Raiders Digest Oct 2013 by RJ MEDIA: Regis Jesuit High School student news

RAIDERS DIGEST NEWS BRIEFS

RJ MULLEN RIVALRY

Competition fueled by respect | 02

SENIOR OVERALLS

Time honored tradition | 03

Regis Jesuit High School | 6300 S. Lewiston Way, Aurora, CO 80016 | October , 2013 | Volume 10 | Issue 1

rjmediaonline.com

Recycling Program Improved The Environmental Club is doing their part this year to encourage the Regis Jesuit community to recycle. Senior Yana Slabakov says that although their annual Earth Week activities such as the bake sale are both fun and important, the club is doing more this year by strengthening their recycling program. Each month the club is collecting a new item to recycle. In September they collected old eyeglasses. October’s item is old CFL light bulbs and in November the group will collect winter coats. Items are put to good use rather than tossed in the garbage. To contribute, bring items to Ms. Donahue in the main office or to Ms. Glasscock.

Line Dancing Club Steps Up The new line- dancing club is moderated by Mrs. Glenn ‘08. They meet Wednesdays at the top of lunch in the gym. If you are interesting in learning some new steps, grab your boots and head to the gym.

Behind the Curtain: The Fall Play Actors and actresses prepare to debut “The King and I.” Claire Krantz, Shannon Ball, Maddy Hoffman ‘17 | editors Students enter the doorway of the ‘black box’ theatre for rehearsal, and as their figures sweep into the room, they transform into their characters. When they see the stage, spotlight, and curtain they prepare to deliver a challenging show.

prepared to act out a 60-90 second monologue and to sing a song from the musical.

As everyone gets ready for another practice, they all settle and quiet down to enter the world of the play.

Pantoja teaches and directs the students on how the play will unfold.

Regis Jesuit’s 2013 Fall Play is now coming together for the actors, actresses, and the director. They are all doing their best for the upcoming play. The cast will entertain the audience with the story of “The King and I” November 9th and 10th. Auditions were held Aug. 19th and 20th and the cast was announced Aug. 23. What new director Aldo Pantoja ‘01 looks for during auditions are students who are

Based on their strength in acting and their skill in memorizing scripts, Pantoja ranks them in their roles for the play.

“I have a passion for teaching, even though I am a newbie to it,” Pantoja says. “But it’s something where you just need to gain more experience, and being here at Regis Jesuit has given me the opportunity to pursue that.” Everyone contributes their own unique and special talents to the play, no matter their years of experience. The actors and actresses practice relentlessly almost every day after school to make sure that they have memorized their scripts, have good techniques, and portray their character convincingly.

Megan Jones ‘15, Sabrina Goodman ’14 and others warm up for rehearsal. Photo. | Maddy Hoffman ‘17

All these skills and more are needed in order for the students to take their audience on a journey into the world of “The King and I.” Though people try their hardest auditioning and practicing, not all are granted a big part. Being on stage is a privilege and an honor. Lead actress junior Brielle Pray, said, “I love the spotlight. I love the lights. They are my favorite part about theater and they make me feel so special.” When asked what his favorite part about acting is, one of the lead actors senior Andrew Jacobsohn said, “definitely being on stage. It’s getting a chance to step into another character and perform; and a chance to share your talent with people that normally would not have a chance to see it in action.” “The King and I” opens November 9th.

Campus Travel Complications to Ease in October Because of the construction, the road next to the tennis courts connecting the Boys and Girls Divisions has been closed since the spring when construction started. The fire road connecting the buildings has also been closed. The fire road is scheduled to open for pedestrian use in mid-October, which should ease some of the congestion.

The new building will include music classrooms, a student commons, and a 490 seat amphitheater. Students will be able to utilize the center starting in January of 2014. Photo | Claire D’Costa ‘17

Performing Arts Center to Open in January Julie Grubaugh ‘16, Claire D’Costa, & Kate Clawson ‘17 | editors

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April 4th, 2013 marked the beginning of construction on the new Performing Arts Center. In addition to the 490 seat theater, the PAC will include dressing rooms, a scene shop, three band, ensemble, and chorus classrooms, a college and career counseling center, an alumni office and communications office, a student media center, a kitchen, a Raider Shop, a main lobby and dining area, and a Wi-Fi hotspot in the commons area. The theater’s grand opening is not expected until April 25th or 26th, but students will have access to the building as early as January 2014, when outside construction is scheduled to finish.

Certain aspects of construction have led to complications in both divisions, including longer walks through Lou Kellogg stadium for those traveling between divisions. This is particularly problematic in bad weather. Additionally, co-mingling has been relocated from McNicholas Green to a smaller, more inconvenient spot near the stadium. Emily Glenn ‘08, a science teacher in the Girls Division whose classroom overlooks the construction, told the Raider’s Digest that construction has caused major disturbances to her classes, especially when larger objects move close to the window. “Sometimes there is a clicking noise that started when construction began, which is pretty distracting,” she said.

But it’s all worth the time and the distraction. The new addition will allow musicians and performers, as well as other students of the arts space that has been severely lacking. The new Performing Arts Center will also give students more space to work and to meet new people. Though students and faculty have experienced struggles with the construction, all are looking forward to having a co-divisional building where both schools interact and thrive together. ”It will be nice to have two schools with their own identity that can meet in the mid-

dle,” Ms. Glenn said.

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

Conflict in Syria What exactly is going on in Syria? It’s a complex question. Looking for answers or clarification on the overseas drama that is unfolding? Here’s your guide. Yana Slabakov ‘14 | managing editor Syria, a small country slightly larger than North Dakota, recently erupted in turmoil. Rather, the turmoil has been going on for years, but just recently entered the public eye. A civil war has been raging in Syria for over two years. It began when a series of peaceful protests were met with a surprisingly violent and extreme backlash from the government, led by president Bashar al-Assad. Since then, conflicts have escalated rapidly and the situation has transformed into full-out war. The death toll is currently as high as 100,000, with an additional 6.2 million people being forced to abandon their homes and flee to Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq in a mass exodus. The reason for the sudden international attention Syria has garnered is due to reports that the Syrian government has been using chemical weaponry against its people with disastrous effects, allegedly killing around 1,492 civilians. During a speech on August 31st, President Obama called for action, saying that the chemical attacks are unacceptable and an assault on human dignity. The two protesting factions, as well as the already-existing Syrian government, all represent very different ideas and goals, many of which are not compatible with the goals of the United States. The President has left the issue over whether to act open to Congress, which has currently not made any definitive conclusions. Right now, the country is preparing to meet the conflict, not with actual troops on the ground, but with stealth missiles and drones that are already prepared to strike. Currently, the world is deciding what to do. The United Nations is unable to back President Obama’s proposals, because of resistance from Syria’s allies, Russia and China. Russia has agreed to negotiate with Syria with the aim of getting them to surrender their chemical weapons, and recently Syria handed over new “materials”, which are still under examination by Russian authorities. What will happen in Syria remains unknown. For now, it’s a tense situation with high stakes, involving several important international players.

