Rocky Mountain Highlighter: 2015 January by Rocky Mountain Highlighter

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One-Act Wonders photo essay â&#x20AC;˘ page 16

RMHighlighter.org Rocky Mountain High School

1300 W. Swallow Rd.

Fort Collins, Colo.

Vol. 42, No. 5

Jan. 29, 2015

Evan Malone

2 page letters jan. 29, 2015

Letters to the editor

Birth control in school

Celebrity influences

Dear Editor, I believe that certain forms of birth control should be available to students. Birth control should be provided for students because this will be a step in the right direction and help prevent teen pregnancy. Providing condoms in selected rooms of the school will not only protect students from STDs, STIs, and teen pregnancy, but it will provide them with a safe place to ask about sex and issues in relationships. Opening conversation about sex and relationships will create better understanding between teens and adults. Many people argue that providing teens with birth control will only encourage them to have sex at a young age. I understand that not all parents and teachers are comfortable with the fact that teens have sex, but that is what it is, a fact. Teens have sex, protected or unprotected, even when they are told not to. Hormones tend to get the best of them and they are not yet mature enough to make decisions such as not having sex because they do not have the proper protection. Providing condoms in school will make the students feel safe and comfortable.

Brooke Garza, senior

Dear Editor, Whether you like it or not, you are influenced by celebrities and their broadcasted lives. They are on magazine covers, commercials, newspapers, and social media sites. Everywhere you look a celebrity is somewhere, being more glamorous than before. So, with all eyes on them, should they be concerned about the image they portray? Some celebrities, like Britney Spears, Amanda Bynes, and even Miley Cyrus, who show signs of rebellion and an “I don’t care” attitude, affect what children idolize and strive to be like. Even someone like Beyonce, who many young girls look up to, unfortunately has highly sexualized concerts, songs, and dress attire. These things expose teens at a young age that being overly sexual and dressing provocatively is OK. Not only are sexual content, and drug use amplified with popular music and movies now-a-days, but the celebrities in the lime-light are trying to look thinner and thinner. This is having a major effect especially on young women. They idolize the unhealthy and unrealistic weight and physical features of many celebrities.

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Most of which go to extremes to get the look they are striving for. The physical features of most female stars are created by plastic surgery and other unhealthy means of operations. Obviously they achieve this look artificially, making it physically impossible to look like them naturally. Shoving young women’s self esteem farther and farther down as they try to achieve the impossible. But why do celebrities feel the need to do that in the first place? Most are already naturally gorgeous, and healthy, but I believe that with all the pressure of being in the lime-light that creates a domino effect. Since the skinny, unnatural fad is so big right now, almost everyone is trying to achieve some level of that perfection. So there are two sides to a superstars image, the actions of the star, and the great lengths they go to in order to achieve beauty. Whatever image the celebrity decides to portray, is going to influence the lives of men and women, making it extremely important for them to be aware of the image they are portraying.

Baylee Bedard, junior

Rocky Mountain Highlighter Staff RM 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 RM 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. In order to make the RM Highlighter as professional a publication as possible, important legal and ethical guidelines will be followed. Senate Bill 90-99, enacted by the Colorado General Assembly during the 1990 legislative session, declares that “students of the public schools shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and the press.” (Colo. Rev. Stat. Sec. 22-1-120) We, the staff of the RM Highlighter, are prohibited by law from publishing certain materials. We will respect these laws. No material which is libelous, encourages illegal acts, or causes material and substantial disruption to school activities will be published. Expressions which are obscene will not be printed. Profanity will not be printed unless it is considered absolutely necessary by the RM Highlighter editorial board to express the views of the writer or quoted person. Expression which is false “as to any person who is not a public figure or involved in a matter of public concern” will not be printed. “Expressions which are in violation of lawful school regulations designed to control gangs” will not be printed. In the event of a potential controversial item, the editorial board —consisting of all the editors, the advertising manager, and the adviser —will meet to discuss the merits of the item and then decide whether or not to print the item. Coverage of deaths which occur within the Rocky community will be carefully considered by the editorial board. Natural or accidental deaths will be reported for clarifications of death and will contain a memorial. Except in extreme circumstances, suicides will not be

covered to reduce glorification of such acts. In general, the RM Highlighter observes the guidelines presented in the “Code of Ethics” of the Society of Professional Journalists. The RM Highlighter will not allow source review prior to publication, unless there is a clarification issue. Source anonymity will be granted only after careful consideration by the editor, with the editor reserving the right to make the final decision. Staff editorials shall be presented logically and will represent the views of the majority of the staff. Editorial criticism, of either individuals or groups, will be based on fact and will be constructive. Guest editorial space, the “Open Forum,” is available to anyone in the Rocky community, including students, parents, faculty, and administrators. Anyone interested in writing in the “Open Forum” should contact the editor-in-chief or the adviser, Stephen Wahlfeldt. 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 the editor agrees that 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 RM Highlighter staff member, RM Highlighter adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt, or drop them by the RM Highlighter room, Room 528, during 4th period. Letters may also be mailed to the Rocky Mountain Highlighter, Rocky Mountain High School, 1300 W. Swallow Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80526. To talk with anyone on the RM Highlighter staff, phone (970) 488-7090. Columnists express their own views and not necessarily those of the RM Highlighter staff. No expression made by students of the Rocky Mountain Highlighter shall be considered an expression of school 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. All advertisement is welcome. To place an ad, contact RM Highlighter advertising managers at (970) 488-7091. The RM Highlighter, however, reserves the right to refuse advertising which the staff considers inappropriate for our audience. The RM Highlighter is a member of the ASNE/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service, and some material is courtesy of that service. The Rocky Mountain Highlighter reserves the right to edit anything it publishes.

Editor-in-Chief

News Editor

Web Editor

Center Editor

Opinion Editor

Reporters

Features Editor

Sports Editor

Noah Fogelberg

Avery Martin

Michael Roley

Noah Fogelberg

Reyna Thompson

Trey Jouard

Pacemaker Finalist-2014; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2014; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2013; Pacemaker Finalist-2012; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2012; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2011; Pacemaker Winner-2010; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2010; Pacemaker Finalist-2009; All-American, 4 Mark of Distinction-2009; All-American Hall of Fame Induction-2008; All-American, 5 Marks of Distinction-2008; Pacemaker Finalist-2007; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2007; Pacemaker Winner-2006; All-American, 5 Marks of Distinction-2006; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2005; 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.

