Issue #1 by Mark Newton

eagleeye

Mountain Vista High School

V Volume olume 9 • Issue 1 • October 14, 2009

10585 Mountain Vista Ridge Highlands Ranch, Colo. 80126

Leadership gets school into the spirit> page 8-9 INSIDE THE EYE Big eats New talents surprise Athletes pack on the calories before doing damage on the ﬁeld. > page 16, Pulse

Stage Flight

Rookies to the high school theater world talk about being a part of such a large and still growing organization at Mountain Vista. > page 12, Soul

H1N1Dear Diary

One staffer gives her experience with the H1N1 virus, including her ﬁrst reaction, precautions and how she felt wearing a mask. > page 3, Word

October 14, 2009 |

“Wich” way to go?

Students are risking their limited unexcused absences by driving off-campus

Photo by Tessa Kaufman Freshman Zack Crump-Hulett devours a gourmet sandwich from the Subway restaurant in the cafeteria. A typical Subway sandwich costs around $6. “I usually get a chicken bacon ranch sandwich, with a water,” Crump-Hulett said.

Ryan Winter > Word Co-Editor Junior Brian Shin buys lunch from the school every day. Each afternoon, when fifth period ends, he hurries to the cafeteria to try to avoid the massive throng congregating in front of the brand new Subway restaurant. Many times he fails. Often he is forced to shovel down his sandwich in barely ten minutes. “Sometimes I have waited for almost 15 minutes to get my food,” he said. Situations like this have motivated the student population to take advantage of the new policy of off-campus. The appeal of the new off-campus phenomenon has attracted many students, but do the negatives outweigh the positives? Students are given 40 minutes each day of the week for lunch except Thursday, which has a 45-minute period. With the amount of time it takes to enter and leave the student parking lot, students wonder if 40 minutes a reasonable amount of time? “I think 50 minutes would be more realistic,” said junior Chris Tantillo, “especially for kids who don’t live close to the school and want to go home for lunch.” Junior Carter Heurlin agreed, pointing out the quick decision-making necessary for a successful lunch away from school. “You have to always know in advance (where to go),” Heurlin said. “There is not enough time to change location halfway into lunch, especially if the restaurants are crowded.” The crowded student parking lot, the limited number of fast-food restaurants near the school, the allotment of time needed for travel and the constant issue of gas all provide obstacles for students leaving campus. However, students who leave for lunch the majority of the week have learned to either become accustomed to these problems or found other ways to deal with them. Heurlin, who goes off-campus three to four times a week, does not have to worry about gas because his parents pay for him, but he takes the hit in other areas. “If I go home (for lunch), there is not even enough time for me to make a pizza,” he said. Junior Dan Zamora also chooses to leave school most days, either going home or to Panda Express. To him, gas is the only thing that is not an issue, compared to the limited time he has to drive to these locations. “My ’95 Cruiser gets 11 miles to the gallon,” Zamora said, “which is more than most other cars.” The school cafeteria now offers a wide variety

Photo by Tessa Kaufman Students line up outside the new coffee shop. A popular drink has become the White Chocolate Mocha Steamer.

Crowfoot Valley Coffee

Espresso, Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Dolce Trio, Caramel Macchiato Mocha, Rosso Mandorla Sole, White Chocolate Mocha Steamer offered. All bevereages are made with coffee and espresso roasted locally by CVC. They buy only the highest quality of beans from growers that exceed industry standards for ethics and environmental awareness.

of food choices for those students who either cannot or do not want to leave campus. A student has the option of buying from Subway at regular price or a meal at a cheaper price of around $3. Still, the long lines make it about as difficult to grab a quick lunch at the school as it does at a busy restaurant. Senior Chelsea Goldberg said she never buys lunch from the school, partly for this reason, but that she buys coffee from Crowfoot Valley occasionally. However, leaving school for lunch is not a priority for her either. “Off-campus lunch just seems too short to try and go anywhere,” Goldberg said. Nonetheless, Goldberg said she believes the new schedule is worth it. “There are a lot of new options that are better than last year,” she said. Despite its flaws, open-campus has made many people happy. Security guard George Gardner said open-campus has given students a sense of responsibility. “I think it’s the best thing since sliced bread,” he said. “Off-campus has motivated children to behave and get to class on time because they don’t want to lose the privilege.”

>> Where do students go for lunch? “Outside.” >CONNOR THORNE, FRESHMAN

“Chipotle.” >MADDELINE ABBOTT, JUNIOR

“Home.” >JOE TAPP, SENIOR

“Chick-fil-a.” >LAURA NORTHROP, SOPHOMORE

“Panda Express.” >TAYLOR BRYAN, JUNIOR

Photos by Valerie Buccio

The downfall of King Swine > > theDIARY

Valerie Buccio > Word Co-Editor I conquered the swine flu. Saturday, Sept. 26, I woke up with a sore throat. Yet, I went to play in my field hockey game at Shea Stadium. I started but after five minutes of running, I had a shortage of breath. I attempted to tough it out and keep playing, but once a time out was called, I benched myself. I drank my whole bottle of water within three minutes of sitting down. Even when I was just sitting on the sideline, I could feel my throat getting worse and a cough appearing. My throat was so dry, that when I coughed my heart would burn. Tears ran down my cheeks onto the ground. With pain in my chest, I stayed to support my team, even though I wasn’t playing. I tried to go out on the field again. I played for a few more minutes, but couldn’t play my best so I went back to the bench. After the game I headed straight home, and directly to my room where I hit the pillow and was out right away. Unfortunately, it was homecoming night. I should have stayed home to get better, but I wasn’t going to miss my junior homecoming because of a cough and soar throat. I slept until 3 p.m., which is when I had my hair appointment with my friend Shivani Jhaveri, junior. I drove over to her house, still not feeling 100 percent, but I didn’t care. I had to sit on a stool while she curled my hair cause after standing for a while I felt sicker. At 5 p.m., my date, junior Dylan Seniw, picked me up and we went to take pictures with our group. Surprisingly, I felt fine until dinner at 7 p.m. The cough came back while eating, but my lemonade held me over for awhile. I arrived at the dance feeling pretty good. I’m sure I wasn’t fine, but I couldn’t let a sickness ruin my night or my date’s night either. Right after the dance I had my date drop me off at home instead of going to an after-party. As much as I wanted to stay out, I had to do the right thing and heal. I walked to my room right away and crashed. Sunday morning I rose out of bed bright and early for my dad’s wedding. I was worse than the day before, but couldn’t let my dad and stepmom down. I got through the day with no fever, but my dad quarantined me in my room once I got home. Honestly, I thought I just had a cold. My nose wasn’t even stuffed yet. I fell asleep early that night thinking the sleep would make me better by morning. Monday morning I woke up at 6:30 am like I usu-

October 14, 2009 |

Photo by Ryan Winter Junior Valerie Buccio wears a mask to prevent others from catching H1N1 flu while at the doctor’s office. Five kids were wearing masks along with her and more had to wear them as the day went on. She said, “ I never thought i would reach the point of wearing a mask in public.” ally do for school. I walked down the stairs into my kitchen and started burning up. I took my temperature right away. The first time measured 101.4 degrees, the second time it reached 102.1 degrees. I started heading back to my room, until I got

tunnel vision to the point I could barely see and light headed, too. My dad came in five minutes later with a few bottles of VitaRain, cough drops, cough medicine — the whole deal. I drank the liquids and went back to sleep.