NEWS RJ VS. MULLEN: the Religion, the Rigor, the Rivalry The competitive academics, athletics and similar religious views all fuel the rivalry. Melanie Higgins, Kateri Sheber Howard ‘16, Daisy Reich ‘17 & Erica Worley ‘15 | editors A black wreath hangs in the press box at J.K. Mullen stadium. It’s the first time its been there since 1983. Regis Jesuit High School. J.K. Mullen High School. Two sworn rivals still defining high school athletics and academics today. The Catholic tradition, the 5A competition, and the academic ambition come together to form an unbreakable school rivalry. The rivalry dates back to 1931 with the opening of Mullen High School. As the only two all-boys Catholic high schools in Denver at the time, the RJ/Mullen rivalry was born. Alumni and current students alike are in agreement that the heated competition continues to burn in the halls of both schools. Mrs. Catherine Cole, a current Regis Jesuit theology teacher, was not always a part of the Raider family. She graduated from Mullen in 1999 and knows the rivalry better than most. The former Mustang captures the polarizing essence of the rivalry in describing the reaction she gets when people learn of her alma mater, “There’s always a big reaction” Cole says. “Lots of ‘oooo’s.’” Cole recalls the rivalry between the academic institutions as being harmless fun for the most part. However, there was a rumble between some Mustangs and Raiders following a basketball game in 1997. Assistant Principal for Faculty and Curriculum and Regis Jesuit and class of 1988 graduate, Mr. Jeffrey Howard remembers similar tussles. The reason for these altercations stems from the overwhelming opposition between the schools. “I remember, clearly, being at a basketball game when we beat the Mustangs. We rushed the floor. I put the photo

Raiders and Mustangs unite and mingle before they cheer on their teams. photo | Jackson Burkholder ‘14 of the scoreboard in the yearbook that year [Howard was Editor-in-Chief] and the headline of that yearbook page was ‘Mashed Mullen.’ I think the final was 63 – 57,” Howard said. Although the rivalry was strong in the 80s and 90s, it is still very much alive and well today. Current Mustangs and Raiders continue to feel the unwavering tension between the powerhouse schools. To the communities involved it is more than just football or even athletics in general. It stems beyond all that. It reaches academics and spirituality. Football star and Regis Jesuit senior Grant Neal knows the rivalry is heated, but healthy. “When we step on the football field it’s like getting in a fight with one of your siblings. It’s ten rounds all-you-can-doheadknocker. I want to win and that’s what I’m there to do. But off the football field they are also another Catholic school and they are our brothers,” Neal said. The tenacity between Regis Jesuit and J.K. Mullen is just that- a sibling kind of rivalry. It means bitterly wishing one side is victorious but respecting the other regardless of the outcome. Mullen sophomore Jack Destito admires another rigorous, well respected Catholic school even if their team reigns supreme after a sporting event. “I think [RJ] is a good school but not a good fit for me. The gender separation is a little too old school,” Destito said. The differences between Mullen and Regis Jesuit, such as the co-divisional structure at RJ and the co-ed structure at Mullen, fuel the rivalry as much as the

final score of a hard fought ballgame. Regardless of whether it is a basketball game in the Old Denver Parochial League in the 60s, or a Model UN meet in 2013, the red and white and the blue and gold are opposing sides. As much trash talking as there is between the schools on Twitter and Facebook, at the end of the day what makes this rivalry one of the greats is the commonality and genuine admiration both institutes have for one another. It’s what makes beating the other school feel so powerful. It’s not about embarrassing the opposing team or even about feeling superior to the other school. It’s about knowing deep down that this time the scale tipped in the favor of one school. It’s knowing that the community came together to beat out competition that is on the same level, just as worthy for victory as the winner. So maybe all of this does translate to poignant comments and nasty cheers, but it’s all in good fun, for the love of the rivalry, and the even greater love of winning. “There’s a tradition that they have at Mullen where every time they lose to Regis [Jesuit] they hang a black wreath in the top of their press box...we are trying to push for that black wreath this year,” Neal said before the RJ Mullen football game this year. The Raiders got what they wanted. The wreath is a symbol to all that the RJ/ Mullen rivalry lives on. Nothing is set in stone. Except the fierce competition between the blue and the gold and the red and the white. That will never end.

The Raiders beat Mullen 44-19 on November 13. It was the first win over Mullen in 30 years. Here is a look back at the year 1983 . . .

THE WORLD HITS OF 1983 • “The Return of the Jedi” was released for the first time ever • Local football hero John Elway was the #1 NFL Draft Pick • “Terms of Endearment” won Best Picture at the Oscars • “Every Breath You Take” by Police was the Billboard top song • The most popular boy’s name: Michael • The most popular girl’s name: Jennifer

THE RJ HITS OF 1983 • The Regis Jesuit Raiders beat the J. K. Mullen Mustangs in football for the last time until 2013 • Mr. Williamson was only nine months old • Regis Jesuit was still an all-boys school • Mr. Howard was applying to RJ and deciding to join the brotherhood • Mr. Broderick King was a freshman at RJ • The high school was located at the current Regis University campus

STUDENT LIFE

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

Clockwise from the top.: Seniors Kat Law and Emily Seby. Senior girls tailgate before a varsity football game. Excited Senior girls before the RJ Mullen football rivalry. Celebration ensues after a victory. Photos | Nicole Bergstrom ‘14 & Claire Conley ‘15

Regis Jesuit Traditions: Senior Overalls RJ Seniors continue to wear white overalls as a way to showcase Raider school spirit.

Different Styles of Overalls

Grace Shipp, Nicole Bergstrom & Kennedy Krause ‘14 | Editors Every summer, groups of Regis Jesuit seniors flock to Guiry’s. To these senior girls, Guiry’s is not a paint store. It is the start to what is sure to be an unforgettable senior year. As soon as the girls walk into the store, the employees know exactly what they are looking for. “We have boxes of overalls in the back in addition to the ones we have out here,” a Guiry’s cashier said. After purchasing a pair of size 30x30 white overalls, most girls head to the nearest craft store to pick out endless amounts of accessories for their new blank canvases. The overall tradition began with the senior class of 2008. According to Kelly Strohm, an RJ graduate, this senior class decided to dress up for football games in decorated red plumber suits. The next year, the class of 2009 tried to find these same red plumber suits but were unsuccessful in their findings. They instead bought the white overalls and unknowingly started a trend that lives on today.

No two pairs of overalls you see under the Friday night lights are alike. Every pair are as unique as the girl wearing them. They are not just a fashion statement, but a form of self-expression. “I love how everyone wears overalls, but I also love how everyone creates theirs in a unique way,” senior Leah Ramey said.

Seniors at RJ have waited three years to be decked out in their overalls at football games. It is known as a senior “privilege” and has become a rite of passage for the oldest students in the school. “I think they’re super cute and a good tradition,” sophomore Mia Geoly says. “I can’t wait until I get my turn to wear them!”

Seniors decorate their overalls in hundreds of different styles. Popular decorations this year include gems, flowers, glitter, ribbon, paint, stencil wording, fabric, and American flags.

Recently, many other high school senior girls, at schools such as Valor Christian, Smoky Hill, and Mullen, have been following in the steps of the RJ ladies, which has caused a bit of controversy within the RJ halls.

But one thing each pair of overalls have in common is their representation of Regis Jesuit school spirit.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” senior Emily Seby says about the overall replications.

Seniors proudly show off RJ colors, symbols and the Regis Jesuit name itself.

But even if others are following in Raider footsteps, the girls of Regis Jesuit know that overalls are an RJ tradition to the core.

The overalls are just one way of showing how much spirit our Regis Jesuit senior class really has, and how much the students love to show it. “I think it brings the senior class together because it is something that we can all have in common,” senior Lexie Hamilton said.

Photos by Nicole Bergstrom ‘14

Senior Kat Law knows how important the tradition is.

Jessie Barclay’s American Flag Style

Meghan Bille’s Classic Style

“Overalls are a Regis Jesuit tradition that we know we started and that brings the senior class together every year,” Law says.

