March 2012 Raiders Digest Vol1

FEATURES

NEWS

STUDENT LIFE

Raiders Digest sits down with new principal

Raiders attend pro-life movement in D.C.

What will you be wearing to prom?

Mr. Carruthers

Dress Drama

March for Life

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Raiders

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Digest

Volume V Issue V - March 2012

Cover Design by Allie Petko ‘13

REGIS JESUIT HAS THE

DIVERSITY

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SPORTS

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SNOBALL SERVICE FACTOR

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PRIDE

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#allgirlsschool

Check us out on Twitter @RJ_Voice @RegisJesuitHS

VARSITY NEWSPAPER Meet the girls who make it all happen

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A Juxtaposition of Emotions RJ Girls join the March for Life Gina Nordini ‘12 On January 21, ten RJHS Girls Division students and two faculty members flew to Washington, D.C. in pursuit of life.

Mrs. Dindinger, Mrs. GonzálezHill, and seniors Emma Bunsness, Ginny Christian, Jessie Cochran, Marissa Garcia, Mimi Gleason, Emily Mika, Erica Nemecheck, Anna Schuster, Elizabeth Zasowski, and Jess Zielinski spent four days in the capital learning about the pro-life movement, participating in the March for Life, and reflecting on their faith.

After arriving on Saturday, the delegation toured Washington, D.C. and visited several famous national monuments.

The ten students and their teachers stayed at a sisters convent on the campus of the Catholic University of America.

On Sunday, the group attended Mass at the Basilica of the Na-

tional Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and went to a prolife Jesuit Conference.

“That night, we were all chillin’ in our rooms, when 10:00 at night, the fire-alarm goes off.

Great. And keep in mind, it’s quite frigid outside,” senior Jess Zielinski said.

The highlight of the trip came Monday: The March.

actually march, because there was not room to walk,” Mrs. González-Hill said. “A quarter of a million people were there.”

“It wasn’t just Catholics either,” Ginny Christian said. “We met Jewish people, there were monks in their sandals; there were all kinds of people, all there for life.” Abortion is a highly controversial issue; even an event like the March for Life is not free from the high-fire debate between the opposing

“That was the best part of all.

Honestly, we forgot about the weather completely because it was such a touching day,” Zielinski said. “You couldn’t

Students get involved in livestock competition Mary Sarah Ivers ‘12

The Stock Show is a long lasting tradition in Denver, one which brings out the Western pride in all of us. The majority of onlookers are familiar with the western shopping, food, and shows that are part of the Stock Show; the chance to enjoy all sorts of animals and gaze with amazement as a bull thrashes a cowboy back and forth, never failing to keep viewers cringing on the edge of their seats.

Sophomore Mallory Kummer enjoyed her first time at the Stock Show this year. “My favorite part of the Stock Show was going to the rodeo. My favorite event

in the rodeo was steer wrestling,” Kummer said. She attended the rodeo with her friend Gabby and, like many others, enjoyed the shopping, food, and shows.

For senior Christina Henderson, the Stock Show has been a long tradition in her family. Henderson attends the show every year with her family and never ceases to enjoy the many things the Stock Show has to offer. “My favorite memory was just getting to see the rodeo again and hang out with my family. I love seeing the llamas too,” Christina said.

Most readers can attest to simi-

Grace stands ready for competition.

Photo courtesy Grace Freud

positions. The group encountered many anti-protestors at the pro-life protest.

“There were a few pro-choice people around. And it was one of those moments were they were yelling, and we were praying,” Zielinski said. “It’s hard to realize this, but we had to keep in mind that the protesters are there because that’s what they believe, and we’re there in the hopes that they will listen and that we can change their hearts. We support life, and that includes their lives.

So we can’t be hateful towards them.”

Hill. “On the one hand, we’re remembering thirty-nine years of Roe v. Wade [the court case that legalized abortion in 1973] and when it’s been so long you can definitely get depressed, you can get lost in the details and feel helpless.

“But it is also overwhelming to hear the testimonies, and you feel like you’re on a pilgrimage.

I speak for all the girls when I say we knew we were doing something good through the strength of God,” said GonzálezHill.

On Tuesday, the group visited the Holocaust Museum before boarding the flight home to Denver. The emotional exhibits at the Museum set the mood for the rest of the day; both inspiration and frustration was on the minds of the pro-life Raiders.

The RJ delegation was very glad to be a part of the event. But a key issue the group had in mind was the cause that brought it there. The March for Life is a protest against abortion; the fact that it takes place at all “This was an absolute juxtaposiis a reminder that abortion is tion of emotions. Being there, I think that ninety percent of a legal procedure. the people there were young “The point of the March is people. That gives me hope... that we’re always hoping maybe there is a whole generawe won’t have to go next tion that will be willing to make year (that abortion will be their voice heard,” González-Hill outlawed),” said Gonzálezsaid.

106th Annual Stock Show This year Denver welcomed the 106th annual National Western Stock Show. From January 5th through January 22nd, the Denver Coliseum bustled with various animals, clattered with cowboy boots, and featured the many rodeos and endless shows the Stock Show has to offer.

NEWS

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

lar memories at the Stock Show, but what may be unfamiliar to the majority would be the livestock competitions and showings that tend to be behind the scenes. For senior Grace Freund and little brother Ethan (freshman), the Stock Show is much more than shopping, food, and shows; it is the house of major competition and friends from around the country. Grace and her little brother have raised a multitude of livestock since they were little kids.

“My family raises the largest registered herd of Limousin cattle in the country,” Grace said. Both she and her brother began the 4-H program at a young age as well. “For 4-H I raise market lambs, market cattle and breeding cattle. This year

I also started showing market pigs,” she added. Each year at the Stock Show, Grace and Ethan show select animals they raised.

Grace’s little brother Ethan told Raiders Digest, “One of my favorite memories was winning my class and making the Sale of Champions with my pig named Olivia.”

How exactly does the competition process work? “The judging process is different for each species. Judges select animals with the best market value, or muscle. The National Western Stock Show Junior Livestock Show is an incredibly competitive event, and the judge is more critical of things like structure of the animal,” Grace said.

In Grace’s 11 years as an exhibiter in the Stock Show, she has met friends from all over and gotten to meet professional cowboys and ranchers (from as far away as Australia) who she greatly admires.

Many people oppose the Stock Show because of the belief that the animals are treated inhumanely. After asking Grace about the treatment of the animals she

responded by stating, “While there have been many controversies surrounding unethical treatment of the livestock, I have never been personally involved in any such activity. The animals are like professional athletes; people feed them protein and exercise them every day. Some people take it a step further like professional athletes using steroids.

However, there are multiple drug tests that will catch any such illegal activity.”

So although there are controversies, like in any competitive sport, competition at the Stock Show is regulated and protective of the rights of the animals.

Grace and Ethan participate in a side of the Stock Show unknown to most. Competing and raising livestock is a huge part of their daily lives. To them, the annual events that most just go to enjoy, is a serious competition and focus of their year.

Entertainment

And the Oscar Goes to . . .

Raiders express opinions on what makes a movie great Kyle Yeager ‘15 The smell of popcorn. The dimmed lights. The notice to silence all cell phones. The previews. And, finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the movie! Whether it’s science fiction, adventure, or romantic comedies, Americans love movies. In fact, in the U.S. and Canada alone, 68% of the population are moviegoers, buying a minimum of 6 tickets a year.

The time of year every movie fan looks forward to is, of course, the Oscars. These awards rewarding screen actors, screenwriters, and makeup artists have existed since 1929 and have been held every year since. Being nominated for an Academy Award is a very big deal. Not only does this gain a substantial amount of recognition and praise for an actor or director, but it can help when trying to land a job in a new movie.