Isabel Salinas > Word Reporter Six years after his induction into the Douglas County School District as superintendent, Jim Christensen has decided it’s time to go. After announcing his resignation to district staff Aug. 24, Christensen said he would “be joining in (an) education organization that will focus on ensuring every child has a chance to learn and graduate from high school, even when facing or living in situations that point to the contrary.” After officially stepping down from office Oct. 1 and becoming once again a part of the public, Christensen was replaced temporarily by Steve Herzog, the district’s current chief operating officer. The district is searching for his permanent replacement. Spanish teacher Linda Hammerton-Morris said Christensen has undoubtedly changed this school district for the better. “He will be missed,” she said. According to indenvertimes.com, Christensen operates the highest achieving school district in the state and one of the fastest growing by opening new schools each year and adding an average of 1,000 new students each school year.

Jim Christensen steps down as Douglas County S.D. superintendent

Photos courtesy of DCSD

Change in the air >>

Steve Herzog

At 9:30 a.m. I, along with my 11-year-old stepsister, went to see the family medicine doctor. Right when we walked through the doors, we were handed masks to wear over our mouths and noses because of the sneezing and coughing. I never thought I would reach this point. We went into the room where we had to be tested for influenza A, also known as swine flu or H1N1. Dr. Daffney Igo went through the basic steps she would for any flu. They are treated the same and have the same symptoms. She said recently there have been no signs of influenza B, only A. Once I heard that, I figured swine flu was in my system. She swabbed our throats and came back with results minutes later. The results were positive — both my stepsister and I were infected with swine flu. The first thought that came to my mind when I heard the news was how ironic it was that I have swine flu. If you don’t recall, last year I did a full page in the newspaper about swine flu including how to prevent it, and here I was infected with it. I did my best to keep my hands clean and everything to prevent the flu, but obviously not enough. Again, I was trapped in my room all day Monday except for when I went to the doctor or the bathroom. I didn’t have access to a computer or a TV. All I had was a small DVD player, but limited movies. Then, I had homework, but that mainly involved a computer so I got behind in that. I missed five tests, but there was nothing I could do about it. I wasn’t allowed back in school until I broke my fever with no medicine for 24 hours. Tuesday, I was doing a lot better. It was remarkable the pace I was recovering. But, I still had something zapping my energy. My appetite came back and I basically slept all day long. I was literally in my room for over 24 hours getting bored out of my mind. Later Tuesday I took my temperature a lot because I couldn’t go back to school with a fever. Luckily, I didn’t have a fever all day long. Wednesday, I was feeling well enough to go back to school. I made it through SOAR, making up some of my classes — not all of them though. I made it though newspaper second period, but in CONNECT I started to get hot and cold flashes, which would then lead to me getting light headed. I went to my freshman CONNECT class for Link Crew, but went home early at lunch. Thursday, I finally went to a full day of school. And Friday I even went to field hockey practice. I am proud to say I beat the swine.

Jim Christensen

During his tenure, he created an opportunity for improvement in the community, manifesting in the State Board of Education to allow the Douglas County School District operational waivers from state law. This trial program, the first of its kind granted in the state of

Colorado, allows the school district to license and endorse its teachers rather than receiving licensure from the state itself. This opportunity allows the district to determine the qualifications of the people they hire to teach. Additionally, policies enforced by Christensen have raised Douglas County to second rank among the state’s 20 largest school districts in its improvements in CSAP scores, reduced-cost lunches and assisting of low-income students. Christensen earned $245,208 annually, making him the thirdhighest-paid superintendent in the state, behind those in the Aurora and Cherry Creek school districts. “Your contribution to the progress we have made these past six years has been profound and humbling,” Christensen wrote in his letter to the staff. “You choose to be a part of a profession and organization of which I am proud and one that should be honored everyday.” “Christensen’s legacy of improvements has left the district in good stead, ready to help students and to face the challenges of the future,” said freshman Victoria Salinas. “Our next superintendent will have large shoes to fill.”

>> The Eye of the Eagle >> Eagles making the news 4

Fly Fishing Club Fashion Club

October 14, 2009 |

Swing Club

>Eagle Eye: Who is the teacher sponsor? >>Colby Schwartz: “Kendra Gish.”

>Eagle Eye: Who is the teacher sponsor? >>Brandi Barker: “Maria Cox, but FDIM sponsors it also.”

>Eagle Eye: Who is the teacher sponsor? >>Collin Willardson: “Alicia Brown.”

>EE: Why did you start the club? >>CS: “It gave me an excuse to go fishing and gives other people the opportunity to fish.”

>EE: Why did you start the club? >>BB: “I want to go to school at FDIM in California for fashion. I won a competition and got told to start a club to get scholarships. It also looks good on your application for college to start a new club. And overall I love fashion.”

>EE: Why did you start the club? >>CW: “Lots of fun, a great way to meet friends and girls.”

>EE: How do you start a new club? >>CS: “Get a teacher to sponsor you, fill out a sheet and hand into the administration, and get a certain amount of signatures.” >EE: How many times do you meet a week? >>CS: “Once a month, if even that.” >EE: How many students have joined? >>CS: “Around six.”

>EE: How do you start a new club? >>BB: “With FDIM I had to fill out a two page business plan and get approval by them. Then I had to get approval by the administration after filling out a sheet for our school.” >EE: What other clubs are you involved in? >>BB: “Student leadership, vice president of DECA, FCCLA. It can get stressful being so involved, but I’m good at organizing myself and with time management.”

>EE: How are you getting students to join? >>CS: “Just getting the word out there by mouth.” >>CS: “I want people to know fly fishing is fun, it’s not just for old guys. It’s easy to ‘catch on’ too.”

>EE: How do you start a new club? >>CW: “I talked to Mr. Ceglie, talked to Ms. Brown, paperwork, and sponsor.” >EE: What other clubs are you involved in? >>CW: “Ultimate Frisbee and Rugby.” >EE: How many times do you meet a week? >>CW: “SOAR every week and after school every other Wednesday.” >EE: How many students have joined? >>CW: “There is no sign-up. Just show up and teach.”

>EE: How many times do you meet a week? >>BB: “Two meetings per month. The first and third Thursdays.”

>EE: How are you getting students to join? >>CW: “Announcements and Vista Vision.”

>>BB: “Fashion Club is more than just clothes and shopping. We help the community and educate our members about careers in the industry.”

>>CW: “Swing life away.” Photos by Tessa Kaufman

Caught in the act Security in the student parking lot cracks down on driving violations Valerie Buccio > Word Co-Editor Senior Jen Gormley drives to school every day in her Jeep, parking in the student lot. She had never been given a driving ticket of any kind before this school year. The week of Sept. 7, Gormley received a ticket for driving her brother’s truck instead of her Jeep.

