Mountain Vista High School, has recently discovered

her renewed devotion to the Jewish religion, which has helped her further her aspirations of becoming involved in the Jewish community as well as connecting with other Jewish teens. Over the past five months, Weistroffer has exchanged letters with her uncle to discover the Jewish origin of her relatives. “I’ve learned a great deal about my family history, including their immigration from Poland in the early 1900’s.” With this new discovery of her faith, Weistroffer and other students have formed the Jewish Student Union at Mountain Vista, which held their first meeting Jan. 31 at the school. In the meeting, Rabbi Michael Sunshine talked about what the union does. “A large part of what we like to do is based around community service,” he said. Another student heavily involved in the Jewish faith is junior Matt Sabel, who said the club is off to a strong start. “I like knowing the Jew-

ish side of the school and creating a place for the Jews to feel comfortable and spread awareness of what it’s like to be Jewish,” he said. There are over 300 JSU’s in the country with over 12,000 members. Sunshine said it’s a great way for Jewish teens to meet and even if they are not Jewish, then it is still fun to get involved. “I feel that the Jewish Student Union will be successful,” said Weistroffer. “We have some ideas of how we can contribute to the MVHS community involving food and clothing drives, responses to world challenges and natural disasters and speakers to visit local events.” But it was a battle to get the club started. With only seven members and no immediate sponsor, it was difficult to generate the popularity seen with other school clubs. But with an e-mail from her counselor, Weistroffer was able to find the club sponsor, Amy Kahn, a jewelery teacher at MVHS.

Sabel said, however, that the JSU is not just a strictly isolated group. “We are not a cult, and I mean that in a serious way; a lot of people think that Judaism is demonic or evil, which is ridiculous,” Sabel said. “That is why it is so important for us to be involved with community services.” And now the group is officially in the heat of club activity at Vista. Encouraging new members to join, the JSU hopes to grow in size as well as popularity in the school. Meetings are held every-other Tuesday after school in room L600. The JSU was also involved on Feb. 8, when Holocaust survivor Jack Adler, 83, came to speak with students about respect for other cultures, as well as his struggles. With the club in only the early stages of its founding, Weistroffer sums it up best: “We are looking forward to the opportunity to be meaningful in the community.”

THE MEMBERS With only a few in the group so far, current members explain why students should join the JSU.

To read more about the JSU, check out more of member Matt Sabel’s story at www.vistanow.org.

Anastasia Gladkina, 12 “We can do group projects and celebrate Jewish traditions.”

Greg Marxen, 12

Matt Sabel, 11

“I’m not Jewish, but the JSU is a great way of getting outside my bubble.”

“It’s a safe atmosphere and a great way to meet other Jews.”

MVHSEagleEye

LOGAN CLARK Dubstep DJ

What’s next for this maniac mixer? Shannon | Van Dok Photo by Taylor | Atlas

The music blasting from Soundcloud. com/Basux might sound like a professional DJ, but it is really the sound of sophomore Logan Clark. Clark began producing electronic music, a type of music made with electronic instruments and electronic music technology, last May. Since then he has signed a record deal with GIO Records. “Hi there! you have very good talent and I really would like to ask you if you’re interested in being part of a label called ‘GIO Records’?” producer Carlos Molina said in an email to Clark. He has also been signed by 8-Track Records. “Sup man, absolutely brilliant tunes. You deserve fame! So, I want to help you out. If you want a label I’m inviting

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you to mine, Protocol Records. If you would like to know more just message me back and I’ll be happy to tell you more.” CEO Cal Davies said in an email to Clark. He is currently working on a mini-album of four songs. The album will be released in one month on beatport.com and he recently released the “Brute Force EP.” He has been the Dubstep.net featured artist and has also released more than 20 tracks on SoundCloud. com. Clark said he is still not entirely sure of his future, but he wants to attend the University of Denver or Colorado State University and enroll in music programs. “I sort of want to do it as a hobby when I’m older and make some money on the side,” Clark said. He began mixing dubstep, a type of electronic music with a heavy bass inﬂuence, in FL Studio software and now has a scratch pad and synthesizer. The scratch pad allows him to implement a unique sound into a rhythm. Clark said his next big investment will be a turntable and more equipment for his studio at home. Clark has been synthesizing and creating music for the past eight months but has been playing the piano for 10 years. If you listen closely to his music, the sounds of his piano can be heard in the background of the mix. Clark said he enjoys making music. “I can just set my mind to something and get away from everything. It’s been a passion of mine for a while now,” he said. Clark’s fans have been supporting him from

www.vistanow.org

the very beginning. “Ever since I met him, I’ve been listening to his music,” Gerry Lopez, junior, said. “I didn’t like dubstep before, but his mixes are really good and different.” Lopez said he has high hopes for Clark’s future. “Once he gets live equipment I’m going to help him set up gigs. I think he’s going to do great,” he said. “Logan’s going to blow up in this music industry.” Unfortunately, he said his parents disagree with his music-making and tell him the music sounds like “a bunch of screaming girls.” This does not seem to bother Clark. “I just don’t really care what they think,” he said. “It’s just annoying that they don’t understand how serious I am about making music.” Clark said he has big dreams for his future. He is hoping to be playing at venues in a couple months like The Roxy Theatre and said he is constantly looking up to artists that have inspired his music making. “Deadmau5 is so cool,” Clark said. “It would be pretty sweet if I could play music like Deadmau5 and become famous, too.”