Evan Malone

Julia Johnson Max Miller Daniel Dideriksen Matt Wood

All-Colorado-2014; All-Colorado-2013; All-Colorado-2012; All-Colorado-2011; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-2010; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-2009; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-2008; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-2007; 2nd place, 5A Sweepstakes-2006; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-2005; 2nd place, 5A Sweepstakes-2004; 2nd place, 5A Sweepstakes-2003; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-2002; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-2001; 2nd place, 5A Sweepstakes-1996; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-1992; 2nd place, 5A Sweepstakes-1991; 2nd place, 5A Sweepstakes-1990; 1st place, 5A Sweepstakes-1987.

Contributors Rebecca Knaff

Adviser

Stephen Wahlfeldt

Gold Medalist-2014; Gold Medalist-2013; Gold Medalist-2012; Gold Medalist-2011; Gold Medalist-2010; Silver Crown-2009; Gold Medalist-2009; Silver Medalist-2008; Gold Medalist2007; Gold Medalist-2006; Gold Medalist-2005; Silver Crown-2005; Gold Medalist-2004; Silver Crown-2004; Gold Medalist-2003; Silver Crown-2003; Gold Medalist-2002; Gold Medalist-2001; Gold Medalist-2000; Gold Medalist-1999.

table of contents page 3

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jan. 29, 2015

State Bows taken given to high for PE court 6 class 12

Page 4 • Your World

■Avery Martin is back for a third time, giving his review of FOCO's best pizza ■Top Ten Ways to Sneak into the Movies

Page 5 • Q&A

■Unitarian Minister Gretchen Haley discusses life as a lesbian, minister and mother of two.

Page 6 •News

■Colorado sued over marijuana legalization

Page 7 • News

■Cuban commotion ■Sage Petersen fundraising dinner

Avery Martin Pizza Review4

Page 8-9 • Center

Page 14 • Sports

■Film-Students find love of film, Oscars preview

■Column: Avery Martin ■New varsity wrestlers making big impact

Page 10 • Opinion

Page 15 • Sports

■Staff-ed: The Pursuit of perfection ■Noah's Bark

Page 11 • Opinion

■Pros and Cons of piracy ■Carving it Up with Matt Wood

Page 12 • Features

■Archery bows donated to school in honor of teacher's father ■Student finds passion in entomology

Page 13 • Features

■Mike's Hard Facts ■Rocky Film Fest set for Feb.13

■Boys basketball shows resilience despite early season struggles ■Three football player named all-state ■Girls' swim team bonding with early morning practices

Page 16 • Photo Essay

■Annual one-act plays a huge success

Cover • One-Acts

■Senior and stage manager Maddie Titelbaum prepares for One-Acts. ■Cover Photo by Evan Malone

4 page your world

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SUPERBOWL XLIX Staff Picks

rocky mountain

Review

by Avery Martin

-NoahSeahawks-28 Patriots-24 “Seahawks win due to over inflated balls.”

-AverySeahawks-35 Patriots-28 “Seahawks are too quick and too strong, Gronk will probably put in work, but Russell and Marshawn will put in more.”

-DanielPatriots-31 Seahawks-20 “Shut up Avery, and shut up to Russell Wilson and his hair.”

-MikeSeahawks- 34 Patriots- 27

-TreySeahawks-31 Patriots-24

THE PIZZAS

Avery leads Daniel to the pond of pizza, a moment of enlightenment.

The pizzas reviewed are mainly local. The most popular Fort Collins Pizza restaurants that are not necessarily major chains and the requirement of delivery is optional. I visited each of the chains, each of the slices will run you about $2.25-3, and I have come to the conclusion that I won’t be eating pizza for at least the next 2 months, at least. If you plan to visit any of the following restaurants, don’t do them all within 96 hours. Justine’s Pizza: Justine’s is a simple style of pizza. Medium crust, medium amount of tomato sauce and cheese, and adequate pieces of pepperoni. This pizza is an escape from grease, it is definitely dry, and has a crunchy crust. Can’t say I have any problems with this pizza, it was very decent and deserves 3.5/5 Krazy Karls: Krazy Karl’s is a pretty typical pizza joint, they deliver, not too quickly. Also seriously like every club every at Rocky get Krazy Karls so the

novelty gets worn out. 3/5 Cozollas: Cozollas has a decent taste, and the rust has a sweetness to it; but honestly, it isn’t the most memorable of pizzas. It had minor grease, and was good enough to me. 3.2/5 Pulcinella: Another thin-crust pizza with a solid taste to it. Good cheese, good crust and the right amount of sauce. The only problems with Pulcinella were the repercussions it had on the stomach of the reviewer. I’m pretty positive I had food poisoning. I sacrifice for my team. 1/5 Pablo’s: The style of Pablo’s is thinner crust, minor grease and a solid amount of cheese in addition to good pieces of pepperoni. The restaurant itself is very appealing: it has an artistic look and style, partial hipster mood, and it’s good to walk around after you eat as well. Good food, good ambiance, even better with good company. The only downside could be its distance from Rocky; it isn’t a spot that would be the most accessible for lunch. But still, 5/5

-MaxSeahawks-17 Patriots-20

-ReynaSeahawks-35 Patriots-28

-EvanSeahawks-28 Patriots-24

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TOP Ten

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bread 4. Ask them to pay 3. Flirt with their mother 2. Get them tickets to an actual gun show. 1. Leave your date for Nick Fitzgerald

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Pioneer Rev. Gretchen Haley, associate at Foothills Unitarian Church talks about her life as a lesbian, church minister and mother. Q:

How long have you and your partner known each other? A: We met in 1999, so I think that makes 16 years. We are going to have our 16th anniversary in a couple months.

Q: How long were you and your partner together before you got married? A: We got married last October so about 15 years.

Q: Do you have any kids? A: I do, I have two kids. Gracie is nine, almost nine and a half, and in third grade at Riffenburgh. And Joseph is six, almost seven, he will turn seven in March and he’s in first grade right now at Riffenburgh.

Q: Are your children adopted? A: They are. Both of them are adopted through the foster

care system. We picked them both up at the hospital through Denver Human Services, and they’re little miracles. When we brought them home, Gracie was two days (old) and Joseph was five days (old).

In your experience, why do you believe that people are against same-sex marriage? A: A number of reasons. I would say fear is usually at the heart of it, and a sense of loss for a kind of nostalgia for a past that doesn’t actually exist. People have a sense of ‘if we keep strong gender roles and a sense of the family unit looking a certain way, maybe we can cling to a certain degree of control about how things all work out.’ The concept of marriage has evolved a lot, and it went through a period of time where there was an idealizing of it as the way it’s portrayed in romantic comedies, but even that is a pretty new, modern concept. Also, a lack of relationship with anybody who is gay, and a dehumanized notion of gay people. So they sense that there’s some person who is not like them in some core way and usually what I find is that through relationships and through listening to each other, transformation really is possible. People really do change their minds and I actually think that is what is at the heart of big social change: cousins come out and nieces come out, granddaughters, and sons. And through that story sharing, people started to realize it’s not just some stranger, it’s my family member. I think that it’s getting to know each other, seeing that we all pretty much have the same basic hopes and dreams.