>JEN GORMLEY, SENIOR

The truck was not the car with the parking permit on it, but Gormley said it was her car. She said her brother needed her Jeep, so she drove her truck to school that day. “The school is being too strict with the parking lot especially when I paid for a parking pass,” Gormley said. “I just couldn’t switch it to my other car.” Junior Megan Oberg said she agrees with Gormley. “I think it is dumb that the school is making us pay after one parking violation,” she said. “They should be more lenient and let us at least have a warning or two first.” School security has checked cars in the student lot 15 times so far this year as of Sept. 22, finding more than 90 violations. Security guard Scott Herbert said he changed the policy from last year regarding buying two parking permits. He said students would sell one of the two to their friends to cut the overall price in half. If a student changes cars, they must obtain a temporary parking permit from the security

Students rush to get out of the school parking lot, taking the risk of receiving tickets. “I am trying to make students more responsible,” security guard Scott Herbert said. “You don’t get breaks in the real world.” Photo by Tessa Kaufman office. Herbert said it doesn’t matter how long students need the pass for, as long as they follow the rules. Senior Brian Moneghan said people who don’t have parking permits are taking their own risk of parking, making it their fault if they get caught, not the school’s. “The permit is for the car someone registers,” he said. “The rules state if you bring a different car they have to let the school know before parking in the student lot.” Herbert also said there have been five accidents as of Sept. 22, but that has been reduced from last year because of cones placed at the entrance to limit confusion. As of Sept. 22, more than $1,300 has been

collected for violations including cars getting booted after four offenses. Many students park in the student lot every day and have to pay fees for the mistakes they make, but not all students think the rules are a problem. “I think the parking rules are fair because of how much (the school) publicizes the consequences of violating the rules,” Chase La Rue, senior, said. “The escalating punishments are also fair to discourage repetition.” Herbert said the new strict policies are for students’ benefit. “I am trying to make students more responsible,” he said. “You don’t get breaks in the real world.”

October 14, 2009 |

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October 14, 2009 |

OUR VIEW

FLOPS

PROPS

SECTION EDITORS Val Buccio Brenna Cameron Kelsey Krebsbach Tyler Mustin Zachary Smith Kyle Tosch Ryan Winter Caitlin Young

beating Cherry Creek for the first time in school history. Vista took the match in five sets, coming back from a 2-1 deficit.

>Props to Leadership for putting togeth-

er a memorable homecoming. They landed a 107.5 DJ in Tony V and made it one of the most memorable dances Vista has seen.

ADVERTISING Dallin Calvert Jordan Laeyendecker

> Props to the opening of Crowfoot Val-

ley Coffee in the cafeteria. The prices are cheaper than Startbucks’, they have drinks like hot chocolate for those who don’t like coffee and are open all day to make drinks available to students at their convenience.

BULLYING

FLOPS

> Flops to the extension of fourth period. The announcements definitely don’t take five minutes on a regular basis. It was already difficult to go get lunch and come back on time with 45 minutes to do so, so shortening the time to only 40 minutes makes it that much harder.

>Flops to Kanye West for inter-

rupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video at MTV’s Video Music Awards. He ruined her first VMA award and made a fool of himself. Photo courtesy of Abaca Press/MCT

>>continued from page 6 to buy tickets at school, but this year there are about 2,000 students at Mountain Vista and most want a chance to enjoy the games, regardless of the circumstances. “Students should have priority to getting into their own game,” Cooper said. The University of Colorado at Boulder allows students to purchase season tickets and use their Buff OneCard Student ID to get into games. The system is much like our Mountain Vista Activity Cards except unlike ours, CU students are guaranteed admission into the game. Is it worth purchasing a $25 activity card if we can only use them at home games and are not assured a ticket? We still have to rush to the window before they sell out. If administration created a way to have separate tickets for students and parents, the competition for admission would not be as hectic. Establishing a separate line for parents and designating a different color ticket for them would break up the confusion and allow students to compete with each other rather than their parents for tickets to the games. The student line should be allowed entrance into the stadium first and after a set amount of time — say 30 minutes — the parents can purchase tickets and enter the gates. This way, both students and parents will know when to grab a spot in line and exactly what time they can go in. These are our high school years and our rivalry games and our chances to make them count, and when parents are crowding the bleachers while many of us don’t make it through the gates, it doesn’t quite seem fair.

CO-EDITORS-INCHIEF Carli Auran Trevor David

>Props to the varsity volleyball team for

hand dryers in the bathrooms. This is high school, not preschool. Keep the gum in your mouths and allow people to use the restrooms without having to deal with your sticky immaturity.

EAGLE EYE 2009-2010 STAFF

PROPS

>Flops to the people putting gum on the

the STAFF

Graphic by Jamie Woodworth

Take a stand against the rumors

he first few weeks of school, hardly anyone could walk down the halls without hearing something about the “Fab Five.” Some students made T-shirts while others gossiped about it without having any real knowledge of the girls or the situation. Why is it that high school students want to be treated like adults, yet we can’t even treat each other with respect as mature adults would? We want to go off-campus. We want respect from administrators. We want the responsibility of keeping track of our own attendance record. Sure, all these things are great. But how can we handle them if we can’t even leave freshman alone? Is it really necessary to harass 15-yearolds trying to adjust to high school by mocking, imitating and calling them out? It’s not just the “Fab Five.” It’s the gossip that spreads like wildfire around the school. Nobody can just step We have all back and worry about been a victim of it himself or herself for a little bit. We are at some point in our all too engrossed in lives, so why keep discussions about how speading the hate? immature or how lame that other group of people is. How ironic. We as the “Eagle Eye” staff are not exempt from this. Almost everyone at school is guilty of falling into the rumor mill of causing unnecessary damage to people’s reputations. New administrative dean Pat McCabe said the school deals with bullying on a case-by-case basis. Personally, he said, he has dealt with five cases of bullying this year, one of which required severe punishment. “You might say there is a no-tolerance policy,” McCabe said. The school has no official policy, however, because every case of harassment is different. But they do make an effort to put an end to it at all costs. The main problem is people don’t realize the damage they do when they “haze”

“

or “joke around” with other students. The victims may seem to let it roll off their shoulders, but nobody knows what they’re really thinking inside their heads. Maybe they start to dread passing periods or going to classes or being seen in the cafeteria. Because of the gossiping and taunting, some students look forward to the end of the day just to escape the ridicule. That’s not how it should be. The administrative staff does everything it can to prevent and sort out all encounters with bullying but most of the conflict happens under the radar. “There’s nothing we can do about it if we don’t know about it,” McCabe said. He said he thinks a lot of the time kids don’t come and report the issues because they are afraid it will only make matters worse. Well, it’s time to take a stand Mountain Vista. It’s time to prove that we can be different and can handle being treated like adults. We want respect right? We want all the privileges that have been handed to us this year? We want other schools to look at us and envy us not only for our academic achievements or winning sports teams, but for the image we portray as high school students. Yeah, it may seem close to impossible to get rid of all types of bullying, but we can at least try. And we can accomplish this on our own terms. We shouldn’t need specific policies and consequences to motivate us. This isn’t about following the rules that administration, our parents and even the law has set for us. This is about simply doing the right thing. And let’s face it; we all know what that means. Ever heard of the “Golden Rule?” No more name calling or rumor spreading or talking behind each other’s backs. No more false judgments and no more physical or verbal harassment. We propose this to every student who walks the halls of Mountain Vista: Instead of breaking apart into cliques and mocking each other, let’s finally come together as a school and as a team to prove to everyone

