Rocky Mountain Jan. 21, 2011
Volume 38, No. 5
One Acts a Limelight, one-hit wonder B8
ighlighter
A fun visit from a Globetrotter Features, B1
Everything as far as you can see -John Denver, Rocky Mountain High Rocky Mountain High School 1300 W. Swallow Rd. Fort Collins, Colo. 80526
Doors open wide for school of choice by Regan Miller Reporter
In the upcoming years, Rocky is hoping to see new student faces from all different area high schools due to the fact that the school is open for school of choice. All Poudre School District high schools are open for school of choice, a program where students can attend a high school different than what is considered their neighborhood school. The enrollment will be based off of a space-available basis, according to the district policy.
For some students, switching to Rocky was influenced by their siblings, who went to Rocky in previous years. Sophomore Jack Brasse switched from Heritage Christian High School to Rocky in 2010. Before choosing to attend Rocky, he also looked at the other local high schools, such as Collins and Fossil. He ended up registering to go to Rocky because of the block schedule and open campus for lunch. “My sister went here and I heard good things,” Brasse said. “I wanted a change. I
wanted a bigger school feel and more opportunities. I wanted to come at semester, but it was hard to (because of the schedule).” Sophomore Noelle Taulbee switched entire school districts in order to come to Rocky. Taulbee first went to Windsor High School and also switched to Rocky in 2010. She chose Rocky because of the block schedule. Since Taulbee lives in Severance, it takes her 30 minutes to drive to school.
Jump to CHOICE page A2
BARELY GETTING BY
ADHD medicine used as academic performance enhancer
And facing AddeREALITY
by Tess Halac Editor-in-chief
Adderall – a small pill with a myriad of uses. Most commonly, Adderall is used by those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a way to improve concentration. However, because of these effects, the drug has recently made its debut in the regular world as more and more people utilize it recreationally. One junior, who wished to remain anonymous because of the sensitive nature of the story, first used Adderall in junior high as a way to cope with the stress and nerves she faced. Now, however, her reason for usage has altered. “(In junior high) I needed a way to ease my nerves, so a friend gave it to me,” the source said. “I could immediately tell a difference. My brain was working faster and I was more efficient. I use it differently now, though. Now I just use it to get f**ked up. I get bored with sobriety.” The source said she has mixed Adderall with other drugs like Triple C, a slang term for an over-thecounter cough medicine that is used as an illicit drug when taken in high quantities, and acid. Though the source admits she has used the drug for purposes other than its original intent, she maintains that drug use can be positive. “Drugs help you to have new experiences, new things you didn’t even know possible,” said the source. “It opens your brain to new things. You can think a certain way when you’re on something and you’ll remember it when you’re sober, especially
Drug Adderall causes serious health concern by Geneva Mueller Reporter
One little pill. How harmful can it be? Adderall—the drug that treats approximately 8 percent of children in the United States who are afflicted with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According Front to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) ADHD is “characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/ or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development.” On a more basic level, ADHD can be described as evoking hyperactive impulsive, inattentive or a combination of hyperactive impulsive and inattentive behaviors. Many people who struggle with ADHD are prescribed Adderall. Adderall is an amphetamine drug
Special
Calvin Jouard
Showing Rocky off: Principal Tom Lopez shows prospective Rocky parents around the school. An open house was held on Jan. 12 for those interested in school of choice for next year.