Q: Are you confident that the Supreme Court will recog-

nize same-sex marriage as a legally binding union? A: I think I’m optimistic, I think I’m just cautiously optimistic. You know it’s a pretty conservative court.

q&a page 5 jan 29, 2015

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Pot Debate Lights Up Weeding: A worker at a pot dispensary uses scissors to cut up marijuana leaves. Colorado voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in the 2012 election.

Kai-Huei Yau/Tri-City Herald/MCT

Pottery: Jars containing various strains of marijuana sit on the shelf at a dispensary. It is legal for adults over the age of twenty-one to posses up to one ounce of weed.

Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune/MCT

Quick Hitting POT STATS:

$60 million Approximate 2014 Tax Revenue Colorado brought in from recreational pot sales

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In the year after legalization, the percent of Colorado teens that reported ever having smoked weed declined to three-percent lower than the national average.

Nebraska, Oklahoma file joint suit against Colorado legalization laws by Noah Fogelbergeditor-in-chief

Colorado is set to face its first set of significant legal challenges since voters decided to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults. In a lawsuit filed on Dec. 18, the states of Nebraska and Oklahoma filed a lawsuit with the United States Supreme Court, challenging Colorado’s legalization of the drug. The neighboring states claimed that marijuana is improperly spilling across state borders after being purchased legally within Colorado. These states make the argument that Colorado is in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which states that federal laws trump state laws, by passing state laws that are in direct conflict with federal laws. Current federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, along with heroin and LSD. Though marijuana remains illegal federally, the United States Department of Justice has allowed the states’ laws to stand, leading to a booming recreational marijuana economy in Colorado. Though he is not directly involved with the suit, nor does he personally know anyone involved, School Resource Officer Matt Johnson is well versed in legal proceedings and was able to offered his speculations regarding the situation. “I have seen some publications and some news articles where law enforcement officers from Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming have talked with different media sources about a significant increase in marijuana that they’re seeing coming in from Colorado and being distributed in their communities,” Johnson said. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers claims that he will rigorously defend Colorado’s legalization laws in the Supreme Court, claiming that the suit is attempting to place blame on the voters of Colorado for the federal government not enforcing its own laws. Critics have been vocal in their opposition to the lawsuit, pointing out perceived flaws in the mechanics of one state suing another due to a lack of federal law enforcement. “One state can’t sue a neighboring state on how the federal government handles their regulation of the states. It still remains a federal crime to transport marijuana across state lines but that is on the person doing the crime, not the state,” Jeff Wertz, an attorney based in Aspen, said. Wertz serves on the National Legal Committee of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, the main pro-pot advocacy group in the United States. The legalization of marijuana has brought significant change to how law enforcement deals with its related offenses. As opposed to charging anyone found to be in possession of the drug, it is now treated similarly to alcohol. Under Colorado law, adults over the age of twenty-one may possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and may enjoy the bud in private places, not open to the public. Whether or not Colorado’s pot laws stand the test of the Supreme Court is yet to be seen as months, perhaps years, of court proceedings are likely in the near future. “Whether or not the federal government is going to engage in personal use levels of marijuana, I don’t know. It will be very interesting to see how that all works out,” Johnson said.

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jan. 29, 2015

Diplomatic relations with Cuba to resume by Matt Woodreporter

In December, President Barack Obama announced a historic decision to open up trade relations with Cuba. After more than fifty years of hostility, the two countries began to thaw their relationship and restore normal diplomatic ties that had been strained during the Cold War. This means that the importation and exportation of products is no longer illegal. Cuban goods that had formerly been prohibited in the United States have now become legal to own and trade. Many Americans expressed their jubilation that Cuban cigars will now be legal and more easily obtainable. “U.S. manufacturers, producers and farmers are already starting to ship things to Cuba,” Charlie Ross, a Rocky history teacher, said. “Contracts are being made and millions of dollars of goods will be exchanged in the future.” Tourism is also something Cuba has to offer to an American market. “I think its potential impact has to be considered,” Chris Nickel, husband of administrator Tyler Nickel and social studies teacher at Boltz Middle School, said. “With the embargo lifted, resort options will start to open up, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Cuba become a major tourist attraction for Americans.” Recently, there have been talks going on about reopening embassies and sending ambassadors, a diplomatic motion that has happened since 1961. These talks were visited by Roberta Jacobson, a United States Department of State official, who is the highest-ranking official to visit Cuba in 35 years. Obama recently urged Congress to lift the embargo that has been placed on Cuba. Cuba’s Castro regime blames the embargo for Cuba’s economic problems. In

Sage Petersen benefit dinner set for Feb. 3 prior to basketball game A benefit dinner will be held on Feb. 3 prior to the boys’ basketball game against Collins for senior Sage Petersen, who is fighting a rare form of lymphoma. Peterson currently at Children’s Hospital in Denver. The dinner will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for students and $12 for adults. The evening will include a silent auction, art show and a Bone Marrow Drive Registry for those ages 18-44. Additionally, donations can be made directly to the Peterson family at http://www.gofundme.com/

In brief

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The RM Highlighter featured Petersen’s story

Cuban Conundrum

Tim Johnson/MCT

Havana good time: A motorcyclist drives along a seaside boulevard in Havana, Cuba on Dec. 19, 2014. President Barack Obama announced the restoration of normal diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba last December.

an effort to gain financial stability, Cuba has somewhat embraced more lenient capitalist models of business with the government allowing certain small businesses to fix their own prices and set individual wages. The move to establish ties has attracted both advocates and critics. Proponents point to the benefits of maintaining a healthy trade relationship that would help stimulate the economies in both countries and promote globalization. Those opposed to the decision say that trading with a communist regime shows a lack of democratic integrity by the United States and that negotiations could have a negative effect on migration policies. What most can agree on, though, is how the significance of these newly established ties will shape foreign policy in the future.

“

U.S. manufacCharlie turers, producRoss ers, and farmers are already starting to ship things to Cuba. social studies teacher

in the Oct. 23 issue. His story of bravery and courage is also available online at the website listed at the top of this page.

Dribbling concentration: Unified basketball team freshman Kaeda Smith dribbles up court in the team’s Jan. 23 season-opening games against Fossil at Fossil. The team will play three games at home this season, starting with a Feb. 12 game against Fossil.