Elli Marr’s Flower Power Style Photo | Jackson Burkholder ‘14

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

FEATURES

Freshman 101 Tips and tricks for a flawless Freshman year. Kateri Sheber Howard, Melanie Higgins ‘16, Daisy Reich ‘17, Erica Worley ‘15 | editors As you walk through the door of an unfamiliar building, you gulp and your palms begin to sweat. This is freshman year. If only it could be easier. Well, it can. Here are the tips and tricks to surviving your freshman year. Organization: Upperclassmen and teachers alike witness the struggles freshmen face in their first year. One of the issues for these students is staying organized. “Take the time to organize,” Junior Anna Lis says. Divide binders into different, specific sections using plastic dividers. Note-cards are another essential organization tool. Every time there is a test in class, prepare by creating note-cards and keeping them all together. Come finals, the cards will be easy to access and study from. The exams will be a breeze. Color-coding will aid in your understanding and help you retain the information in a more effective way. “Use the calendar on your phone, and find a note taking buddy,” P.E. teacher Mrs. Jenny Lynch says. By using the calendar on your phone you have important dates right at your fingertips. A note-taking buddy can help you catch-up on the crucial information from a class that you may miss. Friendship: One of the hardest aspects of the transition from middle to high school is friendships. Unhealthy relationships can damage your overall high school experience. Sophomore Katie Kassal says, “If you are in a toxic friendship, try to address it, and if it still continues, remove yourself.” Be a friend that you would want to have. Be a listener, not always a talker. Show your friends just how much they mean to you by being someone they can rely on. Be yourself. It may take time to find the friends that you can be yourself with, but once you find those friends, the reward is great. They will be there for the rest of your life. Balance: Clubs, sports, theater, family, friends, and school! The key to success in high school is balance. Freshman Amanda Stockman says, “The biggest struggle is keeping up with homework and getting good grades because I am tired after poms.” To ensure balance and successful time management, do homework the day it is assigned. That way, you can be ahead of the game and the extra time at night can be used for other extracurricular activities. Procrastination only leads to stress and poor work quality, a path no freshman should go down. Be on top of it and do not procrastinate big projects. Spread

them out!

Follow these tips to ensure a great year.

Students sign the Side by Side banner after the kickoff event | Photo: Nicole Bergstrom ‘14

Side by Side kicks off Students come together to say no to bullying,

Julie Grubaugh ‘16, Kate Clawson ‘17 & Claire D’Costa ‘17 | editors On Friday, August 30, all of Regis Jesuit is sitting on the baseball field to begin an effort to bring the students together as a community. It is the day that the new Side by Side anti-bullying program is officially unveiled. Ms. Danielle Trollinger, a theology teacher at the Girls’ Division, is on the committee that introduced Side by Side to Regis Jesuit. “We didn’t want to be a normal school, we wanted to be an exceptional school. We saw a need for [the Side by Side program]; a desire in students to create a community where they felt like they could be even

more themselves,” she said.

during advisement periods.

For summer reading, all theology classes read “Dear Bully”, a book in which a variety of authors showed the ugly effects that bullying has on a community.

Bullying is very prevalent in our society today. The students learned about the many types of bullying that are sometimes hard to distinguish as such.

The situations described actually happened either to or to someone close to the author.

They learned that bullying, no matter what its format, should always be confronted.

This book had a great meaning that showed students that are bullied that they are not alone. “Dear Bully” also showed how ugly bullying can get when not stopped right away.

The program gives students the opportunity to talk with peers about how we, as a community, sometimes act as the bystander, the bullied, or even the bully.

As part of the new program, students have already talked about the effects of bullying

Side by Side is another way students will have more opportunities to bond as men and women with and for others.

Support for the college application process

Alexis Christopher ‘15 | editor

Towards the end of junior year, high school students start to work on bits and pieces of their college applications. For this reason, junior year is seen as the most demanding, and stressful year of high school. Senior Gabby Butsch gives younger students advice about the stress of applying. “Definitely try to do everything you can over the summer even though prompts do change. Generally the summer is the easiest way to get things done and then you have time during the first couple weeks of school to have people look over it to make sure it is filled out the right way,” Butsch says.

The teachers,staff members and the counseling department make life easier for the students who are applying to or researching colleges. “Oh I know we do!” counseling department chair Linda Kozler said when asked if Regis Jesuit gives its students a “leg up”, compared to public schools, during the application process. Kozler, having gone through the public school system, said she did not receive the guidance and counseling the students at Regis Jesuit are provided. “It’s a huge part of what we do in terms of the counseling,” Kozler said. “Public school case loads are much high-

er, so they don’t get to know their students as well. So our letters that we write our students are much stronger, and that helps them,” she said. Regis Jesuit takes pride in their counseling department, which proves to be the most useful tool to aid students during the application process.

Remaining 2013-2014 Testing dates SAT- Jan.25 ACT- Oct. 26 SAT- Nov. 2 SAT- Dec. 7 ACT- Dec.14

ACT-Feb.8 SAT-Mar. 8 ACT-Apr. 12 SAT-May 3

Regis Jesuit’s most interesting people Part 1: Ms. Glasscock Maura Rose ‘16 | freelance writer It’s Christmas Day and Ms. Glasscock has just arrived in southern India, but she took a wrong turn. They have traveled for 36 hours straight and haven’t had the opportunity to change. “We showed up at the scariest place I’ve ever seen my whole life. We were nowhere. Then the next day the tuktuk picked us up and we stayed at the nicest hotel I’ve ever seen. It was a very sobering moment,” Glasscock said. Glasscock, who teaches Spanish, yoga, and directs the Girls Division diversity program, uses her experiences in the classroom. She believes being open to growth means, in part, immersion into other cultures to better understand people and find balance in our own lives. Her trip to India was one way to do just that. Glasscock’s spiritual sabbatical to India can best be described as riveting. The trip chose her. “One of the tantrik philosophers that was with us that said you didn’t choose this trip, these temples, this lineage, this land,

it chooses you.” Glasscock said. Due to Hindu beliefs a strict caste system exists in India. There are the Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyahs (warriors and rulers), Vaisyas (traders, merchants, and minor officials), Sudras (untrained workers), and the Dalits or “untouchables” (they do the jobs no one else wants to do). This strict caste system is not just social norm, it has a religious aspect as well. You are born into your social caste. Everyone must perform their social dharma- their duty as a citizen. If you perform this job well you will be reincarnated into a higher caste in your next life until you are in union with Brahman. During the trip, Glasscock saw first hand the culture of the caste system and visited Hindu temples. “It was a pilgrimage day and there was about 20,000 people there, it was raining, the roads weren’t paved, and everybody had to take off their shoes. Then you walk through this rain, filth, and cow manure and you walk into this temple. The

whole time I was speechless,” she said. Glasscock also had direct encounters with Indian natives. “A local priest invited us over for dinner to this tiny house with so many children. I couldn’t imagine my mom inviting 30 strangers from India over for dinner. Except there it was just what you did,” Glasscock said. “Every day it was more intriguing and fascinating than the next. It was just a complete onslaught of the senses,” she said.

Ms. G leads her class through a yoga warm-up | Photo: Maura Rose ‘16

FEATURES

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

Meet Your Regis Jesuit Rowdies Seniors Sarah DelMonte and Alexa Hamilton sat down with a few of the Regis Jesuit Rowdies and asked them what it is like to be a part of the time-honored tradition. Sarah DelMonte, Alexa Hamilton ‘14 |editors The Regis Jesuit Rowdies are back for the 2013-2014 season. With the football team on a winning streak, they have many opportunities to “get rowdy”. The 2013 Rowdies include seniors Kurtis Young, Joe Elio, Liam McHugh, Ryley Llorente, Chambers Giblin, Gabe Feiten, Connor Likos, Jesse Suchomel, Henessey Stuart, and Timmy D’costa. We were able to speak with a few of them and ask about their experiences thus far. As we talked to Kurtis Young about his experience, he explained that there is nothing like the feeling of leading the crowds under the Friday night lights. When asked about his commitment to the Rowdies, Young said, “We are there to cheer on our brothers at every home football game and basketball game. Lunch meetings every once and awhile. There are also a few trips to Goodwill for costumes and to Hobby Lobby for paint!” Ryley Llorente spoke about the Rowdy tryout process. When it was time for last year’s seniors to pass on the torch to their younger brothers, they held tryouts to find the most outgoing, loud, and original juniors to be the next generation of Rowdies. This was all the information we received about the tryout process. As Llorente says, “What happens at Rowdy tryouts, stays at Rowdy tryouts.” When we asked Llorente what it was like to be one of this year’s Rowdies, he responded, “My favorite thing is to lead the whole student section in a roller coaster. Nothing beats the feeling.” Connor Likos can be seen sporting his American flag sunglasses at games. He says, “One of the best parts about being a Rowdy is the adrenaline rush that you get when we score a touchdown

Rowdies get the crowd pumped at the Side by Side rally. Photo | Kennedy Krause ‘14

on our side. Seeing all the guys on the team go crazy and hearing the crowd shout behind you is an unbeatable feeling.” Any observer can see his dedication to getting the crowd shouting and cheering, as well as the dedication of his fellow Rowdies. Whether you are observing from the stands or scanning through photos from a game the night before, the energy radiating from the Rowdies is evident. The Rowdies are one aspect of Regis Jesuit that makes our school so unique, and the events worth attending.