REPORTERS Allison Cole Taylor Ernest Andrew Frieman Brooke Healey Makeeba Helms Macy Morgan Erica Rasquinha Isabel Salinas Jake Smith Caleb Williams PHOTOJOURNALISTS Tessa Kaufman Amy Markowski ADVISER Mark Newton, MJE

>POLICY 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. >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: 303387-1500. 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. 13-21-123, will be prosecuted. >OPEN FORUM CONTENT Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. ©2009 Eagle Eye/Mountain Vista High School. All rights reserved. >ON THE COVER From left to right: Liz Johnson, Karli Moats, Brian Kiefer, Sam Gordon and Clarence Graham carry Principal Steve Johnson in the Administrator Carry at Eaglelympics.

Cover Photo by Rob Denton

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.

October 14, 2009 |

“Welcome to the Eagles’ Nest!”

8/9

School can be confusing — a maze, even. Ever wondered what Student Leadership does or who the student body president, Mac Leydon, is? How about the foreign exchange students? If so, check out this page. Q&AMac Leydon dishes on Students yawn about school Leadership, homecoming and his Mom’s filet mignon functions

>Eagle Eye: What events, including is one thing you the dance. Obviously, that is a would like to say pretty daunting to the freshmen/ task. So, instead new and incoming of planning the students? whole thing as >>Mac Leydon: “Don’t an entire class, panic! You’ve gone we break oﬀ into from the top of the smaller commitheap back the tees. We have bottom of the barrel. I know from my own Student Body President committees for Powderpuﬀ, Rough experiences that the Mac Leydon and Tough. So as first few months of you can see, we’re freshmen year were not always easy. But it will get bet- not very busy.” ter. I guess what I want you guys to >EE: What is your passion? understand is that you matter. You >>ML: “Music, theater, English, people, food, politics, movies, are the future of this school. The bejewling my many sequence way you behave, the things you skirts.” achieve, all of your accomplish>EE: Democrat or Republican? ments will shape Mountain Vista >>ML: “I’m an Obamaniac.” over the next four years. Just know that if you are having >EE: Chocolate or vanilla? >>ML: “Chocolate.” a bad day, I am always here for you. As your president, my number >EE: Rock or country? >>ML: “I’m more of an opera/hardone priority is simple: To keep you, core rap kind of guy.” the student, happy. So, if you ever see me in the halls and have a ques- >EE: What is the best food you tion or just want to talk, stop me!” have ever tasted? Worst? >EE: What goes on in Student >>ML: “Anything my mom makes Leadership? In other words, what do is delicious. She’s quite the cook! you do? Her filet mignon is pretty killer. As >>ML: “A lot! Take homecoming, for for the worst, I’ve had some pretty example. We are responsible for the awful Qdoba burritos.” essentially the whole week of

✓ OUT

Leadership wants your opinions. Leave them at:

• Facebook page @ “Eagle Leaders” • Web site @ www.MVHSLeadership.com (under construction)

Zack Smith > Juice Co-Editor The average student shuﬄes into assemblies and other school venues and — with the exception of Friday night football games and other major sporting events — greets them with a big yawn and a blank stare. “Every high school in Douglas County struggles with apathy towards school functions, but I think Vista has it bad,” Junior Class President Nathan Thompson said. To stop the Golden Eagles’ bout of apathy, Leadership aims to revamp Vista through school “beautification” and the creation of more opportunities for students to get involved. “What’s up with all the red?” Thompson asked, describing the lack of school color throughout Vista. Among those opportunities are activities like the first “Eaglelympics,” in which classes compete against one another during Homecoming in an atmosphere similar to an elementary school field day, and “The Vista Chill,” which offers free food and drink in addition to a sporting event. Student Leadership sponsor Doreen Smith said she believes “students don’t have a larger respect and care for Mountain Vista High School because they haven’t had the opportunity to be heard.” Through a new program called RSVP — Raising Student Voice and Participation — Leadership plans to encourage student input and provide them with an outlet for their opinions. “They (the students) seem to feel powerless…this must be corrected,” Student Body President Mac Leydon said. “Student Leadership is here to serve the student, and to do this we have to know what you want.” To encourage the flow of suggestions and criticisms, Leadership is creating new ways for students to interact through a Facebook page, a Web site, and segments on “Vista Vision.” “Everyone needs to be connected as a class,” Sophomore Class President Ashley Peralta said, adding it is her job to ensure students’ voices are heard. The success of the events, however, ultimately falls on the willingness of the student body to participate. “So really, it all starts with you,” Leydon said. “Student Leadership will try its best to help you realize your vision.”

Members of the Senior Class, including Ali Stajduhar and Scott Hall, leap-frog to victory during the Eaglelympics, ahead of the sophomores, juniors and freshmen. The seniors won the ﬁrst Eaglelympics. “If you’re not ﬁrst, you’re last,” Hall said. Photo by Rob Denton

Leadership, Events and All Those Funky Acronyms

Mr. Vista: Who’s the “Mr. Universe” of Mountain Vista? The Vista Chill: Food, drinks, and a sporting event equal a formula for a good time. SOS: Save Our Sports, a movement to increase crowds for the less-crowded sports. RSVP: Raising Student Voice and Participation. Every class’s representative will visit CONNECT classes and ask students what they would like to see improved. Vista Idol: Similar to “American Idol,” except specifically for students at Mountain Vista.

Note: In the print publication, pages 8-9 are ﬂipped into one page.

New at Vista

Woher kommst du? (Where are you from?)

Mary Brock

Hometown: Wolfpoint, Mont. Hobbies: Art, music and pottery Quote of Vista: “There are so many people here!”

Christina Christianson Hometown: Princeton, Minn. Hobbies: Sketches, oil or watercolors, clarinet Quote of Vista: “It’s not that new, just different.”

The German foreign exchange students are Anna Mehrkens, Chris Riber, and Florian Schwake. “I think it’s a great opportunity for students from other countries to experience our culture and for kids here to experience something outside ‘The Bubble,’” administrator Rob Ceglie said. Photo by Amy Markowski

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW KIDS: my.hsj.org/co/highlandsranch/eagleeye

Crew Cut: Best of the Best Link Crew helps freshmen adjust to life in high school Caitlin Young > Juice Co-Editor Another year of firsts and the Link Crew has completed another successful orientation. Link Crew uses juniors and seniors to support freshmen in their transition to high school. Sponsor Lindsey Jaffe-Miller conveyed the importance of having older kids to look up to that first week of school. “I’ve had nothing but positive feedback,” she said. Freshman Christopher Peterson said the Link Crew members were very helpful, especially on the first day of school. Jaffe-Miller emphasized how exclusive and “super competitive” the club is. Of the 250 whom applied, only 150 applicants were accepted. “Link Crew is full of people with different backgrounds and personalities and we all work together,” senior Tanisha Crosby-Attipoe said.