But we have to ask the ques-

Kyle’s Picks: The 84th Academy Awards

Best Picture The ArtistThis was a good movie, but it’s not Best Picture material. Honestly, War Horse was more touching with characters that one could emphasize with.

The Artist won because it was unique, new, and creative.

Makeup The Iron LadyAlthough the makeup was great, and made Meryl Streep look younger, Harry Potter should’ve won this award for their extensive creature work.

Honestly, the makeup is what made Harry Potter real.

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RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

“I believe that what makes a movie great is the marriage and companionship between the different aspects of filmmaking,” Teal said.

tion: Who actually watches the Academy Awards? Usually held only two or three weeks after the Super Bowl, the Academy Awards have never had as many viewers as the big game, reaching just 41.3 million people in 2010, while the Super Bowl reached 111 million. Freshmen Jillian Lesnansky and Rachel Oakes both say they prefer the Super Bowl because of the commercials. When asked if they cared about the game both said, “Not really.”

There were many great films nominated for an Academy Award this year, including The Help and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2. And many distinguished actors, such as George Clooney and Brad Pitt were up for Best Actor in a Leading Role. But there are also people who are not widely noticed in media, such as screenwriters and art directors.

Are these people important to the story?

Movies, on the other hand, are a widely loved and respected form of storytelling. “Movies are our modern version of sitting around the campfire telling stories to each other,” junior Laurel Teal says.

So, what makes a great movie?

Well, it all depends on your opinion. Freshman Kate Donohue explains that a great movie “stays with you. I can just have a movie on and have it on for background noise and zone out

Clockwise from top: Filming of Harry Potter; an Oscar statuette; Brad Pitt; and the red carpet, 2009.

Source: Creative Commons

Meryl Streep-

Kermit the Frog, 2011, at the premiere of The Muppets. Photo courtesy of: Creative Commons

“Writing provides the plot for whatever vision the director wants to give,” Teal added. The actors choose to interpret it, but there would be no movie without the writing. Kate Donohue expressed her excitement about the recognition of screenwriters and set designers on Oscar night. “You notice the big brandname actors but it wouldn’t seem real if they weren’t in a real

Actress in A Supporting Role

Actress in A Leading Role Meryl Streep has been nominated for 17 Academy Awards, and she is very talented, but her surprise is almost borderline false. She won this year for her work in The Iron Lady as Margaret Thatcher.

the entire thing,” she says, “but a great movie is one you want to go back and watch.”

setting that seemed possible.

If you don’t put a good background together, how can you expect the character in the foreground to really mean something and create something and for it to be a beautiful movie?”

So, the overall aspect of a film is what makes it great. Hugo has been praised for its portrayal of real-life silent-film maker George Méliès as well as its amazing screenplay adapted from the Caldecott-winning children’s book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The Artist, comparatively, has been praised for its acting, but the screenplay has been insulted by film critics.

But now it’s your turn to decide. Will you tune into the Oscars next year? Will you look for more than the actors who win? Will you be happy when a screenwriter you didn’t even know existed wins an award?

Will you recognize the amazing artistic talents of all of these people? Or will you not watch it at all? Either way, you will be watching a new movie this year.

Remember to look for what makes a movie great and remember it’s all a matter of opinion. Don’t forget the popcorn!

Original Song Man or Muppet-

Octavia Spencer-

An example of set design: Harry Potter’s flying car from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Photo courtesy of: Creative Commons

Costume Design The ArtistThe costume work was very good in The Artist, which was set in the late 1920s, but Jane Eyre was one of the most overlooked movies of the year, especially in costumes.

From Disney’s The Muppets, this song came and She was excellent as Minnie conquered, beating out in The Help and was definitely only one other nominee. favored to win. Her acceptance Bret McKenzie, who wrote speech was sweet, funny, and the lyrics and music, played touching. a small role in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and is only the second New Zealander to win an Academy Award.

A costume design from 1914.

Photo courtesy of: Creative Commons.

Animated Feature Film Rango-

This film, starring Johnny Depp voicing a chameleon that wants to be a hero, won for best animated feature film. It now takes its place among the greatest animated films, including Up, Beauty and the Beast, and Toy Story.

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Sports

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

Just Dance!

[1] The team prepares for a routine. [2] The team hudles up. [3] Team members show off their high kicks. Photos courtesy Mary Sarah Ivers ‘12 Tatum Pomeroy ‘12 The 2011-2012 RJHS Poms team is full of talent. They have had a great season and greatly enjoyed their recent travels to Florida for nationals. This year, many of our seniors have taken center stage. With six seniors on this year’s team, the underclassmen have been privileged with great leadership and team spirit leading them through a great season. As they prepare to move on to new adventures in their life, they will always treasure their memories and teammates from RJHS Poms.

[1]

2011-2012 RJHS POMS SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Dana Ostrander:

Stella Sam:

Madison Brantly:

Tatum Pomeroy:

“My favorite memory on Poms was winning state last year and taking two trips to Florida for nationals.

“My favorite memory was nationals and team brunches and dinners.

“My favorite memories are all of the team bondings and team dinners.

I’ve had such a great experience dancing with my team; we could not have been such a successful team without all the dedicated and nice personalities.

I have loved every single moment being on this team. I would like to thank everyone on the team for making this experience the absolute best it could be.

I love every single girl on the team from freshman year to this year! They all are wonderful girls and I will miss them so much.

“My favorite memories on Poms has been winning state last year, getting to go to Nationals which is always a blast, and getting to perform at the pep rally in front of the whole school at the beginning of the year on the football field!

I would thank my team for a wonderful experience.

The past four years have been very successful and a blast. I wouldn’t change one thing about it! I wish I will miss all the unique them all best of luck in personalities on years to come and I will the team be back to visit! And I love [2] and them!!!!

The thing I will miss most about Poms next year is of course all the girls on the team! I will also miss quirky traditions we have.”

the valuable experiences and lessons I acquired.”

I will miss all of the girls on the team and my coaches.

Each girl has amazing personalities and my coaches are outstanding. I will also miss competing and going to nationals.”

If I could say anything to my team it would be that I love them all so much! It has been such a great year and I’m so blessed that I got to spend it with each and every one of them! And that I am so proud of them and their growth!

My favorite memory of “My favorite memory poms was winning State in from Poms was going to 2011 & going to Nationals Nationals for the past two two years in a row. years.

I’d like to tell the team to never give up and to always give 100% because it is always worth the effort.

I will miss the sisterhood most because it really helped us become not only a team but a family also”

I will miss the girls on the team, the coaches, getting to compete, and performing fun routines at basketball games“ [3]

The Underdogs: Regis Jesuit Girls Swimming RJ Swimming places 3rd at State meet Allie Petko ‘13 The steady pace of her heartbeat drowns out the roaring of the crowd after the conclusion of the previous race. As the swimmer before her exits the pool, she visualizes a perfect start, a perfect stroke after another perfect stroke, a perfect race. She steps onto the blocks, and the cool, rugged surface chills her body.

“As soon as that buzzer goes off, my mind is a blank,” said junior Carla Meli, a member of the RJ swim team.

Going into the meet, Regis Jesuit was seeded 6th overall. The Raiders did the unexpected and jumped three places, finishing 3rd as a team.

“No one was expecting us to perform a certain way, so going [into the meet] there wasn't as much pressure as there was last year— which added to the excitement.

We have always been the underdogs, and as a team we've always been able to come together and perform amazing,” Meli explained.

Throughout the season, the Raid-

ers were considered the underdogs going into certain meets, including those against Heritage and Cherry Creek. Regis Jesuit prevailed in both meets.

