Elevate Vol. 8 Issue 4 | Summer 2023

ELEVATE MAGAZINE

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND REPRESENTATION IN OUR COMMUNITY PAGE 10

ELEVATE MAGAZINE

ELEVATE STAFF

@rj_media @rj_media @rjmedia

MISSION STATEMENT

The magazine will amplify voices from within our community, our faith, and our mission. Elevate will listen to and share unique perspectives through the prism that contributes to the Jesuit tradition of intellectual and spiritual growth. It will provide a forum to examine important and relevant issues while also encouraging discussion and debate.

JOIN OUR STA FF

RJ Media is an open Forum for student free expression. We meet every Tuesday after school in P102. Feel free to come by!

OUR DOORS ARE OPEN

Comments, Questions, Ideas? Come and see us in P102 or find us on Social Media.

ELEVATE MAGAZINE

DEAR REGIS JESUIT COMMUNITY,

This has been such an incredible school year and we are finally at the end. Congratulations to my brothers and sisters in the class of 2023. We made it!

It has been my hope that Elevate Magazine has captured the incredible voices in our community. It is our mission to amplify and include the voices that often go unheard at Regis Jesuit in the pursuit of diversity, authenticity, and community. Through this we can grow to be more compassionate and understanding. I hope you go through this issue with an open heart and an open mind. Hear from your classmates and be reminded of who we are at Regis Jesuit High School: Men and Women With and For Others. This is at the foundation of our Jesuit tradition of both intellectual and spiritual growth.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Elevate Magazine. Your willingness and courage to share your story and your opinions makes our jobs as journalists possible. A special thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Elevate team. Your teamwork, guidance, and perseverance is something that I will never forget. You have made me not only a better journalist, but more importantly, a better person and leader. I am grateful for the time we have spent together. These past four years have been a blessing. Thank you.

-YOUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, GRANT BARNES ‘23

COLOR PALETTE: Pantone 2347 CP, 4006 CP, 7466 CP, 3125 CP, Black 6 CP

FONTS USED: AHJ Franklin Gothic for body copy & captions

Masthead: AYT

Craft Gothic

Bold

Headlines: AYT

Craft Gothic

Bold

Subheadlines:

AHJ Bodoni Display

Bold

Drop Caps: AHJ Bodoni

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Pull quotes: AHJ Franklin Gothic

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: GRANT

BARNES ‘23

MANAGING EDITOR: MASON HARRIS ‘24

HEAD DESIGNER:

GRANT BARNES ‘23

HEAD ILLUSTRATOR:

MASON HAAS ‘24

PHOTO EDITOR:

LENNY OSUNA ‘24

WRITERS:

Grant Barnes ‘23, Jacob Rainsberger ‘23, Mason Harris ‘24, Leonardo Osuna ‘24, Sofia Rivera ‘24, Sebastian Mejia ‘24, Mason Haas ‘24, Madeline Schneiter ‘24, Hayden Oh ‘25, Oheneba Osei-Fordwuo ‘25, Emilia Hull ‘25

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Grant Barnes ‘23, Andrew Massie ‘23, Eliza West ‘23, DJay Aguirre ‘23, Ridley Soro ‘23, Lenny Osuna ‘24, Owen Weis ‘24, Manus Largan ‘24, Sofia Rivera ‘24, Sean Graber ‘24, Mason Saunders ‘24, Henry Oh ‘26, Charlie Wood ‘26 , Annalise Danaher ‘26, Maddie Remington ‘26

ADVISERS: ADAM DAWKINS ‘98, SHANE MONAGHAN ‘09

ONLINE MAGAZINE: RJMEDIANOW.COM

MISSION AND PROCEDURES

Elevate is the studentrun magazine for Regis Jesuit High School. It is a quarterly, print and online publication. The magazine strives to produce objective, balanced, accurate, and thoughtful journalism that reflects the varied interests, talents, and viewpoints of Regis Jesuit’s students and staff.

Elevate will seek the truth. Its staff will minimize harm. It will always be transparent.

The magazine will amplify voices from within our community, our faith, and our mission. Elevate will listen to and share unique perspectives through the prism that contributes to the Jesuit tradition of intellectual and spiritual growth. It will provide a forum to examine important and relevant issues while also encouraging discussion and debate.

Nothing published either as an op-ed, editorial or as a letter to the editor should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, or anyone other than its author or authors.

An Elevate editorial is the opinion of the majority of staff editors on a particular topic.

A commentary or column is an opinion of one member of the Elevate staff, not of the publication itself. An op-ed, like a commentary, is the opinion of one person, often an Elevate staff member

Bylined commentaries reflect opinions of the writers. Unattributed editorials represent opinions of the magazine’s editors and its staff.

Letters to the editor are encouraged. A letter will be published only if it includes a name and a signature. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine’s staff or of Regis Jesuit High School. Letters sent between Elevate’s quarterly print editions will be published online and then in the next print edition.

Elevate’s editorial board welcomes conversations with students, faculty, and staff. Any student can join the school’s magazine club; any student can submit stories for publication. All submissions will be reviewed by the staff and the process for considering publication will be evaluated using the same standards the staff uses for its own submissions. The magazine’s editors will withhold any submission that is deemed vulgar, tasteless, or is otherwise inappropriate.

Read our full mission and procedures at rjmedianow.com/about

Contact the Elevate Staff rjmedia@regisjesuit.com or at the RJ Media Lab (Steele Center-102). Online: rjmedianow.com Address: 6400 S Lewiston Way, Aurora, CO

Elevate is part of a program that helps offset paper consumption by planting trees equivalent to our environmental impact.

FUN STUFF

ON THE COVER

THANK YOU FR. GOEKE, SJ

REGIS JESUIT CELEBRATES ANNUAL MASS OF THANKSGIVING

Our community gathered to celebrate the final all-school mass of the school year, thanking God for the many blessings throughout our community this past year. In addition, this was a celebration and farewell to the graduating class of 2023 and Fr. Jim Goeke, SJ, for all his contributions to the Regis Jesuit community over the past six years.

We will miss you!

Photo by Owen Weis ‘24

REVOLUTIONIZING OUR EDUC AT ION

A I A I

HOW AI IS TRANSFORMING HIGH SCHOOL LEARNING

by Oheneba Osei-Fordwuo ‘25

Almost everyone reading this article likely knows something about Artificial Intelligence (AI), including platforms like ChatGPT, created in November 2022. But as much as we have all used AI to test its ability to write papers or complete homework assignments, it has impacted and will continue to change our school life.