Despite being an extremely competitive group, many teachers and students have expressed gratitude and approval regarding the club. Multimedia teacher Tim Padgen said he especially likes how his Link Crew has been personally connecting with the students. “Freshmen need some advice on high school and to see normal behavior,” Padgen said. Link Crew leader Mariah Gerrity said she wanted to leave a positive impact on her Link freshmen. “At first it was a little awkward but you have to have an outgoing, friendly personality no matter what to make (freshmen) feel welcome,” Gerrity, junior, said. “Some (freshmen) definitely put up the too-cool attitude.” Jaffe-Miller said she wants everyone to know how “cool” Link Crew is. “This club gets kids excited and having fun in successful events.”

Link Crew sponsor Lindsey Jaffe rallies the freshmen during their ﬁrst day of school. “I think the freshmen are awesome! They are the most spirited we have ever had. It’s the upperclassmen, man, that need work,” Jaffe said. Photo courtesy Link Crew

Florian Schwake Germany

Anna Mehrkens Germany

Chris Riber Germany

Makeeba Helms > Reporter Florian Schwake is a 16-year-old senior from Braunschweig, Germany in lower Saxony. He said his reason for becoming a foreign exchange student was to get a new view of the world. “I just wanted to know new cultures,” he said. Schwake said he likes it here in Colorado. “I couldn’t decide where I wanted to go but Colorado is nice,” he said. “I like it.” Also, he said being in America is different because he left all his friends. “It’s hard to get to know so many people, but I don’t know maybe that will change,” he said. Schwake is involved with cross country and also practices soccer. Schwake said the school system here is different from in Germany. His school there had about 1,000 students. Shwake said Mountain Vista is a good school. “There are many nice students, nice teachers,” he said. When comparing teens here to teens in Germany, he said they are not very different.

Makeeba Helms > Reporter Anna Mehrkens, a 16-year-old senior, is from Hahausen, a town in the middle of Germany. Mehrkens said she became an exchange student to learn the language better. “I (also) wanted to see something different than Germany and Europe,” she said. She said she didn’t have a choice in where she wanted to go but said she really likes the mountains. “So, it’s good for me that I’m here.” How school runs in Colorado is different compared to how the school system in Germany is, she said. “In Germany we leave earlier so we don’t come back after lunch,” she said. “We don’t have different classes and we don’t have a schedule. It’s different everyday.” Mehrkens also said that teenagers here are not very different from ones in Germany and that they act the same way. “I can’t really say which place I like better because it’s so different,” she said.

Makeeba Helms > Reporter Senior Chris Riber, a 16-yearold from a town near Frankfurt, Germany, plays on the boys varsity soccer team. He said he became an exchange student to have a new experience. “It’s good to improve my English and learn something in life,” Riber said. Riber described the school system in Germany as completely different from the one in Colorado. Colorado was one of the places he wanted to come to and he enjoys being at MVHS. “I like it very much, it’s very busy but fun.” When thinking about whether he likes Germany or Colorado better, he said it was hard to say. “I like both,” he said.

American teens are very strong and friendly. Chinese students only study.

> Chinese exchange student Eugene Liv

Note: In the print publication, pages 8-9 are ﬂipped into one page.

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The Reality of Bullying

BULLYING

There is a form of harassment that goes unseen by the majority of the high school population, some students speak out about the serious problem

Kelsey Krebsbach & Brenna Cameron >Soul Co-Editors emember the days when high school bullying was the terrifying vision of being shoved into lockers, garbage cans or even drowned in toilets? By now, most students have realized that this idea is a bit dramatic, however bullying still poses as a prominent issue at Mountain Vista. In elementary and middle school, bullying is easily identified, however in high school it takes a new shape. “Aggressors often wield power socially as opposed to physically,” Kim Frederics, Mountain Vista school psychologist, said. One example of this public form of empowerment comes with the inevitable rumors that capture high school students in their social scene. In these cases, the bullying becomes much more underhanded and in some cases unintentional. At the beginning of the school year, rumors began to fly about a group of freshmen called the “Fab Five”. According to the girls, their names and reputations were twisted and manipulated by the student body, resulting in a rumor mill that wasn’t altogether true. “It started out as fun, but then everyone else took control of the group,” said a member of the “Fab Five” who asked not to be identified. Targeted by harsh rumors, the girls are a perfect example of how a seemingly innocent conversation can taint another’s reputation and also hurt the person’s confidence. Freshman Rachel Obering, another girl associated with the “Fab Five,” said some people believed the stories and avoided getting to know her because of it. “We tried to laugh about it,” Obering and freshman Jenny Gogol said. “It was a misconception that we were mean and exclusive.” The magnitude of the situation soon extended to every grade and social group of Mountain Vista. Some of the circulating rumors included the girls walking in formation, following a self-appointed dress code and eating at lunch with a tablecloth every day — all of which, the girls said, are completely untrue. “The rumors just tore us apart. It was hard to be together in the hallways,” said the member of the “Fab Five” who asked not to be identified. “In reality, we know we’re freshmen, we don’t think we’re all that.” The name that started out as a friendly joke had become a devious way for the student body to target the five girls simply by spreading rumors. “I don’t regret being friends, but I do regret making the name,” freshman Mady Talyot said. While the girls struggled to maintain their relationships, they describe the friendship not defined by simply the name

What can you do

that students associated them with: The “Fab Five.” “I guess it just gave them something to talk about,” Obering said. Even the simplest task such as walking down the hallways can be a mortifying experience for those affected by the whispers and silent head turns. Administrator Pat McCabe said Mountain Vista has a “no tolerance” policy for bullying, meaning administrators will deal with every case that comes to their attention. However, he said it is difficult for them to recognize most threatening situations. “A lot of (bullying) we will never see,” he said. “Somebody has to tell us. We have to be made aware.” McCabe said it is typically a parent or friend of the student who asks for help. Having dealt with cases already this year, he said each case varies, as do the consequences. “Sometimes it’s what a another student is saying, but once it was the text messages (a targeted student) was receiving,” McCabe said. “We deal with them in different ways. Sometimes it’s a warning, sometimes it’s detention.” Frederics said while spreading rumors is an easy way to assert power and control, it eventually backfires on the individuals who participate. There’s no easy way to stop rumors, she said, especially in a high school setting. However when peers call out bullying behavior, it can help stop the cycle of destruction. Safeyouth.org, a Web site dedicated to the prevention of youth violence, states that while many people believe the cause of bullying stems from insecurity, bullies actually tend to be confident, with high self-esteem. They easily gain support and encouragement from their peers, making it difficult to stop. Bullying standards vary between boys and girls substantially. According to safeyouth.org, males are more likely to report being hit, slapped or pushed, while females are more likely to be targeted by rumors. According to Frederics, at least 25 percent of students experience a form of bullying during their school years. Senior David Murphy admits to inadvertently passing judgment on peers and hurting them in the process. “Everyone is judgmental at times, even when they don’t mean it,” Murphy said. “People don’t realize how big of a deal it is, especially to underclassmen.” Mountain Vista High School can be a part of what some call the best years of their life, but for others it can be a daily struggle to be accepted. McCabe said bullying often goes completely unnoticed. “Upperclassmen come here and they’re in their comfort zone,” he said. “Many of them don’t recognize what’s going on (with bullying).”

to stop the bullying?