Photo | Maddison Schluter ‘14

What Does Your Nail Polish Say About You? What color do you think represents your personality? Would you describe yourself as fun and flirty, or relaxed and calm? Find out what your nail polish really says about you! Shannon Ball, Claire Krantz, & Maddy Hoffman ‘17 | editors

EMILY EADS ‘17 YELLOW: You are bubbly and full of energy. You are sporty, but love to go out. You have a tendency to be imaginative and you are very sociable.

MARY HARPOLE ‘17 BLUE: You are very laid back and casual. You are outgoing and artsy and are content just hanging out with friends. You are relaxed and tend to be a night owl.

LAUREN LEREW ‘15 BLACK: You are edgy and outgoing. You are also friendly and very inviting. You like to get dressed up and have a night out on the town!

MADELINE HEATH ‘16 ASHLEY KIM ‘15 RED: You are passionate and loving. You love to have a good time, whether it is casual or dressy. You are very social and love to go out!

PINK: You are fun and flirty. You like to have a good time and love going out with friends. You tend to be bubbly and girly and have a sweet personality.

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

New teachers join th

Catie Vitella ‘17, Carly Sammons & Ka

Ms. Allison Body

After going to an all girls high school and a Jesuit college, the thought of giving back to Jesuit education seemed like a good one to Ms. Allison Body. Body was accepted into the ASC program to teach at Regis Jesuit High School after attending Rockhurst University. She had already experienced Jesuit education, and wanted to give back.

Ms. Body | English photo | Katelyn Schiessler ‘16

“I majored in English and Theology, with Art History as a minor, teaching never really crossed my mind. But I’m really enjoying it so far,” Body said.

Ms. Kristin Sanfilippo It was never part of Ms. Kristin Sanfilippo’s plan to become a teacher. At Xavier University, she earned her degrees of Political Science and International Studies. “In college, you can’t get a word out without being asked what you want to do in life. I’m living in the moment right now. I like not knowing,” she says. Ms. Sanfilippo | History photo | Carly Sammons ‘16

After hailing from an all girls school, Regis Jesuit seemed like the perfect fit for her.

Body teaches one section of freshman English and one section of sophomore British Literature.

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“My favorite part of teaching is when the girls have really good discussions and strong opinions about what we’re reading,” she says.

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When not in school, Body loves “hanging out with my ASC roommates. I also like to travel and hike.” Though she is not sure right now, she loves teaching and would be very happy to continue.

The environment of Regis Jesuit is very familiar to her, which made RJ a great place for Sanflippo to volunteer her time and effort. “I love getting into good group discussions. I love education and getting to know everyone’s personalities,” Sanfilippo said. Sanfilippo teaches two classes of Global Studies 1 for the freshman class. “I still don’t know what I want to be, but right now teaching here is a great fit.”

Alumni Service Corps (ASC) is a program where graduates of Jesuit high schools or universities can give back to the Jesuit community by teaching at a Jesuit high school or middle school for a year. The program is sponsored by the Jesuits of the Missouri Province. ASC applicants are usually fresh out of college or in their mid 20’s; the program does not accept people over the age of 27. The ASC teachers live together in a house provided by the school. They also have a community car to be shared among their roommates. People who join ASC wish to give back to the Jesuit community and to deepen their Catholic spirituality.

Connor Janson ‘14 | originally published in the Oct 1 Raider Review

Ren comes to Regis Jesuit from the Colorado International School where she continues to teach. “I am so proud to be here because I am the first Mandarin teacher and this is the first Mandarin class for the school,” Ren says. She has met many parents and students already who are excited about the new class and are very eager to learn Chinese. Why learn Mandarin? Mandarin Chinese is the most popular spoken language in the world. Glob-

ally, China is making its mark and everyone is doing business on an international basis. The 2008 Beijing Olympics projected a huge spotlight on China, which increased tourism. In turn, this increased the desire to speak Mandarin. Locally, more than 60 schools around the state are teaching Mandarin. For many families, China is a very popular destination. Some students who have traveled to China have enrolled in the class simply because of their exposure to Chinese culture. Others have enrolled because they know the value of learning Mandarin Chinese. While Mrs. Ren has been teaching Mandarin for 15 years, this is the first time she has taught high school students. Ren says, “It is very different. I taught children at the elementary level. Adults, elementary students, they are all different. I don’t say it’s harder or easier, I just need to approach a

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Mrs. Yi Ren t is a year of many firsts for Yi Ren. She is teaching for the first time at Regis Jesuit as the first Mandarin Chinese course in the history of the school. But it is not the only first for Mrs. Ren. Teaching high schoolers is another first as she has previously only taught adults and young children. However, it is a challenge that Mrs. Ren is facing head on.

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different way of teaching them.” She believes Regis Jesuit students are really smart and motivated to learn Chinese because they plan to use the information in the future. While Regis Jesuit may be a new adventure for her, she is very familiar with private schools. Her children went to private schools and her husband currently teaches at Denver University. “We know how parents respect their children. They pay money for students to come here,” Ren said. By offering Mandarin Chinese, Ren is preparing RJ students for work in the global marketplace and giving them an advantage when applying for colleges. Learning Mandarin Chinese is no easy task. There are 21 consonants and 16 vowels, which together, can create over 400 monosyllabic sounds. Unlike most other languages, there is no verb conjugation, no tenses, no

plurals and no subject/verb agreement. Ren teaches one beginner’s class in the Boys Division and one in the Girls Division for juniors and seniors. Class sizes are small, but as the popularity of the class grows, more students will enroll. Mrs. Ren says, “I want them to know that Mandarin is not any harder than what they think. If you go step by step, follow the instruction, you can learn and read very well. For me, I’m not only teaching them the language itself, I also teach the culture.”

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Raiders Digest | October, 2013

the RJ community

ns & Katelyn Schiessler ‘16 | editors

Mr. Sean Powers For Mr. Sean Powers, the smell of fresh paint will always be the smell of home. He became interested and involved in art at a very young age alongside his brother. Their childhood was spent in their garage, painting and drawing cartoons on the walls. In his early years of being a Jesuit, he sat in class doodling on his papers. A Jesuit priest once asked him what he liked to do. The first thing that Mr. Powers replied with was that he liked to draw.

This priest urged him to take an art class the following year. Mr. Powers immediately enrolled in art classes at the University of Saint Louis. Art became an instant passion for him, and he moved into painting. His teachers took notice and advised him to further his studies in art, so he did. Powers has been involved seriously in art for four years. He loves to oil paint and draw with ink, pens, and brushes. His interest is particularly in 19th century art, and his all time favorite

artist is Winslow Homer. Mr. Powers has a degree in Philosophy and Fine Art and teaches Theology in the Boys’ Division as well as art classes in the Girls’ Division. When asked about teaching in both divisions, Mr. Powers said, “Both divisions, at least in the classroom, they feel very different.” Mr. Powers has a passion for the arts that will hopefully help students grow in their creative and spiritual endeavors.

