Rocky Mountain Highschool: 2005 May by Rocky Mountain Highlighter

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 32, NO. 9

1300 W. SWALLOW RD. FORT COLLINS CO, 80526

See where graduating seniors are off to after their big day, pages 6-7

friday may 13, 2005

“...EVERYTHING AS FAR AS YOU CAN SEE” FROM JOHN DENVER’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

news

2: New raised gas prices burning holes in students’ wallets.

Survival of the fittest playing out in courtyard by Sheila Millage

Reporter

10: StuCo election results finally in, and the vote went to. . .

center section 5-8: Seniors, look here for the need-toknow info on senior year.

opinion 3: New driving law limiting the age and the number of pasengers causes controversy among young drivers and drivers-to-be.

rocky sports 12: Baseball, track teams heating up for state finals. 12: Serving up Pancakes ending the year with positive feelings.

features 4/9: The seven retirering teachers saying their last goodbyes to Rocky.

entertainment 10: Everything needed to be known about this summer’s hot new music and movie releases.

upcoming events Sun. May 22: Senior Graduation. Come celebrate with the seniors and friends at Moby Arena at 6 p.m. Wed. May 25: Last day of school. Turn in all your books, finish your finals and get ready to rock for summer. Mon. Aug. 22: Summer is officially over. Come to class for the 2005-2006 school year.

Opinion Line of the Issue ...many teens are careful enough to handle passengers...however, if they end up in an accident they’re now criminals... See Editorial . . .page 3

JOY MURRIETA

DUCK SURVIVAL: A mother duck and her ducklings (above) are annual occupants at the MESA-built duck pond in the courtyard. This year 20 ducklings were born in early May, but now only 10 have survived after predators, disease and the weather. A duckling (insert) enjoys the waterfall at the duck pond.

Young drivers to feel limits

“Some ducks must die,” said science teacher Tom Creegan. This year, there were 20 ducklings (so far) born in the courtyard. Now, however, there are only 10 left. But according to Creegan, it’s good to lose some ducks. Otherwise, we would be knee deep with ducks. “Last year I shoveled 21 pounds of poop out of the (courtyard duck pond) filter because there were

27 ducks to take care of,” Creegan said As to why so many baby ducks die, Creegan said, “The three main causes of death are the weather, disease and predators. The majority of the ducks are lost to predators and we lose a smaller amount to disease.

The weather is variable.” This year, four to six ducklings died to predators and two died of disease, according to Creegan, who monitors the wildlife and the environment in the courtyard. Also, one of the adult male courtyard ducks nailed one of the ducklings in the back of the head, killing it instantly. Additionally, if any duckling is injured, Jump to DUCKS, page 2

CELEBRATING SPRING... ROCKY STYLE W ESTON ACKERMAN

by Valerie Hisam

Reporter

Car-pooling, open-campus lunch groups and dating are all excitements that teenagers get to enjoy in high school. But what do they all involve? A car, which means a license. But what if when you got your license, you couldn’t do these things, which means you are back to having your parents accompany you everywhere you go, even on dates. The law will be Colorado’s enforced, but new drivit’s not like we ing law, are going to be that was camping out. re c e n t l y passed in -SRO Scott Gammon A p r i l , states all of this. It says that “newly licensed minors will not be able to have passengers younger than 21 for the first six months” and “only one person younger than 21 for the second six months” of holding a license. “It is removing the distractions,” said School Resource Officer Scott Gammon. “[The law] is making brand new inexperienced drivers focus on the task at hand, which is driving.” Even though the law restricts new drivers from carrying under-age passengers, it is only a secondary offense, making the law apply only if the driver is pulled over for a primary offense, such as speeding or reckless driving. So, what does that mean for students? Are they going to get pulled over every time they car-pool at lunch, or to and from school? Or what about going on dates, or even better, double dates? According to Gammon, regardless of what people think of the law, it will be Jump to DRIVE, page 2

FROLICKING AT SPRINGFEST: Sophomores Amanda Goodell (top), Melissa Lindsey and Samantha Overholser (center) take a break from school to chill out with SpringFest’s numerous activities, such as hoola-hooping and water balloon tosses, not to mention the abundance of hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream offered while live music performances were offered by many of Rocky’s bands, including senior Logan Corchran (left) in his band The Lifeguard Party. WESTON ACKERMAN

Safe Sex Club latest student idea by Joy Murrieta

Reporter

The three-letter word. It more or less plays some sort of role in our lives as students—enough of a role to have its very own club here at Rocky. A few weeks ago, students

met together for Rocky’s firstever Safe Sex Club. Student initiator, senior Elyse Miller, claimed she had been trying to form the club since November. “The subject of sexuality and sex education is an issue stuck in the dark,” said Miller. Miller felt that beyond the

brief course in the school’s health classes, students aren’t given a whole lot of information concerning safe sex. Miller started to piece together information she had found on her own and began to form a Jump to SAFE, page 2

news

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Matt Leeke Leeke Almighty

Keep pranks harmless Bradenton, FL- As a result of a high school senior prank, 1,000 students missed their first two classes on account of all of the school’s locks being glued shut. The locks were eventually drilled open at a cost of about $6,000, a number that has left school officials looking to press criminal charges. Others are not so angry about the prank. “Everybody’s like, ‘Wow, this is our senior class, we’re awesome,’” said student Jessi Powell. Senior pranks, such as this, are, at their core, criminal activity. It was wrong of those seniors to hold everyone up all morning (one girl was stuck in the gym for 3 hours), and wrong of them to break in, and wrong of them to vandalize school property. Odds are that these kids that pulled the prank won’t be caught, at least that’s what the current reports indicate. These hooligans are going to be released back into society without consequence, and without any real feeling for the damage they’ve done. After all, students missed two classes. America is struggling enough right now as it is, the last thing we need is our youth being completely starved of education by rogue lock-sabotaging seniors. This school may well never recover. Students will walk down the narrow, humid halls of the school years from now and still feel the presence of this unwelcome adhesive, like a sort of disturbance in the force, for lack of a better term. Still, this senior prank actually did have a negative impact--$6,000 is coming from taxpayers for the repairs, and that’s a good sign of a bad prank. Then there’s the story of a Lakewood high school, where students completed a perfect example of an ultimate prank. At night, two students snuck in and took all of the phone cords that connect the receiver to the base and stashed them in a box on school property. In the morning, the phones would still ring, but it was impossible to answer them because the receiver wasn’t connected. The staff got bent out of shape; the kids had a laugh; no damage done. Even I’m going to remember the Bradenton class of ’05, but the bottom line is, if you’re pulling a senior prank, keep it harmless. No damage, no money owed. And make sure it’s original: I wouldn’t mind remembering the Rocky class of ’05, either. Matt Leeke was a junior and a reporter for the Highlighter.

friday may 13, 2005

Gas hurting finances Gas prices rise while wallets empty by Kevin Izard

Entertainment Editor

Summer time means fun in the sun, and pumping gas in the shade. But many students find that the almost never-ending hike in gas prices could result in students finding other modes of non-petroleum-based transportation this summer. Some students find that almost every other gallon they pump is yet another hour at work at a summer job. But the horrible irony is that students must have gas in their tank if they wish to drive to work. Junior Dave Pratt is far too familiar with the recent hike in gas. Pratt works at Cold Stone Ice Creamery, which is approximately four miles from his house. The irony is that his Cadillac only gets eight miles to the gallon. So for Pratt to break even he must work over an hour just to pay for the gas to get to

FILLING UP: Senior Andrew Pascell fills up his Ford Explorer at 7Eleven. Gas prices have affected everyone but have been especially painful for high school students who have limited funds for gas, among other things. Students prepare for the worst as summer comes and estimates for gas are reaching nearly $3 a gallon by mid-summer. KEVIN IZARD

work. This goes without figuring in insurance, repairs, saving for college and maybe a little left over to go out and spend. “My gas mileage rivals that of a semi-truck,” said Pratt, who drives a Cadillac Coupe deVille.

According to atimes.com, the price of a barrel of oil has gone up to a record high of $50.20 and there is no evidence of a decline in that price any time soon. Because of that, students are finding that in order to pay the bills and still have money

left over, they must work at two jobs. Senior Drew Pascell is an example of this. Pascell works at both Subway and Inta-Juice just to afford gas for his Ford Explorer. “Freakin’ ridiculous,” said Pascell, commenting on the resent shift in gas prices. “The job at Subway is for gas and car payments.” This leaves Pascell only the job at Inta-Juice to fall back on for mad money. Pascell spends on average $20-30 a week on gas, and he does not waste all of his gas on himself. “I have to pick my sister up from school,” said Pascell. “But, I plan on riding my bike more during this summer.” But at least Fort Collins is not seeing the highest gas prices yet, according to losangelesgasprices.com. Los Angeles is seeing up to $2.80 a gallon. However, prices like these could just be a forecast of what is to come. “A month ago two dollars sounded pretty expensive, but now it sounds pretty good”, said Pratt. “My limits probably $2.60 before I park my car in the driveway and walk it off.”