Noah Fogelberg

Unified basketball team opens season; first home game scheduled for Feb. 12 The Unified basketball team opened its season on Jan. 23 at Fossil. The team will play a six-game schedule this season, including three home games. The first home game will be on Feb. 12 against Fossil. The team also has home games against Silver Creek High School on Feb. 18 and against Brighton High School on Feb. 25. Noah Fogelberg Evan Malone

8 page center jan. 29, 2015

film

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jan. 29, 2015

The Academy Award contenders shine by Julia Johnsonreporter Avery MartinCenter Editor

Film programs hold deep meaning to Rocky students by Evan MaloneWeb Editor Rocky is often the school of choice for the artistic, musically talented, and those who are great with their hands. Many can see the numbers of an equation in their head, students involved within the film department of Rocky can see the endless possibilities in the world of film. “I started around 9 years old,” senior Jamison Coe said about his videography career. Coe, originally from Arizona, moved to Colorado with his family, little brother Ethan and parents, Sean and Amy Coe. He describes his departure from his Arizona home in early 2011 because of a failing economy, and a new opportunity for his mother’s job working for the forest services. Coe recently released a video to Youtube showing the film he took during his journey to Colorado. “I think very visually,” Coe said. Coe has since joined RMHSTV and is a senior now making his own

individual films with friend Kody Kurth. “I liked the idea that other people were watching my own content,” Coe said. “There’s a lot you can do to manipulate your audience into feeling a certain way.” Junior Nicholas Dunnigan also had similar beginnings; getting a camera at age 12 and filming things around his house. “I’ve been obsessed with film my entire life,” Dunnigan said. Dunnigan went to a film camp, Red 42, but the came was, unfortunately, shut down shortly after the owner got married. Freshman year, Dunnigan took a great interest in videography and created a well-made documentary. His sophomore year, he applied to video announcements, was accepted, and has been doing it ever since. Film clearly has an immense impact on the students of Rocky, both viewers and creators. With the large amount of potential of the film students, hope shines through that one day their works can be featured on the big screen, maybe even on the red carpet.

With the Academy Awards right around the corner occuring Feb, 22, the main contenders are set up and the viewers wait in anticipation to see who comes away with the coveted Oscar. The nominees for Best Picture include American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, Selma, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash. All the films featured are dramas, and all are high in the critical acclaims. The projected winner is Boyhood, a Richard Linklater film focusing on the life of a young boy and the life he aspires to lead. In addition, Best Animated Picture front-runners are Big Hero 6, The Boxtrolls, How to Train Your Dragon 2, Song of the Sea, and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, with How to Train Your Dragon 2 predicted to take away the Oscar. Best Actor nominees are Steve Carell for his role in Foxcatcher, Bradley Cooper for

American Sniper, Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game, Michael Keaton for Birdman and Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything. Opposite the actors are the Best Actress nominees being Marion Cotillard for Two Days, One Night, Felicity Jones for The Theory of Everything, Julianne Moore in Still Alice, Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl, and Reese Witherspoon for her work in Wild. Projected winners for each are Michael Keaton and Rosamund Pike. The one responsible for the cohesion of a film is the director, and the nomineses for best director are centered on the talents of Wes Anderson for The Grand Budapest Hotel, Alejandro González Iñárritu for Birdman, Richard Linklater for Boyhood, Bennett Miller for Foxcatcher, and Morten Tyldum for The Imitation Game. As always, this contest should incorporate an abundance of excitement for casual viewers and film lovers alike.

8 page center jan. 29, 2015

film

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The Academy Award contenders shine by Julia Johnsonreporter Avery MartinCenter Editor

10 page opinion

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jan. 29, 2015

Segregation not a thing of the past

Julia Johnson

Perfection sometimes unattainable

staff editorial Unrealistic expectations are placed on teens on a daily basis

he concept of perfection was, is, and always will be beyond the constraints of possibility; that’s just the way it is. The concept is timeless, as well as the inescapable stigma to achieve that perfection; whether it is in appearance, academics, athleticism, or in any other arena. Everyone knows that it isn’t possible, so the need to discuss it should cease. In today’s times the need to be perfect has gotten arguably worse, possibly because of the fact that everything is accessible due to the advanced technology, and the good ‘ol topic we can never seem to stop talking about: social media. Now, social media isn’t the problem; it is nothing but a neutral tool. But if someone were to scroll down the news feeds, and timelines of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook . . . This is going in a direction that is far too typical. In this editorial it would’ve delved into various subjects that have already been beaten to death in regards to youth, including

social media, grades, college, living up to expectations, setting the bar too high and any of the other stresses that are faced on a day to day basis. Yes, seeing someone with more followers, or likes seems to incite some sort of irrational jealousy within a majority of us. Yes, the kid that got a 150 percent on his or her exam in our 3rd period and tells everyone about the 150 percent of questions they got correct brings anger without a doubt (yes, 150 percent is possible and it has happened, if it hasn’t happened yet, it will, and if you are that kid, keep your geniusness to yourself ). Those goals that were set at the beginning of high school, set either by parental figures or ourselves, sometimes waver. Whether it is achieving straight A’s, following in the path of family members, getting scholarships academically or athletically, the goals set are sometimes unrealistic and cause an undue amount of stress. Relax.

ere in Vanilla Valley, it’s easy to assume that we live in a postracist society. After all, when was the last time the Ku Klux Klan led a march in Old Town or a local restaurant refused to serve a black man? Without these explicit instances of racism, it’s easy to assume the problems that plagued our nation’s history are a thing of the past. But this is far from the truth. As a white person, it’s hard to talk about race relations. I’ve never been racially profiled or had anyone make assumptions about me because I am white. For people like me - suburban white Americans who live in a racially homogenous neighborhood - it isn’t that hard to turn to the protests in Furguson or New York City and call the demonstrators “police-hating thugs”. This assumption about the demonstrators alone, however, demonstrates the racial divide that America pretends not to have. Most white people don’t have to worry about racial profiling from police or an unfair justice system. So when they see a group of black people demonstrating against injustices, the protesters are labeled as criminals. And to an extent, yes, some protesters have turned violent, which only perpetuates racial division. But the vast majority of protesters that have gained media attention recently have been peacefully expressing their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. To condemn these people who are legally expressing how they feel about their own civil rights is frankly abhorrent and un-American. I can’t say with any certainty whether or not Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson unfairly targeted unarmed Michael Brown because he was black. But the protests in Ferguson that stemmed from the incident were less in response to that particular event, and more a reaction against a justice system that many black Americans feel is unfairly stacked against them. And it would appear that facts are on the protesters’ side. Black Americans are no more likely to use or sell illegal drugs than their white counterparts. Yet they are significantly more likely to be arrested for possession. Fourteen percent of regular drug users are black, while thirty-seven percent of those arrested for drug possession are black. Additionally, the U.S. Sentencing Commission determined that black people, on average, receive sentences ten percent longer than white people who committed the