Mr. Powers | Theology and Art photo | Katelyn Shiessler ‘16

Mr. Aldo Pantoja ‘01 For Aldo Pantoja ‘01, the tradition of word is his passion. “I am a storyteller,” he says simply. He followed the path of his older brothers, who attended Regis Jesuit as well. He also liked the Catholic, all boys atmosphere. When enrolling at the the University of Colorado at Boulder with a double major of business and theater, he wasn’t expecting to become a teacher.

Pantoja’s classes at Regis Jesuit include Theater, Oral Communications, Acting, and Technical Theater.

Pantoja is directing the fall musical, The King and I, which will debuts November 9th.

Outside of school, Mr. Pantoja’s favorite pastime is volleyball.

Pantoja recently won an award for “Best Original Production” in the “Best of Baltimore” series for his work on “VIP,” a play he wrote and directed about a 1996 hostage crisis at the international embassy in Peru, where Pantoja’s family is from.

“It’s a passion of mine. I love it. I’m like obsessed with it.” Mr. Pantoja enjoys teaching his students the tradition of telling stories. “Oral communication continues today,” Pantoja said.

“VIP” was among several plays Pantoja wrote and directed at Baltimore’s “Single Carrot Theatre,” a company he started with some friends.

Mr. Pantoja | Communications photo | Carly Sammons ‘16

Ms. Madeline Schissel Madeline Schissel knew exactly what she wanted to do after leaving college - teaching. However, after student teaching in her senior year at Stonehill College, she was a little less sure of herself. She took some time away from teaching for a year of service. “I am glad that I took that time to grow and experience something totally different. It reassured me that I wanted to be an educator,” Schissel said .

Ms. Schissel teaches all grades at RJ, ranging from freshmen to seniors. “I really like the school’s mission. The focus is on developing the whole person. That is so important and can get lost sometimes. We are so lucky to be in a place that reminds us to take a step back and just be there for each other. It is such an enriching place to be,” Schissel says about choosing Regis Jesuit. She enjoys moments in the classroom where she makes connections with students, whether they are meaningful conversations or just laughs.

When she’s not teaching, you can often find Ms. Schissel hanging out with her roommates, playing cards. She also works with the rugby team at RJ. “I love working with the rugby team. It’s nice to get to know the girls outside of the classroom. We get to have fun and play,” Shissel said. Whether it’s working with the rugby team or teaching math, Ms. Schissel says that she enjoys the community here at Regis Jesuit.

Ms. Schissel | Math photo | Catie Vitella ‘17

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

THE RED SEA

Memories from the stands Jillian Desmond ‘15 | editor Max Myers ‘14 | editor The sun is setting. The air is crisp. Players make their way to the Astroturf field, branded with the promising red “RJ” at the 50 yard line.

SPORTS Star RJ athletes Commit to Colleges Kelsi Lidge

Joy Barber ‘14 | editor Natalya King

Basketball DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Volleyball WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Q: Why Drexel?

Q: Why Wingate?

A: Drexel University has a great medical school and the basketball team had a close family feel.

A: Wingate is a great, small, academic school that will allow me to focus on my studies, and because of volleyball.

The game has yet to begin, but the roar of the students cannot be tamed.

Q: What Major would you like to study?

Senior defensive lineman, Terran Hasselbach, feeds off the excitement of the crowd. “The student section is empowering. It is a morale boost to have such a powerful crowd,” Hasselbach said.

Q: What are you most excited for next year? A: To move out to Philadelphia and get the feel of another family that I get to create.

A: Undecided

This is no ordinary student section. This is THE student section. This is THE RED SEA.

Olivia Knox

A: To have freedom and

A: Considering Radiology

Q: What Major would you like to study?

Soccer UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

grow up.

Q: Why the University of Tennessee?

Q: Best memory in the stands?

A: The University of Tennessee has a great soccer team, and it’s a big school that has a big football team.

Olivia Knox ‘14 Junior Year. When Will [Deines] ran a fumble back for a touchdown and everyone went crazy! They tackled me and kept shouting “That was Will!”

Q: What Major would you like to study?

Ryan Buchanan ‘15 The rainstorm during the first home game against Valor my freshman year [2011]. Charlie Thorton ‘16 Storming the field against Mullen. It was an amazing part of Regis history! Alex Osredker ‘17 Cheering at the Mullen game and winning!

Q: What are you most excited for next year? A: Being able to start new and meet new people and spend time with my new teammates.

Lauren Caldwell

Olivia Knox ‘14 Our Rowdies are awesome! They keep the energy up. Ryan Buchanan ‘15 The Rowdies’ individual personalities show. Charlie Thorton ‘16 Their enthusiasm is insane! They help the students really get into the games. Alex Osredker ‘17 The Rowdies are awesome!!! They keep everyone involved and excited about the game. Q: What is your favorite cheer? Olivia Knox ‘14 The Grenade! It’s so much fun! Ryan Buchanan ‘15 Banana! Everyone just goes wild and it’s pure chaos! Charlie Thorton ‘16 The shoe cheer. It’s our own unique and funny way of getting around the rules. Alex Osredker ‘17 I like the banana cheer because it’s fun and everyone goes crazy.

Q: What Major would you like to study?

Q: Why Fort Lewis College?

Q: What are you most excited for next year?

A: They offered me a position and I completely fell in love.

Q: What are you most excited for next year?

Q: How do you feel the Rowdies contribute to the experience?

A: The basketball team is very strong and the academics are great.

A: Business and later turn it into law

Olivia Knox ‘14 We are not only a school but a family. We win together, lose together and cheer together.

Alex Osredker ‘17 Everyone is so enthusiastic about the game and everything. I like being part of such a big community at the games.

Basketball UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Softball FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

Q: What Major would you like to study?

Charlie Thorton ‘16 The energy of the crowd is unlike any other! We go hard in the paint and our tailgates awesome.

Diani Akibogun

Q: Why the University of Texas?

A: Business

Q: What’s unique about Regis games & the Red Sea?

Ryan Buchanan ‘15 Regis fans are behind their team regardless of whether it is a win or a loss.

Q: What are you most excited for next year?

A: Being able to be away from home. Austin is a very pretty place.

A: Undecided

Other committed athletes include: Justine Hall to Purdue University; Anna Ptasinski to Lafayette College; Jordan Molyneaux to Seaton Hall Unviversity | Look for profiles of these ladies in the next issue!

A: Playing softball at the next level.

A “New” Beginning for the RJ Cheer Team After a one year hiatus, Regis Jesuit cheer coach Jeremy Wise returns to the Regis Jesuit coaching community. As Wise is welcomed back with open arms, Samuels sums up why he was the first choice for the position.

Margaret Sykora ’15, Whitney McDonald & Emma Bridgewater ’14 | editors

For three years, Jeremy Wise coached the Regis Jesuit cheer team, giving them the tools and support they needed to unite the school with an incredible amount of school spirit.

“Jeremy is tough. His way of teaching is pushing you past your breaking point. He believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. And sometimes that is what you need, someone who will be cheering for you when you stop cheering for yourself.”

However, at the end of the 2011-2012 school year, the team had to say their goodbyes to their coach, as he relocated to Ft. Collins to focus on one of the gyms he ran for All-Star cheer-leading competition teams.

In a post practice huddle, Wise prepares the team before cheering for the Varsity volleyball game against Highlands Ranch. | Emma Bridgewater ‘14

“Me and my business partner had been talking about it for probably three or four months, kicking the idea around to go up there and run that one [the Ft. Collins gym.] It wasn’t a very easy decision,” Wise said.

“‘Are you able to consider it again? I liked having you, and lets talk about it.’ He came in, we met, and he said ‘Yeah I can work it out... And I want to take it back on.”

The role of coach was assumed by Mrs. Mandy Martinez, a social studies teacher who joined the Regis Jesuit family last year. However, after heading the team for a year, Martinez moved on, leaving the position of coach open yet again. But, Girls Division Athletic Director, Mr. John Koslosky, with some prompting from the cheerleaders, knew just who to call. “I just called Jeremy,” Koslosky said.”