ChatGPT currently has a few versions, such as the free version, 3.5, that we use now, and the paid version, 4.0. Despite their proximity in number, there are several differences between the two. For instance, version 3.5 is reliable, but it has some flaws. For example, it can even hallucinate information. Additionally, version 4.0 has been tested more than version 3.5, which is generally better at processing information. But as much as both have their flaws, it is possible to still use ChatGPT in a copilot setting, which refers to the AI’s ability to assist people with their work. Therefore, working with the technology in a partnership setting is likely better.

“I’m going to give my draft one, and you give me improvements. It allows us to work collaboratively with the technology because the language models allow us to talk naturally to it,” said Spencer Wagner, the moderator of the AI Engineering Club at Regis Jesuit High School.

AI is a type of technology that, despite its slow progress, has been growing and will continue to improve over the next few years. However, the good news is the amount of help AI, like ChatGPT, can provide teachers in their daily routines.

“It opens doors that have been shut for a long time, which is, I think, the number one advantage in my mind— the ability for every student to ask a different question at the same time and get different responses that are unique to what they’re looking to learn at that moment,” said Wagner.

AI could give teachers more time to get through their original lesson plans. So, it is more likely for them to focus on what the students want to learn with their remaining time during the school year. In addition, with this time, students can potentially use this technology to conduct their self-discovery of content. As long as there is a balance between academic honesty and AI assistance, technology will continue to be an essential part of the educational environment for years to come.

“Much change is expected to be on the horizon,” continued Wagner. “We students and teachers need to be adaptable more than anything else.”

RJMedia: Should students use you in classrooms?

ChatGPT: Yes, students can use me to get writing and research assistance, practice and improve their language skills, but they should not rely on me as a substitute for independent learning and critical thinking.

RJMedia: Give me ideas for a magazine article

ChatGPT: Sure! Here are three magazine article ideas:

1. The Art of Mindfulness: A Guide to Finding Inner Peace and Serenity

2. The Benefits of Travel: How Exploring New Places Can Boost Your Mental Health and Well-being

3. Overcoming Adversity: Inspiring Stories of Individuals Who Triumphed Against the Odds

RJMedia: Your favorite type of cookie?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have the ability to taste or eat, so I don’t have a favorite type of cookie. However, based on human preferences, some popular types of cookies are chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, sugar, and snickerdoodle.

RJMedia: Quick chocolate chip cookie recipe

ChatGPT:

Sure, here’s a quick and easy recipe for chocolate chip cookies:

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate larger bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies!

photo by Grant Barnes ‘23

THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS

BEEING AWARE OF THE HARD WORK ON TOP OF THE BOY’S DIVISION ROOF

Just a few steps behind Mr. Beasley on the edge of the boy’s division roof, junior Sam Koch opens a crate home to over a hundred bees and one royal queen. Despite the colony’s impressive size, it isn’t widely known that Regis Jesuit has housed a group of bees on the rooftop for the past few years. The colony began after student Brodie Halker mentioned the idea to Principal Jimmy Tricco, who immediately supported the ingenious idea. The hive has been a proactive step for the RJ community to help the environment and teach students about bees’ critical role in our ecosystem. Additionally, a business run by Koch sells honey from Regis Jesuit’s rooftop colony and has been expanding its beehive count every year.

“It’s fascinating and important for the environment,” said Koch.

These hives have been significant to the community’s environment for several years. However, in recent years, scientists have reported a mass loss in bee colonies caused by a colony collapse disorder that scientists have yet to pinpoint the cause

of. This sudden loss in bees has had a massive impact on our flowers, fruits, and vegetables that honeybees traditionally pollinate daily.

Additionally, honeybees are excellent multitaskers. Not only do they produce delicious honey from the nectar of a flower, but they also collect the pollen that allows plants to reproduce. To do all this work, the bees must collectively work together. Hives are often divided into individual groups: workers who forage for food, builders that protect the hive, and bees who keep the pack clean. Each hive requires much maintenance, not only from the bees but also from humans. Koch visits the hive weekly during the school year and even during the summer. Recently, the hive has experienced some unexpected changes due to multiple factors. Koch has had to routinely check for parasites and losses in the bee population due to cold weather and facilitate the entry of a

new queen bee.

Honeybees are hard workers and are crucial to the environment’s health. Unfortunately, pesticides, pollution, and other bugs have been factors in the collapse of so many colonies, but a beneficial, local solution is to support beekeeping. This bee project has produced over 60,000 workers from just the school’s hives, displaying the impact that even a recent project can have on the environment.

by Sofia Rivera ‘24

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FROM HERE

SAMANTHA WOODWARD FORMS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CLUB

Hayden Oh ‘25

At Regis Jesuit, many students participate in clubs while balancing their academic and athletic lives. With the emergence of a new club on campus, students can gain further involvement in the community with an activity dedicated to Regis Jesuit’s primary mission: service to others. This year, junior Samantha Woodward founded Regis Jesuit’s chapter of the volunteer program, the Children’s Hospital Club.

“It’s a club where we can all get together and focus on the goal of helping children in the hospital through blanket-making and letterwriting so that we can bring up their spirits,” said Woodward.

Woodward and the club assist in creating blankets for patients admitted to Children’s Hospital as well as sending letters electronically. Her familiarity with the program comes from her personal experiences

LIFE IS A COMPETITION -- AND FBLA PREPARES YOU FOR IT COMPETITION AND COMMUNITY

by Hayden Oh ‘25

Future Business Leaders of America offers a wide array of business categories for students to compete in the form of objective tests, presentations, or speaking events. Students in the club compete against other high school students at district, state, and national levels. This year, Regis Jesuit’s FBLA had immense success at the annual state conference with four students qualifying for the national conference, and fifteen students placing top-ten in their respective categories.

“FBLA has really taught me how to be persistent, determined, and persevering because in a moment when you’re coming up with something on the fly, you really have to keep going and believe in yourself and know that you can come up with a solution to a problem,” said Lucy Coughlon ‘23.

Besides providing students with opportunities to compete and apply workplace values, the state conference allows them to spend time with and learn

from FBLA participants in their immediate chapter and across the state.

“It’s really fun just to spend time in a hotel with your friends and go to workshops from business associates around Colorado, and I always just think that bonding time with your team is really fun,” said Coughlon.

While FBLA is heavily competitionbased, community is a core value of the organization and is prevalent in every meeting and conference.

“It would be really amazing if kids felt like they could be welcomed to this community rather than just competition, and I just hope that it becomes more of a family,” Coughlon explained when asked about her hopes for the club after her graduation.

FBLA has played an integral role

in the hospital, which have grown her interest in healthcare along with her commitment to giving back to her community.

“I broke my foot twice last year, so I was in the hospital a lot getting checked-out, and I met and saw a lot of children who were going through stuff a lot harder than what I was going through, so I wanted to find a way that I could help them,” she explained.