Weeks before the state swimmers from Regis Jesuit could step onto the blocks at the State meet, many preparations were underway. Tapering was in session and shaving parties were to be planned.

“From day one we aren't allowed to shave our legs until our designated shave party. They usually are the night before your league or state meet.”

“A family on the team offers out their house and lets all the girls contaminate their bathrooms with leg hair and clog all their plumbing. You feel really guilty after you realize how gross you leave the bathrooms in these houses... I know this year at the state shave party, [Senior] Jackie Macke's leg hair was so thick and long that I carved a hanging ‘RJ’ in the back of both of her calves with my buzzer. The worst part is that it was perfectly visible,” explained Meli.

The final obstacle the girls faced was getting into competition suits. Competition suits are extremely tight, and go from your shoulders to your knees. The process usually takes a half hour to 45 minutes. Meli explains the process: “Competition suits are literally the worst... You start by getting the material situated at your knees then you have to slowly and super carefully pull it over the rest of your body. Since they are so tight and the material is so delicate it's really easy to rip your suit. It is really hard to do it by yourself so other girls usually help you get it over your hips and shoulders.”

Top finishers from Regis Jesuit in individual events included Missy Franklin, Taylor Wilson, and Jackie Macke.

Melanie Goodrich:

Marisa LaRouche:

in the 200 medley were Missy Franklin ‘13, Marielle Renehan ’13, CC Cutler ‘15, and Taylor Wilson ‘15. RJ’s 200 medley relay finished second in the finals, with a time of 1:46.53. Members of the 400 freestyle were: Carla Meli ‘13, Lindsay Kriz ‘13, Meggie Chase ‘14, and Missy Franklin ‘13. The 400 freestyle relay finished with a time of 3:32.48, placing third overall.

After two long days, RJ finished 3rd in state, scoring 181 points.

“There is not a better feeling in the world than having your team cheer ‘we are proud of you’ after your race,” said Meli.

I would say that I regret the days that I have dreaded being at practice because I know that I will miss poms so much next year. I would tell them that they are all incredibly talented & beautiful and that I love them.

Dance is a very personal form of expression. Those who watch you dance know you on a very intimate level. In order to dance in front of others you must be comfortable around them. I will miss these deep relationships that I have with the girls on my team.

Top Finishers of Regis Jesuit 200 medley relay Franklin, Renehan, Cutler, Wilson 1:46.53 2nd place 50 freestyle Taylor Wilson 24.88 7th place 100 backstroke Missy Franklin 52.76 1st place 100 breaststroke Jackie Macke 1:08.56 8th place 400 freestyle relay Meli, Kriz, Chase, Franklin 3:32.48 3rd place

Franklin shattered both state and national records in the 200 freestyle, with a time of 1 minute and 43.15 seconds.

Regis Jesuit’s top-finishing relay teams were the 200 medley and the 400 freestyle. Participants

Photo by Alec Weed ‘12

SPORTS

for the team.

The Road To State

2011-2012 RJHS GIRLS BASKETBALL Mary Sarah Ivers ‘12 After defeating Fort Collins The team was feeling confident High School in the Sweet 16 on coming off of a win agaist LoveWednesday 2/29, the Raiders land in the second round. The advance to the next round in Raiders beat Loveland 76-44. the State Tournament. Coming back from a weak first half, Senior guard Kathleen KershRegis Jesuit won 50-39. They will isnik, says, “I know we have all play the No. 2 seeded Palmer that it takes to win the state High School in the Great 8 championship. We love our game. RJ girls basketball is cur- team and our talent is not only rently seeded No. 1. great in our starters but also on the players coming off the

Varsity Newspaper The 2012 Edition Gaby Ake ‘12

At the beginnig of the semester, the newspaper staff recieved 12 new members. These girls entered the semester long class as the first semester staff left.

#) Name or nickname A) What do you like about Newspaper?

B) Use one word to describe yourself

bench.”

Kershisnik also says that Highlands Ranch will definitely be the teams biggest rival going forward.

“They have a very skilled point gaurd that can lead the team to wins,” she says. “But I know we have everything it takes to beat them.”

Senior team manager, Grace Maguire, has high expectations

4) Kyle Yeager A) Like to read and write B) Bright

1) Lexa A) I like being able to talk about things and not get in trouble for them...

B) Normal

While some of the girls from last semester will still continue to write for the Raider Digest there is a whole new set of reporters joining the main staff. Here is a little more about some of them.

1)

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RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

7) Molly O’Neil A) Yohana Tuquabo B) @MollyTweets06

5) Kaitlyn Votiero A) Being nosey and knowing top secret information B) Awesome

2) Kendel Lloyd A) Having a voice.. and using it to represent my class.

6) Rachel Zinno B) Bubbly A) Read about what is going on, and 3)Danger write A) I like sitting next B) Outgoing to Yohana Tuquabo B) Merp

2)

“I love managing the team. I love going on trips with the girls and spending time with the girls. I also like seeing how well the girls work together and how hard they work.”

In a season where a number of girls have signed to play basketball in college, set state records (senior Marquelle Dent set the single game state assist record with 20 assists in one game), and continue to outscore opponents by large margins, the Raiders look to capitalize on their success by heading further into the state tournament.

13) Allie A) Being the cover girl and 10) Yohana of course snapping shots A) Watching Gaby of football boys Ake do all the work B) @lilpetko B) Voracious

8) Sarah Coyne A) Being in the same room as Yohana Tuquabo B)@TheSarahCoyne 9) Gaby A) I love being able to report on the events of the school and be the first one to know whats going on B) Sassy

11) Mary Sarah Ivers A) I like being able to know a little bit about everything going on in the school and gaining promising journalism skills for the future.

B) Hipster

13)

Not pictured: Katherine Woodford A) Finding out what’s going on and writing.

B) Peculiar.

11)

10)

4)

Players celebrate win together. Photo: Kylee Piper ‘13

9)

8) 5) 6) 3) 7)

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FEATURES

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

A Day in the Life of The Dean

Ms. Lotito Fun Facts

Ms. Lotito lets us in her Never-Ending Schedule Molly O’Neil ‘12 Ms. Lotito does more than just intimidate us students; her day planner is full with miscellaneous events and meetings.

She starts off her day at five a.m. but she claims that her “mind starts working around three or four a.m.” usually waking up early.

Before she comes to work she makes sure that she is ready for the rest of the day by spending as much time as she can playing with her daughter Kiera who is in Kindergarten.

As soon as she arrives at school her busy day begins. “I try to get a handle on my email, voicemail and prepare for meetings, or conferences that I may have scheduled for the day once I arrive at work.” She hustles and bustles to try and get as much as she can done in one day.

A dean has a lot of responsibili-

ties besides handling disciplinary actions. She is in charge of supporting student services, coordinating faculty supervision, coordinating student conduct (school rules), working with student records, and monitoring safety and security within the building and the campus.

When asked what Ms. Lotito does, senior Morgan Littleton responded “She busts juvenile delinquents in the act of their bad deeds.” But this is only a small fraction of all the wonderful work Ms. Lotito does.

The next day? Repeat.

When asked about what she thinks about disciplining rowdy kids she replied, “Everyone makes mistakes and if you don’t learn from them, you will continue to make the same mistake over and over.”

She believes that from this optimistic look on life that she can help the Regis Jesuit community strive and grow.

Ms. Lotito works magic juggling her busy

Dean at Regis Jesuit GD: 9 years

schedule and managing her time so well.

Favorite part of the day: Morning

Sometimes we take for granted this caring dean and the hard work that she puts in every day to make our school a better place.

Used to run: In-school suspension program

After leaving work, Ms. Lotito picks up her daughter, Kiera, from school. When they get home they get a nice snack, work on arts and crafts, do homework, or even play a fun game.