Ducks

Safe

the mother duck usually leaves the hurt duckling behind in order to guard and save the others. Along with predators and disease, there were two unknown deaths and one duck just died because it was genetically weak, Creegan said. “This is usually pretty normal,” said Creegan regarding to the deaths of the ducks this year. “The unknown two must have been eaten because there were no corpse.” But Creegan always finds a way to make the death a good one. “I fed one of the dead ducks to my snake, Sammy,” said Creegan. “He loves them. He eats them right up.” There is currently no mention of any other known nests. But staff and students should not disturb new nests if found because most likely the female duck will abandon their nest and the eggs will eventually rot. This year, students have been very respectful of the new ducks. “There was maybe once or twice that students have bothered the ducks, but most of the time they are pretty good,” said Creegan.

resource easier for students to reach: a safe sex club. “I saw a need I figured I could meet and thought it needed to be fulfilled,” Miller said. Due to several difficulties, such as scheduling and organization, the club has only met once so far. However, Miller continues to plan big and anticipates future meetings. Miller denies any embarrassment, despite the misconceptions of what the club actually meets to do: “educate and inform to make smart decisions.” “We have big orgies,” joked Miller. Miller, along with staff supervisors, counselors Brad Boda and Chrystal Kelly, plans on bringing in professional speakers, as well as providing resources for anonymous questions. She hopes to give students the answers they need as well as clear up any dangerous sex myths (such as pregnancy and STD risks). The main goal, though, is to eventually petition to expand safe sex education at the school. “A club would show more support to broaden safe sex education rather than a single person,” said Miller. “It would

show support from the student body and maybe that would have a bigger effect.” Though expanding such information is no simple process, according to assistant principal Marian Kolstoe. She explains that changing course curriculum for Rocky would mean changing curriculum for the entire district. Kolstoe claims that because there is a district committee already working on the long-debated issue, the students would have to bring their petition before the district curriculum director to get anywhere. Kolstoe is more supportive than concerned over the issue, though.

“I like the fact that they have a club and think it’s pretty bold and courageous,” she said. Another factor playing into the mix is the fact that the club is student-initiated. Up until about the middle of last year, Kolstoe claims, there were no student-initiated clubs. But this year, because of changed policy, students were allowed to use the building for their innovative clubs with the provision of two staff supervisors (Clubs such as “Knit-wits” and “Bridge Club” are student-initiated, while Link Crew and Student Council are school-sponsored.) Because the Safe Sex Club is not a school-sponsored club, the students cannot represent themselves in such a matter to the district. “There’s always a chance,” said Kolestoe. “And even if the outcome isn’t what they want, they’ll gain perspective through the process.” Miller isn’t oblivious to the seriousness of her goal, either. The moral and protective balance over how much abstinence or safe sex should be taught has been a long-debated high school issue. “I understand it’s a very controversial issue,” said Miller.

tickets, but not a substantial number. Out of those students that he pulls over, only one-third are sophomores. Then, only about one-half of those would meet the age requirements of the new law. So, only about onefourth of Rocky drivers who get ticketed--about 20 in a semester-would be in violation of the law. For sophomores Alana and Ari Curtis, the law takes a new twist. Being twins, and with the

law going into effect two days before their birthday on July 3, means that they couldn’t share a car or drive the other around. But because the officials confronted this issue before, the law says that driving immediate family members under the age of 21 is allowed. For others, it’s back to the parents to provide group transportation for sporting events, dances, dates, school and just to

hang at the mall. “It makes it harder on everyone,” said Alana. “It’s just an inconvenience.” Sophomore Andrew Brodeur agrees with the Curtis sisters, but can see where the officials are coming from. “I see where they are coming from in keeping distractions under control,” Brodeur said. “But it may not make a difference.”

FROM PAGE 1

Drive

FROM PAGE 1

A club would show more support to broaden safe sex education rather than a single person. It would show support from the student body and maybe that would have a bigger effect. -Elyse Miller, senior

FROM PAGE 1

enforced at Rocky. If a car-pool of students is seen leaving for lunch, Gammon says there is no legal authority to stop them. But he says if they get stopped for a primary offense, then they will get ticketed. “The law will be enforced, but it’s not like we are going to be camping out,” Gammon said. Gammon believes that if the law were in effect now, he would be writing a few extra

opinion The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is published nine times during the school year by the newspaper staff of Rocky Mountain High School 1300 W. Swallow Rd. Ft. Collins, CO 80526. Contact Highlighter staff members at 416-7090 or (970) 416-7091 for advertising information. Also, the Highlighter staff is in the Highlighter Room, Room 528, during 4th period.

Cassie Fleming/Co-Editor-in-Chief Natalie Grimm/Co-Editor-in-Chief Emily Rubin/Advertising Mgr. Brandon Cooksey/Features Editor Trent Wahlfeldt/Sports Editor Kevin Izard/Entertainment Editor Josef Kulovany/Center/Art Editor Weston Ackerman/Reporter Ian Bagley/Reporter Tom Fry/Reporter Valerie Hisam/Reporter Matt Leeke/Reporter Sheila Millage/Reporter Joy Murrieta/Reporter Steve Underwood/Reporter Britany Slavik/Adv. Representative

Mr. Stephen Wahlfeldt/Adviser

Colorado High School Newspaper Sweepstakes 2nd place - 2004 2nd place - 2003 1st place - 2002 1st place - 2001 2nd place - 1996 1st place - 1992 2nd place - 1991 2nd place - 1990 1st place - 1987

National Scholastic Press Association National Critique All American, 4 Marks of Distinction - 2004 All American, 5 Marks of Distinction - 2003 All American, 4 Marks of Distinction - 2002 All American, 5 Marks of Distinction - 2001 All American, 4 Marks of Distinction - 2000 All American, 4 Marks of Distinction - 1999

Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Critique Silver Crown - 2004 Gold Medalist - 2004 Silver Crown - 2003 Gold Medalist - 2003 Silver Crown - 2002 Gold Medalist - 2002 Gold Medalist - 2001 Gold Medalist - 2000 Gold Medalist - 1999

Highlighter Editorial Policy The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is a student news publication which strives to report school and community events with truth, accuracy, objectivity and clarity. The Highlighter will also comment on issues of interest to its readers. The purposes of this publication are to report the news to the Rocky Mountain High School community, to provide the school community with a public forum for thoughtful discussion and debate, and to provide students on the newspaper staff with practical journalism experience. Letters to the editor are welcome. They should be signed and a home phone number should be included. The writer’s name may be withheld upon request, provided that the editor agrees the reasons for withholding a name are valid and compelling. Try to limit letters to 300 words and place them in one of the “Letters to the Editor” boxes located in the Media Center and the Main Office or give them to a Highlighter staff member, Highlighter adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt, or drop them by the Highlighter room, Room 528, during 4th period. Columnists express their own views and not necessarily those of the Highlighter staff. No expression made by the students of the Rocky Mountain Highlighter shall be considered an expression of Board or Rocky Mountain High School policy. Furthermore, Poudre School District and its employees are immune from any civil or criminal action based on any expression made or published by the students. The Rocky Mountain Highlighter reserves the right to edit anything it publishes.

3 New teen driving law too restricting page

friday may 13, 2005

very teen waits until they’re 16 for the ultimate freedom: driving. But if you aren’t able to take the big step, your struggle just intensified: now you’re not only going to have to wait for your license, you’re going to have to wait for another six months before you’re allowed to have any fun with it, and a year before it’s going to live up to its full potential. Because of the new driving laws, teens The Issue: who have yet to get their driver’s license A new state are going to be placed under passenger law restricts the restrictions: No passengers for six months numbers of passengers and only one passenger for the next six. for new drivers This law is also a secondary offense, when they turn 16. which means you can’t be pulled over just for being suspected of breaking this law alone. This seems like the government has recognized the problem of teen driving, and although they are trying to address it with this law, the steps they’ve taken here just aren’t realistic. There is simply no way new drivers are going to stop carrying passengers as a Our View: result of this law alone. Not for a whole Although the law is year anyway. based on sound Besides, many teens are careful enough reasoning, to handle passengers immediately after it is difficult to enforce getting their license, and they probably and therefore know it. However, if they end up in an unrealistic. accident with passengers in the car, even if they weren’t a factor in the accident, they’re now criminals. This is not necessary, and is an easy way to mess up some relatively innocent young people. This law needs to be revised to no more than two months for each period of restricted driving, so it won’t seem so daunting. Teens would be more likely to practice self-control for a more reasonable amount of time. Although the hearts of state lawmakers are in the right place, this law needs to be repealed or modified, and soon.

What do you think... ...About the state’s new driver law? It will not be very effective. -Adam Nye, sophomore

NYE

I think it will be effective. It is working in Washington. -Holly Kovach, senior

KOVACH

I think it will be effective, but they (the new drivers) won’t obey it. -Lance Krisl, student teacher

KRISL

The goal of the law is to save kids’ lives. I think the intentions are good, but I am not sure it will be effective. I am worried about discouraging carpooling. SAMPLE

-Holly Sample, assistant principal

Enough of the advice: Here’s to the seniors Good-bye. It’s weird. It’s like you have so much to say, but at the same time, nothing. As sappy as this time is for everyone (especially seniors), I don’t want to write a sappy good-bye column. As much advice as you will be getting from all your aunts and grandparents, I don’t want to give you advice for the future. And as much as you will be getting instruction, I don’t want to tell you what to do and what not to do with your lives. So, here’s to the senior class. Here’s to those who will be going to college, and those who will have their apartment above their mom’s garage, and to those who will be serving and representing

Natalie Grimm Grimm and Bear It our country. Here’s to you all, in whatever journeys you may come across in your lives. I guess the only thing left to say is that I hope you all make it through these next few months. What an awkward time this is. Exciting for some, sad for others, both for most. With practically a new life approaching, I guess you could say it’s all perfectly normal.