Woodward works closely with the volunteer coordinator at the Children’s Hospital Anschutz to find ways to support patients and their families. She encourages students who want to help support kids in the hospital and to make a difference to join the Children’s Hospital Club.

“I hope that this club can create men and women with and for others and serve Regis’ mission for the children.”

in its members’ high school experience as it has embedded in them workplace and community values. The club has successfully shaped a tight-knit community of businessminded students, and it is excited to welcome new members in the following school year.

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

logo design by Josie Sullivan ‘23

by

A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND HEALING

EMBARKING ON THE PILGRIMAGE TO CHIMAYÓ, NEW MEXICO

From our first steps on the journey, reverence washed over us. This was not an ordinary hike in the woods. It was not an escape from our classes and an excuse to get far away. Instead, this was a journey to find ourselves, to speak to God, to thank him for what we have, and for the guidance to help us find what we are looking for. With 12 seniors, three adult leaders, and our three Pilgrimage Guides, our expedition began, and we were well on our way to Chimayó, New Mexico.

One of the most valuable moments from this retreat away was the time to speak to and understand our classmates. During these final months of high school, we were able to talk to each other, some of whom we did not all know well, about what was on our minds and our thoughts about life after graduation.

“My connection back to God was a significant part of my journey, and I felt really close to Him through all the people on the pilgrimage. My new friends were all so supportive of me finding my faith again,” said Lucy Coughlon ’23.

For some of us, this was the first time on a pilgrimage. The idea of embarking on a spiritual journey was something

we made together, the meals we shared, and the several impromptu hackysack games we played,” Lucy said. “It sure was an experience I will never forget, and I am so grateful for the bonds I formed that have lasted beyond the hike.”

Devin McCausland ’23 felt similarly; the time walking through nature and connecting with his classmates stood out the most to him.

“My favorite part of the pilgrimage was meeting all my fellow pilgrims and spending time with them. I also enjoyed being one with nature,” Devin continued. “Advice I have for future pilgrims is just to be present.”

In total, we walked roughly 28 miles in three days, no matter how cold it was and how much it was snowing. It was a great experience to finish each day with the celebration of mass. We were blessed to have homemade food from those who volunteered to help us and arrange where we would stay in different churches and what was once a convent. These retreat opportunities will continue to be available for seniors in the future. Even though we reached our final destination in Chimayó, our journey was far from over.

story and photos by Grant Barnes ‘23

WISH WEEK 2023

During a week full of themed days and activities, the community participated in fundraising, collecting over $20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Colorado. This money went towards David’s wish to meet his favorite soccer player, as well for the wishes from other kids throughout Colorado.

DAVID AND HIS FAMILY RUN ONTO THE GYM FLOOR to kick off the Wish Week assembly and the activities that followed.

Photo by Owen Weis ‘24

SOCCER GAME

MARIO’S REVIEWS

STUDENTS TAPE

MR. ALCORN ‘99 TO THE WALL to continue to raise money and have a laugh.

Photo by Maddie Remington ‘26

STUDENTS VS TEACHERS

David and students defeated the teachers in a back and forth match. Photo by Owen Weis ‘24

PUTS DAVID TO THE TEST as he rates a selection of hamburgers in front of the whole school.

Photo by Owen Weis ‘24

DAVID LEAVES DIRK MORLEY ‘23 IN THE DUST during an exciting race of Mario Kart in the gym.

Photo by Owen Weis ‘24

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND REPRESENTATION IN OUR COMMUNITY

UNIFIED AS ONE TEAM

RJ SPECIAL OLYMPICS HONORED AS 2023 HALL OF FAME SCHOOL

Over 300 students participated in this year’s Polar Plunge and showed support for Special Olympics Colorado, a nonprofit organization with the goal to end discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Collectively, the community raised $34,000 and had over 300 students participate. Regis Jesuit was the highest raising team of the event and was chosen as the 2023 Hall of Fame School of the Year.

“The Plunge itself was a strange experience. I don’t think I’ve ever had my legs go numb within a second of jumping into water before,” said Myles KopfleMaurer ‘23. “Overall, plunging into the reservoir was a lot of fun, and definitely caused a sense of camaraderie between the people on my team.”

There will be opportunities this summer to be involved with Special Olympics. For questions and more information on how to participate email SpecialOlympics@regisjesuit.com.

by Grant Barnes ‘23 photos courtesy of Regis Jesuit’s Communications Office and Mrs. Marianne Buehler

REGIS JESUIT’S APPROACH TO DIVERSITY

HOW OUR MISSION REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND COMMUNITY

by Lenny Osuna ‘24

Harris

In the past few decades, the importance of recognizing, respecting, and celebrating diversity within our society has grown. Regis Jesuit has taken this importance to heart and has been finding ways to incorporate diversity into their mission as a Catholic institution. The importance of diversity and inclusion has been exemplified in Regis Jesuit’s mission statement for many years. This mission statement lays out how Regis Jesuit should follow their Catholic identity, while also becoming more diverse and accepting of all religions and cultural backgrounds. The main question is in what ways has Regis Jesuit become more diverse and how do we continue to

push for greater diversity in our community?

“A big part of what we’re doing from a diversity and inclusion standpoint is how do we love all of our neighbors in a deeper way,” said Dr. Sajit Kabadi, assistant principal for mission, ministry, and diversity at Regis Jesuit. “That involves being with one another and being present to one another.”

This deeper love that Dr. Kabadi mentions allows us to create a deeper connection, which is what Regis is trying to accomplish with their key statement, heard repeatedly by students: “Men and Women, With and for Others.” Regis Jesuit looks to create men and

women that have experienced countless different perspectives of our common home. There seems to be immense importance on creating new relationships that “transcend those things that potentially divide us,” as Dr. Kabadi said. Among our community, having more cultural and religious diversity will potentially create more divide among political and social issues, but the point of Regis’ mission is that a deeper relationship will go beyond our possible dividers.

“One of the things we’re always trying to be mindful of and cognizant of is building relationships with one another that is not often about what is going on immediately in that classroom, or on the athletic field, or in that extracurricular activity,” continued Dr. Kabadi. “But about the person themselves.”

Regis Jesuit is trying to create situations

and Mason

‘24 photo illustration by Waverly Aye ‘24

in which students can connect with each other beyond the ground-level conversations that are often heard in classrooms or hallways. The hope is that, through the annual retreats for students and the many social events held around campus, the students may begin to develop deeper relationships that last throughout high school and beyond. These events help to create smaller social circles where the students can truly get to know one another. The best way to create the deep relationships to which Regis is striving for is by creating more personal situations that allow the students to open up to one another and foster the friendship that is central to Regis’ teachings. These deep relationships that Regis is ultimately trying to create help the students be more inclusive of all people around them. Deep relationships transcend those cultural and religious divides that keep us separate and bring us together in a more inclusive mindset.