When Kiera is alseep, Ms. Lotito tries to catch up or get ahead in her hectic schedule for the next day.

The Many Lives of Mr. O’Dea History teacher is on his 3rd career Sarah Coyne ‘13

Many know Mr. O’Dea as a history teacher, but teaching is not his first career.

Sometimes he tells stories in class about his previous jobs.

He has had over 15. He has been an art salesman, candle salesman, a military and police officer, contract surveilance, personal trainer, chef, bartender, waiter, database contractor, teacher, manager, and a graduate student.

Of all these really interesting lifestyles, when asked what his favorite job was, he slyly answers, “Does this one count?”

Mr. O’Dea received the Teacher of the Year award last year.

He stands out to students in a unique way because of his way of teaching and the love of doing so. His educational philosophy is to “construct personal meaning for students as an individual and promote intellectual curiosity.”

Mr. O’Dea has a different teaching style that definitely has been efficient for both him and the students.

“I feel like if we got a bunch of pizzas and soda and sat around the table, I could teach you anything you wanted to learn. I try to make learning conversational in the classroom. When you are able to talk freely about something, then you are able to construct your own meaning because every topic means something different to somebody else,” O’Dea said.

Junior Kahle Collins took sophomore World History with Mr. O’Dea last year.

“Mr. O’Dea is my favorite teacher because he teaches in a fun way. He likes to joke around with you, interact with everyone of his students, tell personal stories about his life that connects to what we were learning, and he is amazing,” Collins said.

later in life. I ended up letting go of my job in the corperate world, so I went to graduate school for education. I always wanted to impact the youth and so I went to Regis University to get my degree in teaching.”

Following a career in the Navy, O’Dea left the military to become a police officer.

O’Dea doesn’t know for sure which history courses he will be teaching in 2012-2013, but he is looking looking forward to continurng to teach Philosophy and Economics offered as a senior electives.

“Being a police officer particularly was a stressful job and it was impacting my family. There were too many close calls, during the time that I had a baby.I got kind of tired of that spirit of adventure and I became more of a family man. I stopped being an “adrenaline fuelled junkie” in 2004.”

Mr. O’Dea then enrolled in a Regis University graduate program to get his teaching liscense. He did his student teaching under Mrs. Dawkins in 2009. He has been teaching in the English and History departments ever since.

“I’ve always wanted to teach but it was something I wanted to do

Mr. O’Dea makes a drug bust on the beat.

Naval Acedemy Selfie

Receiving an award at the Naval Academy

“My teaching philosophy is to have students construct meaning for themselves.”

FEATURES

Page 7

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

Mr. Carruthers comes to Regis Jesuit

Boys Division hires new principal for 2012-2013 school year Gaby Ake ‘12 He’s a teacher. He’s Canadian.

He has two sons, John Paul and Archie. He’s teaching at the high school from which he graduated.

He plays spongy. He’s coached football, rugby, and lacrosse. He builds sets for the drama department. His wife is an Italian cook.

He is the new boys division Principal for the 2012-2013 school year.

Mr. Alan Carruthers will be taking over the position of Boys Division principal in the 2012-2013 school year. He is currently teaching at St. Paul’s High School, an all boys Jesuit high school in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where he is also an alum. While he is sad to leave his school and hometown, Carruthers is excited to begin at Regis Jesuit, though right now he is still just getting a sense of the school.

“I spent a lot of time at Regis the last two times I’ve been here for the principal searches. You really get a good sense of this place.

It has a very good sense of itself

and the people are wonderful,” said Carruthers.

Mr. Carruthers recently visited RJ with his wife, Lucia, on February 17th. Carruthers had previously been to the school to interview, which he described as a fun but exhausting process.

“It was like a marathon. I mean it’s a really life giving experience. I’ve done it twice here at Regis and it was such a good process [Carruthers interviewed four years ago when Gmelich w a s

selected]. A lot of different stakeholders were involved. [It] Started with the students; [I] met some boys division students and then I met some of the girls division students. It [the interview process] worked through some various different groups through the faculty and then it moved through the administration and then the search committee and then the board of trustees. So there was basically two days of meetings and interactions… I think that first day is about 12 hours of interviews and the second day is eight hours.

So it’s a 20 hour

interview process in a two-day period of time,” said Carruthers.

When he’s not teaching, Carruthers enjoys spending time with his family and in the outdoors.

“Being with my family and being outdoors is where I’m the happiest. I love to build things. I love to hike, fish, canoe, and camp.

I love to hunt. I grew up in the far North so as a kid I would jump on my snow mobile and go wherever. I would walk out my back door into the bush. So very isolated from what you guys have grown up in. A very different reality. So, I’m a pretty outdoorsy person. But my hobby is renovating and building. I’m not a very stationary person,” Carruthers said.

Fr. Steele also seems positive about Mr. Carruthers’ selection.

Mr. Alan Carruthers and his wife Lucia | Allie Petko ‘13

“I think he’ll bring an energy, a passion for Jesuit education, a passion for seeing students succeed. I think he’ll be challenging

too. He comes across initially as very gentle and very warm but I think he’s also going to be challenging when he needs to be. I think he’ll call us to be our best,” said Steele about what he believes Carruthers will bring to Regis Jesuit.

The girls division is excited to welcome back Mr. Jeff Howard ‘88, who has been acting principal for the boys division this past year. He will be returning to the position of Assitant Principal.

A student’s perpective: “Mr. Carruthers was definitely one of the top candidates I thought. He connects very well with us as students and seems to understand what Regis is “all about”. He likes the single sex education and is eager to do what he can to make this great place even better... His positive attitude, refined sense of humor and general kindness will enable him to fit in very well here at Regis.”

–Connor Smith ‘12. Smith was on the student interview committee

Raiders Digest Staff Editors-In-Chief : Gina Nordini, Gaby Ake ‘12 Cover Design: Allie Petko ‘13 Editors: The Raiders Digest welcomes letters to the editor, coments, questions, and concerns.

Contact: voice@regisjesuit.com or drop a letter in the box outside 207 RJHS supports a free student press

Allie Petko ‘13 Kyle Yeager ‘15 Rachel Zinno ‘15 Katherine Woodford ‘15 Molly O’Neil ‘12 Yohana Tuquabo ‘12 Melanie Goodrich ‘12 Alexa Steckelberg ‘13 Sarah Coyne ‘13 Mary Sarah Ivers ‘12 Kendel Lloyd ‘12 Kaitlyn Vottiero ‘12 CJ Wilkening ‘12

Freelancers: Emma Carroll ‘13, Alec Weed ‘12, Grace Shipp ‘14, Lexe Hamilton ‘15, Emmy Earsom ‘13 Adviser: Mr. Adam Dawkins ‘98

Come join the Raiders Digest for the 2012-2013 school year.

To join sign up for the Journalism 1 class or the Advanced Journalism class.

We need creative and dedicated reporters, photographers, broadcasters, designers, and editors.

Plus, you get a really cool t-shirt.

For more information, talk to Mr. Dawkins or anyone currently on the staff.

No experience necessary. #wehaveissues

Page 8

SERVICE

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

Another Country, Another Home

RJ’s delegation takes off to make a difference in Belize Rachel Zinno ‘15 Amazing, life-changing, fantastic, eye opening. These are some of the words and phrases expressed by the winter delegation that went to Belize as they described their feelings towards the their trip.

But more than anything they constantly repeated that Belize is a home away from home, a place to truly find God, make new friends, and have the experience of a life time.