But high school has been fun, hasn’t it? Going into it, I never thought I would come out of it with as much as I am. And hasn’t it gone by fast? I can still remember my first day of high school. A few days prior to the end of summer I had run into my brother’s room to answer the phone and landed right on one of his belt buckles. It went right through my heel and I couldn’t walk on anything but my toes for about two weeks. Then, I hate pop tarts. I was running late and my mom convinced me to have one. A mixture of being nervous and strawberry pop tart, well, it wasn’t pretty coming back out, we’ll just put it that way. Then, after I was feeling a little better, I

left for school. Since I had gone to China over the summer, I really wanted to wear these pants that I had gotten there. I swear they fit when I tried them on in China, and the one other time I had worn them. But, of course, they didn’t fit when it mattered, so all I got to do the whole day besides listen to four speeches about being in high school and classroom expectations was hold my pants up…and limp around. What a great day, huh? Well I won’t say see ya, because I probably won’t, so, good-bye. Natalie Grimm is a senior and co-Editor-in-Chief of the Highlighter.

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friday may 13, 2005

Crowfoot searches for fun by Cassie Flemming

LISTEN UP: Barb Crowfoot discusses the Young Scholars program with other coordinators. In addition to running the Young Scholars program, Crowfoot also oversees Odyssey of the Mind.

Editor-in-Chief

Barb Crowfoot has one rule for what she will do after retiring. “I’m only going to have fun now,” Crowfoot said. “I’ll just do fun things.” Altogether, Crowfoot has been involved in education for 25 years, yet she began working at Rocky 10 years ago. She was first hired to work in the Career Center part time. When that was reorganized, she decided to continue working at the school. “I helped on staff, substituted here and there, and helped the school with the gifted and talented programs,” Crowfoot said. Currently, Crowfoot oversees and coordinates the Young Scholars and the Odyssey of the

CASSIE FLEMING

Mind programs. Young Scholars is an in-depth study program for 6th graders and Odyssey of the Mind is an educational program in which students, grades kindergarten through college, are provided with the opportunity to engage in creative problem-solving. Crowfoot received her

undergraduate education from CSU and then her masters from CU in Colorado Springs. There she taught junior high for six years, while also raising a family. In 1978, she and her family moved to Fort Collins, and Crowfoot began volunteering at Bauder Elementary and Blevins

Junior High school. And, even though Crowfoot is retiring this year, she will not shy away from working with students. “I will still be doing consulting for the district’s gifted and talented programs as well as workshops for collegebound students,” Crowfoot said. In addition to this, Crowfoot said that she plans to continue to do the stats for the football team as well as go to many of the basketball games. She has been doing the football stats for nine years, but even more impressively, she has been attending basketball games for 15 years. And besides staying busy with the school district, Crowfoot has plenty of other activities planned.

“I want to start a business selling wedding vales,” Crowfoot said. If that is not enough, traveling and visiting her family will also keep her busy; she has two grandchildren in Texas and her daughter is getting married this summer. And in her downtime, Crowfoot is looking forward to doing the little things. “It’ll be fun to stay at home and watch the Today Show in the morning,” Crowfoot said. As much as she is looking forward to retired life, Crowfoot also admits that there are many things she will miss about Rocky. “I enjoyed my time here. There is a great supportive staff,” Crowfoot said. “And I will miss being with the students and faculty everyday.”

Takahashi will leave impact on students, teachers alike by Matt Leeke

Reporter

IAN BAGLEY

GREAT INSIGHT: Language Arts teacher Brent Hernbloom teaches his Brit Lit. class. Hernbloom has been at Rocky for 28 years and is retiring this summer.

Hernbloom looking forward to next challenge in real estate by Brandon Cooksey

Features Editor

After 30 years of teaching, 28 of those at Rocky, language arts teacher Brent Hernbloom is finally throwing in the towel and retiring. “I’m really surprised that it has gone by so quickly,” Hernbloom said. “I have enjoyed my time teaching and the time spent working with students. Hernbloom is in his final year at Rocky and during his years here he has been very involved with the school, including advising with the school’s literary magazine as well as directing plays for 15 years. In his years of teaching Hernbloom has taught everything from speech and forensics, to creative writing, American lit. and Brit lit. In all, he has taught over 10 different classes.

“I enjoyed theater the most,” Hernbloom said. “I loved directing plays.” With the extra time that retirement will bring, Hernbloom has said that he will spend more time traveling, reading, writing, fishing and golfing. Hernbloom also started to get involved in real estate about five years ago and now runs his own real estate business, A+ Plus Reality Services. “I plan on doing real estate for several years,” Hernbloom said. “I’m excited about it.” When asked if he would return to teaching for a parttime position like many teachers do, Hernbloom cited a quotation. “It’s like Thoreau said, ‘I have many lives to live and I’m done with that one,’” Hernbloom said.

Art teacher Rick Takahasi, 59, is finally calling it quits after 28 years in Poudre School District. “I think the No. 1 thing that made me okay with quitting is the fact that I’m leaving the department in good hands. If I didn’t know I was leaving the department in such great hands, I wouldn’t be leaving,” he said. Fellow art teacher Tom Balchak, who has known Takahashi for almost 25 years, is especially sad to see him go. “I’m personally indebted and grateful to Tak(ahashi) for welcoming me to the art department here at Rocky after a district reorganization,” Balchak said. Sophomore Erik Lindstrom, who has had Takahashi for 3D design and pottery, said, “Takahashi is one of the best teachers here. I would’ve taken him next year, too.” With the time away from work, Takahashi plans to pursue

CASSIE FLEMING

SMILE BIG: Art teacher Rick Takahashi is retiring after 28 years in Poudre School District. He is currently writing a book and plans to do more fly fishing and writing.

his other passions, including flyfishing and writing. In fact, Takahashi is in the process of writing a book, the title and subject of which Takahashi didn’t disclose. “I’ve had some luck in getting some of my stuff published in things like Fly Fisherman Magazine.” Takahashi is also recovering his health after having spine surgery last year, as well as

planning on spending time with his daughter, Haley, age 8. “This is also an opportunity to raise my daughter, to be a dad,” said Takahashi. “Rick (Takahashi) has had a long, fruitful career,” said Balchak. “I’m happy for him.” “There are people that will slide in and take my place as soon as I’m gone that have the same passions I do,” Takahashi said. “They’ll do a great job.”

Retiring for Johnson is music to his ears by Natalie Grimm

Editor-in-Chief

Thirty-eight years of teaching music could be described as one big headache. But not for Neil Johnson, one of Rocky’s choral directors. Johnson, who has taught at Rocky for eight years and at Blevins for 13 years previous to that, is almost done being a teacher. Besides directing at Rocky, Johnson composes songs, judges at festivals and helps run workshops. As of now he does four or five festivals and workshops a year, but is hoping to add a few more to that number in his retirement. In fact, there are many things he is looking forward to doing. “I’m hoping I can do some handyman things and some traveling. [My wife and I] will travel with the (Barbara) Lueck’s and are planning on

JOY M URRIETA

SING ALONG: Director Neil Johnson directs Con Brio choir. In retirement, he plans to compose more musical pieces.

Europe,” Johnson said. Johnson says that leaving Rocky and directing behind will be big personally, but it will also give him more freedom. “I won’t wake up and 3 a.m. thinking about [music],” Johnson said. “I’m retiring, but I won’t stop working, I”ll just have a different goal and

purpose in life.” Although it might be hard at first to be away from something he’s been doing almost every day for close to four decades, Johnson says he will stay away for awhile. “I don’t want it to look like I’m checking up on anyone,” Johnson said. “I’ll come back and watch (concerts), but I think it’s better if I don’t for awhile.” Johnson looks at this as a new step in his life, one in which he can almost afford. But even though he will be kept busy with all of his projects and traveling, he thinks he will feel guilty, not coming to work every day. “The thing I’ll miss most is having somewhere to go every day,” Johnson said. “I have a feeling I will be guilty because I am a fixer. I’m so driven to make things right.”

senior pages

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Brandon Cooksey

friday may 13, 2005

Breakfast of champions by Joy Murrieta

Reporter

Cookie Dough

Bush speech rescheduled for ‘The Apprentice’ On the night of April 28, mister George W. Bush gave another one of those important speeches that most of us just glimpse at on the front page of the paper the next morning before moving onto more important matters in our lives. So what’s the importance of this speech or why bring it to attention, well rather than cover what wouldn’t be read, i.e. Bush’s speech, I will get right to the heart of the matter. Mr. W agreed to hold his speech an hour earlier than it had been scheduled. I’m sure this threw off many student’s schedules as I’m sure most of you had planned to watch it at its scheduled time. Now for those of you not politically attuned, I’ll explain what happened that night. Certain executives within a broadcasting station, NBC, decided that they were not going to show the president’s speech if it occurred at the scheduled time. The reason they gave for such action was that the president’s speech would coincide with an episode of the Apprentice, which of course is much more important than anything the President of the United States could have to say. NBC had to take a stand, against such an obvious disgrace to one of their great shows. Upon news of these events our president, the wise mister George W. Bush, decided to move up the time he would give his speech in an effort to avoid any problems for NBC. What a kind and thoughtful fellow that Mr. W is, I tell you… So anyway, and I understand I could be alone in thiswouldn’t want to take the Apprentice away from its fans, I’m am completely and 100 percent appalled that this took place. When popular culture and it’s form of entertaining the masses becomes more important than all else, that will be the day, but it seems were not far off. Might be time to sit down and think for a minute or two, reassess some of those values and beliefs you have- or maybe just waste it away in front of that Trump fellow. Brandon Cooksey was a senior and the Features Editor for the Highlighter.