noahfogelberg Noah’s Bark

exact same crime. It’s problems like these that force people to pour into the streets after multiple instances of police brutality and injustice. When a group feels that they are being systematically oppressed, it leaves no other option but to protest. White people can just turn off the news when they’re tired of talking about race relations. Many black people feel like they don’t have that option. Protests get media attention, and the media forces people to have the uncomfortable conversation about race. If we’re ever going to make actual progress towards equality, it’s time to stop blaming, stop hating and stop arguing. It’s time to listen to the concerns of people who experience injustices that we don’t. It’s time to have a meaningful dialogue with the purpose of making sure America really is the “Land of the Free.” America is no longer explicitly racist as it was in the past. The KKK is small and powerless and the Civil Rights Act was passed before most of us were born. But we can’t continue to assume that because we don’t live in the days of segregation or slavery, that racism is dead. It’s well and alive. Today there exists a subconscious racism which helps to perpetuate a justice system that is undeniably more unfavorable to black Americans. Many studies have gone to show preconceived notions that society as a whole has about black people. Blacks are commonly perceived as more violent, stronger, more likely to be guilty and, on average, four years older than they actually are. The people making these assumptions are rarely trying to be racist, and would almost always deny that they have anything against black people. The truth of the matter is, however, that these prejudices likely exist in the minds of all of us, as a product of our cultural upbringing. Until we, as a nation, admit that there are real injustices being done, it seems that we will always be on the perpetual track of lying to ourselves about very real inequalities that are being committed. Noah Fogelberg is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of the RM Highlighter.

op-ed page 11

rmhighlighter.org Piracy: A victimless crime?

jan. 29, 2015

Piracy is free and harmless

 pro

iracy is an affordable way to watch new cinemas and listen to new soundtracks in the convenience of your own home. With online piracy you are able to watch any movie of your choice and download any song anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. The real bonus to piracy is that it is usually free. Piracy takes the money away from the fat cat corporate movie makers in Hollywood. Honestly, movie theaters are so expensive now. The funny thing is that movie theaters don’t make money off ticket sales; they make it off the concessions, which is why a small popcorn is around $7. There’s also a type of piracy called music piracy. This is by far the most popular type of piracy because of how convenient it is for people to download new music. Once you download music you can have it forever on your music playing devices. There is no end to the amount of music you can have with piracy. The only thing you will be worrying about is the amount of gigabytes to hold all your music. With piracy, there is no end to entertainment. Piracy doesn’t stop with music and television, you can also download computer games. You can download very popular games, including, but not limited to: any Mario and link games, Pokémon games, and many sport games. Why should we make the rich richer if we don’t need to? We are a modern generation. It is time to start acting like one. Max Miller

Julia Johnson

Illegally downloading has hidden consequences

con



he consequence of this crime is a felony, yet it is one of the most widely-committed crimes among teens. Illegally downloading music and movies is not a victimless crime. Yet 70 percent of online users find nothing wrong with the activity. So why isn’t piracy a victimless crime? When someone illegally downloads music, they take away revenue from a person or company that spent months to years developing software for that media, as $12.5 billion is lost each year due to piracy in the music industry. In addition to the economic losses, pirated material is often bad quality, and a large portion of pirated media files are just scams for advertising. Yet even with the bad quality and scams, 75 percent of all computers have at

least one illegally downloaded application. The more illegally downloaded material, the risk for viruses goes up, and can be dangerous for computers. Even without the risk of viruses, piracy is still a huge time suck. Most of the time, people spend all this time and effort to pirate software that doesn’t even work. It is widely known that piracy is the much cheaper option as opposed to actually purchasing movies or music, which makes it tempting to try to acquire media illegally. But when one illegally downloads media off the Internet, they are cheating software developers out of their hard earned money. So the next time you go to Pirate Bay, ask yourself if Piracy is really a victimless crime. Reyna Thompson

Gun laws need reasonable regulations E

mattwood Carving It Up

arlier this month, State Senator Vicki Marble introduced a bill of which she is the sole sponsor. The bill, if passed, would allow anyone with a legally possessed handgun to carry it concealed anywhere. Yes, that includes schools. Now, I doubt a bill this contentious will pass, so I’m not concerned about that. What is concerning is how these kinds of bills keep showing up. Even if most of them have a slim chance of getting legislated, these bills are reinforcing a counter-intuitive solution to a very serious problem. There’s too much

talk and no action. We desperately need to rethink gun control and ditch this distorted idea of the second amendment that’s constantly used to argue that any sort of regulation is infringing upon our constitutional rights. I am by no means anti-gun. All I’m saying is that to minimize gun violence, you need responsible regulation. America has the most firearm-related deaths of any developed country. Governments in other countries such as Australia and Japan have mandated a narrow set of criteria for firearms. As a result, gun-related violence has

fallen dramatically. This paranoid thinking that gun regulation stifles our freedom is preventing any real progress, and this fight-fire-with-fire logic is not a solution. Combating gun violence doesn’t mean carrying around more guns. What we need more of is precautionary measures and proper training for gun owners. This new bill and others like it serve as proof that we still have a lot of thinking to do when it comes to gun politics. Matt Wood is a senior a reporter for the RM Highlighter.

12 page features

rocky mountain

high ighter

jan. 29, 2015

Bows for Lobos Archery bows donated to school in honor of Jim Widmier, father of teacher by Michael RoleyFeatures Editor