Co-Captain Ciara Samuels ‘14, who had been coached by Wise before, recalls the moment she found out he was resuming his position. “We were joking around when we asked [Koslosky to hire Wise] because we knew he had moved up to Fort Collins. So when I received a text from Kayma [Wolday] a few days later that read: ‘WE GOT JEREMY!!!!’ I actually did not believe her, until I heard it from everyone else.”

Wise demonstrates a stunt position to top girl, Kayla Samuels ‘17. | Emma Bridgewater ‘14

SPORTS FAST BREAKS | FALL SPORTS

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

Cross Country

Grace Shipp, Nicole Bergstrom, & Kennedy Krause ‘14

Rugby

Volleyball

The bumps and bruises are back! Senior Brigid Lagan describes this season in three words: fun, hard-working and exciting.

The RJ Varsity volleyball team is 12-2 on the season. They are 7-0 in league matches.

This year’s captain is senior Missy Warren, who has been playing Rugby for RJ for four years now. Warren is one of only three returning seniors. “Something different this season is our very tiny team,” returning senior MaryKate Burke says. According to Burke, there is no one on the team this year that is over 5’9, which is very unusual. Regardless of size, “We’re having a great time and improving each practice”, Burke says.

Field Hockey Starting her first year on the varsity Field Hockey team, sophomore Claire Stemper has made quite the impression to her teammates, coaches, and fans. As a gold medal-winning competitor in the Junior Olympics, Stemper is a promising new addition to the team. “I want to prove myself to the team because I am one of the younger players, and I want to play my hardest,” the Sophomore goalie said. One of her goals for the team is to grow close enough to each other so that she and her teammates don’t second-guess each other’s playing. As a new teammate, Stemper is most excited to get to know everyone on the team. “As cliche as it sounds, I love the team and I want to get to know them as well as I can before the season ends,” she says. The team 7-5 going into a game against Mountain Vista as this paper goes to print. They beat Cherry Creek 2-1 for the first time in program history on October 3rd. 9News considered it such an “upset” that they featured a video and an interview with senior twins Kat and Caroline Law in their high school sports section. Check out their interview at 9news.com.

They have six returning seniors who are working well together. The team is working on speeding up their offense and improving their passing. One of the three team captains is senior Claire Strohm. “Without good passing, you can’t win. We’re really focusing on that,” Strohm said. The other captains are seniors Katie Carlson and Natalya King. The team bonded this summer over tournaments and the four-day overnight stay for volleyball at University of Northern Colorado. They also took a whitewater rafting trip in July. When asked about state, Strohm said, “I think that we definitely have a great shot at state this year. Right now we are ranked 4th in 5A and we have to focus on our league matches to move forward to our ultimate goal of being the first Regis team to win state. We have been putting in a lot of hard work an extra time to work as a team and take this season one step at a time.”

McDonald says they love representing Regis Jesuit in the “Poms World” and really feel this is their time to shine. The competition season continues throughout November, as they have 5-6 competitions that month. Following that is state in the beginning of December, with Nationals in March. Their team captains are Whitney McDonald ‘14, Maddi Weisiger ‘14, and Kelsey Dickinson ‘14. Some of the songs the girls use for their routines include: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” (Whitney Houston), “Born This Way” (Lady Gaga), and “Run the World (Girls)” (Beyonce). The team’s goal for the 2013-2014 season is to make it to finals at State and Semi-Finals, and hopefully finals at Nationals in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida in March of 2014.

“This may be one of our best seasons”, Hotaling says. This season has been filled with intense meets and practices in the pouring rain. In fact, a highlight for many runners are the practices where they return to RJ soaking in rainwater. “It’s been more of a try-not-to-slip-inthe-torrential-downpour than an actual practice”, junior Madison Bannec says. Runs the teams are doing this year include the dreaded “four corners” and “Everest” runs, which both are runs on Arapahoe road, Parker road and in neighborhoods near RJ. These runs are all to prepare for their future 5K meets. Even though practice runs seem to last forever, “there is no feeling that compares to the feeling of finishing a race,” Rose says.

Who: Jenny Biernat ‘14 Sport: Varsity Field Hockey

Q: How long have you been playing field hockey? A: Four years, all of high school. Q: What position do you play? A: Starting left forward. Q: How has experience changed throughout your four years?

Open runners at their first cross country meet. photo | Madison Bannec ‘15

Softball Getting a spot as one of the top four teams at Regionals will be no easy task for this year’s Varsity softball team. “With the season starting off a little rocky, we know we will have to put in a lot of hard work,” junior Lexi Christopher said. “We have a lot of new freshmen this year with a lot of potential, so there are many possibilities for breakout stars.” With every game and practice, the team is improving and gaining more experience. The team won a game against Mullen, beating them 9-8 in the tenth inning. Christopher says that a stand-out player to watch for this season is Taylor Bush. “She has been playing for a long time and is a great second baseman and pitcher,” Christopher says. According to Christopher the team is ready to face any upcoming challenges.

Follow your favorite RJ Sports LIVE with in-game tweets. @RJ_Media Watch LIVE games on RJTVSports Network rjmediaonline.com/rjtvsports

The poms team performs at the Side-By-Side event photo | Nicole Bergstrom ‘14

Q&A Spotlight

From Varsity down to the open team, Cross Country is back at it this season. Senior runners Madison Rose and Amanda Hotaling both agree that the season is going great.

Poms “This season on poms we are looking forward to a new season with new girls,” senior captain Whitney McDonald says.

A: Naturally I’ve gained more skill, but the sport has taught me life skills too, like how to lead, follow, and the appropriate reactions to have in situations. Q: This summer RJ competed in the State Games tournament in Colorado Springs. How did the team do at State Games? A: We did great at State Games this year. Regis got the second place medal, which is the first field hockey medal we have ever received. Q: How did you perform at State Games? A: Like a boss. Q: What expectations do you have for the season? A: I want to have fun, make playoffs, and have a great last season with my sisters. Q: How do you prepare for games? A: I do the team’s dynamic warm up, consisting of yoga - two sun salutations, specifically - warm up stick skills, a couple sprints, and short corners. The team then prays a Hail Mary of course. Then it’s game on!

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

RAIDERS DIGEST STAFF Managing Editors Yana Slabakov ‘14 | Riley O’Connell ‘15

Photography Managing Editor Emma Bridgewater ‘14

Maura Rose ‘16 Advisers Mr. Adam Dawkins ‘98 | Mr. Jason Ell ‘04

Editorial policies | RJMedia Raiders Digest is the official student-produced newspaper of RJHS Girls Division. It is part of the student-run media group RJMEDIA. It is published for the school’s students, staff, and community. Raiders Digest will not be reviewed by school administrators prior to distribution, and the advisers will not act as censors. Content represents views of the student staff and not school officials. Raiders Digest will make every effort to avoid bias and/ or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers. We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will strive to seek the truth and report it, be fair, independent, accurate, and minimize harm. Bylined articles represent the opinion of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Raiders Digest staff or administration as a whole. Opinion articles are clearly marked. Raiders Digest welcomes reader input. Letters to the editor and suggestions may be e-mailed to editors@rjmediaonline.com or submitted in room 207. Letters must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words. Anonymous sources wherein Raiders Digest does not know the identity of the writer will not be printed.

BE PART OF THE STAFF! We are looking for writers, designers, artists, photographers, videographers, film-makers, and all around creative -types. No experience necessary! Talk to Mr. Dawkins ‘98 (aadawkins@regisjesuit.com), Mr. Ell ‘04, or one of the staff editors to get involved. Want to broadcast RJ girls sporting events live? You can! No experience necessary. Just let us know. Want to produce your own broadcast, television show, run your own blog, or make videos? You can! Just let us know and we will set you up. Join us for club meetings on Thursdays at lunch in room 207 or email us to find out how you can be involved.