Ultimately, Regis Jesuit is trying to encourage deeper relationships among students because that is inevitably the best way to create “men and women, with and for others.” The camaraderie experienced at Regis Jesuit is what truly forms students into the ideal that Regis’ mission is trying to accomplish. The diversity around the school not only helps students form deeper and more inclusive relationships but also allows students access to multiple

perspectives of the world around us. Having a larger knowledge of the world around us allows students to become “committed to doing justice,” one of the five ideals of the graduate at graduation.

“We want to pass that on and expand that beyond our community, whether it’s immersions, whether it’s attending conferences or extracurricular activities where all of us can meet with other communities,” said Dr. Kabadi.

As Father Greg Boyle mentioned when he spoke at Regis Jesuit, Regis is not a place to which we come to, but rather a place from which we leave. The vast diversity and the relationships we create help us be more loving and committed to doing justice. These two ideals help us to go out into the world and make the world a better place. Regis is dedicated to fostering relationships with students from diverse backgrounds to further spread their messages of Catholic teaching.

“As a Catholic institution, we need to instill greater and constant solidarity among all of us,” said Dr. Kabadi. “That all our concerns, all our passions, all converge into one thing, which is to love, serve, and reverence God and one another.”

TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1709

61.6% CATHOLIC 29.96% BIPOC

5.9% BLACK 1053 STUDENTS 60 STUDENTS

3.54% ASIAN

5.84% MULTIRACIAL 99 STUDENTS

12.68% HISPANIC

0.18% NATIVE AMERICAN

1.59% OTHER

STUDENTS

0.47% NATIVE HAWAIIAN 8 STUDENTS

CELEBRATING THE INCLUSION OF OUR FIRST MALE CHEERLEADER

by Jacob Rainsberger

Barnes

CHEERING ON CHANGE R

egis Jesuit’s Raiders have always been known for their spirit and community. But this year, the school is taking school spirit with the Cheer team to a whole new level with the addition of its first male cheerleader, Ross Smallwood.

“A lot of my friends were [in cheer], and it sparked an interest in me when I heard how much fun my friends were having. It started getting more real when the coaches said they were looking for boys, and I got invited to try out for the team. Everything perfectly fell into place,” he said.

As the first male cheerleader at Regis Jesuit, Ross has broken down barriers and paved the way for future students. His accomplishments on the team as an athlete and a friend don’t go unnoticed and will forever be associated with hard work and determination.

Ross’s impact goes beyond just breaking down barriers. He has also brought a new level of energy and excitement to the cheer team. The famous “One-Man” stunt requires great strength and focus to pull off. This co-ed stunt requires one person to suspend another teammate in the air. Ava-Rae Chilcott ’24, a star flyer on the cheer team, says that Ross helps to toss her and other flyers into the air effortlessly and catches them safely by their feet.

“One-Man is our big thing, and Ross plays a crucial part because he’s so strong. He makes it so much easier because he’s just such a good stunner and a natural learner,” she said.

With the guidance and support from his teammates and coaches, Ross has successfully showed school spirit at sporting events and school events, most recently at the Wish Week assembly. He also trains and practices for the team’s competitions, where the squad is really put to the test.

With this being her first season coaching cheer at Regis Jesuit, Coach Shelby has led the team to a successful record—placing twice as first place and one fourth place title. The team competed in the State Competitions last December and Nationals in Florida, where they competed in the 5A Game Day category.

Ross is graduating this spring and will be attending San Diego State University with plans to try out for their cheer team. He is thankful for this past year and the relationships he has made.

“I think for both boys and girls alike, even if you don’t have any cheer experience, I say go for it. Start talking to the coaches and the team,” he said. “Colorado has so many amazing cheer gyms that can get you trained. Just go for it. It’s the best family at Regis and I can confidently say that we are the closest people that are in the athletic community at Regis.”

As this was Ross’s first and only season on the Regis Jesuit cheer team, Ryan Shula, Ava-Rae Chilcott, and Alyssa Lico left messages for Ross:

‘23 and Grant

‘23

photo by Owen Weis ‘24

“I’M SO GLAD THAT YOU JOINED CHEER. I LOVED BEING ON THE TEAM WITH YOU. I’M SAD THIS IS THE LAST AND ONLY YEAR, I JUST LOVE YOU SO MUCH.”

--RYAN SHULA ‘24

“I LOVE YOU ROSS! YOU’RE THE BEST. I’M SO GLAD THAT I MET YOU THIS YEAR AND I HOPE YOU SUCCEED WITH YOUR CHEER CAREER IN THE FUTURE.”

--AVA-RAE CHILCOTT ‘24

“I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE, AND I’M SO GLAD YOU DECIDED TO JOIN THE CHEER TEAM.”

--ALYSSA LICO ‘23

EMBRACING DIFFERENCES AND CELEBRATING STRENGHTS

KAZ MARCYK ‘20 TALKS ABOUT NEUROLOGICAL DIFFERENCES THAT EXIST

by Grant Barnes ‘23 photos courtesy of Kaz Marcyk ‘20

Kaz Marczyk ’20 is a Colorado native, ski instructor, musician, and music producer. He is wrapping up his junior year at Regis University as a music major. Another part of his identity is his diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Aspergers is a form of autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by having a difficult time relating to others socially and often rigid and repetitive thinking patterns. This past spring, Kaz shared his experience of being on the spectrum and living with this label in his Diversity Day workshop titled “That’s So Autistic: The New R-Word?” He explained to the current students and faculty why phrases like “that’s autistic” are hurtful to someone on the spectrum.

Kaz’s persistence has helped him in many areas of his life, including academics and his passion for music. He takes pride in knowing that he will get it done if he commits to doing something. But he also acknowledges his weaknesses.

“I have a hard time setting my mind to things that I don’t want to set my mind to. In other words, if it’s not what I’m interested in, I will deprioritize it. I have to constantly fight against this,” he said. “In

other words, I lose the forest because of the trees. Sometimes I think ‘I’ve got it’ because I don’t want people to see reaching out for help as weak, and this ultimately leads to bigger problems.”

Despite these challenges, his focus has helped him excel in what he loves the most: music. Kaz’s experience is not unique. Many neurodiverse students face both strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to celebrate both. According to Kaz, a big misconception that is often overlooked, especially when it comes to academics, is that having a center for only neurodiverse students could be more detrimental than it is helpful. After experiencing this in a specialized program to support neurodiverse students, he knew that his pairing with his roommate would not work out in his favor.

“While we both were on the spectrum, we needed vastly different attention. In a wider context, instead of pairing all the neurodiverse students in one group, spread them out with neural typical (NT) people,” Kaz said. “This is how the real world is, not a bunch of Aspies in a bubble, but rather a heterogeneous mixture of neurodiversity all around.”