VALERIE HISAM

COME AND GET IT: Senior Joel Atella (center) and his parents look at the scholarship program at the scholarship breakfast for seniors on May 9. The breakfast honored students receiving merit-based scholarships.

It was time to party. After hours and hours of filling out applications and writing essay after essay, the hard work finally paid off: you got the scholarship. Monday morning, May 9, marked the date for Rocky’s annual Scholarship Breakfast. The event honored those who have received merit-based funds (not need-based grants or scholarships). “I think we all need to celebrate free money!” said Char Mulnix, from the College and Career Center.

Mulnix claims that the celebration honored 120 reported students who received scholarships, and that a lot of the students have gone through multiple applications to receive them. “A lot of the scholarships are academic,” Mulnix said. The remaining scholarships are mostly based on leadership, volunteer work, or music, or the balance of each. After the honors were recognized, the staff members spoke, and the musicians played, recipients and their parents got to celebrate the fruits of their labor.

Hellyer wins Boettcher award by Josef Kulovany

Center Editor

On April 18, senior Jessica Hellyer received notice that she was going to be the 16th Rocky student since 1980 to be awarded the Boettcher Scholarship. “I was pretty stunned,” said Hellyer. “I had already decided to attend an out of state university, but with such a tremendous gift I was just overwhelmed.” And that’s not too surprising, since Hellyer was not originally

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I was pretty stunned . . . with such a tremendous gift I was just overwhelmed. -Jessica Hellyer, senior

picked as a finalist for the Boettcher Scholarship. She was one of 32 alternates waiting competitively in line for a shot at receiving the statewide scholarship. “After they sent out letters I

small wonder she received recognition for all she’s done. Among her accomplishments: Valadictorian, gymnast, and founder of her own nonprofit organization. “Often you don’t know exactly what [the Boettcher foundation] is looking for,” commented Hellyer. Hellyer will be attending Colorado College, a private college in Colorado Springs, in the fall of 2005. As for her major, she is still undecided.

Tips from seniors . . . for underclassmen

Senior final exams, periods 0, 2 and 4.

Tues. May 17: Senior final exams, periods 1 and 3 METZ

- Clerissa Metz

“Don’t be afraid to go poop here...or to be yourself.”

“Do what you gotta do and get it done. Upcoming seniors, don’t give up.

“Do your work and make sure you go to classes.”

Mon. May 16:

Yearbook Signing

didn’t get in the top 40,” remarked Hellyer. “Everyone was very qualified, and a lot of people who did wonderful things didn’t get it.” The Boettcher Foundation, established in 1937, is a nonprofit organization which pays for the college education of their 40 winning applicants. Each year hundreds apply but only 40 are chosen to receive the award. Hellyer received the scholarship as an alternate. Hellyer’s list of accomplishments is enormous, and it’s no

FELLER

-Ashleigh Feller

RUDOLPH

Party in the commons, 6-9 p.m.

Wed. May 18: Checkout of all classes; last day of class for seniors.

Thurs. May 19: Practice for the Awards Convocation in the gym, 7:15 a.m. Awards Convocation in the gym, 9 a.m. Senior Picnic, 11:301:30

Fri. May 20: Senior Checkout in the commons, 8-10 a.m. Commencement practice at Moby Arena, 11-1 p.m.

Sun. May 22: Graduation Ceremnony at Moby Arena, 6 p.m.

5/27/2005

-Vance Rudolph

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What is your best high school memory?

University of Washington: Peter DeMers Eastern Washington University: Ashley Olson

Mud wrestling at Spring Fest last year. -Jamison McMillen, senior

friday may 13, 2005

Montana State: Curtis Crane, Ozzie Owens, Brenna Priest

St. Olaf College: Bryan Pederson Martin Luther College: Emily Thomas Carleton College: Tom Fry Crown College: Joy Murrieta

-David Hitz, senior

Going to a big school with big classes. -Aaron Landgren, senior

Actually having to do all of my stuff myself.

University of Idaho: Laurel Scheiwe University of Wyoming: Lisa Brothers, Chris Irving, Shea Lafebvre, Erin Massey, Tyler Robison WyoTech: Gary Geissler, Joel Reed, Cory Van Nostrad

University of CaliforniaIrvine: Ashley Meredith

-Greg Colton, senior

That I won’t be able to do what I want to do.

-Crystal Allen, senior

What are you most excited for next year? Meeting new people. -Chad Spencer, senior

University of Utah: Callie Bolieau, Matt Mabey Brigham Young University: Joe Averill, Audrey Lister, Holly Kovach, Zac Roeling, Haleigh Schofield, Chad Spencer

The Master’s College: Gwen Yancey Chapman University: Nate Whitcomb Art Institute of L.A.: Nathan Lenke Loyola Marymount: Eli BeckGifford

A new beginning.

page

Where will the Class of 2005 seniors be next year?

When I got a titanium bar in my chest.

What is your biggest fear for next year?

senior pages

University of Advancing Technology: Kristi Swigart Northern Arizona University: Zac Taylor

University of NebraskaKearny: Brooke Cooper University of NebraskaLincoln: Cassie Fleming, Jordan Garcia Hastings College: Janet Dickey

See below

Garden City Junior College: Brycen Bell Platt Junior College: Ray Kelly University of Kansas: Kaity Manning Seward County Community College: Chris Capps

University of Iowa: Devin Quinn, Katie Smeltzer Coe College: Vance Rudolph Dovdt University: Lisa Enger Iowa State: Hannah Swambom Emmans Bible College: Andrew Webb

Rochester Institute of Technology: Hannah Price Eastman School of Music: Joel Atella

University of Illinois: Tasom Quinton DePaul: Steven Stutzman

Rhode Island School of Design: Aria Marco

University of Pennsylvania: Jessica Ehrlich Valparaiso: Jill Palfreeman Taylor University: Jackie Short

Hampshire College: Jonathan Fanning

Ohio State: Anna Gerber

George Washington University: Chelsea Bridge

Truman State: Steph Becker University of Missouri: Kelly Trimble

St. Andrews: Taylor Maul Oklahoma City University: Nick Barnaby

-Sarah Antell, senior

University of South Carolina: Megan Braun Anderson College: Emily Stirn

Leaving the country... Going into the Armed Forces...

University of TexasTyler: Natalie Grimm Trinity University: Margot Slosson

*Danielle Smith-Spain (University of Salamanca) *Kyle Anderson-Canada (CBC)

*David Beecher *Eddie Harris

*Chris Spotton-Canada (Queen’s University)