For several decades, the only archery shop in Fort Collins was owned by Jim Widmier. Jim, the father of math teacher and football coach Derek Widmier, was hugely instrumental in promoting archery in the Fort Collins community. He owned and operated Arrow Dynamics, a local archery shop that would eventually relocate to Jax. Tragically, Jim Widmier passed away in the summer of 2013 after suffering a heart attack. After Jim’s passing, the Archery Trade Association contacted Derek’s brother, Jon, about making a donation to a school in Jim’s honor. With Jon and Derek both being alums, he gave them to Rocky. “We wanted to do a memorial on his behalf,” said Kelly Kelly, executive assistant to president and board of directors from the Archery Trade Association. “That was how we decided to do it.” The hope is that the donation

will provide an opportunity for students to be exposed to archery and possibly pick it up as a hobby. “I think it was, at least for me, in the spirit of trying to get more people interested in the sport,” Derek said. “That was what my dad was about.” As a result, Rocky now possess a set of 12 compound bows and seven recurves, in addition to several shooting targets. However, the school must first obtain a firearm permit in order to be able to discharge the bows on campus. The school is currently in the process of getting the permit, but no exact date is known for when the permit will be granted. “Because this isn’t a formal permitting process I can’t tell when we will be approved,” assistant principal Brett Larsen said. “I’m hoping we get the go ahead by next fall.” According to Larsen, gaining the permit has been slowed as the school has been working to

get the site plans, instruction details, and other logistical matters put together. The permit also requires that a certified archery instructor be on campus. Physical education teacher Mike Mackenzie became certified earlier this year after completing a training at Denver South High School. Archery will most likely be incorporated into the Adventure PE and Individual Sports classes with the hope of a club starting up to get more students engaged. The instruction will take place in the small gym. Regardless, the objective is just to expose students to archery, and possibly trigger an interest. “If you know those things are out there it’s more likely to bridge that into becoming a life-long activity,” Mackenzie said. Jim’s impact on the archery community has been vast. Mackenzie remembers him as always having a desire to teach archery. “He’s had an entire area of ar-

Michael Roley

Taking a look: Physical education teacher Mike Mackenzie examines a bow in a PE storage room. The bows were donated by the Archery Trade Association in efforts to expose students to archery.

chery that he’s impacted that’s on the other end of the spectrum,” Mackenzie said. “He still was a guy that would teach our kids, and when I say teach, step-bystep he would build you up on how to do it. By the time you had a bow in your hand, you had a concept of what to do.” Archery is a sport that has become a life-long activity for a

number of people, especially in the outdoor-rich state of Colorado. The enjoyment that the sport has brought Derek over the years is something he hopes others can feel as well. “I’ve experienced a lot of joy. It was basically my family background for all those years,” Derek said. “I’m hoping others can get the same out of it.”

Kimball discovers passion, future in entomology by Daniel Dideriksenreporter

Courtesy of Conor Kimball

Insect Interest: Senior Conor Kimball (below) has developed a passion for entomology. Kimball takes micro-photography of his insects (shown above) and has submitted a research paper based on his studies.

Daniel Dideriksen

Certain things just bug Conor Kimball: arthropods, ants, and just about any other type of small life form appeal to Kimball. “I’ve been interested in insects, particularly ants, for most of my life,” Kimball said. “They’re about the most awesome thing on the planet.” Interested may be a slight understatement as Kimball is well versed in the insect world. “He has uncanny abilities to observe the details of nature and ants,” AP Biology teacher Carol Seemueller said. His immense knowledge is widespread from ants and their habits to miniature tropical plants that he has to import from Canada. He uses these ants and plants at his house for multiple purposes, one of them being macro-photography, which is extreme close-up photography, usually of very

small subjects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life size. “I wanted to document the things I was seeing,” Kimball said. Although some may view this “interest” as more of a hobby, for Kimball it is more. It is a passion and even a future. In fact, Kimball has founded a small business, MicroHatchery, LLC, to improve “education on arthropods and their importance in world ecosystems” and to promote an “integration of biodiversity into urban systems for improved sustainability and efficiency.” The website can be viewed at www. microhatchery.com. “His business concept even earned him 2nd place at the 2014 Larimer County Young Entrepreneur Tournament,” father Michael Kimball, an anthropology professor at UNC said. Along with the business venture, Kimball has worked with a professor

at CSU to finish a research paper reporting on colony structure in the ant species Tapinoma sessile, the coconut ant. “I just finished and submitted it to the journal, Insectes Sociaux,” Kimball said. “It may be a reach, but I hope to get published.” With all his interest in ants and entomology, the study of insects, Kimball hopes to have a career in sustainable agriculture. He plans to attend CSU because of their well-known organic agriculture and entomology programs. “I hope to use a knowledge of insects for the benefit of agriculture,” Kimball said. “For example, ants are essential for turning soil. Without ants the plant’s roots wouldn’t be well-aerated.” Kimball’s education on the insect world helps him prove the fact that sometimes the smallest things have the largest impact.

rmhighlighter.org

features page 13 jan. 29, 2015

Film Fest to showcase students’ storytelling abilities by Max Millerreporter

michaelroley Mike’s Hard Facts

Everyone plays a role in the fight S

uicide. It’s not an easy or comfortable topic to discuss, but it’s one that we need to start having. In recent years, Colorado has had one of the highest suicide rates in the country. Larimer County contains one of highest suicide rates in the state, and the number of suicide deaths has trended upward since the turn of the century. Last week, I was informed that a student at Cache La Poudre Middle School had attempted to take their own life. There have been valiant and admirable efforts made by members of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County and others to lower these numbers. Unfortunately, these people can’t be everywhere, and not everyone struggling contacts them for help. As a community-both within Rocky and outside of it-it’s time for us to make a conscious effort to combat suicide. This is something everybody plays a role in. Every person within our building can be responsible for taking care of each other. It’s impossible to tell how far a simple “How are you today?” or even a quick smile can go for someone who really needs it. We all carry some form of hardship with us every step that we take. We all face challenges routinely. We all handle adversity and sometimes we need the support and encouragement of others to pick us up. The loss of someone to suicide is devastating. But it’s something we can prevent. There’s no more blaming someone for being overly sensitive. There’s no more mocking someone for the cuts on their arms. There’s no more judgment on an individual based on their appearance. There’s no more sliding it under the rug. It’s time to do our part. Michael Roley is a senior and the Feature Editor of the RM Highlighter.