The delegation left on January 2, 2012 and consisted of sixteen girls and three teachers. The girls Great memories: “Walking around town we would see kids and people in old Regis homecoming t-shirts or kids in lacrosse shorts, you defiantly see the connection.” -Ms. Glasscock “One night we were in the library and there was a young boy who told me the day we leave he was going to hide because he didn’t want us to see him cry. He also told us how kind we were and that he loved us.” -Elizabeth Weis

game of soccer, a common past time in Belize, but in many ways these boys and the rest of community of Belize challenged the girls to be better and live lives of service.

and their chaperones spent their first nights in Belize City. “The first night we talked about what we wanted to get out of this trip.

One that was noted many times was our group become closer,” Ms. Glasscock a chaperone on the trip, said.

“A walk in solidarity” is the motto for all service trips. To walk in solidarity means to walk together for a single cause. In Belize the girls truly walked in solidarity far from home. With no phones or internet connection, they had only each other, God and the experience ahead of them.

After spending the first couple days in Belize City the group relocated to a place known as Punta Gorda where they found a home away from home called “Natures Way.” They were to work at a school, mostly spending their time to help children read, and along the way competing with the kids in many games of soccer. Also, a new project arose for this delegation; they were to help paint and decorate a newly built library for the town.

“In Belize we had the opportunity to do a lot of reflection. It was helpful to examine my life while I lived in a different culture,” senior Emily Mauser said.

Between writing in their journals, helping those in Belize every day, and bonding as sisters, the girls and teachers became a tight knit group who now challenge themselves to commit to social justice in all they do.

“One day when we were painting the library a group of boys came up to us and said we challenge you”’ recalled senior Elizabeth Weis.

The boys challenged them in a

New Orleans Service Trip

Clockwise from the top: Moriah Trantham with one of the little girls she helped; A group of young children at the school in Belize; The group poses for a photo; the newly painted and decorated library.

Photo credits: Moriah Trantham ‘12 and Ms. Glasscock “My favorite memory would definitely be when were leaving the Mayan Village and it had just rained so it was really muddy, the bus we were to catch got stuck in the mud. We walked a mile to get to the bus and eventually had to get out and push it up a hill” senior Moriah Trantham said.

The girls who went helped d strengthened another community.

“Walking around town we would see kids and people in old Regis

homecoming t-shirts or kids in lacrosse shorts. You could defiantly see the connection” explaines Ms. Glasscock.

Regis Jesuit High School is a huge support system for Belize, and continues to strengthen ties every year and time we venture to their land. In Belize memories were shared, laughter rung loud, and were friendships were made but more than anything in Belize, Regis Jesuit made a difference.

Melanie Goodrich ‘12

The benefits of going outside of CO for service projects Each year, juniors and seniors are given an amazing opportunity to leave campus for two weeks and work in solidarity with those who are in need.

While majority of upperclassmen choose to stay in the Denver area to do service, some seniors choose to go outside of Colorado to spread justice.

In January 2012, fifteen seniors traveled to New Orleans to do service work. After a three hour plane ride and a forty minute drive to base camp, Camp Hope, students were ready to start serving the community of New Orleans.

Work that was done in New Orleans included helping the construction of three houses and working in a Catholic elementary school for three days.

The senior ladies also spent half a day shadowing at Jesuit New Orleans, the all boys school located just outside downtown.

Aside from working on houses

and in schools, the girls also got to experience the unique culture and atmosphere of New Orleans.

One senior, Rachel Deits, described the vibe of New Orleans as “crazy, fun, and energetic.

Everyone was always happy.”

Another Senior, Anne Hetson, claimed that New Orleans was “so great because everyone waves at you. They love the Saints. They were all thankful that we were out there building houses even if it didn’t directly affect them.”

While the energy of New Orleans seemed to have an affect on the girls, the question remains: Was traveling out of state to do service worth it? Senior Kerbi Brisch described the difference between an immersion service experience and a local service experience.

“We were constantly with the Regis group and teachers. We

were in a completely new place that most of us had never been to before,” Brisch said.

While many local service projects are based around schools and working with kids, the New Orleans service trip was based around construction and the building of a house.

“We did physical labor, which was very rewarding because we got to actually see the results of our hard work,” Brisch added.

One homeowner actually came to visit one of the houses the girls were working on so that he could personally thank them for the difference that they were making in his life. Deits, Hetson, and Brisch all regard this event to be their most touching moment of their service trip.

Ultimately, all Seniors on the New Orleans service trip had an uplifting experience and would absolutely recommend

for juniors to apply to go on this service project.

“Not only is an amazing place to do service but it allows you to bond with the girls you live with.

It helps you experience solidarity,” stated Hetson.

“It opens your eyes to new experiences,” said Deits.

Top: (Clockwise from top) Kerbi Brisch, Lisa Tate, Abby Gustafson, Marissa Garcia, Melanie Goodrich, and Mr. Turner hanging on the scaffolding.

Middle: The group outside Jackson Square, New Orleans Bottom: The Lama House group outside the house

SERVICE

Page 9

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

RJ Girls Experience Being “Women With and For Others” Students leave school for two weeks to serve others Katherine Woodford ‘15 The junior and senior classes went on service project January 2nd through the 13th. The different categories for these service projects, not including the Belize and New Orleans service trips, were working with the elderly, non-profit day care centers or elementary schools, soup kitchens, shelters, or emergency assistance programs, hospital work, working with the physically or mentally disabled, and other miscellaneous jobs.

Out of these categories, there were numerous sites and places to choose from to volunteer for.

But why, exactly, does Regis make us do these so called “service projects”? Laurel Teal ’13, explained it nicely. “RJHS really is its own little world... a bubble if you will. If we truly want to be women for others, we need to go out into the real world. And service projects allow us to do so.”

Junior Zoie Sammons, also thought Regis does service projects, “So we can really grow into what the world around us needs us to be.”

While this experience is different for everyone, a few things remain consistent. Anastasia Thibodeau, ’13, mentioned “The thing that stood out to me most was how hard it was to leave… (It) really touched me, and the fact that I might have made a difference affected me even more.”

Service projects made an impression on many students, as Teal explained, “I would say it has had a lasting impact on me.

I don’t think I will soon forget…”

niors walked away from service projects with, we hope they remember it.

“If we truly want to be women for others, we need to go out into the real world. And service projects allow us to do so.”

Hannah Streetman ‘12, Laurel Teal ‘13, and Eli Svisco ‘12 at service site

Whatever the juniors and se-

VISIT US ONLINE! YOUR STUDENT PUBS... ONLINE

voice.regisjesuit.com

Girls Swim and Dive places third at state, Franklin sets national record. By: Alec Weed ‘12

The Culture Guru: MYLO XYLOTO Review By: Emma Carroll ‘13

Just a day after setting it at the state finals at the Edora Pool Ice Center in Fort Collins on February 11, Missy Franklin broke her previous national record in the 200 freestyle event and led the team to a third place finish. Read the full story on the RJ Voice.

With the release of their new album, hopes (and stakes) were high for the band.

Junior Emma Carroll takes the album and condenses it to the five best tracks that are well worth the listen.

RJ Robotics Team prepares for March competition

VIDEO: Watch RJ Cheer’s routine at Continental Leauge By: Christina Bakhour ‘12

By: Ben Petty ‘15

Having only six weeks to construct a robot, they must complete the metal crushing machine in April and be prepared to battle. Although they did very well last year, they have to amp up their engines for this year’s Colorado Regional Robotics Competition held at the Daniel L. Ritchie Center on March 22-24. Read the full story on the RJ Voice.