OPINIONS

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: NEW SCHEDULE

PRO: Free Flowing

CON: Pressed for Time

Jacqueline Pham ‘14 | editor

Yana Slabakov ‘14 | managing editor

The new schedule this year is well-rounded and nicely spaced out, with enough time for our classes and, most importantly, Academic Support.

All year, every year, the schedule is a source of conflicting opinions. This year is no different. There may be long-term benefits, but all in all, the schedule could use some improvement.

Academic Support is 45 minutes long, which is enough time to either have a well-needed break, take makeup quizzes, meet up with teachers, or put some finishing touches on homework.

In previous years, break has been between second and third period, but this year it has been moved to between first and second. This is a problem because it makes the school day seem longer. The old break split the day in half—two classes before, and two classes after. This new break makes the day seem endless.

The fact that it’s between first and second period has a different but perfect feel. It’s just in time before your hunger cramps kick in and severely distract you and before the rest of the day starts. This break also gives you the time to do some last minute studying and print out papers. Examen after lunch is another nice change. Being on a full stomach during what is usually a relaxing period has a calming effect on students. It’s also closer to the end of the day, which gives me more thoughts and actions to reflect upon. Academy Day has been limited to Thursdays, and 2R/W is dropped, which leaves more time for assemblies and occasionally half a period of advisement. Additional advisement time is on every other Tuesday. This creates a more organized time schedule and leaves the students and teachers in less of a frantic panic and gives enough time to plan accordingly. Overall, this year’s new schedule has been the best so far. It makes time flow just right; neither rushed or agonizingly slow.

After the break, there is no more time to socialize or eat until lunch. In addition, many students aren’t even hungry after first period, but starving by the time third rolls around, causing more people to eat in class because they can’t wait until lunch. Also, Academic Support is altogether too short. Do you visit teachers first? Or grab cookies for snack? Or go print your 10page English paper? Too late, the bell already rang. The fact that 2RW is dropped on Thursdays is a source of concern as well, mostly for teachers. They have a curriculum to go through and skipping class for a day disrupts the flow of the class and makes it more difficult to cover material. Most of all, the new schedule creates unnecessary confusion throughout the entire school. Even now, a month later, students are confused about what time second period starts or whether we have Academic Support. Even teachers are perplexed.

THOUGHT BOX: “We’re not as rushed as last year. There’s more time for Academic Support and 2R/W. (Concerning break between period 1 and 2) [It’s] Time to re-energize.” - Jessica Butler ‘15

“I feel frantic, constantly! I don’t feel like I know it. Everything is unfamiliar. I have to keep looking up what I’m supposed to be doing. I am such an organized person that I feel like I’m in a sweat, every day.” - Mrs. Weideman

“(Concerning breaks between period 1 and 2) Students need a break and Academic Support is a good thing to have and we kind of flipped flopped it around from last year so, it’s a six to one deal.” - Mr. Howard ‘88

“(Concerning break between periods 1 and 2) I don’t like it because by that time I’m not hungry yet, but by the end of 3rd period, I’m starving. It’s not quality.” -Elizabeth Lopez ‘14

Dear Abby An advice column for all of your current concerns Ashley Fernstedt, Halayna Barrett ‘15| editors & Riley O’Connell ‘15| managing editor Q. “How do I deal with changing friendships?”

Q. “How should I deal with a bully?”

A. The number one thing you have to do when it comes to friendship changes is to talk about it with those involved. You won’t get anywhere if you just let it happen; figure out why things are changing.

A. Tell him or her how you feel about the situation. It’s an old, cliche response, but honestly, they might not even know they’re hurting you. Always get every side of the story.

If nothing can be done, let it be. High school is the prime time for finding out who your friends are, and it’s not an easy process. In the end, you may lose more friends than you gain, but it’s worth it. You’re not alone in how you’re feeling; the number of people trying to figure out their relationships is higher than you think. Never assume that somebody has it all figured out, because somebody could very well be thinking the same about you. Q. “How do you feel about the cliques at RJ?” A. They’re inevitable – you’ll find cliques wherever you go – but the common feeling is that they’re less frequent at RJ because we come together for so many things, like mass and Side-by-Side. The only thing you can really do about it is to be inclusive, and in doing so, you’ll attract the right people.

Otherwise, if it is repeated or intentional, and you’ve tried to figure out the situation, tell a teacher or a parent. Ignoring the situation never works, and pretending it isn’t happening only leaves room for continuing bullying. If those doing the bullying know they won’t be punished for it, they will continue their abusive actions. Speak up and take action!

Abby hard at work answering your questions! photo | Ashley Fernstedt ‘15

Q. “How do I make new friends?” A. Making new friends can be difficult and requires effort. To meet people with the same interests as you, join clubs and become involved in after-school activities. Although, it is important to remember that diversity is equally important to building relationships. You never know what you can learn from someone who’s different from you! But most importantly, be yourself. The rest will come naturally. Good Luck! - Abby

Need Advice? I’m here to help! Email your questions to editors@rjmediaonline.com Don’t worry. We are here to help. Ask away. -Abby

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

OPINIONS

POINT/COUNTERPOINT: DRESS CODE

New Dress Code Sparks Hope

Regis Jesuit’s Attack on Fashion

Aly Doyle ‘15 | editor

Jillian Desmond ‘15 | editor

his year, the Girls Division was introduced to a new and regulated dress code policy. Every year the girls prepare themselves for the new changes, whether good or bad.

Page 22 of the student handbook states, “The dress code is based on modesty, neatness, cleanliness, professionalism, good taste and safety.” This ensures that the we can look our best while being neat and professional. It is also very easy to throw on an outfit in the morning that is put together, without taking much time. With slight restrictions, the girls find it easy to create a unique and stylish way to stay in dress code. The RJ girls are excellent at expanding a unique sense of style while always staying within the professional, modest, and clean regulations. It’s exciting to see what is trending in the school halls, and how a simple polo can be transformed into a stylish outfit. Accessorizing is huge! Belts, scarves, headbands, jewelry, cardigans, sweaters (over polos), and more are very popular for all the girls; and they are also in dress code. Worn in the correct manner, these accessories are fun and can make a “forced dress code” less boring. The most exciting change for the girls this year is the formal mass dress apparel. With the change, we are now allowed to wear boots. Last year, the battle of the boots was subject of heated discussion inside the RJ walls. Now that we are allowed to wear formal dress-code regulated boots, there will be less of a battle between the students and teachers. This will also be nice for those cold winter months when we can wear comfortable and warm boots on formal mass dress days. Another newly permitted shoe that seems to excite the girls are moccasins. Several of the girls say they are easy to slip on, comfortable and go with practically anything. This adds to the ease of getting ready in the morning. The RJ girls can dress to look simple, fun, creative and comfortable while staying in dress code. Therefore, the new dress code policy is professional and reasonable.

ith the new school year already in full swing, many students find themselves at odds with the 2013-2014 updated dress code guidelines.

Among the changes for this year, a major topic of discussion within the girls division are skirts. The quest to find appropriate length for skirts is laborious and often times frustrating. The standard for skirts stated in the student handbook says “Skirts, dresses and jumpers must touch the knee cap (patella) for both the front and the back of the skirt.” This requirement proves to be difficult to adhere to because of fashion trends of our generation as well as our unique builds from person to person. We at the Girls Division are of diverse looks and body types which often times interfere with what we can and cannot wear. For some girls, the search for a skirt that can reach the same length in front and back is nearly impossible. Beyond skirts, the search for pants that meet all of the standards laid out by the dress code is difficult. With the fashion trends being skinny pants that come in a variety of colors, it is difficult to find pants that not only follow the guidelines, but also look professional, or as many girls here at Regis Jesuit like to say, “flattering and cute”. Moreover, with the unpredictable and generally crazy weather in Colorado, shoes have become a topic of controversy. As we have seen very recently, wearing dress code appropriate shoes is a challenge with the rain and, soon enough, snow. Many girls find themselves ending up in soaked Vans, Toms, Sperries, tennis shoes, as boots or galoshes are not in dress code. While the potential solution may be wearing galoshes or boots to school, changing, and storing them in lockers, the limited locker space proves this solution to be extremely challenging. It is evident that the Regis Jesuit High School Girls Division dress code does not work conjointly with the world around us. The student handbook states “By dressing and grooming appropriately, students, faculty, and staff contribute to the tone of serious study in the school.” Dress code is by no means a negative thing to have; however, the administration must create or alter the dress code to best fit the uniqueness and needs of the student body as well as provide opportunity to stay with modern fashion trends.