*Jake Howard *Jeremy Johnson *Shawn Strickland *Frankie Tenuta

Colorado State University: Tawny Amidon, Aaron Anderson, Dylan Anderson, Aaron Anson, John Avery, Sierra Barraza, Shelby Benson, Brian Bruckbrauer, Kyle Bunten, Ava Carey, Sarah Coffey, Greg Colton, Joshua Covington, Casey Dean, Matt DeMiranda, Heather Eakins, Tyler Ellison, Chris Ernst, Tessa Farrell, Ashleigh Feller, Andy Fisher, Curtis Gailey, Vincent Gavaldon, Beth Graham, Jeff Guidotti, Josef Kulovany, Cayla Hall, Brett Hallock, Ben Hehn, Ryan Hollen, Dana Hood, Alex Hoxmeier, Lysette Hunter, Meghan Hutchins, Kelli John, Derek LaBahn, Tim Layer, Jared Lindsey, Caitlyn Major, Teresa Martin, Tiffany McCoy, TIffany Mehia, Sarah Novskog, Eric Osecky, Nick Palazzi, Melyssa Parry, Andrew Pascell, Sean Patchell, Brian Quinn, Jonah Ricke, Jon Robinson, Jade Smith, Hanni Stanton, Melissa Still, Brittany Stocker, Cassie Strid, Steve Szczecina, Alex Thome, Erin Thompson, Whitney Upshaw, Lauren Vogel, Brittany Worley University of Colorado-Boulder: Paul Bassett, Tyler Broeren, Tyler Colebank, Logan Corcoran, Aaren Dyer, Andrea Eads, Dave Ebel, Brenda Frasier, Molly Geppert, Christine Gordon, Abby Holbrook, Travis Janke, Qwist Joseph, Clifton Manahan, Elyse Miller, Anna Morris, Kate Perkins, Eric Price, Cassia Rye, Jake Sadd, Alexa Sample, Jeremiah Silver, Brittny Spencer, Liz Swanson, Elisa Tishmack University of Northern Colorado: Shawna Anonson, Sarah Bashford, Joey Battiato, Kristin Bjorlo, Marissa Brehm, Lindsay Buell, Jessica Chapel, Angela Enix, Amanda Friend, Cale Griffith, Leah Koliha, Kalli Maher, Sam McCleerey, Chris Pilsner, Dom Rafitti, Brittany Shultz, Raeann Smith, Brittany Stringer, Dana Ziemba Front Range Community College: Savino Barella, Jake Brown, Jackson Brunmeier, Beriah Byerly, Lacey Carpenter, Rachel Christen, Joseph Cordova, Jessica Davis, Kelsey DeMarco, Amanda DeMoss, Brittany Dieters, Juul Dijustra, Katie Doran, Jacob Dubzinski, Rachel Farnum, Dennis Gardner, Andrew Gee, Brittani Gooden, Calen Haire, David Hitz, Danielle Johnston, Robin Kivette, Joseph Lindskog, Billy Maddox, Kara Markley, Jamison McMillen, Jeff Meis, Sheila Millage, Michael Mooney, Andrew Moore, Adam Neisen, Rachel Novotny, Andy Nguyen, Deena Ontiveros, Elise Parker, Bodie Roybal, Shawn Spencer, Bret Sumner, Eric Swanstrom, Patrick Terry, Mary Timby, Jenna Walters, Jonathan Wedlock, Katie Wilson Pikes Peak Community College: Thomas Ewert University of Colorado at Colorado Springs: Patrick Dawson, Megan Lindsay Art Institute of Colorado: Eric Jackson, Chris Matteson, Kyle Napelbaum Metro State: Aaron Martinez Antoine Du Chez: Katie Hager Adams State: Aaron Braun Mesa State: Lauren Grumley, Sky Tyler IMBC: Katie Kleinbeck Western State: Justin Purdy Johnson and Wales University: Megan Brigham Colorado College: Jessica Hellyer, Monica Martinez University of Denver: Grace Hanley, Keriann Tremblay, Shelby Werner College of Body, Arts & Sciences: Ashley Novak NorthEastern Junior College: Kayla Crisman Regis University: Cass Eriksen, Karla Haskell Fort Lewis: Kenny Carpenter, Ryan Embry, Tasha Radishofski, Brittany Strachan, Chris Wright Colorado School of Mines: Mike Breske, Brandon Cooksey, Jackie Stanton

senior pages

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What is your best high school memory?

University of Washington: Peter DeMers Eastern Washington University: Ashley Olson

Mud wrestling at Spring Fest last year. -Jamison McMillen, senior

friday may 13, 2005

Montana State: Curtis Crane, Ozzie Owens, Brenna Priest

St. Olaf College: Bryan Pederson Martin Luther College: Emily Thomas Carleton College: Tom Fry Crown College: Joy Murrieta

-David Hitz, senior

Going to a big school with big classes. -Aaron Landgren, senior

Actually having to do all of my stuff myself.

University of Idaho: Laurel Scheiwe University of Wyoming: Lisa Brothers, Chris Irving, Shea Lafebvre, Erin Massey, Tyler Robison WyoTech: Gary Geissler, Joel Reed, Cory Van Nostrad

University of CaliforniaIrvine: Ashley Meredith

-Greg Colton, senior

That I won’t be able to do what I want to do.

-Crystal Allen, senior

What are you most excited for next year? Meeting new people. -Chad Spencer, senior

University of Utah: Callie Bolieau, Matt Mabey Brigham Young University: Joe Averill, Audrey Lister, Holly Kovach, Zac Roeling, Haleigh Schofield, Chad Spencer

The Master’s College: Gwen Yancey Chapman University: Nate Whitcomb Art Institute of L.A.: Nathan Lenke Loyola Marymount: Eli BeckGifford

A new beginning.

page

Where will the Class of 2005 seniors be next year?

When I got a titanium bar in my chest.

What is your biggest fear for next year?

senior pages

University of Advancing Technology: Kristi Swigart Northern Arizona University: Zac Taylor

University of NebraskaKearny: Brooke Cooper University of NebraskaLincoln: Cassie Fleming, Jordan Garcia Hastings College: Janet Dickey

See below

Garden City Junior College: Brycen Bell Platt Junior College: Ray Kelly University of Kansas: Kaity Manning Seward County Community College: Chris Capps

University of Iowa: Devin Quinn, Katie Smeltzer Coe College: Vance Rudolph Dovdt University: Lisa Enger Iowa State: Hannah Swambom Emmans Bible College: Andrew Webb

Rochester Institute of Technology: Hannah Price Eastman School of Music: Joel Atella

University of Illinois: Tasom Quinton DePaul: Steven Stutzman

Rhode Island School of Design: Aria Marco

University of Pennsylvania: Jessica Ehrlich Valparaiso: Jill Palfreeman Taylor University: Jackie Short

Hampshire College: Jonathan Fanning

Ohio State: Anna Gerber

George Washington University: Chelsea Bridge

Truman State: Steph Becker University of Missouri: Kelly Trimble

St. Andrews: Taylor Maul Oklahoma City University: Nick Barnaby

-Sarah Antell, senior

University of South Carolina: Megan Braun Anderson College: Emily Stirn

Leaving the country... Going into the Armed Forces...

University of TexasTyler: Natalie Grimm Trinity University: Margot Slosson

*Danielle Smith-Spain (University of Salamanca) *Kyle Anderson-Canada (CBC)

*David Beecher *Eddie Harris

*Chris Spotton-Canada (Queen’s University)

*Jake Howard *Jeremy Johnson *Shawn Strickland *Frankie Tenuta

In the Bag

How to be stupid* *Warning this article contains sarcasm, if you do not understand or are confused by its content, consult the nearest adult. As summer approaches, we teenagers must prepare ourselves. We don’t dare enter the real world as intelligent mature young adults. It is time we empty our heads for the summer, to fit our stereotype and become the stupid teenagers we really are. Therefore, I have compiled a list of a few things that have seemed to work for other aspiring teens in the past. ◆Curse like a sailor and talk like an idiot-When you speak, substitute a profanity in place of adjectives, verbs, or pause in a sentence (f-bombs work better than most others). Though it may seem vulgar, such speech is necessary for others to respect you. Don’t bother with large complicated words such as: imbecilic, loutish, platitudinous, and churlish (all of which no one knows or cares about their meaning). Words like those shouldn’t even be thought about let alone spoken. ◆(For the guys) Sag your pantsNot just to the point where your underpants can barely be seen (pardon the pun), butt lower still. The lower the better. Everyone likes a teenager with a protruding derrière. Besides, the draft alone will keep you dry and reduce odors. ◆(For the girls) Dress like a redlight-district woman- Why wear more when you can wear less? Just like those street women, advertise what you’re selling. Show some skin and make a profit. Never mind respecting yourself, find an abusive, semitruck-driving, tobacco-chewing, alcoholic boyfriend, and you’re all set. ◆Drive like a maniac- Reckless driving needs be redefined, and it is up to us teenagers to do so. Never signal, brake or be cautious. Such things are a waste of your precious time. Next time you drive, talk on your cell phone, change your CD, eat a burger and change your t-shirt all at the same time. This will provoke the reaction we’re looking for. ◆Show up to a school function completely snookered- It helps if you’re popular, play a sport and have a large ego. Of course, you may get caught but that’s not a very good attitude to have. Try this activity with your friends, but don’t count on them sticking around if you are discovered. This stunt may even increase your popularity with other cool teenagers (just not with your coaches). If you’re still wondering how you too can feed the stereotype, there are plenty of examples here at Rocky. Best of luck to you my fellow teenagers. It’s a tuff world out there. So as you carry on in your scandalous teenage ways remember to be rude, profane and always rebellious. Ian Bagley was a senior a reporter for the Highlighter.

senior pages

friday may 13, 2005 Ian Bagley

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Seniors vote senior prom as favorite dance

by Tom Fry

Reporter

Sporting flower leis over their tuxedos in honor of the late mother of Satini Liufau, the junior class sponsors were dressed for success on prom night. Luckily, the garments fit the occasion. After months of controversy, planning and hard work, Liufau, along with fellow teachers and football coaches Mark Brook, Tom Smailes, Derek Widmier and Mike Dyer put on what has been voted the senior class’ favorite dance of the year. The nearly all-senior event was well received by the vast

majority of attendees, from the exceedingly aged (and talented) jazz band to the surprisingly entertaining afterprom. The food was a sore spot for some, and Smailes and the rest “knew [they] weren’t going to please everyone, but after the steers that were served at the Marriot [the senior banquet venue], prom dinner looked like fine dining.” The sponsors, all football coaches during the ’04 season, do admit receiving substantial help with the dance’s presentation. “The junior class officers were phenomenal and Marian Kolstoe was absolutely

HUGE,” Smailes said. Assistance also came form the University Park Hilton, which was “extremely easy to work with, both logistically and finantially,” according to Smailes. Juniors who doubted the staying power of the new prom approach will be pleased to hear that the dance will most likely have an encore next year. The approval of seniors, coupled with the more secure nature of prom’s central location make its return extremely probable. In hindsight, there were several “slip-ups” in planning that will be (hopefully) avoided

next year. “The ‘pasta dish’ incident was all my fault,” admits Smailes, referring to his false claim that pasta would be served at the dance as a vegetarian option. “Also, no decorative trees next year. Far too much carrying.” Sheepish admonitions aside, this year’s prom provided a good time for all. Considering the fuss students put up about its revision, this is quite an achievement for the men at the forefront of the operation. “For as well as five guys can do, I think we did all right,” said Smailes. “I’m just glad everything worked out for us.”