>> New talents surprise Stage Flight 12

October 14, 2009 |

THEATER

Whether it is their ﬁrst or ﬁnal year in a school musical, students speak about a memorable theater experience.

“

hallway talk

”

“

Freshmen and sophomores rehearse songs in the front row for “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.” With a large cast of 55, underclassmen new to the stage are excited to be a part of the production. Photo by Erica Rasquinha have never made it into the musical until this She said her favorite parts about musical year. theater are connecting with people, sharing Condie said she likes having people who have experiences and the adrenaline she gets from been in other productions to confide in. performing on stage. Mallory said she is anxious She said she adores the fact that she can for the show. make new friends and sing by being a part of the Other rookies Barnes, Smith and Desmond musicals. will participate in the chorus for the play. Ray said she uses her age as a leadership While they agree that there is competition mechanism that can help other new people in between the males, they are close with their felthe play as well. low chorus members. “My favorite part about musical theater is “Mac Leydon [senior] is awesome and sings how out there, different, and crazy it is; I also amazingly too! “ Smith said. “A stereotype that all of the men want to steer like moving when I sing,” Ray said. The girls said they know that their musicals away from is that they are all the same, and that with Stage Flight are numbered, so they are singing isn’t manly enough.” Barnes said. absorbing all that they can. Barnes, Smith and Desmond said they agree Stage Flight has really made a name for itself that singing is something they love to do. They over the years, and it will continue to do so with want to make Mountain Vista proud every time the new talent that arrives with the freshmen they hit the stage. and grows as they journey to their senior year. Two upper-classmen in the show, junior “Although we are just high school kids, Rachel Condie and senior Becca Ray, have audiI want [other students] to see we have tioned for previous Stage Flight productions but talent,”Mallory said.

“

Erica Rasquinha > Reporter This year’s musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” premiering in November, has many rookie cast members who will test the limits of the stage. These freshmen have the biggest leap to take, adjusting from middle school shows to the big productions of Mountain Vista. Seven freshmen, Madison Kolar, Madison Malone, Joanie Lyons, Emily Schwartz, Katie Sexton, Malaina Cartright- Mills and Connor Desmond, succeeded in the leap to high school theater when they were cast in their first high school musical. The seven freshmen who made the cast said auditions at Mountain Vista seem much more intense than in middle school. Mr. Goldson, Mrs. Mckasson, Mrs. Buck and Mr. Wright encouraged those wanting to participate in the musical to come to a workshop to help prepare for their auditions. Collin Leydon, an NYU student and former student at Mountain Vista, returned to help bring out the character in every moment of the show. Over 70 people were called back after auditions but only about 50 of those people would end up cast for the play. However, the teachers decided to take on a cast of 55 students, making it one of the largest casts in Stage Flight history. “With the older kids who have been in previous shows, we have felt intimidated and out of place,” Schwartz, Sexton and Lyons said. “But then [they] made us feel welcome.” Freshmen Jordan Barnes With older kids and Caleb Smith, who who have been in were cast as members of previous shows, we the chorus for the play, have felt intimidated said that the auditions and out of place. But were a good experience and not too scary. then they made us The seven freshmen feel welcome. said that they are ready KATIE SEXTON,9 to be on stage and combine the arts of singing, acting and danc- ing. Sophomore Mica Mallory, another rookie to the stage, was cast as a narrator along with senior Suzy Shugert and junior Maya Landau. Mallory said she was taken by surprise that she gets to work with such gifted people.

what do we hear during passing period?

> “Wow. This song is intense.” all of the sudden I was just > “And flying through the air...” > “Walking backwards is good for you!” > “Guys I just got a nephew.” > “I hate that position, it’s so hard.” love the middle. You get so much > “Iaction. ”

“My weekend was great...My liver is gone!”

The Silhouette Caleb Robinson TALENT: MUSIC

From the day he first picked up a guitar at the age of 10, Senior Caleb Robinson has been creating his own style of music. Besides playing guitar, he also taught himself to play the piano in addition to singing and writing his own song lyrics.

“I just kinda started playing one day and made up a song. Then I found out Photo by Rob Denton

what they keys meant and taught myself how to create chords and melodies,” he said.

Students practice every day after school in the choir room for the upcoming musical. Photos by Erica Rasquinha ––––

>> See the Show

> Opening Night is November 12 > Show also runs Nov. 13, 14, 19, 10, 21 > Shows start at 7 p.m.

“I’m really picky when it comes to how I want my music to sound,” Robinson said, “so my favorite to play is my own.”

Since becoming involved in music, Caleb has been involved in five bands of all different genres. A few of them, including Pax Romana, achieved local popularity. However, he realizes how challenging the music business can be.

“Being successful in music is like breaching Fort Knox,” he said. After High School this talented musician plans to eventually get his masters degree in music production.

“Music is just a really important part of my life,” he said.

The Critique

“America’s Got Talent”

C-

The New Attendance Policy

The new attendance policy that the administrators installed in accordance with the off campus takes away the trust between the students and the staff. The fact that we can’t miss first period and be excused without a doctor’s note is absurd. It should be at your own discretion whether or not you show up to class. And if your parents excuse you, then it should be excused. No matter what. This year Administration also says that if we have 12 absences we could fail the class but that seems ridiculous as well. If you have A’s and B’s in your classes and still have 12 or more absences, you shouldn’t fail the class. You are obviously keeping up with your missed work so what is the problem with missing class then? For the most part, we are responsible teenagers and should be able to make the decisions of when we go to class or not.

Eaglelympics

A Eaglelympics, the new event during

homecoming week, was a success. All the classes got very into the relays and the school spirit radiating through the gym got the whole school pumped up for the homecoming game and dance. Some of the relays, like carrying the administrators and the 3-legged race, were hilarious and made the whole audience laugh and cheer. Class rivalries caused many chanting and cheers throughout the school gym. The emcees of ceremonies Sean McGill and Suzy Shugert were also fantastic, working through technical problems and still getting the school excited when the sound system wasn’t working. Overall, it was a great event during homecoming week and it should continue in the future.

powderpuff 2009

with Brenna Cameron

This season of “America’s Got Talent” tons of unique acts and powerful stories stormed the television and captured an audience with spectacular talent each week. As more acts were elimanated, I found that some acts were voted off that were much more entertaining than some of the performers who made it all the way to the ﬁnale. The finals infuriated me, giving a performer the $1 million who wasn’t the most talented. Kevin Skinner won the prize with a performance that the judges said was off key and missing some notes. They said he didn’t have the best voice, but his charm was what got him to the finals.