Neurodiversity does not look the same for everyone. Each individual has their strengths and weaknesses and unique way of thinking and learning. We can help all students succeed in school and beyond by embracing these differences and creating inclusive environments. With the right support and understanding, anything is possible.

REGIS JESUIT’S SOURCE OF STUDENT VOICE

HOW REGIS JESUIT’S DIVERSITY ACTION GROUP PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH A VOICE TO ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY

by Mason Haas ‘24 and Sebastain Mejia ‘24

Do you ever feel unheard in the classroom? Do you want your voice to be heard? Have you ever wanted to discuss issues outside of classrooms? Diversity Action Group (DAG) is a club that meets every Wednesday in BD 179 during lunch. DAG offers a safe space to discuss issues at Regis Jesuit and the problems plaguing our society. Many aspects of life are not talked about enough at the high school level, and DAG offers a voice for everyone, no matter their beliefs, race, or identity. Everyone is accepted and has a voice; Everyone is heard.

“Your voice is heard,” continued Reza Moaddeli ‘23, a member of DAG. “What you say always matters; the club exemplifies that to the highest degree.”

What was once known as the Multicultural Alliance, the Diversity Action Group works to elevate student voices— giving power to the most critical part of

Regis Jesuit, the students themselves. The moderator and Diversity Director at Regis Jesuit, Mrs. Christina Vela, working alongside Mrs. Naimah Simonson and Mr. Chris Mixon, motivates students of all different backgrounds and experiences to engage in open dialogue. The club helps students become upstanders, people willing to stand up for what’s right.

seem that way. The club allows students to converse for understanding, not for the sake of being right.

The Diversity Action Group is now one of the most influential clubs at Regis. The club has helped offer insights to school administration monthly and has offered perspectives that could be overlooked. DAG’s newest goal is adding a more diverse teaching staff and providing them with a welcoming community to be a part of.

She hopes that students who participate can see the bigger picture and understand that not every situation is one-sided, even though social media and society make it

“I hope that they’ll establish a more diverse staff, trying to figure out how we can put more diversity into our teaching staff through the hiring process,” continued Rhiann Johnson ‘24. “I hope DAG can have a really big impact in that and what that looks like in the next four years.”

“DAG ALLOWS STUDENTS TO RECOGNIZE THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF EACH OTHER,” MRS. VELA CONTINUED. “IT’S NOT JUST THIS GROUP VERSUS THAT GROUP. STUDENTS COME OUT OF DAG MORE AWARE.”

CLUBS THAT REPRESENT US

TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW OF THE CLUBS STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN THAT REPRESENTS WHO THEY ARE

by Hayden Oh ‘25

ARRUPE CLUB

“Arrupe Club has coordinated and participated in approximately 2 volunteer events per month throughout the school year! Each month, they chose an area to focus on - accompaniment, community support, or environmental stewardship – and partnered with organizations that offer opportunities in this realm.”

“Our hope is that Arrupe Club can teach students to dive deeper into their community engagement. I hope that every student in this club discovers a passion for walking alongside the vulnerable neighbors in our community.”

RJ STUDENTS FOR LIFE CLUB

MR. JON POWELL

“This year the RJ for Life club has raised over 36,000 diapers for families in need. We have attended local and national rallies to support the Prolife cause. We have attended numerous masses and prayer services in solidarity with those who have suffered from and who are struggling with decisions pertaining to abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment.”

“Our hope is to instill a reverence for life from its origin in conception through natural death. We want to make sure to focus not only on legislation surrounding these causes but to more specifically find ways to aid and relieve some of the burdens carried by those who find themselves struggling with these life decisions.”

WORLD AFFAIRS CHALLENGE CLUB

“This year was only our second year participating in the World Affairs Challenge and we have accomplished so much! WAC challenges students to make a positive difference in the world through innovating sustainable solutions to global issues. This year’s theme was ‘The Water Nexus’ which ‘describes the deep connection between several of our planet’s critical domains: Water, Energy, Food, and Transportation.’ We had two teams focus on different sustainability goals related to the Water Nexus. One team focused on the goal of Responsible Consumption and Production while the second team focused on Clean Water and Sanitation.”

“Each team identified a problem related to each goal and came up with a solution, and a proposal to implement their solution. They presented their proposals to the World Affairs Challenge. For example, one team focused on food waste and food related waste here on campus and proposed working with the cafeteria on limiting waste by using reusable items.”

“I hope that this club teaches its members and the wider RJ community that you can start making a difference at a young age. And that the difference doesn’t have to affect the world but can start with your local community.”

For a full list of all the clubs you can be involved in at Regis Jesuit, visit the “Activities” tile on the MyRJ website

“Spanish Honors Society has put on three successful events this year. One for Hispanic Heritage Month, a posadas event, and a Cinco De Mayo.”

“Through our events we have taught our student body the importance of our

culture and crushed Hispanic stereotypes. We hope this teaches RJ and our members to appreciate the Hispanic culture and take the time to learn about it instead of believing what the media makes it to be.”

WOMEN’S HOMELESS INITIATIVE CLUB

MRS. CHRISTINA VELA

“We have made lunches for those experiencing homelessness, specifically those who are living in the Safe Outdoor Spaces in the Denver area. We’ve made about 600 lunches this year!”

“Initially, this club involved going to set up a space for people who are unhoused to be able to sleep inside. While we are not able to have that direct contact

experience these days, I am hoping that the students who participate in preparing lunches still recognize that they are reaching out to other humans with their gift of food. I hope they are able to realize that people are people and all are deserving of respect, care and support. That support looks differently for some than for others as everyone’s needs are different.

photo courtesy of Mr. Jon Powell

MS. SHAYLA FREDERICK ‘14

SPANISH HONORS SOCIETY SOFIA RIVERA ‘24

MS. MEGAN GORMAN

SEBASTAIN DOGUE ‘23

HITS THE PERFECT NOTE while playing the trombone to “The Saints Go Marching In.”

GD CHORUS

SING IN HARMONY, under the direction of

VOX LUCIS

THANK THE SENIORS as Jacob Olesky ‘24 embraces Darin Aguirre ‘23 during their final school performance together.

KEEPS A STEADY BEAT providing the bass for the string orchestra to play along with.

MS.

CONDUCTS THE STRING ORCHESTRA as they played in unison.

VOX

LUCIS AND THE CANTABELLES

CELEBRATE TOGETHER during their final songs for the school year.

JULIE BURCHS

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

HARRY SORENSON ‘25

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

Photo by Annalise Danaher ‘26

Mr. Bernie Sauer ‘97.