Senior Favorites

71% 56% IAN BAGLEY

GRUB IT UP: Seniors recently voted that their favorite places to go for lunch are their house, Gib’s New York Bagels, and Big City Burrito. Gib’s manager Jared West says that they depend on the high school rush for a main part of their business.

Bagels, burritos are food of choice during lunch hour by Ian Bagley

Reporter

Choices, choices. Lunch period in many students’ opinion is the best period in the day, so they choose wisely where they are going to eat. Seniors recently voted on their favorite place to eat for lunch. Big City Burrito, Gib’s New York Bagels & Deli and home were the top three picks. All three choices are fairly inexpensive and full of options. “I eat out 2-3 times a week because it’s fast and I don’t have to make my own food,” said senior Zach Stroh. “I eat at home the most, to save money.” Big City, Gib’s and hopefully home are always happy to have students dine.

“Every day we have a huge high school lunch rush,” said Gib’s manager Jared West. “We depend on [high school students] for our main part of business. Plus, several Rocky students work here and they tell their friends and more and more people come.” “Big City [Burrito] has the biggest, fattest and the most delicious burritos,” said Stroh. Big City agrees. “We’re pretty quick,” said Jimmy of Big City Burrito. “Students come for big burritos for not a lot of money.” With speedy service and wide variety of healthy dishes Gib’s provides a nice high school dining setting. “I think we’re pretty quick with our service,” said West. “We also provide a healthy alternate to fast food.”

Of seniors said senior prom was their favorite high school dance

Of seniors said that football was their favorite sporting event to attend

12% 19% 72% Of seniors said that Gib’s New York Bagels was their favorite place to go for lunch

Of seniors said that their house was their favorite place to go for lunch

Of seniors said that 4th period was the best off period to have

44% 9% Of seniors said the best thing to do on an off period is sleep

Of seniors said that AP Comp and Lit was the best class

356 SENIORS SURVEYED

features

friday may 13, 2005

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McIntosh savors last moments by Josef Kulovany

Center Editor

Cindy McIntosh will be retiring this May, after 22 years of service. And after walking out of the double doors for the last time as Special Ed coordinator, McIntosh has plans to pursue a busy retirement. “I’m looking forward to fly fishing, quilting classes, painting classes, and a lot of reading,” said McIntosh. Having five grandchildren, McIntosh expressed much interest in getting to spend more time with her family throughout her up-and-

coming retirement. She also has plans to settle down in her now house. “We built a new home to celebrate my retirement,” said McIntosh. “My husband has already been retired a few years.” McIntosh touched many peoples’ lives during her time at Rocky. After being asked what her fondest memory was, she replied under her breath that she had so many fond memories to choose from. She decided to share one of her fondest memories “I had a failing student who wouldn’t do her homework,” said McIntosh. “I told her if

she did her homework for one week that I would wear her platform shoes all day.” The shoes ended up being a size-and-a-half too small and, not to mention, three inches too high. McIntosh also volunteered a memory of fellow teacher Satini Liafau in which she yelled at him for running down the hall with a cart. Although memories like these are hers to take with her as she retires, McIntosh has permanently left her mark at Rocky. McIntosh isn’t quite calling it quits, however. She plans on returning as a part-time subtitute teacher next fall.

JOSEF KULOVANY

GOODBYE: Cindy McIntosh, special education coordinator, is retiring after 22 years. She plans to spend more time with her grandchildren in retirement.

Lilly will retire, but won’t forget all that she has touched by Shelia Millage

Reporter

“I will definitely miss the people and the kids. Just the phenomena when something clicks – it’s great,” said Judy Lilly, one of the many retiring teachers. “I will even miss all the lousy language that I hear when I pass through the hallways.”

Lilly is a Great Books teacher, along with Latin, reading and independent studies. She also enjoys watching many sporting events where she consistently scores the games. Lilly has been teaching for 38 years, 30 of them have been spent here at Rocky. Lilly decided to retire this year

saying that she would teach as long as her daughter was in school, and her daughter graduated Saturday, May 6. “I want to play a heck of a lot more bridge, learn how to quilt, continue my knitting and travel.” Then Lilly added, “Oh, and sleep past 5:30 a.m.” While teaching here, Lilly has had many great memories.

Cassie Fleming Coughing up Flem

So long farewell JOY MURIETTA

LISTEN CLOSE: Orchestra director Jim McNeal is retiring after 40 years at Rocky. He will teach orchestra classes at the University of Northern Colorado this fall.

McNeal retires after 40 years by Brandon Cooksey

Features Editor

Time to go Jim McNeal has been at Rocky since its beginning. As his 40th teaching year comes to an end, McNeal has decided to retire. “Why am I retiring? 40 years is why,” said 64-year-old McNeal. “It’s time. Leave when it’s healthy to leave not when you’re struggling.” McNeal was originally a double reed specialist at CSU for two and a half years. He then moved to Longmont, teaching there for five years. “I really didn’t decide to teach,” said McNeal. “I’m a performance major and I came to CSU to teach, because the money was good. I enjoy teaching high school better than college and I don’t have the patience for junior high.” Being one of the original teachers here at Rocky, McNeal helped make the music department successful. “I’ve loved my time here,”

said McNeal. “I opened the doors with the music program. I’m the last faculty member who was here from the beginning.” “It’s been a ball. I’ve enjoyed the daily contact with young people,” said McNeal. “Kids this age keep you young, but not in appearance.” Just because McNeal isn’t going to be working at Rocky anymore doesn’t mean he’s going to stop teaching music entirely. “I still want to be involved with double reeds,” said McNeal. “I need to get back to playing more and UNC wants me to teach a few classes.” But like any retiree, McNeal needs to work on his house and, of course, relax. “I’ll miss the kids,” said McNeal. “But not the other stuff, like CSAPs and ACTs. They just waste time. Over the years, students have become more technology-oriented, a little less self-disciplined, but they are hard workers.”

I’m not good at saying goodbye. I don’t know why. It’s just something that I’ve never been able to do very well. I’ll try and use a different set of words most of the time, like, “See ya, later.” Or something. I even went through a stage when I wouldn’t say

One of the best was when she had a student in reading class that reached 800 words per minute with 100 percent comprehension. “I was so surprised,” Lilly said. “He was surprised, too. But I knew he could do it, and I think he knew too.” When thinking of her greatest memories, Lilly said,

“Seeing students accomplish most of what they don’t think they can accomplish. It is such a joy for me.” Although Lilly’s plans for retirement are set for this year, she will continue on with her teaching career. “I will be continuing teaching Latin at CSU or FRCC,” said Lilly.

goodbye over the phone. I would just hand up when I was done talking. People didn’t like that very much. This problem even goes as far back as when I was nine years old. At that time my family moved from Nebraska to Colorado. On moving day my aunt and cousin came over to give us goodbye presents. But I was too upset to actually say goodbye. I just took the present and sat in the corner. A rather immature action for a nine year old, really. But then my aunt came up and yelled at me. The veins popped. The eyes bulged. The steam, um, steamed from her years. Apparently, he daughter, my cousin, was crying because I would not say goodbye to her. She then reached out and

grabbed the present she had just gave me from my hands. But I’m not talking about just a little tug to get it from my grip. She yanked it. I still have burns on the inside of my hands. She told me that unless I said goodbye to everyone, I wouldn’t get my gift. But I didn’t want to say goodbye. Saying goodbye would be admitting that I am actually leaving. And because I am weak, psychologically or something, I couldn’t deal with that. But, as much as my aunt scarred me, both my hands, and mentally, she taught me a good lesson. Sometimes you just gotta say goodbye. Cassie Fleming was a senior and Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Highlighter.