When acting, filming, and editing come together it equals art. Rocky students are making short films to watch on Friday, Feb.13, that will make people cry, laugh, and sit on the edge of their seats. Escape is the choice of theme because of how broad a term it can be. There could be a film where the main character is escaping from the police, or a film about a girl needing to escape from her everyday life. These and so many more ideas can be made into films that will be up to 10 minutes in length in many different and entertaining genres. “A lot of kids who always had an idea they wanted to pursue, and through this film fest they pursue it,” video design teacher Ron Clark said. “So much of your (students) education is just doing what you’re told, and you don’t get to pursue something that you have been dreaming about or thinking about. They are going to see honesty from their peers.” Senior Kody Kurth is going to be the host at the Film Fest and is

working alongside Clark to advertise and develop the event to all. Because of this, he is not going to turn in his own film. “Kids should come to the Film Fest to support our fellow Lobos,” Kurth said. “And also because we Evan Malone have some serious Director’s vision: The film fest is a showcase for students talent in our community when to show off their film making ability. The event will be held Feb. 13. it comes to all aspects of film– Every high school in the the from animation to regular storytell- Poudre School District is going ing, and to time lapse photography. to be doing a film fest. Also, the It will be a great night.” winners of each school is going to The film viewing held on Feb.13 have their film played at The Lyric. will be completely free to all stuRocky’s show will be in the auditodents as well. rium starting at 6:30 p.m. “It is (free). We are going to “Our video program at Rocky ask for donations if the students is limited to the video announcewant to give, but it is not required,” ments which are limited. Here (the Clark said. “Those donations are Film Fest), they are going to see going to go right back to the film people who love film and put a lot program. We are always needing of effort and thought into it,” Clark equipment so it will go straight said. back to that.”

sports page 14

rmhighlighter.org

jan. 29, 2015

New faces filling key weights

by Trey JouardSports Editor

Club tournaments, a yearround workout regimen and hours of one-on-one training are typically all part of a varsity wrestler’s extensive resume. Although experience is king in a sport that requires a particular skill set, the wrestling team’s 7-1 record, second- and third-place finishes in the Windsor and Roosevelt tournaments, respectively, and a No. 7 state ranking cannot only be credited to its seasoned veterans, but also to its first year performers. “Out of 14 weights we (had) 8 seniors to replace,” said head coach Ken Taylor. “And the guys that have moved in have stepped it up.” Senior Devan Worrell, who wrestles at the 195 pound weight class, is among the newcomers to the varsity squad. Although he wrestled in both 7th and 8th grade, he decided to focus on football and rugby during high Developing a positive reputation, freshman Josh Nira has built a 17-3 at 106 pounds.

Michael Roley

school. “I liked wrestling, but I got tired of it in eighth grade,” said Worrell. “I was more (interested) in rugby and football.” However, after a three-year hiatus Worrell is picking wrestling back up where he left it in middle school. “Now that (offseason) football lifting is over for me, I’ve been getting a really good workout from wrestling,” said Worrell. Although Worrell boasts a modest 3-5 record, it is an impressive feat considering he was able to clinch a varsity spot in addition to performing at a high level, with only a limited background in the sport. “Every match (Devan’s) wrestled in he’s been in,” said Taylor. “He’s not getting overpowered and continues to get better and better. We still have really high hopes for what he can do the rest of the year.” Taylor believes Worrell’s work ethic and fortitude will set an example for underclassmen and the team, despite his late entry into the Rocky wrestling community. “He obviously doesn’t have all the technique down, but he’s got all kinds of courage and he’s been a leader for us just because of the way he wrestles,” said Taylor. “He never gives up.” Freshman Josh Nira in the

Finding a place in the wrestling lineup, senior Brad Morrison (left) has solidified the 170-pound position, while fellow senior Devan Worrell (immediately below) came out after a three-year break to make varsity at 195 pounds. Additionally, freshman Josh Betts, in control of his opponent (bottom) in a recent match at Collins, has impressed at 132 pounds.

Michael Roley Michael Roley

106-pound weight class has also emerged an athlete that has helped solidify the wrestling team’s depth. With an impressive 17-3 record, Nira has been a vital addition. “He was a middle school state champ,” Taylor said. “So he (came) into the high school level ready to compete.” Whether it be a upperclassman with minimal experience, or a young, skilled competitor, the

Michael Roley

transition into varsity for first-year athletes is crucial to the team’s success and filling the void left by last year’s seniors. “It’s a huge step from middle

school to high school, and it’s a huge step from JV to varsity. Sometimes, it’s just a confidence thing, getting acclimated to wrestling at a higher level,” Taylor said.

Role models need to be true to personal values

hroughout time it has been almost undeniable that figures in the public eye will be glorified because of their platforms. From politicians to the various genres of music and movies, the stars are perceived as role models. One platform where the phrase role model is especially echoed is in the arena of sports. In the mid 1990’s, NBA superstar Charles Barkley flaunted that he was not a role model in an ad campaign for Nike. In fact, he was anything but a role model; he was nothing but a basketball player doing his job -playing basketball. Barkley’s job wasn’t to be a figure to look up to for the youth, taking the pressure off of him to be himself -- no matter how brutal

averymartin The Avē-ator and raw-dog. Fast forward a few decades and the topic still persists; it is not the job of the athlete to be a role model. It is a responsibility -- a very hefty one. Recently, Ohio State quarter-

back--incredible overall athlete and National Champion--Cardale Jones held a press conference at his former high school to announce that he will return to Ohio State and continue his education. On the onset, it seemed to be a young man taking initiative to go back to set an example to the young students at Cleveland Glenville, in a particularly rough area that is filled with teens in need of a leader reflecting positivity in a city that is synonymous with violence and made a multitude of top 10 lists for most dangerous places to live in America. Despite all of the hype surrounding the Cleveland native’s press conference on a “decision” (not LeBron James this time), it was not Jones’s idea. It was something he did not want to go for-

ward with, and it was a decision that was rushed, according to a post-announcement interview. “For one, me personally, it wasn’t my idea. Holding a press conference, and all eyes on me, being the center of attention, I’m not that type of guy… but coach [Urban Meyer], he let me know ‘everything you do now will be a big deal’ because of this spotlight I’m in.” With this in mind, it questions whether or not some athletes even have a “want” to be role models to those watching them, and if so, to what extent? In no way is this discounting Jones wanting to stay at Ohio State, rejecting the immediate rewards and money that could be awaiting in the NFL, and furthering

his education; however, it seems as if he is being forced into an archetype he may not want. In addition to the question that if athletes even want to be role models to the kids, another qusestion arises: Do the kids even want a positive role model? In a sports world filled with fast living, hard partying Johnny Manziels, Rob Gronkowskis and J.R. Smiths, athletes such as Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck and Jeremy Lin seem boring to the youth of this generation. It is the stereotypical complex of the “bad boy” that is more appealing than the straight-laced guy that doesn’t say much and holds values. Avery Martin is a junior and the Center Section Editor for the RM Highlighter.

sports page 15

rmhighlighter.org

jan. 29, 2015

Basketball team battles

Kicking off, senior Alex Kinney kicks off to the opposing team. Kinney was named to Denver Post’s All-Colorado Team and CHSAA’s first team all-state team and will likely take his talents to the University of Colorado next year.