Keeping up with Fr. Pinne By: Alex Nemechek ‘14

Fr. Pinne is currently at the Jesuit Hall in St. Louis.Missouri. He serves as both a chaplian for both the Law School and the Department of Public Safety and Security for SLU. He is currently helping out students, staff, and faculty in personal/pastoral counseling, spiritual development, and marriage preperation. Read full story on the RJ Voice.

The RJ Voice RJ Live

Regis Jesuit Cheer opened their routine at Continental League with a pyramid consisting of front handsprings, a ball-up change, and a full down.

Slideshow: Winter Band Concert By: Ryun McConnell ’15 and Danny Girard ’14

The 2011 Winter Band Concert was a hit.

The concert consisted of the orchestra, the band, and the jazz band. Read about the experience of two reporters at the event and see a slideshow of images.

The RJ Voice RJ Live

PAGE 10

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

Snoball: Was it Worth it?

SNOBALL Izze Ginely Grade: Senior Quote: “I wouldn’t go back, but I’m definitely looking forward to prom.”

Whitney Mcdonald Grade: Sophmore Quote: “Snoball definitely exceeded my expectations.”

Students weigh in on the Girls Division’s formal dance

Entry into snoball Photo by Jenny Evans ‘12

By: Kendel Lloyd ‘12 Snoball: Where it’s the girl’s turn to ask.

On January 21, 2012 both the girls and boys divisions gathered for the annual Snoball dance.

Whether it was with a date, without a date, or you simply choose not to go, all wanted to know “Was it worth it?”

This year’s Snoball theme was X Games, and it was vigorously planned for success by RJHS student council. Due to declining attendance at school dances, STUCO offered tickets prior to service projects at a discounted price hoping to encourage people to come to this year’s dance.

Popular Dress Suppliers: Nordstrom Macy’s Arden B Forever 21 Dillards Boutiques

Senior Emily Nightengale chose not to attend this year’s dance.

“I have been to every dance every year except for this year. I just didn’t want to spend all the money when my boyfriend and I could go out and do something more fun, like bowling,” Nightengale said.

Other girls did attend. Sophmore Whitney McDonald, who went with a date, said, “The music was fun and I thought the decorations were amazing. I just wish more people were willing to go. The only thing that this year’s Snoball needed was more people.”

“So many less people came this year than previous years. I have never seen the gym and cafeteria so empty. I think this is because kids don’t want to feel like they are being babysat or intensely watched on a night when they just want to let loose and have fun. Many kids, even if they don’t ‘grind’ don’t want to be judged or watched by their teachers in such a personal way,” said senior Izze Ginley.

Another reason believed to affect the attendance at the dances are said to be because of the wrist bands. Many girls have different opinions about the wristbands, but do they really effect going or not going to a dance? Are the wristbands effective?

Senior student council president, Jenny Evans said, “Yeah at times, except for when people got theirs cut for no reason while watching certain people that should of had theirs cut twenty minutes ago,” Jenny laughed, “but I think that it has a good purpose.”

The turnout was not what was expected, and the reasons for not attending varied from the wristbands to the many others.

Many should realize, though, that it looks like the wristbands are going to continue to be apart of our dances here at Regis Jesuit. These changes and restrictions are not only apart of Regis Jesuit’s dances but are also a part of many other schools in Colorado.

Senior Taylor Walker, who went stag, responded, “I thought Snoball was a lot of fun this year!

Everyone that I have talked to had a lot of fun as well.”

So, was it worth it? Those who went, enjoyed it as for those who opted not to go, looks like they will never know what they missed.

Jenny Evans Grade: Senior Quote: “I thought that despite the smaller crowd it was a ton of fun!!

Everyone seemed to have a great time.”

Emily Nightengale Grade: Senior Quote: “I wish we could go off campus to somewhere more fun like Mullen does.”

Taylor Walker Grade: Senior Quote: “I think less people came this year due to the strictness most of us all experienced at homecoming.”

SNOBALL

t? o N r o te a i r p o r ntion App rs atte garne ” g n i d “Grin

Grinding. We have all have heard about it and have seen it. Some think that it isn’t a big deal. Other teenagers and adults do not enjoy or feel comfortable in a room full with grinding teenagers.

The administration believes all of the rules applied at school or school affiliated activities should apply at dances. This allows people to feel comfortable at school on a regular basis and at activities. After all, a dance is a school activity.

Some feel as if their opinions do not matter, and no matter what they say they will not be heard.

But the administration is listening and they have thought about these new rules for over three years. Dean of students Ms. Lotito says that the process has been discussed both co-divisionally as well as with some of the public schools, before they even considered making a change.

According to Ms. Lotito Regis Jesuit is the last school in our

Molly O’Neil ‘12 & Yohana Tuquabo ‘12

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RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

Alexa Steckelberg ‘13 affiliated district to go to the wrist bands. Some schools have even cut down on the number of dances, or even cancelled all together. At Regis Jesuit we still have Homecoming, Snoball, the occasional Valentine’s Dance as well as Prom.

While Mrs. Lotito understands that dancing does have a provocative nature, it becomes in-

appropriate when “you are like melted chocolate” with your dance partner, as well as have “no eye contact” with your partner.

When a student comes to a dance they are issued one wristband. If a student is dancing

inappropriately or acting inappropriately, the wristband may be cut off. Any chaperone can cut off a wristband. If a student receives a second warning, they are asked to leave the dance. At the end of the night if the wristband is still intact it may be traded for a T-shirt.

If a student gets their wristband cut off by a teacher you know it can kind of be an awkward moment for both parties. But junior Briana Labrie says, “They are just doing their job”.

well as administration comfortable. There has been a lot of positive feedback. Some students that didn’t attend to the dances before now cannot wait to go.

The wristbands are there to de ter grinding. They are there for a reason. The intentions behind grinding are far from clean and this is the reason that it makes adults and students uncomfortable.

This complex subject seems to be a difficult topic for both administration and students to talk about for good reason, after all it is an uncomfortable topic to discuss with any adult and even more so with the faculty. After all they may be the one cutting off wristbands. Especially when the students don’t always understand what gets a wristband cut.

Thus far the administration is happy with the success that they have seen with the wristbands and think that the enforcement along with brighter lights in the gym are part of that success.

That being said there is no plans to change anything for the next few dances.

Mr. Williamson reminds RJ girls, “We want the girls to be getting the respect that they deserve.

So if the girls let guys think that grinding is dancing then they will think ‘That’s fine. I can get away with that,’ I try to push the girls.

Make your date learn how to dance. You girls all know how to dance.”

Challenge your date to learn how to dance and make some real magic.

Student Council moderator Mr. Williamson says, “Teachers hate doing it. I mean most of us enjoy teaching. Getting into a bunch of high school kids grinding is just something no one wants to do. So we try to find faculty that are willing to do it. Some are just more willing to do it.”

The goal to make all students as

Pretty Prom Dresses

Acceptable Prom Dresses at Regis Jesuit

Melanie Goodrich ‘12, Emily Mika ‘12, and Morgan Littleton ‘12 show off their floor-length dresses which are not only absolutely beautiful, but also modest.

Prom season is coming upon us and finding the perfect dress is always a challenge. Keeping it classy is the key rule when trying to something appropriate to wear.

When finding a dress, make sure the three B’s (Belly, Breasts, Butt) are covered. In the case that students forget this rule, Ms. Lotito has oversized shirts that fit perfectly over inappropriate dresses.

Having respect and confidence in yourself will be the most attractive asset you can wear. The pictures in this article are good example of beautiful dresses!

Kaitlyn Votierro ‘12, Grace Maguire ‘12, and Brooke Duggan ‘13 look stunning in their eye-catching dresses as they pose for their prom pictures from last year 2011.