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

A VISUAL SYMPHONY

THE Z THEATRE WAS FULL OF MUSIC DURING THE SPRING CHORAL CONCERT AND THE INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT AS THE SCHOOL YEAR COMES TO AN END

CANTABELLES

FROM THE SENIOR CLASS hug each other after a medley of songs from their previous four years singing together during a bitter sweet moment.

D’ANDRE BARNES ‘23

TRADES IN HIS SPIKES FOR THE SAX as he played during the Jazz Band performance.

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

PAVIO MONTOYA ‘24 KEEPS THE GROUP IN RHYTHM playing the bass of the band during the Jazz Band’s turn on stage.

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

REGIS CHORALE CELEBRATES THEIR SENIOR Maria Ferraro ‘23 after their final song together as a group before graduation.

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24

OUT OF SIGHT, NOT OUT OF MIND

SHEDDING LIGHT ON HOMELESSNESS WITH PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF STRUGGLE AND TRIUMPH

by Mason Haas ‘24 and Sebastian Mejia ‘24

Whether in disgust, fear, or avoidance, how have you perceived those struggling with homelessness? Did you look away and walk past or assume their worth and values? This article is a collection of stories. But, we ask you, has faith guided and influenced you? Our answers to this question echo our inner truths within the intricate anatomy of living with and for others. From the winsome warmth of a soft bed to the love-ridden shingles that shelter you from above, the value of a home is often taken for granted. However, the voices and stories of those without homes are often silenced and face brutal experiences. Within the past months, we have interviewed homelessness advocates, leaders with organizations, community members, and those experiencing homelessness throughout Denver-Metro to understand the rapidly increasing issue.

Former RJ student, Haylee Blach ‘16, shares her involvement with the community. After attending Creighton University, she began visiting homeless shelters weekly and grew a passion for helping the less fortunate. Today, Blach is now an event manager and leader with Team Samaritan in Denver, a Catholic charity dedicated to helping the homeless. Working with the homeless community, Blach urges peers to recognize stigmas and barriers around those experiencing homelessness. To make positive change, she hopes the community will view people experiencing homelessness as human, not helpless. Blach shares her experience with a man struggling with homelessness who approached a missionary, though he disappeared for months before returning completely clean, stating, “I know God loves me.” Toward the end of the interview, Haylee expressed the importance of faith and its guidance and influence alongside those struggling with homelessness. Blach recounts how countless people reach toward dedication and perseverance in battling homelessness

throughout the Denver-Metro area through Samaritan Cycling, House, and Team.

After speaking with Team Samaritan, we walked throughout the Denver area to interview those experiencing homelessness; their voices are the most critical piece of this story. Off of 17th and North Downing, we met Andy. Andy had spent 15 years in Cancun with his son before their sudden falling out; now, Andy has spent the past years battling homelessness in Denver, stating, “I just can’t seem to get out of it.” Having struggled with health barriers, Andy was admitted and quickly discharged from St. Joe’s nursing home and voiced his hope and frustration to find a stable nursing home and shelter as he ages, though it has been challenging. When asking Andy about stigmas around homelessness, he voiced how the homeless are viewed and assumed to be mentally ill and sick, as well as having no money at all (however, many receive Social Security support).

The organizations Denver Rescue Mission, Jesus Saves, and Denver Cross Roads have genuinely helped him the most throughout his journey. Andy hopes that in the next ten years, “Everybody will have a small house. They will have a phone, a landline, and a cell phone in their house. They’ll have an address to send their mail to. In ten years, I hope there is no homelessness.” From the very moment we approached and introduced ourselves to Andy, his dedication to faith throughout his life persisted through his struggles. Andy hopes to see his son again. “I will get out of it someday.”

Our second interview occurred at a bus stop, where we met Guadalupe and Aaron. Within the past months, Guadalupe has been working toward physical recovery after experiencing an abrupt hit and run, leaving his ankle severely injured, and numerous cases of COVID. While many health resources throughout Denver-Metro

couldn’t offer Guadalupe the support he needed, he finally received stable support from Denver Health. “Denver Health looks after you. I love Denver Health so much; they take care of you.” Guadalupe expressed faith’s importance and love and trust for God throughout the interview. Despite his struggles, Guadalupe articulated how he had found peace in his dedication to faith. Next to Guadalupe, Aaron spoke very little, though he shared the same trust and love for God in his struggle with

homelessness.

Reflecting on each interview, story, and voice, we identified a unified strength: faith. Despite the endeavors and betrayals of life, those we had the privilege to listen to persisted. As Andy works toward perhaps reuniting with his son and discovering the support he deserves in a local home, Haylee strives to bring awareness and change. As Guadalupe works daily to recover his health, their trust in God and magnanimous tenacity throughout life would have never been known if we had walked past with judgment.

So, what can you do? Ways to get involved include understanding that those struggling with homelessness are human, reaching out to local organizations, volunteer work, and

most importantly, spreading awareness on the rapidly increasing issue. In other words, how can faith guide you in spreading love throughout the community? Students

PUSHES UP THE FIELD

running past defenders. Kierian looks for a teammate to pass to and score.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

GROUP UP AND GAME PLAN

a strategy to finish their set against Highlands

HITS THE BALL OFF THE TEE during a round of Golf at Meadow Hills Golf Course. The team looks to send a competitive lineup to regionals.

Ranch.

Photo by Manus Largan ‘24

KATE KIERIAN ‘24

Photo by Sean Graber ‘24

JACK CROUCH ‘23

TAKES THE BALL INTO CONTACT with Luke Taylor ‘25 helping to secure the victory against East High School.

Photo by Waverly Aye ‘25

ANDREW BELL ‘24

AND COACH CARL GOODMAN strategize during warm ups before the Raider’s 6-4 victory over Valor.

Photo by Charlie Wood ‘26

CAITLIN NEUMANN ‘23

Photo by Ridley Soro ‘23

ATTACK MAN HELPS LEAD the Boys Lacrosse team towards the win and into the playoffs.

LUCY

SERVES IT UP

SPRINTS TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE and continues to push the pace in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events.

Filippini works on her serve at tennis practice. Paige Wolf ‘23, Madison Wei ‘23, and Quinn Binaxas ‘23 lead the team to success.

MEMORIES IN MOTION CAPTURING

THE FINAL MOMENTS OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR’S SPORTS

THANK YOU COACHES AND ATHLETES for amazing athletics this school year. We are grateful for our athletic trainers who keep our athletes safe and healthy. A special shout out to our athletes and teams who competed in the playoffs and in the state competitions. Congratulations to all of our athletes who committed to their sport in college. We are proud of you!

DIVES IN AND DOMINATES as the team held a 178-116 win over Highlands Ranch, extending their undeafeted record as of March.