Students speak out: dress code

“I like that we can wear moccasins now.” -Hannah Hlopak 15’ “It’s not hard to pick clothes in the morning.” -Lydia Davidson 15’

“I hate it (dress code).” -Yara Sekrieh 16’

“Skirts can be hard to find that are long enough.” -Emily Leister 15’

Regis Jesuit: One School? Are we as unified as we want to believe? Ashley Fernstedt, Halayna Barrett ‘15 | editors & Riley O’Connell ‘15 | managing editor

Regis Jesuit High School. Two divisions, one school. It makes us sound unified, right? But are we, really? We certainly don’t think so. According to the Regis Jesuit website, despite being in separate buildings, “students have all of the advantages of co-educational interaction without the social pressures in the classroom.” Although we agree that there are undeniable educational benefits to having single-gender classes, the codivisional interaction is severely lacking. With only five all-school masses, three major assemblies, and four dances, we do not see or feel the unity that so many praise. Girls Division principal Ms. Gretchen Kessler finds unity at RJ to be about mutual care and support for one another, saying, “I hope that if a student in the Girls Division sees a student in the Boys Division who needs someone to support or care for him, or vice versa, that it’s just a natural thing that would happen.” While this sense of community is something that we crave, it is unrealistic at this point in time. Although our unity is lacking now, there is hope for the future, to be found in the new Performing Arts Center and the changes it will bring with it. “I believe [the Performing Arts Center] is going to provide a whole new set of opportunities for collaboration,” Ms. Kessler said. “It’s a very good thing.” Until its unveiling later this school year, students will have to make due with the current situation, and make an effort to build a strongly bonded community. We truly hope that Regis Jesuit will be the best of both worlds in the future.

“I don’t think we need more codivisional activities. I think it’s good to be separated from drama.” Haley Baldwin ‘15

“[The separate divisions] aren’t too weird, but it’s definitely harder to communicate.” Luca Abbott ‘17

“I think we are unified, but separate in good ways.” Molly French ‘15 “We have enough activities together, but it would be better if we ate lunch in the same cafeteria.” Matt McCarron ‘16

Raiders Digest | October, 2013

Disney Roads Diverged Former child stars take far different paths

Selena Gomez

[ Illustration | Max Myers ‘14 ]

Aly Doyle ‘15 | editor

Miley Cyrus Max Myers ‘14 | editor

Hollywood’s current “it girl,” Selena Gomez, is young, smart, and taking on her public life boldly. Selena Gomez has been famous ever since she appeared on “Barney and Friends” in 2002-2004, where she met Demi Lovato. After joining Disney, Gomez befriended teenage stars Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, and David Henrie. These celebrities became the closest thing to high school companions Gomez would have. Gomez has said that she doesn’t regret missing out on some of the high school experiences because when she wasn’t busy, she was able to do things normal teenage girls were doing, like going to the beach with friends. Besides, Gomez claims that in its own way, Disney was a high school experience.

Miley Cyrus was a role model. An inspiration to international youth. An icon. Now, she has left her once pristine reputation in tatters. As the former star of Hannah Montana, Miley created a name for herself for being a wholesome, down to earth, and well rounded teenager with a bright future ahead of her. Parents worldwide cheered her on as a role model and a non-threatening, must- see figure for their kids. Now in her 20s, she is capitalizing on her sexuality and not apologizing for it. To explain her behavior, she told Fox news that she just wanted her freedom, hence the wild transformation. “I took off, and I just wanted to party. I worked so hard… I was an adult when I was supposed to be a kid. So now I’m an adult and I’m acting like a kid,” Miley told Fox News.

Like her fellow Disney co-stars, Gomez separated from Disney. As she began to work on her independent career, she starred in hit Hollywood movies, had a few hit singles, released multiple records with “The Scene”, and began a relationship with well known pop star, Justin Bieber. Released in 2013, the movie “Spring Breakers”, featuring Gomez in her first controversial role, hit theaters. This was the first time she took on a role that made her fans and critics look at her in a different way. Her scenes in the movie displayed a side no one was expecting to see from her acting career. Some may have thought this movie was the beginning of her downward spiral. However, Gomez is still considered well rounded and very well liked. From all her success, Selena Gomez has created an excellent image for herself. She is a role model for a huge fan base around the world. She is smart and stays away from Hollywood “peer pressure.” Gomez gives off a friendly and approachable persona that is rare to see in most stars. Gomez is respectful. She understands her limits and is careful when crossing them. Being in the business since she was seven seems to have paid off. Selena Gomez is striving in her career and her fan base is worldwide. Being a popular icon, and Disney star, she is the perfect role model for her fans. “Selenators”, her faithful followers, cannot wait to see what she does next. Hopeful and ready, Selena Gomez, Hollywood’s current “it girl,” will take on the world.

“Selena seems genuine and real and confident about herself.” - Abby Eheart ‘15

At the VMA’s on August 25, 2013 Miley appeared in a flesh-colored bikini while performing her rendition of “We Can’t Stop”. She was seen repeatedly sticking out her tongue, seductively twerking, and grinding on her fellow performer Robin Thicke during his performance of “Blurred Lines”. Many fans feel conflicted over the performance. Some think it is great that she is breaking away from her childhood roles and becoming who she wants to be. Others were not so enthralled. It’s an “over the top show” math teacher Mrs.Weideman said. She is a “classless and nasty influence.” One VMA viewer posted on Twitter: “I’m still trying to recover from the Miley Cyrus performance #utterlydisgusted,” While she certainly added a unique twist to the VMAs, she did not do it in a classy or respectable way. When asked about her performance and why she thought it had such a negative reaction she responded by telling the press:“They’re over thinking it. You’re thinking about it more than I thought about it when I did it. Like, I didn’t even think about it ‘cause that’s just me.” There you have it. She wasn’t thinking. Her careless thoughts have turned her into the “bad girl of Disney”. She has changed her image into something that is no longer suitable for young children and renounced her duty, as a celebrity, of being a good role model.

“Miley has no respect for herself. In this world it is crucial for women to respect themselves and their bodies.” - Taylor Smith ‘16

Curbing the Concert Cravings Margaret Sykora ’15 & Whitney McDonald ‘14 Emma Bridgewater ‘14 | editors Concerts. Lights. Music. The roar of an excited crowd. Or was that your stomach? At a great concert or performance, the last thing you want is the growling of your stomach to be louder than the band. Luckily, two of the most popular concert venues have plenty of nearby options to curb those pre-concert cravings!

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Elephant Bar Restaurant $$ 8121 E. Arapahoe Road Greenwood Village, CO 80112 0.9 miles

Willy’s Wings $ 109 Bear Creek Ave Morrison, CO 80465 2.5 miles

Yolanda’s Tacos $ 9612 E Arapahoe Rd Greenwood Village, CO 80112 1.4 miles

Red Rocks Grill $$ 415 Bear Creek Ave Morrison, CO 80465 2.3 miles

Red Robins $$ 8585 E Arapahoe Rd Greenwood Village, CO 80112 0.6 miles

Mill Street Deli $$ 401 Bear Creek Ave Morrison, CO 80465 2.3 miles

Poll & info graphic: Daisy Reich ‘17 | editor

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre