Rocky Mountain Highlighter: 2011 November

Rocky Mountain High School November 11, 2011 Volume 39, No. 3

Senior Richard Pixley reaches to make the catch in the football game against Poudre. The Lobos defeated Poudre in a major victory, 21-3.

See story, page A6

the rocky mountain

hiGhliGhter

the

Side SHOW HIGH SCHOOL HIJINKS

Life or s

A high school in suburban Chicago created a new policy that students are only allowed to go to the restroom during class three times per semester.

After that, they have to make up time outside of class.

om

Hope: Habitable planets found

thi

ng

e

SANDWICH SHENANIGANS Because a pregnant woman in Honolulu ate a sandwich at Safeway and forgot to pay, Child Welfare Service took her other child away.

LISTERIA LAWSUIT

Jensen Farms of Holly, Colo., are one of the targets of a $100 million lawsuit over the listeria outbreak, linked to cantaloupe, that has killed 29 people.

by Jeanelle France Reporter

For countless generations, philosopher and common man alike have been questioning their very existence.

In their endeavor to illuminate life’s front most arduous pecial questions, they have inevitably been drawn to the cosmos in hopes that something will become apparent from worlds far away from their own. Never before in history have astronomers been closer to accurately answering the grueling question: Is there life on other planets?

The European Southern Observatory has confirmed over 600 alien planets. In September of this year, 50

“You are a complete idiot if you don’t wear a bicycle helmet. If he (Haddad) wasn’t wearing one we would probably be looking for another math teacher.”

- Science teacher Scott Kemp about math teacher Bob Haddad’s bike accident

. . li k e i t.

of students believe that the discoveries of planets that may have life are exciting and interesting .

by Michelle Kennedy Reporter

57%

of students believe in life outside of Earth.

19%

of students say that their religious beliefs play a role in their perception of life outside of Earth.

286 students surveyed

NASA

Mystery sightings in night sky investigated

77%

S

Jump to PLANETS, page A2

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

Alexandria White

Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel/MCT

Launching into the cosmos: NASA launched the Delta Z rocket on March 6, 2009. Scientists are excited by the new ventures into space that are providing more information about Earth-like planets.

Crop circles, pictograms and lights in the sky.

To certain people these signs can only mean one thing: aliens.

Every year, 70,000 sightings of UFOs (unidentified flying objects) are reported to UFO research agencies around the world. Despite the fact that the majority of these sightings can be explained, according to the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), one out of 10 cannot.

Jump to MUFON, page A2

Haddad’s Horsetooth fall broken by helmet

by Jeanelle France Reporter

Math teacher Bob Haddad needs a new bicycle helmet.

On Oct. 30, Haddad was en route to meet counselor Mark Reedy and science teacher Scott Kemp for a bicycle ride when tragedy struck.

“I was descending onto North Dam by Center Drive, Bellevue, and I was going fast,” Haddad said.

“There was another bicyclist in front of me and he was weaving (to the right). As I was getting ready to pass,

he then abruptly turned left, before I could say ‘on your left’ and I ran into his rear tire. I collided with the rear wheel. I fell hard, and slid across the asphalt on my face and my shoulder. I got multiple surface injuries, stitches in my face and elbow.

My knuckles, face, shoulders and hips are all scraped and bruised.”

Haddad took Monday off of school but returned for the remainder of the week. He credits his helmet for his speedy recovery. While he acknowledged that people don’t

always like to wear helmets, he said they are worth it.

“In bold print I’d like to say that my helmet saved my life,” Haddad said. “It absorbed the fall and had the biggest impact. It cracked in two places. First and foremost, one never should be on a bike without a helmet. Even though I believe I was riding in control, I can’t trust others to do the right thing. It’s important to go a reasonable speed; I don’t know

Jump to BICYCLE, page A2

Regan Miller

Healing up: Math teacher Bob Haddad required stitches for facial injuries. He fell while on a bike ride over the North Dam and his helmet saved his life.

A2 November 11, 2011

Bicycle from page A1

who’s more at fault. Any type of recreational activity contains risk and they need to be done carefully and with caution.”

Haddad will continue bike riding. He encourages students to take recreational activity seriously, wear

the news rocky mountain hiGhliGhter a helmet and eliminate distractions, which contribute to accidents.

Kemp also reinforced the importance of wearing a bike helmet.

“You are a complete idiot if you don’t wear a bicycle helmet,” Kemp said. “If he (Haddad) wasn’t wearing one we would probably be looking for another math teacher.”

Bicycle Safety: ►Helmets should have a seal of approval

from a reliable organization. ►Replace a helmet after any accident. ►Use sizing pads and a chin strap

directly under your chin to make the

helmet fit snugly.

Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic

Planets from page A1

new worlds have been spotted within the Milky Way Galaxy, one of which is called HD 85512 b.

HD 85512 b was discovered by scientists at the University of Geneva.

The planet is an estimated 36 lightyears from Earth and it orbits around a region in its star’s habitable zone. In this area, temperatures are neither too high nor low for liquid water to exist under the right circumstances. It is because of its Earth-like tendencies that in August of this year, researchers released a study of the planet that revealed HD 85512 b has a high likelihood of harboring life.

A leader in the analysis of this planet and other Earth-like entities is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Kepler project. According to NASA’s mission statement, the Kepler project is “specifically designed to survey a portion of our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover dozens of Earth-size planets in or near the habitable zone and determine how many of the billions of stars in our galaxy have such planets.”

Kepler has used information gathered from the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) instrument to understand the fundamentals of this new planet.

“The HARPS instrument generates data that allows astronomers to find the mass of the planet,” said

MUFON from page A1

This is the purpose of an organization such as MUFON, to investigate and determine the validity of such claims and identify, if possible, these unidentified objects.

MUFON’s international office is currently located in Greeley, Colorado, however, it used to be situated in Fort Collins.

“Our organization exists for the scientific investigation of UFOs for the benefit of humanity,” MUFON State Director Doug Wilson said.

“We investigate the UFO phenomenon, and we believe that there is life outside of the earth. However, we do not see it as our job to claim that the UFOs we investigate are necessarily caused by extraterrestrial life.”

MUFON is the only organization in the world that conducts these types of investigations, and they have over fifty chapters, including one in every state. While many people may see UFO investigation as a questionable activity, there is actually a great deal of effort put into determining the legitimacy of such claims according to Wilson.

As the reports come into the MUFON database, they are separated into two levels—basic reports and high importance reports. These high importance reports, the types that cause big media and social fuss,

Edna DeVore, Kepler co-investigator and Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institution’s director of education and public outreach. “It’s about 3.6 times the mass of Earth.

They cannot find out its diameter, so we don’t know really how ‘big’ this planet is, or whether it has much of an atmosphere. All of these factors have to be determined in order to decide if it’s a balmy place for life as we know it.”

Although many scientists agree that HD 85512 b could accommodate some sort of biological entity, further research needs to be drawn out to determine the specifics of the planet.

“One of the things that they would like to find around the planet is an atmosphere,” said astronomy teacher David Schwarz. “What we’d like to find would be oxygen, either as O2 or as ozone. If they could find oxygen in the atmosphere of the planet that would be a pretty good indicator that there would be life there because the only way we know to free up oxygen is through photosynthesis because otherwise oxygen just loves to combine with other things.”

Discoveries such as this have been hindered by the fact that there is no telescope capable of depicting the characteristics of HD 85512 b at this time.

“Astronomers observe the light from the planet, spread it out into the

are assigned to a member of the “star team.”

“They are the rapid response team who are supposed to be able to get on site in less than 24 hours,” Wilson said. “Once it is assigned to an investigator, they contact the reporting party and try to do an interview with them.”

His team then runs the sighting through various different databases and web sites to eliminate possible causes for the sighting such as satellites, airplanes, planets or other miscellaneous aerial objects. If all of these can be eliminated, it is then classified as “unknown.”

“For us, that’s as good as it gets because there is no way to prove that it was a flying saucer from Mars or the mother ship from Alpha Centauri,” Wilson said. “The best we can do, once we have eliminated all other possibilities, is say that it’s an unidentified flying object.”

According to Wilson, the sightings of UFOs correlate closely with the season and time of day, though only because it is more likely for people to be outside, looking at the sky, at certain times than others.

However, sometimes the influx in reports is unexplainable.

“Right now we are experiencing an extremely large amount of reports,” Wilson said. “Our reports for this time of the year least year, compared to this year, are almost double. We’ve had a huge increase in

Proposition passes; pot gone sary and see your boss drive by.”

This ban will affect around 25 dispensaries which are dispersed around the city of Fort Collins. The ban is only against the marijuana dispensaries, rather than marijuana itself. Patients will still be able to have access to marijuana for medicinal reasons; they will still be able to have either a caregiver grow the marijuana or they themselves can grow it.

“I’m rather disappointed (with the ban of the dispensaries),” said senior Michael Harrison. “The dispensaries gave patients the medicine for those who needed it, their own form of medicine, and now they have to go to other venues.”

Since the dispensaries have been in the city of Fort Collins, the num-

ber of people who can legally obtain marijuana for medicinal reasons has climbed up to 8,500.

“The city has been developing the reputation of being a marijuana city,” said Jerrod Harding, SRO. “This will keep the city’s (positive) image. It will be harder for recreational purposes to get, and that will eventually keep it out of schools.

Legit patients will still get the marijuana. I think some will not have cards, others will get it through illegal means, but I think it will clean up recreational use.”

Today, we know that there are about 300-500 billion stars in the Milky Way, and about 500 billion other galaxies. So, we’re living on one pretty small planet. Can this be the only place for life?

other planets) will help unify Earth,” said freshman and Astronomy Club member Leo McManus. “Maybe people will stop fighting amongst themselves and will focus more about learning about other planets.

It would be cool if something that might transpire in a science fiction story could actually transpire in real life.”

While it is too soon to start expecting assimilation of alien life forms into Earth’s general population, scientists are striving for more definitive answers.

“Today, we know that there are about 300-500 billion stars in the Milky Way, and about 500 billion other galaxies,” DeVore said. “So, we’re living on one pretty small planet. Can this be the only place for life? I don’t think so. It would be highly improbable that life would arise in only one place.”

by Regan Miller Reporter

The election for Proposition 300 and its enactment brought about protests and varied beliefs.

Proposition 300 is the proposal against medical marijuana dispensaries in the city of Fort Collins.

In this past election, 53 percent of voters were in favor of Proposition 300, which means that the medical marijuana dispensaries have 90 days from Nov. 1 to close down.

“I think it’s for the better,” said senior, Evan Larimer. “If you think about it, it’s not allowed in city but still allowed in the county. It’ll be easier to monitor in a dispensary. It’s also more confidential, and you don’t have to worry to walk out of a dispen-

“

Edna DeVore, Kepler co-investigator

”

spectrum and study the signature of atmospheric chemistry in that light,” DeVore said. “Astronomy is truly a remote sensing science. At present, we do not have telescopes in space or on the ground that can do that for this planet.

“It’s a two-part problem: To see the planet separately from its star, you have to resolve (separate) the two objects. This is extraordinarily hard to do because the resolution of a telescope is directly determined by

the diameter of the instrument. You have to use truly huge telescopes and put them into space to do this. There are all sorts of designs underway to do just this.”

Although definitive confirmation of life within HD 85512 b will take some time, many are still hypothesizing what Earth would be like knowing that they we are not alone in the galaxy.

“I tend to be kind of an optimist; hopefully (the discovery of life on

NASA

ET may be out there: NASA artists created renditions of what they imagine other planets and stars in the galaxy to look like. One planet, HD 85512 b, was discovered 36 light years away from Earth and is a very likely candidate to harbor life.

sightings for whatever reason, and still haven’t determined why yet. We may never.”

MUFON has been the investigating organization for national news-making headlines such as the Lafayette Lights, which were seen in March. This was an incident where three red lights were seen hovering over the Denver sky—to this point, the lights are still categorized as unidentified. Currently, MUFON is investigating some black triangle

shaped UFO sightings that Wilson said looked promising.

While Wilson may be in the minority for his strong belief in extraterrestrial life, he claims to have strong reasons for this view.

“We know that the planet Earth is nothing special,” Wilson said.

“All science tells us that we are not an anomaly. There are millions and millions of stars out there that have multiple planets around them; it seems unlikely that ours is the only

one capable of generating and sustaining life.”

He argues that humans are more than likely primeval beings compared to the rest of the universe, leaving plenty of opportunity for a different species to have developed into intelligent life.

“Even we can get from here out into space,” Wilson said. “If we can do it, it seems pretty likely that anything equal to or more advanced than we are would be able to do it also.”

the news rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

November 11, 2011

A3

Resident remembers kidnapping

Silver lining emerges after return

by Jeanelle France Reporter

The sublevel of Fort Collins resident Thomas Sutherland’s home is not your ordinary basement.

The furniture, handmade wood bar and exercise equipment give the illusion that the living space is fairly run of the mill, but the magic of this basement lies on the walls. Literally every square foot of wall space is decorated with award plaques, framed newspaper articles and commemorative photographs. This memorabilia relates to Sutherland’s unimaginable journey over 20 years ago.

In 1980, Sutherland relocated to Lebanon to pursue a career as Dean of Agriculture at the American University of Beirut, against the advice of many. He said at first his life in Lebanon was wonderful.

“There was a lot of destruction here and there but most of the time life in Lebanon was okay,” Sutherland said. “Lebanon was a highly ravaged country and you would think that the Lebanese would never be able to recover from it, but they are in fact a very resilient people. The Lebanese were just a fine people, very interesting and very talented.”

However, people warned Sutherland that there was danger in Lebanon. He did not heed their warnings.

“We should have listened to people when they told us it was dangerous and that we shouldn’t stick around there,” Sutherland said. “But we decided we had come to Lebanon to do a job in the University there and that we had to see it through and not just run away because it looked a little dangerous. And honestly, I thought the danger was a little exaggerated, but turns out it wasn’t.”

Sutherland was kidnapped on June 9, 1985 by the Islamic Jihad while he was using Beirut University President Calvin Plimpton’s limousine. He was mistaken for the president of the university.

Sutherland was held captive with over 50 other hostages. He was held in a dark room, sometimes only being fed cheese and spaghetti. He claims that fellow hostage Terry Anderson was a major factor in his survival.

“He quite frankly saved my life,” Sutherland said. “I’d get discouraged and say ‘Hell Terry, I’m going to give up.’ He’d say ‘Come on! We’re not going to let them win! Get up!’ He kept me alive, really.”

After six and a half grueling years, on Nov. 18, 1991, he was released.

“I was coming home (from Lebanon) because my dad had died,” said Thomas’s wife, Jean Sutherland.

“I got news at Newak Airport on the way to the funeral. I turned around and went back to Lebanon. I never made it to my father’s funeral, but I was glad that he had sort of had an idea that Tom would be coming out.

It was just at that point, six and a half years later.”

Thomas’s homecoming made front page news and his friends organized a rally in his honor at Moby Arena.

“I’ve been treated extremely well by the people in Fort Collins ever since I came home,” Thomas said.

“My homecoming was the biggest event in Fort Collins until Rush Limbaugh came and upstaged us with his bake sale. But it was an enormous event at Moby gym. Everybody and his brother and sister was there.”

In the years immediately following his release, Thomas received countless awards and was even honored by the American Academy of Achievement at their prestigious Banquet of the Golden Plate. Along with these prizes, he also gained a lump sum of $23.54 million.

Thomas said he and fellow prisoners sued Iran for funding the hostagetaking situation. Anderson was the one who convinced Thomas to join in the lawsuit. A three-day trial took place in Washington DC in the federal district court. Many people testified on their behalf.

“As it turned out, the judge gave us $10,000 for every day that I was held in captivity, and I was in captivity for 2,354 days, which is 23.54 million dollars,” Thomas said. “About eight months after that judgment was made, it was all in my bank.”

With his newly obtained fortune, Thomas spread his wealth around to benefit countless organizations in Fort Collins and the surrounding areas.

Volleyball team makes it far After months of preparation, the regular volleyball season ended three weeks ago. Last weekend, the team took part in a in rief tournament narrowing down the final eight 5A teams. The team will progress to the state tournament.

After two games today and at least one game one on Saturday, the team will know if they’ll continue to the final four. While they’re seeded number six in the state, head coach Glenn Gainley is optimistic. “You never know. I think there’s a chance we’ll make it to the final four,” he said.

- Taylor Hitchings

Jeanelle France

Honoring bravery: Fort Collins resident Thomas Sutherland points out various awards that he has received since returning to America after spending six and half years in captivity in Lebanon. He received $23.45 million from a lawsuit against the Iranian government for funding the kidnapping.

“What are you going to do with $23.54 million for heaven’s sake?”

Thomas said. “We’ve given a lot away to CSU for the Bill Morgan Chair.

We gave a whole bunch to Iowa State because that’s where I graduated from with my PhD. We gave them a million dollars and CSU three quarters of a million.”

The Sutherlands also donated to the local battered women’s shelter, the Food Bank, Bas Bleu Theater, the Boys and Girls Club, KNUC-91.5, the Colorado Boy’s Ranch, Channel Six PBS and many other local causes.

“We care about high school students because we’ve been teachers all of our lives,” Jean said. “We just want young people to know that you can get through things. It’s not a rose garden out there. Nothing’s promised, but you can get through things. We were very lucky and we give thanks for that. Give appreciation for what you have because that’s what you’re

Newspaper staff receives high award

B

RM Highlighter archives

Celebrate good times: Journalism I students and the current newspaper staff have a group hug after receiving the All-Colorado Award. It is given to the best high school newspapers in Colorado.

Colorado State University hosted the Colorado High School Press Association Journalism Day on Oct. 23.

The RM Highlighter 2010-2011 staff was awarded the All-Colorado Award. This award is given to the top newspapers in the state. Fourteen newspapers were given this award.

- Cassa Niedringhaus

Adopt-A-Family spirit in the air Adopt-A-Family is coming up. Collection kick off in homerooms will begin Nov. 16. The actual event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Student volunteers will be needed during the day on Saturday, and after school on Friday, Dec. 9.

Last year, Rocky adopted 84 families. This is the 16th year of the Adopt-A-Family program.

Anyone with questions can see Pam Kilness in Student Services.

- Jessica Davidson

Students selected as Standout Students Seniors Jennifer Brumit and Jared Collins were selected as Richmond and Susa Agencies of Farmers Insurance Standout Students this month.

Both of them are now entered to be named

City Standout Student of the Month. At the end of the year, the winners of this competition will win a $2500. To vote, go to www.standoutstudents.net.

- Jeanelle France

working for.”

Even with such a warm and immensely proclaimed gratification of his release by the local community, Sutherland remains quite modest about his achievements and philanthropy.

Thomas said that he doesn’t consider himself a local hero. He thinks that his story is fading, but doesn’t blame younger people for not knowing his story.

“There are so many wars and so many battles and everything,” Sutherland said. “There’s no way that people can know all about all of these things.

There are new things happening every month or two and if you keep up with those you don’t have time to go back in history and say ‘Oh! There was a hostage situation back then.’ It’s history now.”

But to family friend and Bas Bleu Theater Company’s Artistic Director Wendy Ishii, Thomas’ story is

anything but history.

“I teach an acting class at CSU and I talk about Tom and Jean in my class numerous times,” Ishii said. “(I usually mention them) when I’m trying to coach someone in an acting moment and when I talk about an actor’s objective. The objective has got to be the most important thing that your actor is striving for. Like when your husband is chained up in a room, being held in a room without light for six and a half years, you can find the strength to do almost anything. You can get on a plane when you’re dog tired; you can talk to people that you otherwise may not; you can get out and talk even if you’re not comfortable with the media. You get the strength and will to do that.”

“Never give up,” Thomas said.

“Winston Churchill said, ‘Never, never give up. Never, never, never give up!’ And I agree. That’s what I want the young people to know.”

November 11, 2011

editorial A4

the rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

hiGhliGhter

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./ Fort Collins, CO 80526.

Contact Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff members at 970-4887090 or 970-488-7091 for advertising information. Also the Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff is in Room 528, during 4th period.

the rocky mountain

Editor-in-Chief Cassa Niedringhaus Advertising Manager Ben Bigler Editorial Editor Isaac Effner Sports Editor Lauren Binder Features Editor Christine Gravelle Center In-Depth Editor Fahey Zink Limelight Editor Cam Chorpenning Staff Charlie Anderson Jessica Davidson Jeanelle France Sarah Hatch Taylor Hitchings Calvin Jouard Michelle Kennedy Regan Miller Katie Ritter Lukas Short Alexandria White Artists Amanda Kriss Reanna Nelson Adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt

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.

National Scholastic Press Association National Critique

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.

Gold Medalist-2011; Gold Medalist-2010; Silver Crown-2009; Gold Medalist-2009; Silver Medalist-2008; Gold Medalist- 2007; 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.

CHSPA Newspaper Sweepstakes All-Colorado-2011; 1st-2010; 1st-2009; 1st-2008; 1st-2007; 2nd-2006; 1st place-2005; 2nd-2004; 2nd-2003; 1st2002; 1st-2001; 2nd-1996; 1st-1992; 2nd-1991; 2nd-1990; 1st-1987.

Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Critique

A new direction

Letter to the Editor: Support lacking for freshmen

W

ith requirements and courses constantly changing, in this next upcoming school year or in the near future, different diplomas or certificates will be given to the students who successfully complete the Creative Arts and Digital Design Academy.

Staff The subject has Editorial been planned and ► Creative talked among the Arts and staff of the school.

Digital The program is the Design Creative Arts and Academy Digital Design Academy. Geared towards a positive juniors and seniors, change the program will be an opportunity for students to narrow their education towards specific areas of their interest, including business arts, film, digital design, journalism, TV production, musical arts and others.

Freshman and sophomore year, the classes will be similar to how they are currently; the underclassmen will be able to explore and get a feel for which electives they are most interested in–in addition to their regular required classes. Then when students become juniors and seniors, they will be able to pick the more advanced classes that are related to the career they choose to focus on. The classes will differ from the current courses. They will be more in depth and geared towards the profession, rather than just an elective taken for

Making the Grade

Reanna Nelson

the credits.

The Rocky Mountain Highlighter believes that this program has great potential.

If this program is executed efficiently, it can benefit students much more than the classes being taken currently. The classes won’t be taken just for credit, but with genuine interest, and students will want to attend the class in order to fuel their curiosity on a particular subject. Along with the benefit of relevant classes, resources in the community will also serve as a bonus. Classes will set students up to connect with people who are employed in that particular career in the community to help encourage students with their experiences.

Also, along with the title, students may be able to earn a

A – Win against Poudre

Great passes by quarterback Doug Watterson lead to a 21-3 victory.

Take that Poudre.

higher level education document, stating that the student successfully completed the course in the academy. It could possibly even be a diploma which differentiates itself from others if the student has achieved academy success in a particular area. With recognition of achievements through the academy, hopes are that employers and colleges will hold these individuals to a higher level to where they are more likely to be chosen for any given job or internship; it will be a higher level of distinction.

Within the next few years, the Creative Arts and Digital Design Academy will develop Rocky in a way to where it will be look upon as an even more exceptional school.

B – Trick or Treat Street

There were super heroes and monsters a plenty, and lots of candy to go around.

F – No Snow Days

Seriously? There was so much snow that tree branches were falling down. What does it take to get a day off?

Blatantly in favor of ecological terrorism There’s a point where the silence of an unresponsive government needs to be shattered by an explosion.

This past weekend was the fifth of November and for those of us not well versed in terrorist history, the fifth is relevant because of the Gunpowder plot of 1605. A plot which aimed to blow up Britain’s Houses of Parliament, as well as the king inside because he was notoriously persecuting Catholics.

A group of 13 men took it upon themselves to alter their situation by breaking the law and attempting to assassinate the king by means of arson.

People tend to divide into three groups when it comes to people taking violent action to achieve their perception of greater good.

Some strongly oppose it because of the lives, money, property, and order that is lost during the vigilante

Unlatch the Hatch Sarah Hatch group’s campaign.

Others just enjoy seeing the world on fire and causing a ruckus and don’t care about the message behind each action.

And then if you’re like me, when you observe the FBI running after ecological terrorists, calling them the “number one domestic threat” just because they blow up logging companies and set fire to SUVs but take precautions to preserve all human life, you openly applaud the eco-terrorists, even if their means are questionable.

Eco-terrorists are the modern-day vigilantes; they sink whaling ships and release animals from fur factories because they believe human kind has declared war on nature. They believe those on the side of nature, have the right to defend the environment and its mute inhabitants.

If a government can decide to drop a bomb on Hiroshima and obliterate nearly 100 percent of human life near the center of the explosion for the “greater good” of America, a vigilante group can go out and decimate every whaling ship, release every tortured animal, and blow up the occasional logging company and STILL won’t have one iota of the casualties our government has racked up through wars and bombs.

So be skeptical of laws and get your anarchy on.

Sarah Hatch is a junior and a reporter for the RM Highlighter.

Dear Editor, Are freshman not the key to future success at Rocky? Standing on the sidelines at the freshman football games and seeing the “audience” makes me believe that Rocky does not think this is the case.

The “audience” if you can call it that, consists of approximately twenty people. It isn’t very heartening to hear the voices of twenty or so parents muttering, “Let’s go Bo’s.” I know this from experience, as I play on the freshman football team. I often hear jokes on the sidelines at practice about the “crowds” we get for our games.

Not only do we have a small amount of fans, we don’t even get to play on French Field; we get the muddy practice field right behind it. I am not saying that seniors don’t deserve the field, as they have obviously worked hard so that they can play there.

But is it too much to ask to let the freshman team play there, even for a few games?

Cheerleaders cheer on their team for both the junior varsity and varsity. But this is not the case for the freshman team. The only cheerleaders we ever have are the 7-year-old “fans” that occasionally dance for a few moments before losing interest. And a band? Ha. Not a single instrument plays at our games, unless you include the drum beat of pads clashing together.

I know for a fact that this isn’t only for freshman football—I have gone to other freshman sporting events like volleyball.

Their predicament is no better.

Without freshman playing sports, in the future there would be no seniors to play in front of thousands of people, a band, and cheerleaders. So why not give freshman some credit? They work hard at what they do, but get no support. I don’t know about you, but for me, I feel like this won’t inspire freshman to play again next year.

Alex Taylor,

freshman

A5

the editorial rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

November 11, 2011

Heroes or disorganized vandals?

Protestors upholding Protestors lack leadership, Pro discipline, organization constitutional rights R D Con



eason why getting tear-gassed, arrested, rubber bullets to the face and possible trench foot is worth it? Because those little things you call your first amendment rights; they matter.

The government has been exposed over and over as enablers of corporate greed and corruption, and the Occupy Wall Street protestors are out in the streets from Colorado to New York City demanding changes in the economic structure of the United States and the globe.

Author George Orwell once stated, “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stomping on a human face forever.”

Some people might accept that as an unchangeable truth and surrender to the oppressive system of modern American economics.

The Wall Street protestors aren’t those kind of people.

They refuse to let the government’s backwards policies and ethics stomp on their faces and on their lives over and over again.

True, some people might not agree with their leaderless and seemingly disorganized formation or understand their confusing list of demands, but they’re the people who understand the significance of their first amendment rights. The people who aren’t afraid of getting tear-gassed, arrested, rubber bullets to the face and possible trench foot to prove it to an unsympathetic government.

Reason why everyone should support the Occupy Wall Street Movement?

Because you couldn’t possibly enjoy a boot stomping on your face for all of eternity.

Sarah Hatch

The movement, which began in mid-September, has swept the nation.

Army’s apology came too late On Feb. 19, 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. It allowed Japanese-Americans to be forced from their homes and into internment camps to prevent them from spying for Japan.

World War II was a time of extreme discrimination against anyone of Japanese descent. My grandparents are Japanese-Americans who were born and raised in the United States. They were not forced into internment camps because typically only JapaneseAmericans on the West Coast were interned. The government believed that people living on the West Coast would send signals to Japan.

However, my grandparents still faced discrimination.

The FBI came to their home and burned everything with Japanese writing, including all their letters from Japan. They were not allowed to cross the local bridge in Blackfoot, Idaho, because authorities believed they would bomb it.

And, they were not allowed to meet in groups with other Japanese-American people because they were suspected

In the Haus Cassa Niedringhaus of plotting against the government.

Even in the face of prejudice, Japanese-Americans demonstrated a fiery patriotism for this country. They volunteered to serve in the allJapanese 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry Battalion and Military Intelligence Service. Over 14,000 people would eventually serve.

They served both in the Pacific and in Europe and became the most decorated unit in U.S. history. My grandfather served in the 442nd.

On Oct. 5, 2010, President Obama signed Bill S. 1055 which collectively granted the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can award, to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry Battalion, and Military Intelligence Service.

This past week, my 87-year-old grandfather and

the rest of our family traveled to Washington, D.C. to the award ceremony in which the veterans received their medals.

It was heartwarming to see these veterans finally receive the recognition they deserve.

They fought valiantly for a country that rejected them. At the same time, it was sad to see how late this recognition came. Many veterans did not survive to witness this honor, and the veterans who did attend the ceremonies are nearly 90 years old, or older.

Racial profiling and discrimination negatively altered the lives of a generation of Japanese-Americans. I hope that this serves as a lesson for our country. If Muslim Americans face the same discrimination today because of an act of terrorism they had no part in, then the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Japanese American veterans means little.

It was meant as an apology and an admittance of a mistake. The mistake should not happen again.

Cassa Niedringhaus is a senior and Editor-in-Chief for the RM Highlighter.

issatisfaction with economic inequalities and corruption within corporations have led to a movement known as Occupy Wall Street.

The movement, which began in mid-September, has swept the nation. Protesters claim to be part of the 99 percent whose wealth equals that of the richest 1 percent of people.

While it is good that people are getting active instead of remaining apathetic towards a cause, their means of achieving change are ineffectual. With no clear leader or goals, this movement is no more than a group of people complaining.

Additionally, they are complaining not to the government but to Wall Street. If large corporations are truly corrupt, telling them so won’t make them change. Lobbying for new laws and regulations would be far more effective.

The Civil Rights Movement worked because of clear leaders, unification and deliberate actions that led to changed laws.

Occupy Wall Street lacks the components that made the Civil Rights Movement successful. The occupy movements have no leaders, and some movements are calling for anarchy, election reform, bank reform, and more equal income levels. Protesters cannot agree on Reanna Nelson which one they believe is the most important.

Not only is there disorganization, but some Occupy movements have led to violence. A Fort Collins resident and participant in occupy Wall Street, Benjamin David Gilmore, is being charged with arson for a fire that occurred in Old Town and caused $10 million in damages.

Unless the Occupy movements remain peaceful and merge into one unified movement, this movement will bring about no change.

Cassa Niedringhaus

Photo Poll

What is your reaction to stereotypes?

“I think everyone stereotypes, but you have to get to know someone to see if they fit the stereotype.”

Brandy McWilliams, freshman

“I think stereotypes are not always bad, but I don’t want to be stereotyped.”

Mackayla Schadegg, junior

“I think they are pretty pointless, but they are also important because they make us who we are.”

Emma Hayes, junior

“I don’t really feel anything about stereotypes, people will just be people.

I just don’t let it get to me.”

Tim Lybarger, senior

A6 November 11, 2011

the sports rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

Football team celebrates state-qualifying season

No Catching Crim: Senior Brian Crim (left) had a fantastic fall football season with a total of 1,325 rushing yards and 66 points.

Ryan Murphy (below) tackles a Poudre player in the last home game of the season; that game win sent the Lobos to the playoffs.

City championship highlight of 4-6 year

by Calvin Jouard Reporter

Football

The football team wrapped up their season this past month, losing to Ralston Valley 48-21 in the first round of the playoffs.

The team finished the season with an overall record of 4-6, and went 3-2 in the Front Range League play.

The team made a strong debut in the opening game against Arvada West, winning 13-0, but stumbled in the next three games, losing to ranked opponents Columbine, 40-14, and Ralston Valley by a score of 35-0. Despite the tough schedule, the Lobos went 3-0 in city play and were undisputed city champions for the first time in four years.

Major contributors include senior running back Brian Crim, who rushed for 1,325 yards and 11 touchdowns, and

Record: 4-6 Stars: Brian Crim, Richard Pixley Ahead: See everyone next season. Good luck to the seniors.

Talk: “I’m proud of all the hard work each and every guy on the team put in.”

-Doug Watterson, senior quarterback

senior quarterback Doug Watterson, who went 69 for 159 and threw for 1,026 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, standouts include junior safety Daniel Hunter with 4 interceptions and one touchdown and junior linebacker Josh Knotek with 83.5 tackles.

“The memories from this season will stick with me for a very long time,” Watterson said. “I’m proud of all the hard work each and every guy on the team put in. We had so many ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

Lauren Binder

Risk of ACL tear a part of playing the game for athletes

by Jessica Davidson Reporter

Seniors Talee Reece, Keera Brown and Calvin Jouard have very little in common.

Their extracurricular activities, classes, future plans, sense of humor and friends are all different. Not many people would see what could so intimately connect these three; they’ve all experienced the excruciating emotional and physical pain of tearing their Anterior Cruciate Ligament, also known as their ACL. The ACL tear is extremely common in high school athletics and can put an athlete on the sidelines for at least a year. In older athletes, the sideline time can be indefinite.

For someone that loves the game, there is nothing more devastating than the ACL tear.

For Brown, who tore her ACL in ninth grade playing basketball, the injury was difficult in more ways than one.

“The worst part was knowing that I couldn’t do what everyone else was doing,” Brown said. “I missed powder-puff my sophomore year because I was afraid

Club from page A8 are for retail. They are money-makers, for profit, so there is something to say when they tell kids to stop playing free ball and play twice as much with the club and pay twice as much as well.”

Added softball coach Mike Crockett, “Club sports do have a lot of control over guys and girls, but what do you do?”

Players often believe that club sports contain more competition than high school sports. Senior Megan Massey played club softball in junior high. However, a tendon injury and other sports prevented her from playing softball again until this year. She plays for the school team.

“I thought club was more competitive, but high school is more fun and you get to represent your school,” Massey said.

For many players, there are benefits and drawbacks to each opportunity.

Senior and volleyball player Abby Ney plays both club volleyball with Norco and volleyball for the school. She wants to continue playing in college and believes that both are valuable to her success.

“Club helps you get started with the

of hurting myself. I was always worried about hurting my knee, in and out of sports.”

Brown was relatively lucky in that she sustained her injury as an upperclassman and had time to recover. Rather than experiencing this injury as an underclassman, Jouard and Reece tore their ACLs during the beginning of their senior season. Both of them had a sport they love taken away. Reece had a partial tear in her ACL during a soccer game in September.

“It has taken away my senior season,” Reece said. “For Rocky soccer, I won’t be where I need to be because of this. If you’re not involved in the offseason, you can’t just walk on and play.”

Both Brown and Reece were able to opt out of surgery. Reece’s knee will heal through rehab and Brown has learned to be an athlete without an ACL. Jouard was not as lucky. He tore his ACL in the third quarter of his first football game of senior year. After getting surgery in September, he’s began a long rehab process that will last from six months to a year before full recovery is attained.

“The hardest part was not being able to run over to the home stands and sing the Alma Mater,” Jouard said. “I didn’t do that once this year. You really don’t know what you have until it’s gone.”

For all three of these athletes, their injury has changed, or will change, the way they play the game. Brown was able to rehab her knee to get back and play volleyball her freshman through junior years.

“I had to do physical therapy all summer after getting hurt,” Brown said. “Picking up sports again was gradual. I’m still nervous, years later. I can easily dislocate my knee without an ACL; I’ve done it four times. I have to practice constantly, and make myself strong without an ACL.” Brown went through physical therapy, rest, ice, stretches, exercises and much more. All athletes that go through this injury, whatever their experience may be, have a long rehab to go through if they ever want to play again.

“If I had been an underclassman, there would have been more motivation to get better,”

recruiting process because of tournaments, but high school also helps a lot, especially if you have a successful season,” Ney said. “High school is fun because I basically get to play with 10 of my best friends. Also, I think representing the Rocky community is very rewarding.

And another benefit is that we have had a successful season and get a chance to play in the state championships.”

Added senior Emily Jacomet, who plays club softball with the Dirt Devils and plays for the school, “The benefits of summer team are becoming so close with girls I have played with for 10 years and learning so much about the game and stuff. (The benefits of high school) are getting to play year round and getting the diversity between the two teams.”

Clark also believes in the benefits of playing for high school teams. He believes they better prepare players for college competition.

“I try to tell them as many times as I can why it is valuable (to play for high school),” Clark said. “One of the most important reasons is that high school sports approximate college sports better than club. In college, you are not just playing with your age group. You are competing against four years of people.

You have to juggle academics and athletics. Club doesn’t even ask about grades.”

RM Highlighter Archives

ACL action: Ryan Fergen (above) kneels on the sidelines in the 2010 football season due to a torn ACL. Calvin Jouard (right) participates in senior day with compression socks on his knees after sustaining a torn ACL in this year’s football season.

Jouard said. “I would have had more time to work at it, more time to do sports in high school.

You have to find something to motivate you though. Otherwise the rehab process will be 10 times harder to go through.”

These three were not the first athletes at Rocky to tear their ACL, and they certainly will not be last ones either. For future athletes that undergo this lifealtering injury, Brown has simple words of advice.

Jay

from page A8

noticed how well she could play on the jungle gym. Immediately, she was put into classes at GK Gymnastics.

“Just as soon as I started at that first day in the gym, I loved everything,” Jay said. “I had a natural ability and I was fearless.”

Theresa Jay, Brandie’s mother, added, “She is like a fish in water. It’s amazing. She has worked hard since she was little and I’m so proud of her.”

Brandie has accomplished many things throughout her gymnastics career, including winning the Junior Olympics Championships and three medals in the Visa Championships.

Her main event, vaulting, helps her win medal after medal. She had been a level 10 gymnast for about six years, but is now an elite gymnast, and has been for the past two years. According to one of her coaches, Gene Koehnke, it takes a big leap to go from level 10 to elite. He said that being a gymnast is “no walk in the park” and requires dedication.

Brandie’s dedication and the support of her family help her to be competitive in this demanding sport. She travels a lot to train with other girls all over the country. She also travels outside the country for bigger meets. This can lead to less family time.

“It does take a lot of dedication and we don’t really vacation except for Brandie’s meets,” Theresa said. “But we can always schedule family things

Jess Davidson

“If you truly love a sport, work as hard as you can to get back into it,” Brown said. “It’s possible. It will be okay.”

around her meets, and it would be like a vacation. I love going to her competitions when I can, watching her get better and better each time.”

“My family has always supported me,” Brandie said. “My grandparents come to every meet that they can. My brother and sister have worked our booster club before I was old enough to. My mom is my number one supporter though. She is the absolute beast. I could not have done anything without her. Also, the gym family has supported me the whole way as well.”

With all the dedication Brandie has and the time that she puts in, big things may be ahead. She may have the chance to represent the United States in the Olympics. According to Theresa, Brandie has been talking about going to the Olympics ever since she was a little girl.Brandie’s coach is hopeful, but thinks that she may need to push herself even more in this next year.

“You have to balance it all out,” Koehnke said.

“It’s a tough game and very, very hard. With better conditioning and a lot of dedication it can happen.

But you may have to pay the price at some point.”

“It would mean the world to me,” Jay said. “It is what I have worked for my whole life. It’s my dream.”

The next Olympics are going to be held in London, starting in July 2012. Jay’s coach, family and teammates hope to see her there.

“I’m really, really proud of Brandie,” Koenke said. “I’ve had a lot of girls that have the ability, but not the determination that she has.”

the sports rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

November 11, 2011

A7

Wrestlers intend to fight, win

by Alexandria White Reporter

Returning Senior Wrestlers

Every day as students file out of the halls of the school, a group of Lobo wrestlers gear up to practice for a highly anticipated season.

Returning state wrestlers from last year are Kyler Schmidt, Ben Drysdale, Derick Padilla and Aaron Beckmann, all of whom are expected to perform exceptionally in the upcoming season. Along with them, returning are last year’s letter winners C.J. Rithner, Danny Clark, Colton Hankins, Eric Tharp, Seth Marlow, Zach Duckworth, Dan Williams and Tony Martinez. They are also expected to have a successful season.

“Rocky wrestling is shaping up well for the 2011-2012 season,” said coach Kent Taylor. “It’s still early and we will not have our guys from football for a while, so it is hard to predict the numbers we will have in the room.”

Because of the recently closing football season, some wrestlers will have to catch up a little in practice, but that does not lower the expectations for the season.

With so many successful athletes returning from last year, a respectable season is

Aaron Beckman, Zach Duckworth, 220 170

Highlighter Archives

Full of Concentration: Returning senior Colton Hankins gets ready for a match last season. Wrestlers are starting to gear up for the winter season.

anticipated for this year.

“We expect to get great leadership from an outstanding class of 12 seniors,” Taylor said.

As the season picks up many of last year’s J.V. wrestlers are planning to work hard and try to compete for varsity posi-

Highlighter Archives

by Rakiecki’s “expectation to win.”

With a new mentality of winning and the expectation to do so comes the logistics of how execute their goal. According to Rakiecki, this will be done by eliminating old habits such as gambling for the ball and going for the steal and leaving position.

Winning will also be made possible with new foundation.

Rakiecki said this foundation starts with what he calls “defensive guard” and creating a reputation for being a tough and disciplined team.

“Basketball is basketball,” Rakiecki said. “In the end, it is simple.”

Regardless of the drastic change in size of division, Rakiecki’s general feelings in the transition of schools and teams is that it’s the same sport, 3A or 5A. The hope is that Rakiecki’s 3A success will transfer.

“Practices are more structured and harder” senior Jason Tran said. “Transition will take time, but we’re well prepared.”

This confidence is mutual between coach and player, which reflects their established goal of a conference championship.

With the confidence, new fundamentals, tactics and highset goals, the conditions might be just right for the boys’ perfect storm season.

drawings of a muscular man de-pantsing a skinny figure with glasses have been found dating back to 1500 B.C. When combining all of these aspects, the jock stereotype is complete. And it’s true. Because all stereotypes are true.

The end. Because a jock isn’t smart enough to write a creative ending.

Calvary ing. Especially when it comes to nerds. The prototypical nerd is the opposite of a jock; sluggish, intelligent and unpopular.

So it seems only fitting that jocks would torture nerds for centuries upon centuries. Cave

tion. With such a great line of leadership in the team, they should be easily encouraged.

“We are not sure how the freshmen class will shape up since many are still involved in football,” Taylor said. “But, we do have some excellent freshmen, several Shooting for success: Michael Dermody shoots to score in a game last season. He is the returning varsity lead scorer for boys’ basketball with 13.4 points a game and 121 total points last season.

by Lukas Short Reporter

from page A8

Alex Carson, 145

Colton Hankins, 152

Jeff Elage, 138

Erik Tharp, 145

Derik Padilla, 166

Seth Marlow, 145

New coach raises hopes for boys’ team Returning players on the boys’ basketball team are hoping for a perfect storm type of season.

Better approach. Better structure. Better fundamentals. Better results.

“We are working harder than ever,” junior Mike Dermody said.

“Everything is win or lose now.”

A year ago, the Lobos finished 9-15 overall and 4-12 in the Front Range League. They placed 10th out of 12 teams. That disappointing year led to a coaching change from Jeff Meyer, who lasted one year, to Jon Rakiecki, a former Colorado State University player and a state championshipwinning high school coach in Wyoming. Rakiecki is also a business and social studies teacher in the building.

“Rakiecki means business and is used to winning,” senior Justin Bruntz said. “Last year we were just out there playing. This year it is real competition.”

Rakiecki was hired over the summer from Torrington High School in Wyoming, where he coached the boys’ basketball team there to a 20-8 record and the 2009-10 state 3A title. Last year, Torrington finished third in the state.

“My job is to make them better, better than mediocre,” Rakiecki said. “(That means) performing the best they can and making them want to win.”

This mentality is acknowledged by players as what they call “the winning mentality” and is driven

C.J. Rithner, 138

Calvin Jouard is a senior reporter for the RM Highlighter and a linebacker for the football team.

with a chance to wrestle varsity.”

Each year there is an air of questioning whether the high standards the team has built with its success will be upheld by the newcomers, but this year there is little doubt knowing that this is an incoming class full of potential.

As a team, the focus will be to progress to state and qualify more players.

The talent and hard work of the team will help to make this goal a reality.

“I’m excited for the season and looking forward to our seniors making a great name for Rocky through the wrestling program,” said sophomore Dan Williams.

Girls’ team shooting for successful year

by Alexandria White Reporter

As fall sports draw to a close, a winter season favorite is just about to begin: girls’ basketball.

The powerhouse basketball team will soon start gearing up for another intense season. After last season, they will have a lot of tension to be successful this season.

Last year, they finished in the top 25 teams in the state with only 13 losses. In the playoffs, they came the closest to defeating the state champions Highlands Ranch.

So the question remains: How will the team operate without the “Twin Towers” (Erika Musante and Kara Spotton 2011 graduates) creating a winning advantage for them? Head coach Todd Matkin showed no exasperation at the loss of his two towering team leaders.

He remains confident in the team’s ability to succeed.

However, the loss of team members will result in a more average height for the team as a whole. Due to this, there will be a greater focus on guard plays to benefit the team.

“I think we are going to be a much stronger team than last year as far as chemistry,” said senior Kim Catlett.

There is an anticipated good interaction within the team help-

ing them to excel in their climb to the top. This year introduces a team full of girls who know each other, players who have played together on the court and know each other well enough to come together as a well-mechanized team.

“We know what the players are capable of,” Matkin said. “We look forward to watching what they can do on the court.”

With all of the returning talent this year, there will be a lot of pressure to win, especially against the well-known rivals. There will be no hesitation from the girls when the chance comes to play them.

The big rival games last year gave the coaches an idea about the strengths their team this will possess this year. The coaches plan to hone in on the fundamental skills of the game.

“The athleticism coming back gives us freedom to press on the players,” Matkin said. “We will give more stress in defensive drills to give us baskets offensively.”

The focus on these different aspects of the game is intended to lead the team to victory and to a higher standing in the playoffs than last year.

“I am ready to win,” Catlett said.

November 11, 2011

sports A8

the rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

Seniors say goodbye Senior Bronson Ring walks down the field with his sister and parents to celebrate his being a senior on the fooball team. This is a bittersweet moment for 2012 graduating athletes.

Gold Getter

Calvary Charge

Senior Brandie Jay earns team,

individual medals at Pan Am Games

Calvin Jouard

Mocking the jocks The jock.

Big muscles. Little brain. Athleticism.

Popular. And nerdpranker.

All of these terms are characteristics of every jock in the world. Period.

And at the same time, there’s no other way to describe a jock.

No middle ground or flexibility in the term.

All jocks have bodies of Greek gods and the face of Sylvester Stallone. Their superior athletic ability is on display 24-7, as is their six-pack that they oil up before every class period.

The term “smart jock” is an oxymoron.

The term is never used, largely because there is no such thing. One was once spotted in the Himalayas of Nepal, but it may as well have been Big Foot.

Dumb is really the only word that can be used in front of the work jock. It is the only word that accurately describes an attribute of all jocks.

It’s easy to calculate the test score of a jock sitting next to you. You know he cheated off of you, but he’s undoubtedly a bad cheater. So, just take your test score and flip it around to determine his score.

If you scored a 92, he scored a 29, if you scored an 85, he scored a 58. Simple math.

Stupidity is also synonymous with drooling, so watch your step when walking near the jock hangout at school. You’re bound to slip and fall in their puddles of drool if you stray too close.

Remember, this information is true for all jocks.

At the same time, all jocks are all popular.

Teachers kiss their feet, wishing to catch their eye just for one second.

Touching a jock is one of the greatest honors in high school. They’re destined to be popular and marry popular women and have popular babies.

Jocks are pleasant to each other, but when it comes to others, they are less than welcomJump to CALVARY, page A7

Lauren Binder

by Lauren Binder Sports Editor

Dedication is the definition of Brandie Jay as a person. She is willing to sacrifice just to do the one thing that she loves: gymnastics. I’m really, really proud of “Gymnas- Brandie. I’ve had a lot of girls tics isn’t just who have the ability, but not a sport,” Jay the determination that she has. said. “It’s a Gene Koehnke, way of life.”

Coach Jay not only is a high school senior, but a gold medalist in gymnastics. Recently, she competed in the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. She finished with the top score sports in vault in all-around compecial petition with an average score of 14.336, finished sixth overall and contributed to the U.S. team in their first place victory. Jay only is able to achieve this by spending 20 to 30 plus hours in the gym a week. But she is willing to do it and loves every single second of it.

“The Pan American games were amazing,” Jay said. “It’s such a great experience to just be able to represent your country at such a big meet. We had a lot of fun training together and just being with the other athletes from all over.”

Jay did not just jump right into gymnastics on a whim, but started training at a very young age. When she was four, her mom picked her up at day care and

“

”

S

Courtesy of USA Gymnastics

Jump to JAY, page A6

Sticking it: Senior Brandie Jay does her floor routine in the all-around competition at the Pan American games. She won a gold medal in vault and contributed to the United States gold as well.

Club sports often take away talent from school sports

by Cassa Niedringhaus Editor-in-Chief

Sports play an integral part in the lives of high schoolers, but players face the problem of balancing the rigor of club sports with the demands of high school teams.

Junior and soccer player Daniel Nevarez made the decision to play club soccer only. He played for the school team his freshman and sophomore years but made the decision to play for just the club this year.

“High school isn’t really that competitive,” Nevarez said. “They (club coaches) try to keep

Club sports do have a lot of control over guys and girls, but what do you do?

“

Mike Crockett softball coach

”

us from playing high school. With our club coaches, they really know what they’re doing and the other players do too.”

The fact that some club coaches encourage players to compete with only the club team is

frustrating for high school coaches. They want to assemble competitive teams and it is detrimental to their success when club teams draw away talent.

“One thing I do think is true is that club soccer works hard to tell people it is a waste of time (to play high school sports),” girls’ soccer coach and Language Arts teacher Ron Clark said. “The part that frustrates me is that kids come in with the ideas that the club sold them.

The thing that people forget is that the clubs Jump to CLUBS page A6

Fall athletes experience thrill of competing at state level

by Fahey Zink Center-In-Depth Editor

While the end of fall sports is near, the race to state is in still in motion for one team.

The only fall team left in the race to state now is the girls’ volleyball team. They were district champions, had a 24-2 record and won second place at the regional tournament. The chances for the team at state are looking good.

“It’s amazing,” senior digger Jennifer Brumit said. “We are all so excited and ready to work hard to hopefully play in the state championship game.”

The state tournament will be played in two different pools. The

volleyball team has been placed number six seed in the second pool, along with number two seed Grandview, number three seed Regis Jesuit, and number seven seed Eaglecrest. The volleyball team has been working hard to play their best today and Saturday, and will hopefully play at 7 p.m. on Saturday for the championships at the ►Kim Catlett Denver Coliseum.

“We have had three and a half hour practices every day this week and been very competitive,” senior

blocker Emily Zachman said. “We have a team of great coaches who push us hard every day.”

The girls’ volleyball team isn’t the only team to make it into the postseason. Five out of the six fall teams for this season made it to a postseason event, whether it was playoffs or reaching the state tournament. Five out of the six teams, boys’ tennis, girls’ softball, volleyball, gymnastics and football completed the ultimate goal of going to state. The first team to reach that goal was the regional runners-up boys’ tennis team, who sent nine out of 11 players to the state tournament. This was the most players sent out of all the high schools in Fort Collins. The girls’ softball team, who finished their

regular season 14-5 and were 9-2 in the district, was seeded number eight in the state. However, the girls only made it through the first round, putting up a strong fight against the number nine seeded team Ponderosa. They were unfortunately defeated by one run.

“There was a really bad call,” senior catcher Dani Hailey said.

“The umpire called the girl on base safe, even though she was out, and the other runner scored. We could have won (the tournament) or I was at least hoping to make it to the semifinals. But overall I think this season has been successful.”

Whatever the case may be, the fall sports season can be called for all teams.

November 11, 2011

Trick-or-Treat Street

features B1

Seniors Isaac Morley, Brian Funke and Kendra Ellenwood hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. A Halloween themed carnival awaited kids after they collected candy.

the rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

Cassa Niedringhaus

Small Talk Jess Davidson

Break your addiction

heard the words ‘make a wish,’ I immediately thought, ‘Oh my God, we can connect this to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.’”

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of people with life-threatening illnesses like cancer who are between the ages of two and a half and 18. On average, a single wish costs $7,250, and 77 percent of its money comes from outside contributions.

“The dance will serve as a fundraiser. All funds raised from ticket sales will be donated to the wish of a child living in Colorado,” said senior Kali Glenn, who leads the FoCo section of Student Council.

In addition to buying a ticket, students had the opportunity to support Make-A-Wish throughout the week. Buttons and decorative

Six hundred dollars can buy a lot. A semester’s worth of books and fees at CU is $600. It is three months of groceries for a family of four. You can buy an iPad, a cell phone or three designer purses for $600.

Or, if you’re me, $600 is one year of Starbucks.

When I cautiously tell people that I spent $600 on perfectly steamed lattes in the last year, I’m greeted by expletives and the question, “Why would you ever spend that much on coffee?”

The answer is simple, ladies and gentlemen. I have been impacted by addiction.

Typically, addiction constitutes dependence on some sort of substance, regardless of negative connotations and implications of said illicit substance. But as my bank account and I know well, addiction does not stop at drugs and alcohol.

Sex addicts, shopping addicts, gambling addicts, drug addicts, alcoholics, exercise addicts and yes, even Starbucks addicts, are walking among us.

In our school, in Fort Collins, in Colorado, in the United States and world-wide, addiction is a disease that is taking its toll.

But here’s the thing, my fellow addicts: whether you are addicted to methamphetamine or television, addiction is a disease that can be cured.

Unlike the uncertainty of cancer, AIDS and immune diseases, addiction is 100 percent curable if you’re willing to work and try, if you’re willing to try.

That’s the key. I get it.

I would rather cut off a few fingers than not have coffee for the rest of my life. I understand how difficult it is to give up an addiction, as I have failed twice to give mine up. But like it or not, my quest for the perfect pumpkin chai has impacted my bank account, my college fund and my dependency on caffeine in a negative manner.

My small scale addiction is just the beginning of demonstrating the perils of addiction. And that’s what I’m getting at, Rocky. Many of you reading this probably have an addiction of some sort, or know someone who has an addiction of some sort.

There are students at our school who have parents with scary substance addictions, students at our school who are addicted to cutting, or sex, or gambling or lying. From my small coffee addiction upwards, none of these

Jump to DANCE, page B2

Jump to JESS, page B3

Granting a wish: (Clockwise from left) 2010 grad, Garrett Karp totals up his purchases, Karp fans out his shopping spree money donated by Make-A-Wish with his family including senior Ethan Karp, Billy Lott gets chemo in the hospital, Garrett browses the isles, Karp and his family pack up for the road.

Photo Illustration by Christine Gravelle

Difficult times, lives changed by Make-A-Wish

by Christine Gravelle Features Editor

In most cases life is filled with love, joy and carefree thoughts for a child, but for around 353,000 of them, something they should never have to deal features becomes a reality pecial of their life.

Cancer.

The Make-A-Wish foundation is an organization that allows a child with cancer or a lifethreatening illness to make a wish that is then granted. Funds come from donations and fundraisers throughout the country.

However, cancer and severe illnesses affect not only the child but also family and loved ones around them.

The child’s local hospital is contacted by Make-A-Wish, and then the family is notified

S

that they can choose a wish to be granted.

Senior Brianna Lott felt this firsthand everyday starting her sophomore year. Lott’s 10-year-old brother Billy Lott, was diagnosed with leukemia. However, with a little help from Make-A-Wish, all his worries seemed to disappear for a little while.

“He was so stoked when he heard that he was getting a MakeA-Wish,” Brianna said. “He had such a glow.”

Billy is in the process of choosing his wish, but can’t wait until his day comes. Billy is considering meeting Justin Bieber and Rob Dyrdek.

2010 grad Garrett Karp was also chosen for Make-A-Wish.

He was given a $2,200 shopping spree at Best Buy, along with being picked up by a limo and going out

to lunch.

“It took my mind off the stress of the chemo,” Karp said. “It really brought my spirits up.”

Karp’s family also enjoyed the experience of watching Garrett’s wish come true.

“It was an amazing experience and it really helped him get through the hard time,” brother and senior Ethan Karp said.

Wishes can range from Disneyland to gift cards, but to the person receiving the gift, it means just the same.

Seniors Meghan Loury and Kelly Reidel were able to see a wish being granted in front of their own eyes. Both seniors worked at Coldstone Creamery at the time and participated in the granting of a wish.

A whole event was set up for the child including creating his

Photo Courtesy of Brianna Lott

In the hospital: Billy Lott in the hospital getting treatment. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in 5th grade.

own ice cream flavor, getting blow-up castles and having his face Jump to WISH, page B2

Dance raises money helping make wishes come true

by Taylor Hitchings Reporter

Christine Gravelle

Hanging stars: StuCo members (starting from left) senior Jesse Janzen, junior Brianna Garza, senior Ari Nevo and senior Adrian Chen work together to hang decorative stars over the Rocks. The Make-A-Wish dance will take place on the Rocks on Nov. 11.

Amidst loud music, starthemed decorations and a whole lot of dancing, it might be easy to forget you’re giving back to the community.

Still, students who attend the Make-A-Wish Dance tonight will be doing just that and pioneering a new event at Rocky.

As soon as Senior Class President and Dance Committee leader Jessica Davidson told the committee the date of the dance, ideas started flowing.

“A girl was like, ‘Well, what if we did an 11/11 dance?’” Davidson said. “Because people make wishes on 11:11, and it would be on 11/11/11. People thought that was pretty cool. We were like, ‘Okay, we can call it a Make-AWish dance,’ and as soon as I

B2 November 11, 2011

the features rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

Fowler has uncommon hobby, creates game

by Cam Chorpenning Limelight Editor

Junior Aaron Fowler knows seven languages, and none of them are spoken.

Fowler is a computer programmer and student “speaks” some eature of the languages used for creating programs on computers. He has taken on an ambitious project: creating his own video game.

Fowler has spent the last three years working on this game, but says what he has now is still the “bare bones.”

Originally inspired by a small game he made for an 8th grade class, the idea has grown into a multiplayer PC game with artificial intelligence (AI) superior to that found in an average video game.

F

Wish

from page B1 painted to ensure the day was one to remember.

“He got to pick out his special flavor of ice cream and got to scoop his own toppings in, and then someone mixed it up for him,” Reidel said. “He was very happy and I think it really helped him get through something hard.”

All of the staff worked that day to make sure that everything ran smoothly for the child’s special day.

“It was so cool to be part of something like that,” Loury said. “He was so cute and looked so happy.”

Although cancer and severe illnesses surround and touch the lives of everyone in some way, through Make-A-Wish,

“Right now that’s proving to be quite challenging,” Fowler said of programming the AI. Fowler’s interest in computers goes back further than the 8th grade, however. Fowler’s parents, who are both able computer programmers, planted the interest in him at a young age.

Fowler remembers his father, who currently works at HewlettPackard, opening up a computer for him and showing him the inside of it when he was very young.

He also remembers when he was in the 6th grade and participating in his school’s Lego Robotics program. He programmed the robots that were built. From then on, Fowler’s interest in computers has flourished. In fact, Fowler took Web Design 2 his freshman year and hopes to take a computer programming class at Colorado

State University next year. He would like to pursue a career in programming.

Fowler taught himself to “speak” some of the languages used in programming and currently spends two to three hours per day programming his game and a multitude of other small projects.

“I make the computer do more,” Fowler said.

Although Fowler spends a lot of time adding to his game, he knows his limits. He takes the summers off to allow himself to rejuvenate, take hikes and skateboard.

“It gets to the point where you do it so much that you stop being effective,” Fowler said of excessive programming.

And though he knows he

children can wish upon a star and have their wishes really come true.

“I think Make-A-Wish is a beautiful thing,” Lott said. “It brings hope and happiness to a dark situation.”

needs to spend time away from the computer, Fowler acknowledges that the game will take years longer to complete. In fact, the game hasn’t taken a visual form other than conceptual art yet.

Fowler himself doesn’t know when it will be

Final touches: Aaron Fowler does programming on the computer. Working on the computer has become second nature to Fowler.

Cam Chorpenning

Dance from page B1

Christine Gravelle

Michelle Kennedy

Final touches: (Above) Sophomore Natalie Graves works on painting spirit day themes on windows in the Commons. (Above right) Stars and signs hang above the Rocks.

complete, but said that once he’s satisfied with it, he plans on making it public and free for people to access through the internet.

Despite this daunting challenge, Fowler continues to press on, programming his game, but managing to keep his sanity at the same time.

stars were sold on the Rocks, and the profits will go towards the organization as well.

For those who have been affected by cancer this dance may strike a chord.

“I was in the hospital for a little bit during my sophomore year and there were about four kids there who had the opportunity to make a wish, and it really made a difference to them,” Glenn said. “Since I have seen what granting a wish can do firsthand, it is really exciting that Rocky has an opportunity to make it happen for a child in Colorado.”

Davidson added, “Everybody’s touched by cancer in some way. When it’s a child, it’s different. So many kids at this school have been so lucky and so

We live in an awesome community and I think it’d be great if we could turn around and give back a little.

“

Jessica Davidson, senior

”

blessed. We live in an awesome community and I think it’d be great if we could turn around and give back a little. I hope this sparks something within the student body and that kids feel excited to come to a dance.

The legacy of this dance will live on afterwards. Even when the dance ends at 11:11 p.m. on the eleventh, it doesn’t end there.”

Creative projects not only eco-friendly, but functional

by Michelle Kennedy Reporter

Every week 150 bags of hamburger buns come into the school’s cafeteria: what’s in the bags goes to hungry students, but the bags themselves—well that’s another story.

Many people would simply throw the bags staff away, or possibly eature recycle them.

However, Paula Crownover, a Lunch Lady at Rocky, has a different plan for these unused carryalls—she makes them into designer crocheted tote bags.

“I saw this idea and I just kind of dismissed it because it didn’t really catch my eye,” Crownover said. “And then after a few months I thought, ‘You know, I think I’m going to try this.’ And I tried it and it turned out really cool and it wasn’t hard to do.”

In order to make the totes,

F

she collects various types of plastic bags from the school, friends or personal shopping trips. With the help of her friend and coworker Karen Johnson the bags are cut into small strips and then tied together to form “plarn” (plastic yarn). Crownover is then able to crochet the plarn to create her totes.

Crownover has been making these bags for just over a year and a half, but in this short amount of time she has made over 75 totes. With each taking about 200 individual plastic bags, that amounts to about 15,000 bags worth of waste that hasn’t gone into the landfill.

“I’m not so much thinking about how ‘green’ it is,” Crownover said. “I know that a lot of people are and they really get into that, but I’m not really a passionate recycler.”

Although she isn’t so much focused on the environmental impact of her project, owners of

some of her pieces recognize her ecological contributions, including counselor Chrystal Kelly, who received her bag as a thank you gift.

“I love that the bags are getting reused as well,” Kelly said.

“Sometimes they just get thrown out and then they’re just sitting in the landfills, but all these bags are being used for something that’s quality and useful—and kind of fun.”

In addition to being “green,” Crownover’s totes are versatile and unique as well. From grocery shopping to going to the beach, this carryall really does carry everything.

“You wouldn’t believe what you can shove in that thing,” Kelly said. “I mean I took it to the beach and it had all the towels, our snacks, and it’s perfect because you can just dump out the sand and it stays clean.

But I think it would be great for groceries as well because it’s extremely sturdy.”

Despite the fact that many people love Crownover’s bags, she doesn’t want it to turn into a business. Since each bag takes about five hours to make, though the process is easy, she says, it is a very time-consuming process.

“I don’t want it to become something that becomes a burden and not enjoyable anymore,” Crownover said.

►Delaney Bacon

Michelle Kennedy

Final touches: Paula Crownover works on one of the several bags that she crochets. Each bag requires 200 individual plastic bags; so far over 15,000 bags have been recycled.

the features rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

November 11, 2011

B3

Sex slave industry can affect all in some way Author Daniel Walker writes about horrific issue, local club, family make a difference that changes lives

by Jess Davidson Reporter

According to Daniel Walker, God can be seen in a brothel. “In a place of difficulty and evil, good things can happen,” Walker said at a presentation at Faith-E-Free Church last month. “But only if good people are working to demolish the evil. You have to be working for God. ” Walker, someone with twenty years of law enforcement experience, spent part of his career working for a non-profit Christian organization that devotes it’s time to helping girls in the sex trade get out of the trade, and live healthy lives. Walker worked undercover to collect information about what was going on in brothels, and then would take the information to local authorities so children being sold for sex could be saved.

“I would give the pimp money to take a girl for some time. We’d go into the bedroom, and I would tell her that I just wanted to talk.

I told them that in New Zealand we don’t have sex, I told them my girlfriend had just broken up with me and I was lonely, I told them whatever it took for them to trust me,” Walker said. “After that, I would ask her what was going on there. I would try and get enough information to bring back so we could rescue the girls. I had a button camera, so no police could deny what was going on – I had proof. We had successful missions, and unsuccessful missions, but the important thing is that we were able to change lives. We saved girls.”

Sex trafficking is seen largely in Asian countries, like Cambodia and Indonesia. Because of this, many Rocky students don’t know about how many young men and women are being used as sex slaves every single day – and that includes the United States. Denver, Colorado is one of the largest

Regan Miller

Q&A Margaret Avrill Perfect ACT score: 36

Q:

How did you prepare for the ACT?

A: Jess Davidson

Looking back: Sisters Maggie Guyor and senior Emily Guyor look at old baby pictures of Maggie together. Maggie was a year old when she was adopted by the Guyor family.

transfer point for sex trafficking, meaning that sex slaves are being flown in and out of Denver to be exchanged. The issue is not only in Asian countries, but an international crisis of humanity.

“It’s around us. Definitely in Fort Collins, definitely in Colorado, and definitely in the US.” senior Christine Gravelle said, the president and founder of Save the Tears. “Even buying a cupcake, anything from Save the Tears can help.”

Save the Tears is a club that raises awareness in the Rocky community about sex trafficking.

“We raise awareness as well as give high risk kids scholarships so they can become educated, ultimately lowering their risk of being pulled into the sex slave industry. We have also paid for a plane ticket in the past to get them out of that situation,” Gravelle said. “We’re educating kids there, and educating kids here.”

Gravelle started Save the Tears during her sophomore year after

Courtesy of Christine Gravelle

Club and book: (Clockwise from top right) A group of kids playing from a school in Thailand that Save the Tears supports, Cover of God in a Brothel, Save the Tears logo.

her student teacher, Mr. Berg, showed the class a video.

“I’ve traveled extensively in Southeast Asia and I happened to run into some women that were in the industry. I talked to them for a long time and they filled me in on what was going on. At the time I had no money or anything to give them, but I told them that I wanted to be a teacher and that I would educate other kids about their life and their struggles. A few years later, I realized that the textbooks at the school don’t have anything about the sex slave industry so I decided to do a big presentation on it. Christine and some other students were really affected by it. She came to me after doing some research, and asked if the class would be willing to rally together for the cause,” Blair Berg said. “It has a place in my heart because I saw the industry; I was able to talk to those women. They’re twelve, thirteen years old and they’ve been sex slaves for eight years. Anyone who hears their stories will have a soft spot for the struggle that they’ve gone through.”

Senior Emily Guyor certainly has a soft spot for this cause.

Guyor’s family adopted Emily’s younger sister, Maggie, from Cambodia to save Maggie from the sex trade. Maggie was only a year old – but girls in Cambodia can begin being used as a sex slave as early as four years old.

Guyor’s family’s involvement in the issue has really opened her eyes to what she can do. “Even though it doesn’t seem true that all of this slavery is happening around the world, the truth is that there is more slavery today than there ever has been, including during the Roman Empire,”

Jess

from page B1 Addictions are good.

And if the temporary feel good is having detrimental effects that do, or will, outweigh the benefits, it’s a pretty big sign that it’s time to cut the addiction - it’s time to stop being dependent.

I’ve had family members affected by substance addiction, and it is heart wrenching to watch. When I say it’s time to stop being dependent, I’m definitely talking to those of you

who suffer from substance addiction. If you do, seek help. And if you’re lucky enough not to, but have family members that do, write them a letter asking them to seek help.

Rocky, this month I am asking all of us to stand strong against addiction. I am going to cut my Starbucks trips to once a week. If you’re like me and have a small addiction, I encourage you to do the same. If you’re suffering from something much bigger, speak out. Get the help

you need to push past your addiction.

So I challenge you. Step out of your comfort zone. Push yourself to break your addiction. Find your inner strength to discover who you truly are, because I guarantee you are not alone. Who knows, you may find someone you didn’t know existed.

Jessica Davidson is a senior reporter for the RM Highlighter.

Guyor said. “That’s a ridiculous amount of slavery. I know that everyone can’t afford to travel overseas to become an undercover cop, or adopt a child from a different country, but there is so much that we can do.”

According to Walker, the best thing we can do is raise awareness.

“Just like with any issue, if people know, it is bound to cease at some point.”

Berg agrees. “My biggest thing is that I just want people to know.

Living in Fort Collins, nothing ever happens here. 99% of the kids that live here are almost brainwashed, living in this perfect community,” he said. “My goal is that I will educate one student at a time, about this industry. I want them to understand that it actually is a problem.”

People can buy Walker’s book, ‘God in a Brothel’, about his experiences as an undercover cop to protect young girls in the sex trade. A portion of the proceeds from the book go to an organization called Hagar International, to support the recovery of victims of sex trafficking.

Students can also support the end of sex trafficking by supporting a child through Hagar International, writing papers and giving presentations about the issue in school, becoming educated, and becoming active in Save the Tears.

“My hope for the future of sex trafficking is that everyone will become aware of it. Whatever we can do to let people know and learn about what is going on is really good,” Guyor siad. “Hopefully by the time everyone does hear about it, we can put an end to harming innocent people through this sad industry.”

I didn’t. I did what was required in Personal Finance. We had to do some of the stuff on Naviance as prep. Other than that, really, my preparation has been reading my whole life. And I don’t know, difficult classes I suppose.

Honestly, I didn’t do much.

Q: A:

Tips you can give upcoming ACT takers?

The science section is not what people expect. It’s like a reading section with interpreting a graph throughout it. And a lot of people end up running out of time.

So that’s one that would be really good to go on Naviance and do some of the practice questions and practice test; it’s not what people have run into before. For a lot of people, practicing on Naviance helps. Being familiar to what they are going to hit on the test is good.

Also, anybody who has a hard time reading quickly, they should try to address that before they go into taking the ACT because speed is huge. Other than that, just relax.

Q: A:

How do you feel about this accomplishment?

I was incredibly excited at first. In fact, when I opened it and saw that 36, I was just jumping off the walls for a little while. But in the same time, in the long term, it doesn’t really mean a lot. And really, the difference between a 36 and a 35 isn’t significant.

Q:

How will the score help you with your future plans?

A:

Really, where it’s most likely going to pay off for me is going to be in just boosting my overall potential for scholarships.

And so that will make it so I can

center in-depth

B4 November 11, 2011

November 11, 2011

the rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

Scraping the Labels off of teens

Hipster: Reanna Nelson, Senior

Fahey Zink

Hipster: Men and woman that value independent thinking, counter culture, progressive politics and an appreciation of art and indie-rock.

Q. How would you define a hipster?

A. Very indie, artistic and rejects the mainstream.

Q. Would you consider yourself one?

A. Kind of. I like art, music, and I reject mainstream stuff to a degree.

Q. How do you fit your stereotype?

A. I try to state a point of thinking for yourself and being an individual.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I try not to be all stuck up about it and all ‘I did it first.’ I try to limit that.

Q. Opinion about stereotypes in general?

A. I think they can be pretty harmful. It prevents people from drawing a clear conclusion of who someone is ‘cause they have an assumption about them.

Stereotyping: a simplified and standardized conception invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group.

It is a simple part of high school, but it can also be a major issue, not only with teens stereotyping teens, but adults stereotyping teens as well. So what happens when someone is wrongly stereotyped? The Rocky Mountain Highlighter takes a look at these stereotyped teens and shows who they really are.

Compiled by Fahey Zink and Jess Davidson. Definitions courtesy of Urban dictionary.

by Fahey Zink Center-In-Depth Editor

Jocks, nerds, and preps.

These are common labels for high school students everywhere. While teens might use these words to stereotype others, some adults might use different words; lazy, unreliable, selfish, and apathetic.

“I think sometimes all of us have biases,” Lauire Klith, executive director of the Center for Family Outreach, said.

“We’re quick to judge before getting the complete story in situations. It’s really easy to lump and group all kids in categories.”

Klith runs programs at the center to support at risk teens. She works with kids who might been stereotyped negatively by others in society. She believes that the stereotyping still going on today is a problem with not only teens, but adults as well.

“It’s disheartening,” Klith said.

“Nobody wants to be stereotyped, even

adults. With the great education we all receive today it’s still a barrier. We’ve come a long way, but we still segregate more than we ever had with things like religion or race today.”

Some adults today are quick to judge teens because of the negative actions of a select few. Senior Dana Cline experienced negative stereotyping while at a skate park with a friend. A woman who lived in the neighborhood yelled at them, though they had done nothing to provoke her anger.

“She was with the neighborhood watch and she told us, ‘Hey you gotta get out of here. You guys are going to steal something.’ And we were just in the park,” Cline said. “People classify somebody by the way they look or act or if they seem like bad kids.”

Even with these barriers, Klith believes that it’s her job to overcome these barriers and pay it forward to the next generation. She hopes to make a difference and wants others to do the same.

Miss Perfect: Hanna Wiggins, Junior.

Miss perfect: A girl who is sweet, wholesome, pretty and an easy going person.

Q. How would you define a miss perfect?

A. I guess drop dead gorgeous, great grades, has a lot of money and a lot of friends.

Q. How do you fit this stereotype?

A. Well, no one’s perfect. I get good grades and I’m involved, but that’s about it.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. Everyone makes mistakes. I don’t always get great grades.

My life isn’t perfect at all.

Q. Opinion on stereotypes in general?

A. Seeing people as ‘better than you,’ ‘perfect,’ it divides us. Stereotypes aren’t always true, but sometimes students don’t see that.

Jessica Davidson

Nerd: Brennan O’Grady, Senior

Photo illustration by Fahey Zink

Stereotyping issue not only from teens, adults too “I love working with teens because of their energy,” Klith said. “I feel that it’s my responsibility to invest in the next generation. Someone did that for me and I believe that you have to pay it forward for the next generation. Youth are the champions for our community because of the things they teach us and teach us about the world they want to live in. We [adults] have to listen to what your world will look like and how we can make it happen together.”

While Klith believes that the next generations of teens are the future leaders of society, she also realizes teens on the wrong track need support and need to find a purpose to get back on the right track.

“I truly believe everyone has strength,” Klith said. “They have to look at themselves and find that strength inside them. Somewhere they went off the track but they can get back on very quickly; they just need support.”

B5

Nerd: An individual persecuted for his superior skills or intellect, most often by people who fear and envy him.

Q. How would you define your stereotype?

A. I see a nerd as a kid with glasses who is sick all the time. He’s socially awkward and spends his free time reading his math text book.