SPORTS PHOTO ESSAY ELEVATE 23

CHARLIE KLEIN ‘23

Photo by Eliza West ‘23

JAMIE ROSENZWEIG ‘24

Photo by Andrew Massie ‘23

SOPHIA ARM ‘24

TURNS A DEFENDER from Cherry Creek helping the Raiders take home a 3-2 victory on a game winning goal from Lexi Meyer ‘24.

Photo by Waverly Aye ‘25

FILIPPINI ‘24

Photo by Henry Oh ‘26

D’ANDRE BARNES ‘23

Photo by Mason Saunders ‘24

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS OF RJTV SIGN OFF FOR THE LAST TIME THIS WEEK ON RJTV

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and everybody who has watched RJTV this year. Your support and often constructive criticism for the show has played an integral role in its success. As the Executive Producer, I have had the incredible opportunity to spend my Thursdays crafting our episodes, making sure they are informative, entertaining, and well-edited for the audience. The countless hours I have invested have not only been a labor of love but also a rewarding experience. This commitment has allowed me to develop my production skills, enhance my creative capacity, and create valuable connections with fellow students and faculty members. The passionate environment I’ve worked to provide to the club has made it possible for us to produce higher-quality content that resonates with the diverse interests of our school community. Furthermore, this journey has taught me how important it is to work with underclassmen so that they can eventually create even better episodes in the years to come. I am grateful for the high expectations and support our school community has placed in us, and I am proud to have my name attached to the legacy of this club.”

“RJTV has been my world the last four years. From my first day freshman year, I knew that I was going to do this all four years. Three years ago I didn’t want to be an anchor just yet, so I helped out with setting up the studio, holding the teleprompter, and taking pictures at sports games. The executive producers were people that I wanted to be by my senior year, and who I aspired to be. My first time anchoring was in February of my sophomore year, and I started liking it a lot. I started to grow into a leadership position last year. I started to anchor more, and got more experienced in things that I could grow in. Being the executive producer this year was one of the best parts of the year. I got to do what I loved and got to mentor newer members and make major decisions about what to put in the show each week. Being in RJTV the last four years have been one of the best experiences of my time at Regis. I’ve loved every minute and can’t wait to study sports journalism at Butler University in the fall.”

-ELIZA WEST ‘23, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR RJTV

-ANDREW MASSIE ‘23, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR RJTV

OPINION

by ChatGPT prompt by Matthew Proctor ‘24

Nothing published either as an op-ed, editorial, or as a letter to the editor should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, or anyone other than its author or authors. Bylined commentaries reflect opinions of the writers. Unattributed editorials represent opinion of the magazine’s editors and its staff. A staff editorial is the opinion of the majority of staff editors. A commentary or column is the opinion of one member of the staff, not the publication itself. An op-ed, like a commentary, is the opinion of one person, often an Elevate staff member. Read our full Mission and Procedures at rjmedianow.com/about

A NEW SOURCE OF INFORMATION

THE PROS AND CONS OF INTEGRATING CHATGPT TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS

Chat GPT is an innovative technology that allows computers to understand natural language, learn from human interactions, and generate responses that are similar to human conversation. Essentially, GPT is an advanced type of chatbot that can analyze language and respond intelligently. Whether you’re chatting with a virtual assistant like Siri or Alexa or talking to a chatbot on a website, there’s a good chance that you’re interacting with Chat GPT technology. Chat GPT has become a popular tool in many fields, including education. However, its use in schools has sparked a debate about its potential benefits and risks. In this op-ed, we will explore both sides of the argument and discuss whether or not schools should ban the use of Chat GPT technology.

On the one hand, Chat GPT technology can provide students with immediate assistance in resolving problems or answering questions. For instance, students can communicate with a chatbot to clarify a specific concept or seek assistance in homework assignments. This type of learning resource is available to all students, including those who are shy or afraid of asking questions in class, or those who may have difficulty speaking English.

Furthermore, Chat GPT can help students improve their writing skills by providing suggestions for grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. It can also assist in promoting critical thinking by encouraging students to reflect on their answers and consider alternative perspectives. Additionally, Chat GPT can

serve as a virtual tutor, helping students to review and consolidate previously learned concepts.

However, on the other hand, the use of Chat GPT technology in schools has its drawbacks. One concern is that it can lead to academic dishonesty, as students may use it to cheat on tests or assignments. This can have a negative impact on the education system and may hinder students’ ability to learn and develop essential problem-solving skills.

Another concern is that students may become overly reliant on Chat GPT for answers, leading to a lack of critical thinking skills and independence. This could also result in students being unable to communicate effectively in face-to-face interactions or when the Chat GPT is unavailable.

Therefore, schools should consider the advantages and disadvantages of integrating Chat GPT technology into their classrooms before making any decisions. To ensure that the technology is used responsibly, schools can establish clear guidelines and protocols for students and educators. These can include using Chat GPT in a supervised setting, like a virtual writing center, and incorporating activities that encourage students to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions.

In conclusion, Chat GPT technology has the potential to improve the educational experience of students by providing them with immediate assistance, improving their writing skills, and promoting critical thinking.

WE GET LETTERS. Letters to the editor are encouraged. A letter will be published only if it includes a name and a

of the magazine’s staff or of Regis Jesuit High School. Letters sent between Elevate’s

However, schools must be cautious in its use to avoid academic dishonesty and overreliance on the technology. With careful consideration and responsible use, Chat GPT technology can be a valuable tool in the classroom. This piece was written with support from Chat GPT in order to demonstrate its capabilities of writing opinion pieces and its ability to benefit one’s writing skills. The staff of Elevate Magazine does not condone the use of Chat GPT to cheat on any assignment.

*This op-ed was generated by ChatGPT, an online artificial chatbot

Would you be able to tell that this was written by artificial intelligence? Send us your letter to the editor with your opinion at RJMedia@regisjesuit.com.

THIS OP-ED WAS GENERATED BY CHATGPT, AN ONLINE ARTIFICIAL CHATBOT

by Sofia Rivera ‘24

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WITH SOPA

LEARN HOW THE GOVERNMENT PROTECTS DISABILITY RIGHTS NO MATTER MENTAL OR PHYSICAL STATE

With just over 25% of our American population identified as having a disability, how does our government ensure they are respected and remain citizens with fundamental rights? Over the years, the disabled community has achieved certain equal rights for all people with disabilities through education and legislation. In this edition of Know Your Rights with Sopa, you will learn how our constitution protects those with disabilities and what you can do if you feel discriminated against due to a disability.

DEFINITION OF A DISABILITY ACCORDING TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT:

Within the government, many groups work with disability rights, such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), the SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and the OCR (Office for civil rights). These organizations work daily to ensure all displayed needs are met. Although they all use different definitions, in the law, Congress defines a disability as “a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society.” Under this definition, Congress has set the precedent that disabilities are essential to our national policy, and that the government must ensure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Any law that goes against this may be deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory. Unfortunately, this simple recognition from Congress was not easily implemented until other programs and acts arose.