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features/news

Hot season Concerts, flicks ready for summer success by Thomas Fry Reporter summerevents Last summer’s music scene was a complete bust. Weak concert schedules and minimal CD releases last year marked the beginning of a musical drought that has only recently been alleviated. Fortunately, things are looking up this year. Way up. In fact, the next few months are filled with so much ROCK that the remainder of this article must be presented in bullet format. Here are some bands and events to look out for: ◆Weezer are looking to bring a little fun back to the world of rock with their new single, “Beverly Hills,” and the subsequent release of their upcoming LP. New CD: Make Believe May 10 US Tour: No Colorado dates ◆Dave Matthews Band are back together after Dave’s solo hiatus, and is poised to undertake yet another stellar tour this season. New CD: Stand Up May 10 US Tour: No Colorado dates ◆Coldplay are back with their characteristic “piano in space” sound and their new single, “Speed of Sound.” New CD: X & Y June 7 US Tour: No official dates ◆The White Stripes, lead by musical genius Jack White, return their smart, hard rockin’ riffs, severely simple drum beats, and recklessly wild live performances. New CD: Get Behind Me Satan June 7 US Tour: No official dates as of yet ◆Foo Fighters, after a rather lengthy respite, are ready to once again unleash the creativity – and powerful rock screaming – on the music world. New CD: In Your Honor June 14 US Tour: No official dates as of yet ◆Jack Johnson’s trademark mellow guitar and vocal work are at their best on his new album. His somewhat subdued live act will be augmented aesthetically by the Red Rocks concert setting

New CD: In Between Dreams Out now US Tour: Red Rocks Ampitheatre, Morrison, August 24 ◆The Wallflowers hope to pick another winner and shake their one-hit wonder status with their new album. New CD: Rebel, Sweetheart May 24 US Tour: Red Rocks Ampitheatre, Morrison, July 4 ◆Oasis will try once again to live up to the hype the music media creates around them with their upcoming release. New CD: Don’t Believe the Truth May 31 US Tour: No US Dates And for your parents’ Collection: ◆Robert Plant graces the stage once again with his new backing band and his old flame for earthy blues rock combinations. New CD: Mighty Rearranger May 10 US Tour: Universal Lending Pavillion, Denver, July 12 ◆Van Morrison is releasing yet another CD, adding to his already voluminous library of musical creations. New CD: Magic Time May 17 US Tour: Red Rocks Ampithatre, Morrison, June 10 ◆The Who are recording!? No other news here, only speculation on what an effort by only half of the original band will produce. New CD: WHO2, No official release date US Tour: No dates scheduled ◆Frank Black’s grungy, quirky style revives the creative flair of the 80s’ underground music scene. Will be backed by his acclaimed band, Pixies, for what should be an amazing night at Red Rocks New CD: Honeycomb July 14 US Tour: w/Pixies, Red Rocks Ampitheatre, Morrison, June 5

Don’t forget to forget to go to the movies this summer, ‘cause this season is going to be insanely inane in the film department. Here’s what to miss: ◆ Monster in Law perpetuates the institutional releasing of terrible summer

movies starring J. LO, only this time there’s a twist. By effectively copying the premise of Meet the Parents , Monster is aiming to become the most derivative film since Parents’ actual sequel, Meet the Fockers . Release Date: May 13 ◆ Dukes of Hazzard features Jessica Simpson in really short shorts, and that’s about it. Whether or not this makes a movie viable relies mostly on viewer age (15 or younger) and sex (male, obviously). Release Date: August 5

The list goes on, but let’s be optimistic. There are some potentially good movies on Summer’s horizon. Keep an eye out for these films: ◆Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith really needs no introduction. Even if it’s not the best film since The Empire Strikes Back, it will definitely be worth seeing. Release Date: May 19 (seniors just got a little more excited) ◆Cinderella Man has a terrible name. That said, there’s a good chance that the movie, which tells the story of a boxer during the Great Depression, will be at least on the higher end of decent, written (Akiva Goldsmith), directed (Ron Howard), produced (Brian Grazer), and acted (Russel Crowe) by the team behind A Beautiful Mind. June 3 ◆Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds could be extremely cool, with a repeat collaboration between the legendary director and actor Tom Cruise (see the excellent Minority Report). Release Date: June 29 ◆Batman Begins could be the best Batman movie since, well, ever. With Memento’s Christopher Nolan in the director ’s chair, American Psycho’s Christian Bale in the superhero suit, and Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Liam Neeson on the support team, there are a LOT of big names behind this one. Release Date: July 17 ◆Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is no sure thing, but the fact that he and Johnny Depp are teaming up again could spell success for the remake. Release Date: July 15

friday may 13, 2005

StuCo election results come in by Valerie Hisam

Reporter

The ballots are in, the campaigning is over and the new Student Council and student class officers for the school year of 2005-2006 have been selected. But there have been a few position changes in this last election, especially with the senior class. The new officers are: president Colin West, vice president Andrew Eggers, secretary Jennifer Tschetter, and treasurer Karen Hunt. President for the past two years has been Tschetter, and many wonder as to why there was a sudden change. “We had more students campaigning this year then ever before,” said the new StuCo sponsor Kara Tappendorf. “There were so many qualified candidates, but I’m excited about the kids for next year.” From Tschetter’s viewpoint, she felt that there were decisions made this year that were out of her control, ones that needed her to do her job, and that is

what she felt like was done. “There was a job to get done,” said Tschetter, “and in the long run, my hard work didn’t pay off.” But through the campaigning and surprises, Tschetter is still looking forward to next year, and believes that the officers are a good, hard-working group, even though there is a lack of experience. For West, who will be new to StuCo, being voted president was exciting, and he will be looking forward to the leadership that more experienced officers like Tschetter and Hunt can provide. West feels that from what he knows of StuCo and what he has recently experienced, the various officer positions are all similar. “The office differences are small; they are just titles,” West said. “StuCo is an important thing that is for the student body,” said Tappendorf. “It is an open forum that is for the students and those that they elected as officers.”

And the Vote Goes to... Junior President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

Evan Way Brittany Batty Kate Buchanan Karman Lucero

Senior Colin West Andrew Eggers Jennifer Tschetter Karen Hunt

StuCo Sebi Ramirez Nicole Bisetti Elizabeth Lopez Haley Hartman

friday april 22, 2005

sports

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Lacrosse looking to score at state by Steve Underwood

Reporter

With a huge 12-9 victory over Kent Denver School, the Vipers are going into the playoffs with a full head of steam. “It was by far the biggest win this season,” said junior midfielder Jacob Houghton. “It felt spectacular, because we haven’t beaten Kent in nine years. It was awesome to have finally beaten them.”

The Vipers finally broke the nine year drought against Kent on April 25, at French Field. “It was a huge win,” said sophomore defensemen Jake Cox. “They are always a very good team, and it was cool to have finally beaten them. It was a huge momentum builder.” The win over Kent and the 98 victory over Arapahoe, will be huge momentum builders going into the playoffs.

Hartman leads golf team to state by Andrew Eggers

Contributer

“I am not scared.” With that proclamation, Haley Hartman and Fort Collins combined girls’ golf team prepares for the state tournament, and there is only one thing on their mind— bringing home the title, baby. Led by junior Hartman, the lone Rocky player on the varsity team, the Fort Collins team will compete for that state title on May 16 and 17 at Fox Hills County Club in Longmont. Haley will be playing with two other girls, one from Collins and another from Fossil Ridge to challenge returning state champions, Skyline High School. Although playing Skyline straight-up may seem like a insurmountable challenge, the Fort Collins team matched the Falcons shot for shot at regionals, tying them for the

Baseball

team title with a 235 score before losing in a playoff. “Skyline won last year and we tied them at regional,” Hartman said. “ I mean when I played Rachel Larson (No. 1ranked girls golfer in the state) I played with her well. It wasn’t intimidating and I’m not scared.” Haley led the team at regionals, shooting a 1-overpar 74 on a par-73 Riverdale Knolls course. Although the Fort Collins team lost to Skyline in a team playoff at regionals, they still qualified three of their four golfers for state, which will allow them to compete as a team in state because any competing teams need a minimum of three scoring players a state. “I just hope I can carry on what I did at regionals,” Hartman said. “I just want to go out and do my best and have fun”

In order to do well in the playoffs, we must play well. We must bring our ‘A’ game, and score more than the other team. -Jacob Houghton, junior

“These wins gives us a lot of confidence,” Cox said. “If we beat Kent, we can beat anybody.

game going into the most important part of the season. “We’re playing really well right now,” junior pitcher Scott Bachman said. “We’re getting key hits and clutch pitching.” The team plays Pomona today at 12:30 p.m. at All City Stadium in Denver. During the regular

by Trent Wahlfeldt

Sports Editor

With the post-season right around the corner, the girl’s soccer team has not done as well as they had hoped. The Lobos have dropped 3 of their last 5 games and ended up with an overall record of 9-4-2, not getting as good as seed as they wanted. “Seeding is based on how you did at the end of the season more than the beginning,” senior Ashleigh Feller said. The team played George Washington High School on Wednesday before press time and if they won, they go on to play the winner of first seeded Green Mountain and Legacy on May 15. “Every game this season has built up for the playoffs,” junior Estelle Johnson said. “Every game we improve so much.” In the last game of the season, the Lobos beat Thornton 10-0 and will look to transfer the confidence to the playoffs in which they gained.

TRENT WAHLFELDT

I AIN’T SCARED: Senior Ashleigh Feller (right) fights for the ball against a Thornton player as it goes out of bounds. The Lobos won the game 10-0 and played George Washington High School May 11 in the first round of the state playoffs.

“I think ending the season with a 10-0 win was a big confidence boost,” Feller said. “We’ve never played Green

Mountain,” Johnson said. “So we have to just keep our composure and basically just be the better team.”

FROM PAGE 12

season Rocky played Pomona here and beat them 5-4 with senior Chris Capps pitching. “I think we’ll be in every game,” Bullock said. “I feel good about the team right now. Offensively we are right where need to be and defensively we are solid.”