Q. How do you fit this stereotype?

A. I have glasses, and I enjoy learning.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I’m not sick all the time, I’m involved in a lot, I’m pretty sure I have friends. I don’t find myself socially awkward either, but maybe I am.

Q. Opinion on stereotypes in general?

A. I don’t think we stereotype “jocks” and “popular” at Rocky the same way we do with “nerd”. People really focus in on that stereotype here.

Jessica Davidson

Jock: Doug Watterson, Senior.

Jock: Someone who is rude, arrogant, stupid, beats up people, only dates cheerleaders and hangs around other jocks. They tend to abuse their popularity.

Q. How would you define a jock?

Fahey Zink A. Someone who plays sports, a little too good for everyone else and flashy.

Q. Do you consider yourself one?

A. No I am not. My girlfriend is a respectable woman, my old car doesn’t start on a cold morning, I get good grades and the only attention I ever get is because I’m really awkward.

Q. How do you fit your stereotype?

A. I play football and basketball and I’m really, really good looking.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I try to be humble and always give credit where credit is earned.

I don’t really go to parties if there’s alcohol or stuff like that going on.

Q. Opinion on stereotypes in general?

A. Sometimes they can be true, most of the time they’re not though. I’m just goofy and I’m only a jerk sometimes.

Band Geek: Catherine Giesenhagen, sophomore

Band Geek: A person involved in band who enjoys it so much that they constantly have band on their minds.

Q. How would you define your stereotype?

A. Someone who plays in the band, and lives the band culture by eating lunch in the band room, hanging out at games, and has lots of friends that are in band, too.

Q. How do you fit this stereotype?

A. Band is certainly an aspect of my identity, but I’m not the “geekiest” band geek there is.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I don’t really defy it, but other parts of my life balance band out.

Q. Opinion about stereotypes in general?

A. It’s something that just happens automatically, but people shouldn’t act on them even Jessica Davidson if they notice them.

center in-depth

B4 November 11, 2011

November 11, 2011

the rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

Scraping the Labels off of teens

Hipster: Reanna Nelson, Senior

Fahey Zink

Hipster: Men and woman that value independent thinking, counter culture, progressive politics and an appreciation of art and indie-rock.

Q. How would you define a hipster?

A. Very indie, artistic and rejects the mainstream.

Q. Would you consider yourself one?

A. Kind of. I like art, music, and I reject mainstream stuff to a degree.

Q. How do you fit your stereotype?

A. I try to state a point of thinking for yourself and being an individual.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I try not to be all stuck up about it and all ‘I did it first.’ I try to limit that.

Q. Opinion about stereotypes in general?

A. I think they can be pretty harmful. It prevents people from drawing a clear conclusion of who someone is ‘cause they have an assumption about them.

Stereotyping: a simplified and standardized conception invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group.

It is a simple part of high school, but it can also be a major issue, not only with teens stereotyping teens, but adults stereotyping teens as well. So what happens when someone is wrongly stereotyped? The Rocky Mountain Highlighter takes a look at these stereotyped teens and shows who they really are.

Compiled by Fahey Zink and Jess Davidson. Definitions courtesy of Urban dictionary.

by Fahey Zink Center-In-Depth Editor

Jocks, nerds, and preps.

These are common labels for high school students everywhere. While teens might use these words to stereotype others, some adults might use different words; lazy, unreliable, selfish, and apathetic.

“I think sometimes all of us have biases,” Lauire Klith, executive director of the Center for Family Outreach, said.

“We’re quick to judge before getting the complete story in situations. It’s really easy to lump and group all kids in categories.”

Klith runs programs at the center to support at risk teens. She works with kids who might been stereotyped negatively by others in society. She believes that the stereotyping still going on today is a problem with not only teens, but adults as well.

“It’s disheartening,” Klith said.

“Nobody wants to be stereotyped, even

adults. With the great education we all receive today it’s still a barrier. We’ve come a long way, but we still segregate more than we ever had with things like religion or race today.”

Some adults today are quick to judge teens because of the negative actions of a select few. Senior Dana Cline experienced negative stereotyping while at a skate park with a friend. A woman who lived in the neighborhood yelled at them, though they had done nothing to provoke her anger.

“She was with the neighborhood watch and she told us, ‘Hey you gotta get out of here. You guys are going to steal something.’ And we were just in the park,” Cline said. “People classify somebody by the way they look or act or if they seem like bad kids.”

Even with these barriers, Klith believes that it’s her job to overcome these barriers and pay it forward to the next generation. She hopes to make a difference and wants others to do the same.

Miss Perfect: Hanna Wiggins, Junior.

Miss perfect: A girl who is sweet, wholesome, pretty and an easy going person.

Q. How would you define a miss perfect?

A. I guess drop dead gorgeous, great grades, has a lot of money and a lot of friends.

Q. How do you fit this stereotype?

A. Well, no one’s perfect. I get good grades and I’m involved, but that’s about it.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. Everyone makes mistakes. I don’t always get great grades.

My life isn’t perfect at all.

Q. Opinion on stereotypes in general?

A. Seeing people as ‘better than you,’ ‘perfect,’ it divides us. Stereotypes aren’t always true, but sometimes students don’t see that.

Jessica Davidson

Nerd: Brennan O’Grady, Senior

Photo illustration by Fahey Zink

Stereotyping issue not only from teens, adults too “I love working with teens because of their energy,” Klith said. “I feel that it’s my responsibility to invest in the next generation. Someone did that for me and I believe that you have to pay it forward for the next generation. Youth are the champions for our community because of the things they teach us and teach us about the world they want to live in. We [adults] have to listen to what your world will look like and how we can make it happen together.”

While Klith believes that the next generations of teens are the future leaders of society, she also realizes teens on the wrong track need support and need to find a purpose to get back on the right track.

“I truly believe everyone has strength,” Klith said. “They have to look at themselves and find that strength inside them. Somewhere they went off the track but they can get back on very quickly; they just need support.”

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Nerd: An individual persecuted for his superior skills or intellect, most often by people who fear and envy him.

Q. How would you define your stereotype?

A. I see a nerd as a kid with glasses who is sick all the time. He’s socially awkward and spends his free time reading his math text book.

Q. How do you fit this stereotype?

A. I have glasses, and I enjoy learning.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I’m not sick all the time, I’m involved in a lot, I’m pretty sure I have friends. I don’t find myself socially awkward either, but maybe I am.

Q. Opinion on stereotypes in general?

A. I don’t think we stereotype “jocks” and “popular” at Rocky the same way we do with “nerd”. People really focus in on that stereotype here.

Jessica Davidson

Jock: Doug Watterson, Senior.

Jock: Someone who is rude, arrogant, stupid, beats up people, only dates cheerleaders and hangs around other jocks. They tend to abuse their popularity.

Q. How would you define a jock?

Fahey Zink A. Someone who plays sports, a little too good for everyone else and flashy.

Q. Do you consider yourself one?

A. No I am not. My girlfriend is a respectable woman, my old car doesn’t start on a cold morning, I get good grades and the only attention I ever get is because I’m really awkward.

Q. How do you fit your stereotype?

A. I play football and basketball and I’m really, really good looking.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I try to be humble and always give credit where credit is earned.

I don’t really go to parties if there’s alcohol or stuff like that going on.

Q. Opinion on stereotypes in general?

A. Sometimes they can be true, most of the time they’re not though. I’m just goofy and I’m only a jerk sometimes.

Band Geek: Catherine Giesenhagen, sophomore

Band Geek: A person involved in band who enjoys it so much that they constantly have band on their minds.

Q. How would you define your stereotype?

A. Someone who plays in the band, and lives the band culture by eating lunch in the band room, hanging out at games, and has lots of friends that are in band, too.

Q. How do you fit this stereotype?

A. Band is certainly an aspect of my identity, but I’m not the “geekiest” band geek there is.

Q. How do you defy it?

A. I don’t really defy it, but other parts of my life balance band out.

Q. Opinion about stereotypes in general?

A. It’s something that just happens automatically, but people shouldn’t act on them even Jessica Davidson if they notice them.

B6 November 11, 2011

the limelight rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

Courtyard Duckpond

by Amanda Kriss I’m so excited to show off our superhero costumes for Halloween.

Me too! We look awesome!

Which Hero are you, Toad?

Games & Amusements

Sudoku Challenge The objective of the puzzle is to complete the 9 x 9 grid so that every column, row, and 3 x 3 grid within the 9 x 9 grid contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. Each puzzle can be solved with pure logic, so guessing should not be necessary.

I’m BATMAN!

Cool!

Difficulty level:  I’m a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! I wonder who Duck is dressing And I’m as?

SUPERMAN!

(Puzzle solution posted on bulletin board outside of Room 528.)

Photo

Top Ten

of the issue Trick-or-Treat Street Delights Hey Guys! I got my costume.

Worst College Essay Ideas:

What are you?

I’m a SuperZero!

10. Why I Enjoy Marijuana.

9. My Life as a Wiccan.

8. How NASCAR Has Changed My Life.

7. Boobs vs. Butts.

6. Why I Have a 0.73 GPA. 5. My Hero: Michelle

We said to dress as a superHERO not Zero!

Cassa Niedringhaus

Sweet treat: Senior Ari Nevo, dressed as a spy, encourages a trick-or-treater enjoying the pumpkin bowling. Trick-or-Treat Street, sponsored by StuCo, has a large and enthusiastic turnout each year.

Bachmann.

4. My Polygamist Lifestyle.

3. Minorities and Why They Make Me Uncomfortable.

2. My Brief Stint in Terrorism.

1. My Name is Rylee Johnston and My Uncle Is the President of Your School.

(Charlie Anderson)

Devotchka unique, emotional

by Charlie Anderson Reporter

My first encounter with Devotchka was at Mile High Music Festival in 2009. I didn’t know how to perceive them, how to take in the variety the band concert provided.

In retrospect, it eview is embarrassing how little I appreciated the sound. It wasn’t until last March that the band came into view again, with the release of 100 Lovers. It was at this point that I found the appreciation I once lacked.

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Hailing from Denver, the tight-knit group consists of four extraordinary musicians; a quality that is seemingly under-valued.

Front man Nick Urata plays guitar, piano, trumpet, and bouzouki (a low-pitched mandolin; Tom Hagerman plays violin, accordion, and piano; Jeanie Shroder plays the double bass, flute, and sousaphone (a tuba widely used in marching bands); and Shawn King acts as percussionist and trumpeter.

On Oct. 25, the Aggie Theater played host to Devotchka, who

began their career backing for burlesque shows. This vaudevilletype atmosphere was perhaps reflected in openers Bonnie and the Beard, their sound bluesy and Zappa-esque. By the time the duo (guitarist Tony LoVerde and keyboard/percussionist Megan Fong) had finished their set, the Aggie was still far from filling to capacity. It was a somewhat mature crowd, different from many of the Aggie shows where nine out of ten fans have X’s on their hand.

When Devotchka’s Tom Hagerman entered with violin in hand, a sort of subdued excitement swallowed the noise in the theater. The rest of the group followed, with a physical appearance that contained anticipation within itself. Jeanie Shroder held her double bass by the neck, wearing a flamenco-style red dress as Nick Urata drank from a bottle of red wine, looking similar to a disheveled and unshaven George Clooney. Tom Hagerman wore a coat, tie, and thick glasses as

Shawn King sat comfortably and confidently behind the drum kit.

It was quiet until Urata set down the bottle, picked up a guitar, and howled mournfully into the microphone.

The set list was nothing less than unpredictable, with wild mood swings and musical culture shocks. Since my reintroduction to Devotchka, I have been astounded by their ability to perform music from diverse cultures with such ease. One song, abundant with Eastern European influence, would be followed with Latin flamenco or straight Gypsy Punk. A constant in the show was Urata’s emotion. He

Charlie Anderson

A soulful performance: Devotchka performs at the Aggie on Oct. 25. The Denver band plays a wide variety of music with a diverse group of instruments that make for a unique sound

would sing with tragic desperation, frustration, and sadness. The sound throughout was purely organic, with no pre-recordings or drum kits. It was beautiful to hear such raw, yet fluid music.

The diverse set list included the crowd favorite, “How It Ends” from the soundtrack of Little Miss Sunshine, songs from 2011’s 100 Lovers, and even songs reaching back to 2003’s Una Volta.

Devotchka is entirely underrated for the talent they possess.

With their growing popularity and the release of 100 Lovers, one can only guess that the band’s culture will become more widely accepted.

thelimelight rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

November 11, 2011

Acting out

B7

One-act plays offer students opportunity to step in spotlight

by Taylor Hitchings Reporter

The winter one-acts have something few other extracurricular activities do.

They’re student led, student directed, and student-oriented.

From beginning to end, casting to set takedown, the ultimate responsibility falls on those who choose to be a part of the ONE-ACTS show.