by Trey JouardSports Editor

The Stonecutter’s Creed. It’s a philosophy about dedication, regardless of seemingly minimal results. It’s also the motto embraced by the boys’ basketball team this season. “When nothing seems to be working, you go and watch the stonecutter who will be hammering at a rock 200 or 300 times and it won’t look like (he’s) done anything to it,” said head coach Brian Tafel. “But then all of the sudden one hit will cut it in half, and you’re reminded that it wasn’t that one hit on the hammer that cut the stone, but it was all the hits that came before. So it’s just a reminder that when we don’t feel like things are getting better or we’re making progress, to keep working and eventually it will happen for you. It’s just a lesson of perseverance and self-belief.” This mantra came to fruition when the team earned it’s first win of the season against Loveland High School on Jan. 13 after losing 11 straight. The team’s persistence paid off when the it won by 15 points. “One thing I love about this group is that I don’t think they ever quit,” said Tafel. “They were able to get some stops and get some confidence scoring. In that particular game we got into the pace we wanted to and we were able to finish strong and continue to extend the lead. I think It was the culmination of a lot hard work throughout the year.” The absence of senior center and captain Cameron Erickson

Swim team bonds through adversity

Evan Malone

Three football players named all-state by Michael RoleyFeatures Editor

Evan Malone

Keep pushing forward, head coach Brian Tafel (above) addresses the team during a timeout against Hinkley High School in a Jan. 8 home game. Seniors Wynne Wilson and Cam Erickson (right) defend against Hinkley.

Evan Malone

and senior point guard Wynne Wilson during the first nine games due to injury no doubt contributed to the team’s early season struggles. Erickson, who broke his collarbone months prior to the season, broke it again during practice two weeks before the first game. “When I first hurt it, I thought I was going to miss a little preseason, and I’m going to be back for when the games start,” said Erickson. “It was just really frustrating to sit through the first nine games.” Although he has averaged 15.4 points per game since his return, Erickson said he believes his injury was ultimately beneficial because it helped bolster the skills of the teammates around him and players who aren’t accustomed to

seeing a lot of varsity time. “I mean it’s tough, but I look at is as a way for other players to get game time work. And in the end, I think it’s going to make our team better overall with more depth because more players are getting in real game situations,” Erickson said. Moving forward, Tafel said he believes improving the team’s consistency in all areas will be essential to the back half of the season as the 1-14 Lobos face their final eight regular-season games starting tonight with a game at Poudre. “I think we have good players that play hard and are very coachable,” said Tafel. “At this point we’re so close to winning a lot of games, and it comes down to doing all the little things.”

by Reyna ThompsonOpinion Editor

er said, freshman member of the girls’ swim team. A big part of high school swimming is the team element. It sounds cheesy, but everyone supports and encourages each other. “The freshman are like my children,” junior Daphne Williams said. “They work really hard and they help us out a lot with distance events.” Williams is the school record holder for the 100 butterfly. Another record holder happens to be freshman Amy Frome. Frome broke the school record

Swimming may be one of the most unique, unconventional sports. Practice is held at the crack of dawn before school and also after school. But that might be what makes it so appealing at the high school level. For incoming freshman, the new practice times and the overwhelming support and unity of the team can be overwhelming. “I thought it wouldn’t be as ‘teamy’ as it is now,” Emily Barri-

After helping lead the football team to one of its best seasons in recent memory and a 9-2 record, seniors Max McDonald, Alex Kinney and Salofi Gaoa have been reeling in postseason awards and honors. McDonald was named to the Denver Post’s 5A first-team and was a CHSAA second-team honoree at linebacker and was also the conference defensive player of the year. “It’s a big honor; you work so hard all season and offseason and then to see it pay off is a pretty good feeling,” McDonald said. Individually, McDonald compiled 138 total tackles, six sacks and an interception. As the leader of the defense, he was relied on to do more than just tackle opposing ball carriers. McDonald recently verbally committed to CSU, picking the hometown Rams over Eastern Washington University, South Dakota University, San Jose State University, Montana State and the Air Force Academy. Gaoa, a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle, helped pave the way for

Evan Malone

Plunging in, junior Kristine Schweifer competes in the 100-meter butterfly.

for the 500. When asked if high school swimming was what she expected it to be, Frome said, “I had an exchange student last year who swam, so she told me what to expect. It was hard to adjust to

Rocky’s run-heavy offense that averaged 219 yards per game. Gaoa is headed to CSU next fall to play football. “I’m looking forward to just overall getting better as a player and as a person,” Gaoa said. “There’s not a lot of guys who have the same opportunity I have.” Kinney, a punter and kicker who has already given his verbal commitment to the University of Colorado, was named to the Denver Post’s All-Colorado Team and CHSAA’s first-team all-state team. He also recently participated in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 3. Kinney had a long field goal attempt of 57 yards while averaging 42 yards per punt. Rocky, Fairview and Grandview all had three players apiece on the CHSAA all-state teams. This, according to McDonald, is a testament to the Rocky coaching staff. “We have a really great coaching staff. If you have three people on our team making the all-state team,” McDonald said. “That goes to show the coaching staff we have.” the early mornings though.” It takes discipline not only to wake up for the early morning practices, but also to swim at a competitive level. That challenge could break a team apart pretty quickly. “Mostly everyone hates them (morning practices), but we get through them together,” Frome said. The Lobos, 3-1 in dual meets, will next compete in the conference meet on Feb. 6-7 at The Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center in Thornton.

16 page photo essay

rocky mountain

high ighter

jan. 29, 2015

Students shine in annual One-Acts Hello my baby: In character as a barber shop quartet, junior Anna Davis sing her part as part of the mustache club. Davis was in the first act.

Hmmm: Junior Micah Haase prepares makeup before her performance.

Student-directed One-Acts a success for all

Thinking it over: Senior Jamison Coe’s character ponders a thought playing as the mustache king. Coe was in the first act. De-Mustached: Senior Sloane Bartelme acts in distress after her mustache was ripped from his character’s face. Bartelme was in the first act.

In the senior-directed short plays, otherwise known as One-Acts, students were required to audition and then were chosen by senior students. The three One-Acts, The Mustache Guys, Butter Side Up and How to Kiss a Girl, were staged in the mini-theatre on Jan. 16 and 17. Some students were required to change outfits at least four times in one act.

Fanned: Val Sonnenberg, junior, stares at the waitress as she flirts. Sonnenberg was in the third act.

Show time: Sophomore Quinn Schulte puts on makeup before her performance. Schulte was in the first act.

Photos By: Evan Malone

Macho: Junior Katie Winkleman stands in the makeup room before One-Acts. Winkleman performed in the first act.

Fabulous: Junior Gavin McFall prances in character as a Christmas pageant coordinator. McFall was part of the first act. Places: Senior Maddie Titlebaum gives orders to cast members before the acts begin. Titelbaum served as the production’s stage manager.