Erica Nemechek ‘12, Kathleen Kershisnik ‘12, and Alena Payne ‘12 stand galiantly as the wind blows away any imperfections.

across the green A Community Comes Together to Celebrate Diversity Week PAGE 12

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

7th Annual Diversity Conference enlightens the RJ community Yohana Tuquabo ‘12 When you first recieve your planner, you look for the important dates of the year: dances, retreats, masses and diversity day. Diversity Action Group, along with the two diversity directors, plan this unique day for over a year so that students are able to experience different types of cultures. Its importance has a rippling effect on both our education and community.

At Regis Jesuit, it may seem as a homogenous community but when we look below the surface, we see that there is more to a person. From understanding one’s religion or interests, Diversity Day allows for people to be open in their ideas and thoughts, not feeling constrained to a specific ideology. It gives students the opportunity to branch out and speak about their commonalities.

about things that aren’t necessarily in our set curriculum.” states Ms. Glasscock. This is a passion for not only them but for all those who volunteer and come and present on this day.

Diversity Week consists of multicultural prayers, activities and a wholesome day of education. Regis Jesuit’s commitment to education is both expressed through our experiences in and out of the classroom.

When asked why this is important to Regis student outside the community Ms. Vela stated, “First and foremost it demonstrates to our speakers that we are committed to diversity here at Regis Jesuit High School. It also allows for a number of students, parents and families to get involved and realize that

though RJ is a co-educational Catholic school in suburban Denver, that our diversity is important and vast.” As a community, we break the stereotypes that others confine us to and fulfill our thirst for diversity.

Each year students enjoy a variety of workshops that range in all different types of topics. “I loved going to Joe Chavez. He was so funny,” an excited Madison Brantley said. With the stresses of school, sports, extracurriculars, jobs, etc. it’s nice to have take time and reflect on how diversity impacts our everyday lives.

SEE IT AGAIN To watch videos from the student performances and more, visit the RJ voice at voice.regisjesuit.com or use the QR code.

The creation of this day involves the help of Diveristy Directors Ms. Vela and Ms. Glasscock along with the Diversity Action Group. “Miss Vela and I come up with a skeleton outline for the day and then begin to plug in parts. We begin contacting speakers three months in advance. Because this is our seventh year we have a lot of contacts, and finding people this year was really easy. We then focus on the logistical issues of creating a conference for almost 2000 people. I love providing the opportunity to our students and teachers to learn

Timeline Prayer Service

Starting the day off with a drum circle instrumental piece, the prayer service had a great start.

Connor Lehr along with other students were able to demonstrate their faith amongst the school.

Chinese Dance Troop

Dancers from The Bohua Chinese School were able to portray various performance centered on the Chinese culture. This included the playing of an instrument along with a number of dance routines.

Workshops

Joe Chavez along with a multitude of other speakers came in to present.

Photos: Allie Petko ‘13

Performances

The end of the day consisted of student performers presenting their talents and achievements, including the Irish Step dancing girls and Mohak Singh.

FEATURES

We Can Hear the Bells...

Regis Jesuit Teachers Getting Ready to Tie the Knot He is most excited for the comfort level of marriage and having someone to talk to at the beginning and end of every day.

By Kaitlyn Vottiero ‘12

In regards to his concerns of marriage, Mr. Williamson quickly replied, “Oh God, everything!” The couple would like to revisit London together and travel to Italy as well. Gratulatione, Mr. Williamson!

Let’s be honest. Teachers’ personal lives are some of the hottest topics in the hallways of Regis Jesuit Girls Division. And their love lives? Even better.

Three of RJ’s favorite teachers are venturing into a life of marriage. And, of course, they have eight hundred teenage girls wanting to know every detail.

History teacher Mr. Kelleher is getting ready to make some history of his own, alongside Boys Division theology teacher, Ms. Fitzpatrick.

The two met about three years ago at a back-to-school teacher meeting. On Christmas of this year, Mr. Kelleher popped the question in Rome, and joyously found himself impegnato (engaged). He describes his fiancée as patient, kind, and extremely intelligent.

“She knows things about subjects where I just don’t know anything. And she’s never made me feel stupid because she’s really nice about it,” explained Mr. Kelleher.

He is most looking forward to having a lifelong best friend and

“Will you marry me, Julia?”

Kaitlyn Vottiero |‘12

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RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

being a dad. When asked about his concerns for marriage, Mr. Kelleher stated, “I know it’s a big, serious step, but I know I’m ready for it. I welcome the responsibility.”

Mr. Kelleher and Ms. Fitzpatrick enjoy spending their free time walking in the park, watching college sports (especially Notre Dame) and doing everyday tasks.

New teacher, Mr. Turner, is now well aware of how nosey students are at an all-girls school. He and his fiancée, Gwynne, met in a coffee shop in 2007 near the University of Nevada where they were both receiving their Masters Degrees.

“The first time I saw her, time stopped,” said a cheesy Mr. Turner.

A few years later he proposed at the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. “I wanted to propose to her at the closest thing to Colorado that there is in Texas. We hiked up there at sunrise and I proposed, and she said yes. Obvi,” explains Mr. Turner. The two then proceeded to enjoy peanut butter and banana sandwiches as a newly engaged couple.

Together Mr. Turner and Gwynne like to garden, go to

The wedding will be taking place next year in Ms. Fitzpatrick’s hometown of Austin, Texas. “I think our colors are like mossy green, copper, and maybe champagne…?”said a questionable Mr. Kelleher.

With his BFF busy planning a real wedding, Mr. Williamson must be pretty lonely. Well, not quite.

Yes, it is true, the beloved Mr. Williamson is also plunging into a life of marriage. He started dating his current fiancée, Julia, shortly after moving to Colorado in 2008, and recently proposed on her birthday.

“I didn’t have to come up with a real present, just one very expensive one,” said a confident Mr. Williamson. He added, “She’s a lot like me, good and bad. She gets most of my jokes, and that’s pretty important to me.”

When asked about how teaching at an all-girls school will help benefit life with kids, Mr. Williamson responded that he will be much more prepared to have daughters than sons.

“With my luck, I’ll probably end up with like four boys that are giant and good at football.

Actually, no they won’t be good at football. They’ll still have my genes,” joked Mr. Wiliamson.

g n i m Upco ... s e t a D

March 2 - First Friday Mass

March 7 - Two Hour Late Start March 11- DeNapoli Memorial Concert at 6 pm Will be broadcast LIVE on RJ Live March 15-17 - “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Performances

March 19-23 - Mission Week

Nuggets games, watch movies and enjoy their ideal date of “dinner and a museum”. They hope to travel to Japan in the future, “mostly to eat a lot of Japanese food and see Tokyo.” The green-and-purple garden themed wedding will take place in June of this year in Denver, where Mr. Davenport will be standing beside Mr. Turner as his best man.

March 26-30 - Spring Break

April 6 - Good Friday, No School

Still working on 700 invitations to each of the weddings. Details to follow...

His Side...

Her Side...

“It was in Rome on Christmas night on a bridge called the Ponte Sant’Angelo. And I told her “I forgot to give her her Christmas present”. We planned our Christmas vacation around this trip, so it wasn’t a surprise that I was there, but I think it was a surprise that I was proposing.”

-Mr. Kelleher

“I was very surprised when he proposed!

We stopped a group of people walking across the Ponte Sant’Angelo to take our picture. I wanted to shout “Siamo fidanzati!” (we’re engaged!), but I was too excited and couldn’t remember the Italian. I loved being the only two people in the world who knew our happy news.”