October 14, 2009 |

Photo by Megan Itchkawich

“

I thought it was amazing and so much fun! Our team had so much fun playing together and it was one of my favorite parts of homecoming week. PAIGE BRODSKY, 11

“

The experience is awesome! We all are apart of different groups but I feel like it brings us together as a whole. CARLY BELZER,12

“

”

Photos by Rob Denton

I loved powderpuff. It was so much fun being able to go out there and have fun but I didn’t like some of the calls that were made. JESSIE CHRIST,12

“

Photo by Brian Vu

CLUBS

Turning loose change into hope for Haiti The Hope Reigns Club takes on the challenge of Third World poverty Macy Morgan >Reporter In a small country just across the Caribbean Sea, people live in unbelievable poverty. Every one out of three children die before their fifth birthday, more than half the population resorts to drinking contaminated or polluted water and AIDS and tuberculosis exist everywhere – but this isn’t even the half of it. The life of an average Haitian is beyond severe in comparison to that of an average Highlands Ranch native. From extreme lack of sanitation and nutrition to a constant struggle to provide another meal, the country of Haiti is the most poverty-stricken country of the Western Hemisphere. Within Mountain Vista, one club takes action in a distinctive way. Hope Reigns, the club dedicated to the support of Haiti, consists of about 25 students that arrange multiple fundraisers to raise money for a worldly cause. The club supported Congo in the past, but the last two years have focused on Haiti in particular. Senior Chelsea Szydlowski,

>> What’s happening in Haiti?

Shelby Delargey and Chelsea Szydlowski pose in their ‘Hope Reigns’ T-shirts. The club hopes to raise awareness of their ‘Baby Bottle’ fundraiser. Photo by Kelly Strife co-president of Hope Reigns, says that world issues have always touched her. “The fact that things can be done made me want to do it. It doesn’t have to be a lost cause,” Szydlowski said. “It’s good because it gives you a chance to help more people around the world, not just those in downtown Denver,”freshman Kelly Strife said. A main goal of the club includes that of spreading

the word about their cause. Money and support is difficult to collect, Chelsea said. The 25-member group consists of mainly seniors, so more support is crucial. Hope Reigns meets about once a week, and the laid-back and friendly environment allows room for play as well. “I’ve learned to step outside myself,” Chelsea said. “I’ve started to learn what really matters in the world, knowing this can be changed.”

>Poorest country in the Western Hemisphere >56% live on less than $1 per day >55% illiteracy rate in Haiti, many children do not reach 5th grade >Over 80% live under the poverty line >55% don’t have access to clean water >Half the population earns $60 or less per year Source: CIA World Factbook

>> What you can do to get involved? Fill up a baby bottle (available from Mr. LaVoie) with loose change and return it to a club member by October 21.

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Record

Key Win

Next Game

Boys Tennis

6-4, 6-4 in league

Def. Chapparal, 4-3

October 15 @ Gates Tennis Center (State)

Boys Soccer

7-3, 5-2 in league

Def. Regis, 1-0

Octbober 15 vs. Highlands Ranch

Tidiane Dia: 5 G, 12 points

October 17 vs. Palmer Ridge

Jen Gormley 1G

Football

4-2, 4-2 in league

October 17 @ Rampart

Jesse Geary: 7 TDs

Softball

15-3, 9-1 in league

Def. Cherry Creek, 3-2 Def. Ralston Valley, 5-4 (8 innings)

October 15 @ Chaparral October 17 vs. Mountain Range

Katelyn Keith: 93 Kills Marissa Moller: 1.87 ERA

Three Home Games You Can’t Miss: Sat., Oct. 17

Field Hockey vs. Palmer Ridge

Brian Shin delivers a powerful backhand down the line. Shin says that his strongest part of his game is his will to improve and keep going. Photo by Lexi Challoner

Fi e questions for Brian Shin:

>Eagle Eye: What is your favorite part of tennis? >>Brian Shin: “Having to not just compete physically, but also mentally.” >EE: What is your favorite memory from tennis this year? >>BS: “Our school beating Chaparral 4-3, because they are really good. >EE: What other sports do you like to play? >>BS: “I like to play basketball and soccer.”

Thurs., Oct. 20

>>EE: What are your remaining goals for the rest of the season? >>BS: “To qualify for state and to win a match there.”

Boys Soccer vs. Gateway

Volleyball vs. Rock Canyon

>EE: What do you think is the strongest part of your game >>BS: “My will to improve and keep going in a match.”

>> thePROFILE Marissa Moller, softball pitcher

> Eagle Eye: How long have you played softball? >>Marissa Moller: “Since I was 7.”

Vista’s Best Fall Athletes Brian Caggiano, football linebacker >Eagle Eye: How long have you played? >>Brian Caggiano: “Since I was 8 years old.”

>EE: EE: Do you have any pre-game rituals? >>BC: “I tape my wrists and write my dad’s birth date on one, and his death date on the other.”

>EE: What position do you play? >>MM: “I’m a pitcher.”

>EE: EE: What is your favorite part of football? >>BC: “Hitting people.”

>EE: What is your favorite food? >>MM: “Ice cream.”

>EE: Do you have any nicknames? >>BC: “Some people call me Cagg.”

>EE: Do you have any pre game rituals? >>MM: “I listen to music.”

>EE: Do you have any superstitions? >>BC: “I can’t tell you.”

>EE: Do you play any other sports? >>MM: “No, I only play softball.”

>EE: EE: What other sports or hobbies do you do? >>BC: “I play baseball and lift weights.”

>EE: What are your plans for after High School? >>MM: “I’m planning on going to college in California, but I’m not sure where yet.”

>EE: What are your plans for after high school? >>BC: “I to play eithere baseball or football in college.” >EE: EE: Do you have any quotes that you go by? >>BC: “I don’t need a motivational quote, I motivate myself.”

>EE: What are your other hobbies? >>MM: “I just like to hang out with my friends and watch movies.”

>EE: What is the worst injury you have had? >>MM: “I was pitching and the hitter hit the ball back into my stomach. There was a huge bruise!”

Tyler Mustin > Pulse Co-Editor Imagine watching a game where every fan, player and coach is having a great time. Imagine going to a game where the score or outcome played an irrelevant role in whether a team won or lost. Imagine going to a game where every player on every team is cheered as if they were a part of your school. This is the magic of unified soccer. When it comes to Mountain Vista’s unified soccer team, everyone involved with the club has a great time. “Unified soccer is so much fun,” Co-Head Coach Colby Schwartz said. “It’s great to know that you are making a difference in someone’s life all while having a good time.” As demonstrated during halftime of the 2009 Powderpuff game, unified soccer is indeed a fun and exciting activity. “The powderpuff game was great,” Co-Head Coach Peter Hatcher said. “It gave people a chance to watch a unified game, when a lot of people probably had never seen one before. They probably realized how much fun it is, as well as the difference that we are making in kid’s lives.” The two head coaches both agreed that the experience has an equally beneficial effect on both the players and the coaches and assistants. “Everyone who is involved and participates in unified knows that the effect the players have on us is equal to the effect we have on them,” Schwartz said. “They give us such an outlook on life and always make every game fun.”