What: 5 While student-directed earlier in one-act plays the year When: Dec. than usual, 2-3, 7 p.m.

Rocky’s Where: Mini traditional Theater one-act Tickets: $5 plays will return on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Mini Theater.

“There are five shows this year, and they will all be worth watching!” said Jordan Becker, one of the senior directors.

Becker directs “The Whole Shebang”—a comedy that explores the possibility that the entire world is just a nerd’s science experiment.

“My show is comedic, but it addresses deeper issues as well,” Becker said. “I hope the final product will make people laugh, make people think…I hope we can show (the audience) both levels of the show.”

In terms of casting, Becker couldn’t be happier.

“I have a mix of One Acts veterans and a couple of new

Taylor Hitchings

Lights, Camera, Awkward: Juniors Zach Alvarez (left), Austen Allen (center), and Amanda Kriss (right) rehearse their “sex scene”. The three actors star in “The Least Offensive Play in the Whole Darn World” directed by senior Kayla Troutman.

faces,” she said. “We have a long way to go, but all of them are jumping into their roles with enthusiasm.”

Though he’s not a member of Becker’s cast, junior Austen Allen is also brand new to one-acts and hopping right in.

As a member of director Kayla Troutman’s “The Least Offensive Play in the Whole Darn World,” Allen said the experience has been “awesome.” Still, he’s surprised by how challenging theater can be.

“It is difficult to get into that world of acting, but once you are in it, you can be whoever you want to be,” he said.

“So far it’s been awesome,” Troutman added. “My cast is

the greatest cast in the whole entire world…[My one-act] is great. It’s a kind of sales pitch for this thing called the ‘Script Cleaner 2000.’ It’s satire basically, about how all the plays we have have risqué themes.”

In the midst of all the oneacts preparation, Troutman has found time for a little friendly competition with fellow senior directors Jazzy Schmich Kinney and Michael Kauzmann.

“Jazzy thinks he’s the best, but I don’t think so,” said Troutman with a laugh. “Watch him get mad at me.”

“Tell her that’s an inaccurate statement,” Kinney said. “I’m the best.”

Kinney and Kauzmann’s one

act, called “13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview,” is a comedy with a surprise twist ending. Together, they make the only directing duo this year.

While some might expect them to butt heads, this isn’t the case.

“Michael and I definitely don’t agree on everything, which is actually really good, because not one person is monopolizing how the whole one-act should be,” Kinney said.

“When you have two people looking back at a show that aren’t in it like actors are, you get a much better perspective,” Kauzmann added. “One person might not see what the other person does…We know each other well enough that we can

be like, ‘No, Jazzy, you’re an idiot. We’re not going to do that.’”

Another one-act to look forward to is “Chicken Bones for the Teenage Soup,” directed

by Kiefer Maizland.

“It’s kind of a sarcastic take on all those terrible ‘Chicken Noodle Soup for the Blah Blah Blah Soul’ (books),” Maizland said. “(I) came across the script and pretty much fell in love with it. It perfectly matched my humor, and I knew I had to use it somehow, hence one acts.”

Maizland is just as pleased with her cast as her fellow directors are.

“I absolutely love my cast and the chemistry,” Maizland said. “The most surprising part for me was just how easy and laid back my cast is. They don’t get offended when I ask them to maybe change something.”

Last but not least, expect to see “The Tarantino Variation,” a comedy about a Mexican standoff, directed by Brandon Short.

For Andrew Ferkiss, one of the cast members, “memorization and organizing time for rehearsal” has been difficult, he said. Still, that doesn’t hurt the experience. “(It’s been) dramatic and fantastic,” Ferkiss said.

Allen sums one-acts up like this: “I hope to have an awesome show that gets tons of laughs out of the crowd. I want the cast to get so into the show that they forget we are acting”

Tokyo Joe’s combines quality with speed

by Cam Chorpenning Limelight Editor

Externally, Tokyo Joe’s is unremarkable; it looks the same as the TCBY and Garbanzo next to it. But upon entering this seemingly food eview bland restaurant it becomes apparent that it is anything but.

The building’s interior gives off a very artistic and laid-back vibe. The restaurant feels comfortable and welcoming, it smells fantastic and it just looks good.

But atmosphere is not the reason to go to Tokyo Joe’s-the food is.

Variety is not hard to find at

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Country from page B8

it’s why people like Aldean so much – his small town messages are far from cliché, and speak to people from Georgia to New York to Colorado.

While some of the themes in the songs themselves are slightly

the restaurant, Tokyo Joe’s offers all sorts of meat entrees, salads, noodle bowls and even sushi. The restaurant also offers a “build-abowl” option for those who want to customize their meal with different types of meat and sauces.

Students can get a free drink with their meal as an added bonus. The food certainly doesn’t disappoint, offering a wide range of flavors: spicy, sweet, tangy and rich all in one dish. The food is prepared and delivered extremely quickly, yet it manages to retain a relatively high level of quality.

That said, Tokyo Joe’s is by no means a “high-end” restaurant.

repetitive, the themes in their presentation had quite a bit of variety, making the Aldean concert appealing to all.

Aldean certainly has an ineffable quality that is unique to his voice, his style, and his presentation that sets him apart from the crowd.

Singing his heart out: Aldean sang to a huge crowd of fans in Denver.

He has been on tour all across the country.

Jess Davidson

It’s very casual and a meal there isn’t a life-changing experience, but for a restaurant that essentially serves fast food, it’s outstanding.

The service is superb as well. The staff at Tokyo Joe’s is extremely friendly and helpful; they know what the best choices on the menu are and are eager help.

The only downside is the food’s price. A meal is usually between $7 and $10, but for those who are willing to spend a extra Tokyo Joe’s is an excellent option for a quick, easy and satisfying meal.

Cam Chorpenning

The whole bowl: Tokyo Joe’s employees prepare food in the restaurant’s kitchen. All types of dishes, from noodle bowls to sushi, are available.

November 11, 2011

Masterful Melodies

limelight B8

Devotchka performs at the Aggie on Oct. 25. The band is from Denver and plays a diverse array of instruments and a variety of musical styles.

the rocky mountain hiGhliGhter

What’s in the Limelight?

Today: Movie Release: Immortals Concert: Tech N9NE @ Fillmore Theater Nov. 12: School: Barrage concert, auditorium, 7 p.m.; special guest performance by Rocky Symphony Orchestra Nov. 15: School: Winds, Summit, Sinfonietta, Symphonia Concert Nov. 16: Concert: Shwayze @ The Aggie Movie Release: The Descendants Nov. 18: Movie Release: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 Nov. 20: Concert: Sting @ Wells Fargo Theater Nov. 21: CD Release: Nickelback: Here and Now

Apple, technology gaining dominance

by Cam Chorpenning Limelight Editor

Apple Computers is one of the world’s technological leaders.

It’s impossible to ignore the constant presence of iPods, iPhones, iPads, and iStuff in general. But why has Apple had such success? Why are their products so popular? According to Assistant Principal and Mac user Brett Larsen the usability and functionality of limelight Apple products are pecial what set the company and its goods apart from the other businesses.

“If I’m spending my money I’m not going to buy a PC,” Larsen said.

English Teacher Amy OttemanFreeman has also noticed the usability of Apple products.

“Apples are more user-friendly,” Otteman-Freeman said.

Along with this accessibility, Apple products are innovative and in some ways revolutionary. The iPad started the tablet trend and the

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Dec. 2: School: One Act Performance Concert: Mickey Avalon @ The Aggie Theater

Dec. 13: CD Release: Juvenile: Rejuvenation Dec. 14: Concert: TransSiberian Orchestra @ Colorado Springs World Arena Movie Release: Loosies

Amy Otteman-Freeman, language arts teacher

”

Photo Illustration by Cam Chorpenning

iPhone is one of the world’s most popular smart phones.

But is the omnipresence of technology like Apple’s and its dominant role in society welcome?

“It is what it is,” Larsen said. “It’s part of where the world’s going.”

After Apple founder Steve Jobs passed away on Oct. 5 the technological and business worlds lost a revolutionary titan.

“I think Apple has been an innovator since it was born,” business teacher Scott VanDalen said.

“They’re always coming out with innovative products that most people couldn’t dream of. Other companies try to imitate them but they just couldn’t do it.”

Karl Mondon/Contra Costa Times/ MCT Jobs was

Dec. 1: Concert: Lady Antebellum @ Colorado Springs World Arena

Dec. 9: Concert: Amos Lee @ The Buell Theater Concert: The B-52’s @ Belly Up Movie Release: New Year’s Eve

“

Apple Ascends

by Isaac Effner Opinion Editor

Nov. 29: CD Release: Hot Chelle Rae: Whatever

Dec. 6: CD Release: The Black Keys: El Camino CD Release: T-Pain: rEVOLVEr

We’re an instant gratification society. If we can’t get it quickly we don’t want it.

Otteman-Freeman explains that there are positive and negative effects of the ever-growing significance of technology. She says that amazing information is available, but that people’s attention spans are shrinking and their social skills are

declining.

“We’re an instant gratification society,” Otteman-Freeman said. “If we can’t get it quickly we don’t want it.”

Apple feeds this desire for immediate pleasure with lots of its products- the entire internet is at a person’s fingertips whenever they want it with the help of an iPhone, with an iPod people can listen to music, watch movies or even play video games whenever and wherever they want to.

Whether for better or worse the truth is that Apple is a giant in the technological world and that it shows no signs of slowing down.

Their products may be high-quality, revolutionary and just plain fun but there may be a cost associated with their devices that doesn’t appear on the price tag.

Jobs’ death tragic: revolutionary, technological genius lost

Nov. 23: Movie Release: The Muppets Movie Release: My Week with Marilyn

Dec. 5: CD Release: Amy Winehouse: Lioness: Hidden Treasures

Charlie Anderson

able to not only change the world of technology with the iPod, iPad, and iphone, but was able to remain at the top of the field for multiple decades.

“I think he has been one of the most influential leaders of the technological age,” computer teacher Robert Papp said.

“He was a very innovative and creative thinker who revolutionized the field.”

Not only was Jobs a revolutionary inventor, but a brilliant one who had the insight and the business know-how to keep his products in the hands of the consumer, but also keep ahead of his competitors.

“He understood the future and what the future trends in technology would be,” Papp said. “He understood what the consumer wanted and the capacity to develop was, and developed before anyone else did. He kept the

competition trying to catch up to him and to be a leader for that long is an accomplishment.”

He was able to predict the trends of the technology market, and founded Apple from the ground up to become stronger than any other company.

“He was able to see into the future,” business teacher Lynn Lyell said. “There were companies like HP and IBM who said no one would want a personal computer but he saw the future.”

Perhaps his most important contribution to the world was how he inspired people to continue pushing the envelope of technology.

“I hope that he inspired enough entrepreneurs to carry out his vision,” Papp said, “To continue to bring new products to the consumer and continue his legacy.”

Jason Aldean sells out concert, rises to top of charts

by Jess Davidson Reporter

Jason Aldean knows what it means to falter – after having two record labels drop him at the start of his career, the potential for success seemed slim.

But Jason Aldean also knows what it means to conquer – he’s spent more time at the top of the radio concert charts than any eview other country artist has in the past year. The singer has had six number one hits, two platinum albums, two gold albums, and a total of twelve songs hit top ten on national music charts. His uniquely honest music reflects the old styles of Johnny Cash and George Strait, while still possessing a new quality that country fans haven’t experienced from other artists – seen particularly in Aldean’s number one hit, “Dirt Road

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Anthem” in which he raps surprisingly well for a guy that was raised on farms and back roads.

As was seen in his Oct. 21 concert at the Pepsi Center, Aldean also knows what it means to please. The sold out concert contained elements that appealed to older and younger country lovers. Moving screens, creative music videos, thematic songs, and extremely pumped up performers all brought a live element that contributed to a crowdpleasing concert. But more important than the effects was the music – Aldean’s 15-track scorching new album, “My Kinda Party” evaded most of the music scene during the concert, but old favorites like “Big Green Tractor”, “She’s Country” and “Crazy Town” also made appearances.

The crowd went absolutely

wild for Aldean’s performances of “Don’t You Wanna Stay” and “Dirt Road Anthem”, which were number one hits off of the “My Kinda Party” album. Aldean’s voice is uniquely recognizable among other male country artists, and this former Country Music Awards Top New Male Vocalist has certainly found a way to expand his stylistic abilities in these two songs. On “Don’t You Wanna Stay”, Aldean collaborated with American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, who performed her duet with Aldean by video during the song. “Dirt Road Anthem” shows off the side of Aldean that isn’t a traditional country twang, while still possessing a small town message – and that’s why people like the refreshing song so much. In fact,

Jess Davidson

Jump to COUNTRY, page B6

Country crooner: Jason Aldean performs at the Pepsi Center on Oct. 21. Aldean is a rising Country music star.