-Ms. Fitzpatrick

Top: The future Kelleher’s in Rome. Courtesy Mr. Kelleher Middle: Mr. Turner reenacts his proposal. Courtesy of Mr. Turner

April 8 - Easter

April 9 - No School

April 14 - Prom April 16 - Junior Leadership Day; Senior Appreciation Day

PAGE 14

Features

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012

An Unusual Tradition At Regis Jesuit

Swimmers come together in attempt to shave their time By: Kendel Lloyd ‘12 suits, hard training, rest, and shaving,” senior captain Jamie Monk said.

Although these shaving parties are not unique to RJ, but the swimmers always have a way to make it uniquely theirs and show their school spirit.

This is a Regis Jesuit tradition that will continue to be done by both divisions, but the guys shave their heads too.

There are never gatherings here at Regis Jesuit that do not go without a memorable story. At this year’s State shaving party, “Carla Meli used her electric razor to shave an ‘RJ’ into Jackie Macke’s leg hair,” Monk said.

Rules To Shaving:

1) No shaving from the first day of practices to their last meet, depending on which With out the tragic loss of all the they qualified for. leg hair, RJ swimmer’s fantastic 3rd place performance at State would not have been possible.

Here’s to many more years of shaving parties, girls.

2) If they shave, they have to do a lap of lunges every day before practice for a week.

And deal with the shame.

“There are statistics that prove the value of shaving down.” -Jamie Monk

At the end of every swim season just before the State meet, the swim team holds their annual shaving party. The party helps them bond and celebrate all the hard work the swimmers have achieved during the season to make it to State. But most importanly, shaving down helps swimmers cut time off of their events.

“There are statistics that prove the value of shaving down. Each season, swimmers drop time at their end of season meet; usually from a combination of

Photos courtesy of Jamie Monk ‘12

Texting & Driving Threatens Lives By: CJ Wilkening ‘12 It’s a Friday night. A group of friends is on their way to the Regis Jesuit girls basketball game. Suddenly the driver receives a text message and begins to read and then respond to the message, still while driving. The car drifts and almost hits an oncoming car. The driver swerves back into her lane and the group laughs the close encounter off.

The grueling truth is that car crashes are the number one cause of teen deaths in the United States. According to the Allstate Foundation, texting takes the driver’s eyes off of the road for an average of five seconds. Going 55 miles per hour, that’s the equivalent of driving an entire football field without watching the road.

Colorado law states that texting while driving is illegal for all persons and non-emergency use of cell phones is illegal for all persons under 18. Every teen knows this, yet many continue to text and drive.

“I’m just not afraid of getting caught; and even though I’m aware of the risk on my life, I’ve never really had to deal with it as a dangerous thing,” one anonymous senior who admits to texting and driving said. “I guess it’s really the inability to resist the necessity of constant communication.”

Fashion Trends at Regis Jesuit Yohana Tuquabo ‘12

Sperry’s on Deck

Coming in all different colors and styles, Sperrys have hit Regis Jesuit with a bang! So many people wear them but do they know the story behind them?

Armstrong Sperry, an avid boater and creator of these shoes, noticed that his dog was able to run across a slippery surface in ease because of the grooves and creaks in his paws. Sperry reinvented leather soles with a herringbone pattern to imitate those of his dog. His shoes became popular amongst boaters and soon erupted into the shoe market. Whether wearing them on a boat or in the halls of Regis Jesuit, these shoes are a new cute trend.

As hard as it may be to cease conversation for a short time, the law preventing the use of phones can save lives. Drivers that talk on their cell phones while driving may be as impaired as a person with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.8, which in Colorado is the definition of driving drunk. www.keepthedrive.com is a program that is led by teens in the United States that want to make a difference in teen driving. The webpage contains facts about teen driving as well as ideas on how to make a difference in your community.

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Features SPORTS

RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012 RAIDERS DIGEST September 2011

Class of 2015: A Fresh Start

Page Page15 5

Girls share their experiences about Freshman Retreat Kyle Yeager ‘15 and Rachel Zinno ‘15

Freshman retreat. A name of legend.

Right after Kairos, that is.

At Regis, and in Jesuit high schools across the country, retreats are the cornerstone and sometimes the best part of the school.

At Regis, all of the students enjoy and appreciate the retreats. There is one retreat per grade level, and many young women attest to their affectiveness. Freshman girls tell their own opinions of this year’s freshman retreat.

“I liked it a lot; it was super fun,” said Katie Lechner. “It was entertaining and enjoyable to bond with my fellow classmates.”

“It was a fun and enjoyable experience,” Jillian Lesnansky said.

Emily Schaf said “I had a good time and it was super fun.”

Bre Bogle explained that “I became closer to my friends and had fun.”

So, there you have it. Retreats at Regis are kept top secret. If you were ever a freshman you know how great this retreat is. If you’re an incoming freshman or a faculty member, you now have a hint of what happens at this amazing retreat.

What Did She Just Say?

Out of context: conversations in the halls and classrooms

“I’m taking a Winston Churchill cut out to Prom.”

“Don’t go in the cafeteria. There is a bunch of boys in there.”

“Mice are allergic to potatos.”

“He totally sat next to me on purpose.”

“I put the rest of my lunch in my belly button to save for later.”

“If I don’t get married in 7 years I’m becoming a nun.”

Sugar and Spice...

Kaitlyn Vottiero ‘12

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles Ingredients ½ cup butter, softened ¾ cup brown sugar, packed 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flower 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup miniature chocolate chips Any chocolate bark (milk, dark, white) for melting Chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc for decoration (optional) Directions: 1. Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar, add the vanilla.

Slowly add in the flour and mix until incorporated. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and beat until thoroughly combined, then add miniature chocolate chips.

2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour or until dough is very firm (don’t freeze). Use a small cookie scoop to make tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a waxed-lined cookie sheet.

3. Melt the chocolate bark in a glass bowl. Dip the chilled cookie dough balls into the chocolate and scoop them out with a fork to allow the extra chocolate to drip off. Place on the waxed paper and decorate with extra chocolate, sprinkles, etc.

4. Serve at room temperature or chilled. (makes 3-4 dozen) Recipe courtesy Annie’s Cooking Lab

18 PAGE RAIDERS DIGEST March 2012 BACK Rowdies: Girls Division Style

Senior cheerleaders take on their own Rowdy profiles

PAGE 16 The RJ Voice RJ Live

Melanie Goodrich ‘12

Lauren Troksa Allie Walpole Katie Thompson

Rowdy name: Thompsonator Super power: Super eye activity

Emily Mika Whitney Fitzgibbons

Rowdy name: The Whit Fit Super power: Super cuteness

Rowdy name: Mika Lovin Super power: Super Sassy-ness

Rowdy name: Whirlpool Super power: Water Bender

Rowdy name: Tonka Truck Super power: Controls automobiles with her mind

You Know You’re a RJ Girl When...

According to the class of 2013 Compiled by Sarah Coyne ‘13

~You’re told that fanny packs are not in dress code through announcements “- Arlette Baena ~It’s acceptable to tell people how long it’s been since you’ve shaved your legs.” -Kristin Lee ~Otis Spunkmeyer is the only man in your life.” - Ashley Wilson ~You are willing to pay a dollar to dress down. Unless that’s your only cookie dollar.” - Gretchen Searle Christine La

Rowdy name: L.A. Princess Super power: Super Freckles

~You’re scared of boys/ you are deathly scared of going in to boys division and will avoid it at all costs” -Kathryn Blumhardt ~Your theology class name is “the sisterwives of Tim Tebow” -Kayli Galuzzi ~It takes you a total of two minutes to get ready in the morning”- Mandi Brown ~When you say “only at a girls school...” almost daily”- Kaley Cohen ~When they threatened JUGs for girls who passionately embraced each other over the announcements.”

-Sophie Krempasky ~When it snows an inch and you expect the day off- Casey Devlin