Want More? Check out Logan’s newest tracks, original music and make comments by scanning the QR code to the right.

DYLAN WHITTIER Downhill Skateboarder

Where will his passion take him next? Mike | Collins Photos by Sammy | Linares

Senior Dylan Whittier has a passion for downhill skateboarding unlike anyone at Mountain Vista High School. Whittier says downhill skateboarding consists of many riders each racing on a board longer than a skateboard in order to reach maximum speeds. During races Whittier reaches speeds up to 40-60 mph. “It is really fun even though races can get hectic and people bump into you very often,” Whittier said. “About once a month competitions are held on public roads where some of the best downhill skateboarders come to compete.” At races Whittier says he enjoys the experience and looks forward to competing in front of crowds. “There are usually rad crowds

that come out and support the large amount of racers that compete,” Whittier said. Although Whittier competes in these competitions, he says winning is not the most important thing for him. He enjoys getting out on the courses and riding with some of his best friends. “I mainly do it to have fun because it’s something I really enjoy,” said Whittier. “If I get sponsored by Logic Skateboards that would be great, but I do it mostly for the fun of it.” Whittier is going to Utah State University and will continue to downhill skateboard. “You can do it at any age,” Whittier said. “It is cool to see 50-year-old men going down the mountain at 80 mph, and I would love to still be doing it at that age.” With racers reaching 40-60 mph while cars are on the road, downhill skateboarding can be very dangerous, but Whitter says he embraces this danger and continues to skateboard. With all the risk that Whittier takes, he has not had many major injuries while riding. “The fear of being hurt is always there but if you constantly worry about it, you won’t get to have very much fun,” said Whittier. “It’s all about pushing yourself and having fun while you’re doing it.” Many police officers disagree with what Whittier does but he continues to downhill skateboard. “Cops are what we call ‘fun suckers’, and they hate what we do, but I think they just don’t understand how much fun it is.” Along with cops many people think long boarding is unlike any other sport they have seen and do not know how to react to seeing it in action.

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“I think other people look at the downhill scene as very crazy, especially the drivers who witness us getting rad on the many roads that we skate,” Whittier said. “It’s actually not that different from other sports. We have organized competitions, practice a ton and love doing what we do.”

Senior Dylan Whittier zooms down the path, wind in his face, as he executes a perfect ride with satisfaction.

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JOHN SAGE, 11

Lacrosse Player: Defense Strives to do better both

RAY WHITTIKER, 11 Professional Scooter Rider

on the field and in class, but what’s next?

Driven and passionate about riding scooters, but what’s next?

Joanie | Lyons Photo by Sammy | Linares Eagle Eye: Are you prepared for what the Air Force has in store? Difficulty of classes? Juggling military life with lacrosse? John Sage: I’ve already been up to the Air Force Academy for my first unofficial visit and after talking to Coach Bill Wilson, one of the assistant coaches for lacrosse, I learned that being at the Air Force Academy is all about balancing your life: time for lacrosse, time for the military and, of course, school. He said that if you can figure out how to balance all of those things you will be able to succeed at the Air Force Academy. I think that just getting used to the school after a couple of months, I’ll get into the swing of things and do well in my classes. EE:What do you want to do after you graduate from the Air Force Academy? Do you know what you would branch in? JS: During the extent of my service, I will probably do something involved with business where I would order plane parts or something of that degree. After I graduate, I will again probably do something in business.EE:What is one word to describe your feelings about your future? Explain why you chose that word. JS: I think that one word would be intrigued because I like knowing what’s available and I think that if I finish my time at the Air Force Academy, there will be a lot of opportunities. So, I’m very interested to see what I can accomplish after the Air Force Academy. EE: Do you have any other interests other than the Air Force Academy? Have any other schools contacted you for lacrosse? JS: If I were to go to any other school, I would want to go on a (full-ride scholarship) for lacrosse. Some schools that I have been thinking about are Georgetown, Dartmouth, Air Force, of course, a couple of Division 2 schools and Division 3 schools and even some club teams have talked to me about lacrosse. I would prefer to go to a Division 1 school that is a good school if Air Force doesn’t play out, but at

Lyndsey | Trujillo Photo by Kyle | Waters

this time the Air Force Academy is one of my top priorities and best opportunities. EE:Why the Air Force Academy? JS: At first when they contacted me, (the AFA) wasn’t even in my mind at all mainly because of the grey aspect and I didn’t think it would exactly be the best fit for me. Then, I went up to the school and I talked to people who have gone through the school. I talked to a couple of players, graduates and the coaches. A lot of the players said that it was a great experience and even though you don’t get that regular college aspect, the outcome in total will be a lot better. You get to meet a lot of great people. As an athlete, I can connect with teammates who I technically will be fighting with in the near future. At first it didn’t seem like it was out there for me until they really started to pursue me. EE:What is your hopes for this lacrosse season at Mountain Vista? What about the next season, your senior year? JS:This year and next year I really want our team to win against our rivals, which we should be able to do, win our confer-