>EE: What is your favorite part of softball? >>MM: “I like that I’m a part of the team and that we all have to work together.”

>EE: Do you have any motivational quotes? >>MM: “The only mistake is making the same mistake twice.”

Unified Soccer: More than a game

3-5-2, Def. Kent 3-5-2 in Denver, 1-0 league

Girls 9-6, Volleyball 4-3 in league

UNIFIED SOCCER

Player to Watch Brian Shin: #3 Singles

Field Hockey

Def. Douglas County, 40-20

October 14, 2009 |

>EE: Cats or dogs? >>BC: “Dogs.” Photo by Brian Vu

>EE: Chocolate or vanilla? >>BC: “Vanilla.”

Photo by Cody Enboden

>EE: What is the worst injury you’ve had? >>BC: “I shattered my femur in the summer before eighth grade and then had to have knee surgery.”

October 14, 2009 |

BIG EATS, BIG-TIME PLAYS FOOD

Tokyo Joe’s.” Brooke Healey > Reporter our hours before the start of each football After his meal, Geary watches scenes from game, senior defensive lineman Collin the movie “300” to get pumped up. Benjamin heads to the store and kicks off Senior Daniel Lander, wide receiver, said he his pre-game meal ritual. He buys a large bag of makes himself a quesadilla before the game. Funyuns, a large bag of Cheetos, two Monsters, Football head coach Ric Cash said he believes and a Rockstar mixed with a 5-Hour Energy. pre-game rituals are important to success on the From there, he heads to Subway. He buys playing field. a foot-long Italian BMT with roast beef, extra “We make recommendations to the players bacon, oil and vinegar. at the beginning of the season and suggest that And then, he begins to eat. they develop a routine that will provide consis“I do it every week,” Benjamin tency for their bodies,” Cash said. I would comsaid. “It’s my ritual.” However, the football coaching staff Benjamin isn’t alone. Most athpare your body to does not encourage eating things like letes at Mountain Vista High School heavy, high fat meals, and tells their playa race car. have a certain pre-game meal and ers to steer away from processed sugars. Ric Cash, football ritual before big games. “I would compare your body to a race coach The heavy lifters at MVHS are car,” Cash said. “The better the quality of also heavy eaters. And while they all the fuel you put in it, the higher the level eat different pre-game meals, they all have the of performance possible.” same common goal in mind — to perform at Every athlete eats differently. Geary’s low-fat, their best, and ultimately, to win. low-sugar meal is small in comparison to BenBenjamin’s meal is a bit extreme for some, jamin’s high-fat, high-calorie and sugar-loaded considering some athletes don’t even see the meal. Coach Cash said he realizes this difference need to eat before their game. in meals is the case with many of his athletes. Sophomore running back Christian Thomas “I strongly believe that what you eat impacts finds he plays best on an empty stomach. your performance,” Cash said. “The problem is “I don’t like all that food before a game,” that some athletes don’t make good choices in Thomas said. “What Benjamin eats is just gross.” regards to their diet and still perform at a high Junior fullback Jesse Geary approaches game level.” days a little differently. First, he buys a teriyaki Two hours before the game, Benjamin takes chicken noodle bowl from Tokyo Joe’s. his last bite. But for Benjamin, his pre-game “There are good carbs in the noodles for meal is more than just a ritual. quick energy,” Geary said. “Plus, I just love “It calms my stomach,” he said.

theCONTRAST

A comparison of two football players’ pre-game meal “I eat a lot because it calms down my stomach. I tried it once and I played well so I have done it ever since.”

Calories Fat Sodium Carbohydrates Protein Sugar

>> A look at what Mountain Vista

athletes eat before the big game

>COLLIN BENJAMIN, SENIOR

WHAT ISTA EATS >>

Athletes’ pre-game meals fuel them in different ways for success on the ﬁeld

“My pregame meal gives me a lot of energy without making me too full.”

Photos by Amy Markowski

>JESSE GEARY, JUNIOR

Collin Percent Jesse Benjamin Daily Geary Value

Percent Daily Daily Intake Value

1874 79g 5466mg 328g 55g 179g

47.2% 26.1% 0% 46.0% 96.0% 0%

93.7% 121.5% 227.8% 109.3% 110.0% 447.5%

943 17g 0mg 138g 48g >0g

Source: FDA

2000 65g 2400mg 300g 50g 40g

Photos by Amy Markowski

“I buy a McDonald’s McDouble and a spicy McChicken. Take the bottom bun off of the McChicken and put the McChicken on on top of the McDouble, and then you grub. I call it a McNasty.” >SCOTT HALL, SENIOR

“I drink orange juice and Gatorade, and I eat fruit and pasta. It gives me the right amount of energy before my games.” >BRI PUGH, JUNIOR

“I eat a PowerBar, and sometimes pork, mashed potatoes and apples. It is good fuel.” >JACK SUTTMAN, SOPHOMORE

EATING RIGHT

To play well, eat well One athlete shows that eating a lot is not always bad

Kyle Tosch > Pulse Co-Editor With the limited time you have to eat breakfast each morning before rushing out the door to get to school, what do you eat? A bowl of cereal? A piece of toast? Nothing? For senior Michael Finger, a breakfast like this would not allow him to perform at his best while swimming and running track. Finger chooses a bowl of Cheerios, a bagel, yogurt and milk for his breakfast. “The reason I eat so much is because it gives me the right amount of energy for when I go running,” he said. While Finger may not eat as much as Michael Phelps—who consumes 12,000 calories a day— Finger shoots for 5,000-6,000 calories daily. The food and drug administration recommends only 2,500-3,000 calories daily, half of what Finger eats. For an athlete like Finger, a diet like his is actually healthier for him. Nutritionist Tanya Zuckerbrot said for athletes, eating a lot is better. “Carbs is what the body uses for energy,” Zuckerbrot said. “You have to give the body glucose to fuel it.” If Finger did not eat as much as he does, he would feel gassed after working out. “When I look for food I look for high protein, low sodium, a lot of carbohydrates and a little fat,” he said. “I don’t want to load myself up with a lot of junk because then I won’t feel good and won’t be able to perform my best.” At lunchtime, Finger counts up his calories: 100 calories of milk, 300 calories of pasta and a 700-calorie sandwich. “Compared to my other meals,” Finger said, “my lunch is a snack.” At dinner, Finger devours around 2,000

Photo by Rob Denton

Michael Finger runs cross country for Mountain Vista earlier in the season. The plethora of food Finger eats throughout the day allows him to perform at his best while running.

calories, “A typical dinner for me includes pasta, chocolate milk, fruit, salad and bagels,” Finger said. Eating habits like his cost an extra amount of dough and have only gotten more expensive over time. “Throughout high school my eating habits have changed, thus costing more money,” Finger said. But spending this extra money is worth it to Finger. “Eating the right food gives me more energy compared to unhealthy foods,” Finger said. “And it gives me enough energy to refuel.”