FROM PAGE 12

Track

participants in it and that’s competing against other student-athletes from other teams. “It’s going to be different just having them there,” Scheiwe said. “But you just have to jump what you can jump.” Scheiwe, who is the top long jumper in the state and among the top 5 for the triple jump says that living up to the expectation of being that good isn’t going to be that difficult. “You just have to keep working hard and not get a big head,” she said. “Just take it one day at a time.” For the boys team, Braun and senior teammate Wil Buchanan’s goal is to win state individually and come in the top 5 as a team. Other competitive teams in the state are Smokey Hill, Montbello, Littleton, and Cherry Creek High Schools. “I hope the seniors end their season with good PR’s (personal

our “A” game, and score more than the other team.” Key losses this season come from a 13-4 loss to Cherry Creek High School and a 11-6 loss to Denver East High School. The Vipers have a 10-3 record thus far in the season. The Vipers have 15-20 seniors coming out next year. “If everybody does well in the off season, we will be fine,” Houghton said.

Girls’ soccer needs good showing

FROM PAGE 12

and Arapahoe are expected to contend for the crown. “It’s really hard to say who will be tough,” Bullock said. “I think Legacy will definitely be good. It’s baseball, anything can happen.” Bullock and his team are confident and at the top of their

We should be just fine come playoff time if we play hard and as a team.” Playoffs started on May 10 for the Vipers. They played Grandview High School on French Field , and they will play the winner of the Regis and Air Academy game. They will play this game at Regis. “In order to do well in the playoffs, we must play well,” Houghton said. “We must bring

Pancake

Trent and I playing internet games instead of working to make deadline. I am not going to elaborate on this subject, but he flat out ripped us out. Though we deserved it, because we were acting like a couple of clowns. All of my “colleagues” thought this was funny, but Trent and I didn’t. This has been one of the more fun years of my life. I owe all of this to Mr. Wahlfeldt. Thanks, “BEAST!” Due to the sharing part I have learned, that is why this will be my last column published in the Highlighter. I know, I know, I am be sad too. But cheer up, because as I retire from sports columnist, I will hand the torch over to Trent, my section editor. Keep the legacy alive Trent. Remember one thing. I am 6-foot-3, 285 pounds. Steve Underwood is a junior and reporter fot the Highlighter.

topten

Top 10: Best memories for the Sports Staff 10. Pan thanking someone way more than needed in his column. 9. Internet pool. 8. Matt Coulson’s resignation. 7. 120 degree sports office on production weekends. 6. Karla Haskell cleaning the sports office. 5. Free Pizza from Abo’s on weekends. 4. Having a 6-foot-3, 270pound tough guy on staff 3. Matt Leeke pulling chair out from under the tough guy 2. “Clowns” 1. Trying to fit Trent, Pan, and Weston in an area no bigger than an outhouse. Compiled by Weston Ackerman and Trent Wahlfeldt

Academy Gaming Center 622 S. College Ave. Fort Collins 221 – 4263 30 Fast Gaming Computers T RENT W AHLFELDT

COMIN’ AROUND THE CORNER: Junior Danielle Parry (right middle) and sophomore McKynzie Maher (left middle) round the corner during the 1600 meter race during the conference championship May 5 at French Field.

records),” Braun said. When asked what he would like the under classmen to learn from state, Braun said: “Gain

valuable experience and lead the future. Hopefully learn how to prepare, and how to act after a loss or a victory.”

After School Specials $5 for two hours! $10 for four hours! Good 2pm – 6pm, Mon. thru Fri. except holidays Good Anytime: Half-day passes (6 hours) for $15

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rockysports

Sports Editor: Trent Wahlfeldt

Steve Underwood

Friday, May 13, 2005

Baseball plans to finish deal

Serving Up Pancakes

Year ends with positive feelings As I sit back and reminisce on this year, lots of things come to mind. When I first came into the Highlighter, I was a little intimidated. That may surprise some, but it was true. The whole atmosphere intimidated me: my editors, fellow reporters and Mr. Wahlfeldt. I thought this was going to be a tough class. There is so much expected out of me, such as, proper grammar, people skills, computer skills and the biggest thing of all, deadlines. Once I got the fact that I had to get all of my stories in on time and Wes and I got Trent as the sports editor, this class was great. The first quarter of this class was a little hectic with football going on. I managed, though. This first great memory I have was when, Wes Ackerman, Trent Wahlfeldt, Matt Coulson, (who quit) and I wrote a column about how horrible the dream team was. The format of this column was set up like a play. It was horrendous and delt with many problems, but very funny at the same time. Mr. Wahlfeldt made fun of me, because my dad got all of the statistics for the story. He carried me by taking time out of his day to help me. Thanks dad. Once Mr. Wahlfeldt emerged as “the beast,” that is when I started to be myself in this class. After that happened I got all of the one liners from him such as clown and knucklehead, which is no understatement. The best memory for me in this class was when I wrote my column on the Fossil Ridge football team. I tore them to pieces because they had to forfeit to Loveland High School. They had to do this because they supposedly had too many injured players. Between you and me, I think it was because they didn’t want to get obliterated. Another good memory was when Trent and I went down to Denver for the Capitol Hill Press Conference. This Kent Denver High School student absolutely showed us up. That wasn’t cool. He showed a couple of sports writers like us what it is like to know what is going on in the world. We really went down for the free meal at Cinzetti’s. On the other side of the spectrum, my worst memory is when “the beast” found Jump to PANCAKE, page 11

No. 1-ranked team in state’s final eight by Weston Ackerman

Reporter

TRENT WAHLFELDT

STRIKE THREE, YOU’RE OUT!: Junior Brandon Buchanan (top) delivers the pitch to home against Thornton. The Lobos won the game 16-6, and play Pomona today at 12:30 p.m. Senior Chris Capps (above) throws to first after fielding a ground ball.

Boys, girls track run towards finish line by Trent Wahlfeldt

Sports Editor

This years track team has it lucky, compared to last year. For the 2004 track season, the state meet fell on the same day as graduation, therefore several senior athletes had to miss out on their state competition. This year, state is on May 20-21 while graduation is on that Sunday, May 22 at 6 p.m. “I am glad it isn’t on the day of state like it was last year,” senior Aaron Braun said. Both the girls and boys teams won conference. The girls won by over 120 points whereas the boys team topped Collins for the first time this season to give them the victory. “It was great to win it by that much,” senior long and triple jumper Laurel Scheiwe said about the girls’ win. “But we pretty much knew we were going to win.” The boys’ team however, has been trying to get that extra edge to beat Collins and finally got it in the conference meet. “The entire boys track team is thrilled to beat Collins for the conference championship,” Braun said. The state meet provides something new for all Jump to TRACK, page 11

The baseball team is primed and ready for a serious run at the 5A-state title. Going in to last weekend’s regionals with the No. 1 rank in the state by the Denver Post and home field advantage, the team began taking care of business. The Lobos beat Denver North 12-2 in the first game and then beat Columbine 5-2 in the second game of the double header. Finishing the regular season (15-4, 7-1 Front Range League), they won their conference with a 10-4 victory over Legacy. The only loss in conference came at the hands of cross-town rival Collins 4-2. Until that game they were riding a nine-game winning streak. “Winning conference was huge,” head coach Scott Bullock said. “I think we had one of the best leagues in the state so to be able to come out on top was big. I’d like to think it will give us some momentum going into the playoffs.” Last year ’s champion, ThunderRidge won’t have a chance to repeat as they failed to make the playoffs. However, teams like Legacy, Smoky Hill Jump to BASEBALL, page 11

Girls’ tennis heads to state Team qualifies eight players from regional tourney by Weston Ackerman

Reporter

The girl’s tennis team went in to regionals with optimistic thoughts. Those thoughts were met when they sent junior No. 2 singles player Erin Mathre, No. 3 singles player Lauren Anderson, No. 1 doubles team of junior Emily Rubin and senior Sidra Montgomery, No. 3 doubles team of sophomore Jen Peters and sophomore Christine Hendee, and No. 4 doubles team of senior Aria Marco and junior Ashley Gormley. With eight girls moving through regionals to the state tournamen,t Rocky is represented better than ever. As a team the Lobos finished second in their region behind Monarch, with Mathre and the team of Rubin and Montgomery winning their respective competitions. “I’m excited for state,” Rubin said. “It’s really cool that we’re sending eight people to state, and that the two seniors finally get to go. And Poudre is sending no one.” The teams to watch at state will be Cherry Creek, Fort Collins and Monarch High Schools. “Monarch is obviously good,” Mathre said. “Because

TRENT WAHLFELDT

RIGHT BACK AT YOU: Junior Brea Roth hits a backhand in a makeup match against Thornton. The Lobos compete in state today and tomorrow at Gates Tennis Center in Denver.

they won the region, Cherry Creek and Collins are also pretty good. There will definitely be a lot of tough competition.” The girls hope that although their regular season was good but not spectacular, they can use a strong showing at regionals to propel them to

statewide glory. “I definitely hope that we can use the way we played at regionals for momentum,” Rubin said. “It’s a big boost to our confidence when the whole team comes out and plays like we did last week.” Although Rocky is not considered a state power when it comes to tennis, the state tournament will be a chance for the girls to show everyone what they can do on the court. “We just need to be prepared and come out and play hard,” Rubin said. “If we play like we are capable of, we’ll do just fine.” The tournament will be double elimination with losers going to playbacks, so even if a girl loses in the first round she can still have a chance to play for a second or third place. In playbacks if a person wins third place and they haven’t already played the second place team they can challenge them for second place. The tournament began yesterday at Gates Tennis Center in Denver, and there will be 16 teams competing. There will only be two seniors graduating this year so the team will have six people returning that gained state experience this year.