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ence against multiple teams and win state if the opportunity arises. If (state) is not a possibility, then I just hope we play better and better each year. We finished 8th in the state last year, so hopefully we will do better than that. EE: Do you hope to become more prepared in all aspects within the next year-and-a-half before you jump into new territory of juggling the Air Force Academy with other life aspects? JS: I would say that with lacrosse, I’m ready. I train a lot for my season. But school has not always been my direct focus. When the Air Force Academy started talking to me and after I noticed the possibility that I could go there, I started to really buckle down and focus a lot more in the classroom. Last semester I raised my GPA a lot and got the highest GPA I had ever gotten. This semester I’m just going to keep on doing my best and hopefully I can raise my GPA a little bit more. For next year, I’ve signed up to take physics and a lot of other classes that will set me ahead for what the Air Force Academy teaches me.

Eagle Eye: Why did Rider Friendly Clothing sponsor you? Who is Rider Friendly Clothing? Ray Whittiker: They saw me scooter at a skate park and liked me. They thought I was good. I signed a

contract that basically says that I show off their products. It’s a company that gives me stuff like shirts, pants and hats to wear. I wear their products when I go to parks to scooter. I basically just show off their brand. They chose me to sponsor because I brought something new to the team. EE:When did you start riding? RW: When I was 8-years-old, my friend Victor first showed me how to scooter. EE:How is scooter riding unique to you? RW: Not a lot of people in Colorado scooter. Most people (who) scooter (live) in California and Australia. I get made fun of a lot, but you just have to blow it off. EE:What kind of scooter do you use? RW: I have a $700 scooter, which is the same style as a Razor except a lot better. It’s called a Phoenix. EE: What is your favorite trick to do on your scooter? RW:My favorite trick is the buttercup. It’s a tailwhip, briflip, tailwip. The deck goes all around, then you throw the scooter above your head and then when the scooter comes back down you make the scooter go all the way around again. EE: What are competitions like? What do you contribute to them? RW: I have never been to a

competition, but it is just like you take turns going and you get judged. I contribute by just being on it. There are only three scooterers on the team. EE:Where do you scooter? RW: There’s a new skate park in Arvada, but the one I go to is in Highlands Ranch at Red Stone. EE:What’s the name of your pro team? RW: Vertex Scooters.

Ray’s 2012 goals Get on a pro team Learn new tricks Become a better rider Find new places to ride

To learn more about Rider Friendly Clothing, visit: www. facebook.com/ RFClothing

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Senior Girls Soccer Kelsey Adams, Nadia Carroll, Halie Conroy, Miranda Griffin, Kortney Hix, Tailor Smith and Susie White talk about their next future college endeavours and their goals to play collegate soccer. Taylor | Atlas Photos by Taylor | Atlas and Spencer | Godfrey

Kelsey Adams outside-mid.

Nadia Carroll center-defense

With one state championship under their belt, the Vista women’s soccer senior players have high aspirations to play soccer in college. The seven senior varsity players are: Kelsey Adams, Nadia Carroll, Halie Conroy, Miranda Griffin, Kortney Hix, Tailor Smith and Susie White. Smith is excited about playing next year at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “I’ve only been there twice, and so far I really like it,” Smith said. While she goes east, teammate White is heading north to Washington

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Halie Conroy center- defense

State University, where she is ready to start as well. “My sister played soccer in college, and so it has been my dream to do so too,” White said. “I also just love playing soccer.” Carroll is still undecided. She hopes to go to St. Louis University, but still might go to to the Colorado School of Mines, where she will study to become a biomedical engineer to design prosthetics. “I have wanted to play soccer in college ever since I was a little tyke,” she said. Also going east to Illinois is Hix, who will attend Augustana College in Rock Island. “I love how small the school is,” she said. “When I visited everyone was so welcoming, the campus is so pretty, the soccer team is really good, plus the coach is really cool. It’s everything I look for in a college.” Conroy will attend West Virginia University. “It has always been a goal

Kourtney Hix

Tailor Smith

Suzie White

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center-mid.

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of mine to play D1 soccer and it’s finally coming true,” she said. Griffin is planning to attend Georgia State and become a physical therapist. She has always dreamed of playing soccer in college. Adams, who hopes to walk on to the team at whichever college she decides to go to, says it is hard to imagine her life without soccer because it is a large part of her life right now, but says that to her, education always comes first. This is the case for all of the girls, as all said education is going to be a priority. Smith plans on studying something in business; White to become a teacher; Hix wants to major in pre-med and minor in psychology; and, Adams wants to do something in the field of economics. Before they head off to their next destinations, they have one final season left to play at Vista. And they all have one common dream for this season: to leave Vista once again holding the state championship trophy.

Girl’s soccer 2012 goals Have a close-knit team Win state Have a good season

Above, left to right: Seniors, Kelsey Adams, Nadia Carroll, Halie Conroy, Kourtney Hix, Tailor Smith and Suzie White. (Not pictured Miranda Griffin)