HOW OUR GOVERNMENT PROTECTS PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century, those with disabilities advocated for and were able to make a change by implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. This federal civil rights law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Just as other civil rights laws

prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion, the ADA protects those with disabilities from not receiving equal opportunities under the Fourteenth Amendment. Once this legislation passed, there were mandatory expenditures for state and local governments to follow to ensure public access, such as the implementation of ramps and elevators. At Regis Jesuit, our school is mandated to have an elevator in each building or a ramp for those needing access and designated parking open for those who need it. Still, there is hope for advancement with the growth of supporters of the disability rights group.

I firmly believe that this legislation has made significant changes to support this minority group, but there is still so much more that could be done. Many institutions get away with only having one elevator or one single accessible parking spot, even when it is evident that isn’t enough. The government must strengthen the ADA implementation to fix the gaps in the law that have not been widely addressed. Another issue is that many programs supporting people with disabilities are underfunded. Therefore, the government must work on providing adequate funding to ensure the necessary support for these citizens. Society can be a complete bystander to the inaccessibility of people with disabilities to be employed or educated, so it should be a priority for all of us to prioritize access for people with disabilities.

HOW THE GOVERNMENT PROTECTS MENTAL DISABILITIES:

Access to public spaces for those with disabilities is just as crucial as offering resources for those who struggle mentally. Before the ADA was passed, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 addressed protecting students with disabilities within extracurriculars. Section 504 is a federal law meant to ensure that all programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance are open to those with disabilities.

Another piece of legislation that protects the

right to education for disabled students is Title II, Subtitle A, under the ADA. This section states that “no service, programs, and activities of state and local governments” can exclude students. This specifically applies to public and private education. The government has ensured that no student is deprived of the right to education and holds that up still to this day. These pieces of legislation have such a tremendous impact on all citizens, especially the 7.5 million children that have a diagnosed disability in America.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL DISCRIMINATED AGAINST:

If you ever feel you are treated unjustly, remember your rights under the Sixth Amendment to a fair trial. Being discriminated against is a big deal, and although not seen often, various cases defend the civil liberties of those with disabilities. One widely known case was the 1999 decision in Olmstead v L.C., which found that the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities to be a form of unlawful discrimination under the ADA. This case set the precedent of stopping any private sector from abusing its authority to outcast Americans with disabilities. If anyone you know ever feels they are being treated unjustly, contact trusted members of the administration, as there is no place for discrimination at our school.

Let us know your thoughts! Send us your letter to the editor at RJMedia@regisjesuit.com. Thank you for taking the time to read Know Your Rights With Sopa!

OPINION

by Mason Harris ‘24 illustration by Mason Haas ‘24

Nothing published either as an op-ed, editorial, or as a letter to the editor should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, or anyone other than its author or authors. Bylined commentaries reflect opinions of the writers. Unattributed editorials represent opinion of the magazine’s editors and its staff. A staff editorial is the opinion of the majority of staff editors. A commentary or column is the opinion of one member of the staff, not the publication itself. An op-ed, like a commentary, is the opinion of one person, often an Elevate staff member. Read our full Mission and Procedures at rjmedianow.com/about

DENVER’S PROPOSED UTOPIA—WHAT WENT WRONG?

DESPITE EXTRAVAGANT VISIONS OF A TRANSIT-CENTERED FUTURE, DENVER’S TRANSIT REMAINS UNDERFUNDED, LEAVING MANY COMMUTERS SEEKING NEW OPTIONS.

While newly-formed visions of the future center around towering neon cityscapes and sleek, flying cars, there was a time when rapid transit was the primary vision of a utopian future.

During the 1970s, the newly formed Regional Transportation District (RTD) had plans to create a wondrous, unprecedented transit system. The district envisioned a future with over 40 elevated transit stations where you could press a button to select your destination, and a space-age pod would appear instantly. People across the metro area would be whisked away over a network of overhead tracks crisscrossing the cityscape. While unthinkable now, there was even mention of a subway in 1976 on the 16th Street Mall. The Denver Post called the plan “one of the boldest—if not the boldest—public works plans in Colorado history.”

The idea of a “Personal Rapid Transit” system was the backbone of A Public Transportation Plan for Colorado’s Regional Transportation District , a seven-volume set of plans developed in 1972 that aimed to unite six counties across the Denver metro area with a transit service so efficient and frequent that owning a car would become an unnecessary extravagance for city dwellers. Automated and driverless, the system would have been an unprecedented, alluring technological innovation for Denver, even by modern standards.

“You’d just press the button for where you want to go, and you’d have a nonstop trip,” said Bill Van Meter, the RTD assistant general manager of planning. However, the plan was undoubtedly far

too elaborate to come to fruition. RTD officials estimated the cost to be $1.6 billion in 1972, a budget that would have included a complementary bus system to improve station accessibility. That proposed budget would’ve equated to about $9.2 billion today—a staggering amount for any transit system. Denver requested federal funding for the grand project, and the Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) was willing, contrary to public sentiment, especially since Denver was about to host the 1976 Winter Olympics, an event that would require a monumental transit system.

“The demise was that the region voted down the Olympics,” Van Meter continued. “[The] UMTA then said, ‘Well, no Olympics, no reason for us to fund you guys.’”

As a result of the public’s vote to defer the Winter Olympics, urban planners shifted focus. Unfortunately, Denver was becoming far too car-oriented and sprawling to win federal funding for such a grand proposal over other, more transit-oriented cities. Consequently, the plan fell into disarray, and a cheaper, simpler light rail system was implemented.

“Rail transit was thought to be ‘premature’ for a region with such high automobile use, low population density, and low transit ridership,” Van Meter said.

While Denver’s awe-inspiring plan was scrapped, RTD’s voter-approved FasTracks program seeks to expand the current light rail system. Since 2004, RTD has built 25.1 miles of lightweight rail track and 53 miles of commuter rail track, launched the Flatiron Flyer

bus rapid transit service, and opened an intermodal hub at Union Station in downtown Denver. Through the FasTracks program, RTD is expanding into more neighborhoods to provide more convenient transportation options for commuters. While it’s less lavish than Denver’s proposal of the past, it’s certainly a step in the right direction, and voters should continue to support the allocation of funds for RTD expansion rails. Otherwise, Denver could become locked into a car-centric future that seems more disadvantageous by the day.

ELEVATE MAGAZINE

This spring, RJ Media traveled to San Francisco to attend the 2023 JEA/NSPA National School Journalism Convention. Among the several individual honors, RJTV was awarded seventh place in the Best of Show category for Broadcast News Programming.

Photo by DJay Aguirre ‘23