that increases dopamine (the chemical that controls pleasure, attention and movement) levels in the brain. When taken properly and for therapeutic reasons, the drug catalyzes the dopamine release slowly into the brain. Social worker Tricia Van Horssen often comes in contact with students who take the drug to treat their ADHD. “It is truly a great drug if you actually have ADHD,” Van Horssen said. “But from my understanding, it is more addictive than other ADHD medicines.” As effective as it may be for treating ADHD patients, problems in the United States have recently sprung up regarding the recreational use of the drug. Jump to HEALTH page A2 Photo Illustration by Tess Halac and Ramsey Nicholas
Quoted directly: “I encourage students to get a job and start saving now so they can be ready for their future in advance. Buying my own car really taught me the importance of saving and spending wisely. Paying my own bills really helps me to understand how valuable each and every dollar I make really is.” - Mark Umbreit, senior on paying own bills
Inside Stuff
Jump to ADDERALL page A2
►Rocky coaching Rocky: Alumni come back to coach sports at alma mater Sports, A8 ► A prodigy in the making Limelight, B8 ► A closer look at smokers’ corner Features, B1
A2
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Health from page A1 According to NIDA, Adderall is taken by people with natural levels of dopamine; the stimulant causes a rapid increase in the dopamine levels and is more likely to spark addiction. Family practice doctor and Rocky parent Mark Rotman further explains the circumstances surrounding the recreational use of Adderall. “I’ve had people ask me for Adderall for recreational and concentration purposes,” Rotman said. “There aren’t only risks in doing this, but it’s potentially addictive. People who are doing this are abusing the drug.” Adderall, when used by people unaffiliated by ADHD, has somewhat of an inverse effect on the user. “Adderall is an amphetamine, which means it’s like speed,” Van Horssen said. “It gives the user the opposite effect if they don’t have ADHD. It brings along euphoria but the comedown is dangerous—heart palpitations, moodiness and even depression.” Additionally, many who take the drug (recreationally or otherwise) do not understand the lasting effects that it can have on the body.
Choice from page A1 “It’s worth it,” Taulbee said. “(I came to Rocky because) you can have an off period, and the teachers are definitely better.” Poudre sophomore Daniel Mallal is also taking advantage of the school of choice option because of the IB program. However, instead of first checking out the different high schools for his decision, he decided to go to a middle school which fed into Poudre. “I went to Lopez Elementary that feeds to Rocky then I went to Lesher, so I went straight to Poudre,” Mallal said. “Poudre offers more of a variety for what you want to do for different styles of
“”
“If a patient takes Adderall daily, they are physically dependent upon it,” Rotman said. “Even if they are taking it for ADHD, they would experience withdrawal symptoms if they tried to stop taking it Tricia Van cold-turkey.” Horsenn, When ADHD users are social relieved with the ability to worker focus, non-ADHD users will find themselves extremely focused—to the point where sleep is impossible, and the only thing the user can think about is what is in front of them. School nurse Barb Cynkar, has serious concerns about the use of Adderall. “If everyone could just do a little bit of stress reduction, sleeping and eating right, people wouldn’t need these things,” Cynkar said. “To those who are taking it recreationally, I would urge them to be very careful. Do a little research about what is going into your body with the drug, because just because it’s a prescription drug doesn’t mean it is okay.” Accompanying the possible and impending addiction to the amphetamine stimulant is the long list of possible side-effects. Because the drug is an amphetamine, both Rotman and Van Horssen agree that it has
learning.” Mallal’s brothers attended Rocky in the previous years, however, this did not encourage Mallal to attend Rocky. “They loved it,” Mallal said. “I just really wanted to do something different than my brothers, something more challenging.” However, Mallal is considering attending Rocky next year because of his friends. About 500 postcards were sent out before break to all the household with eighth graders in the Rocky attendance area, according to office secretary Martha Pasquale. A meeting was also held Jan. 12, explaining the school of choice options.
LUNCH EXPRESS $3.99 (Plus free drink with student I.D.)
cIncludes 2 ENTREES Of Your Choice cPlus 1 SIDE Of Your Choice 3663 S. College Ave. #12 223-3388 (Next to Albertsons)
www.AsianGrillFC.com
News
January 21, 2011
Only minutes away from Rocky!
similarities to
Adderall and meth methamphetare similar because amine. “Adderall they are both and meth stimulants. I could are similar see it as a gateway because they into meth, coke or are both stimulants,” speed.
Van Horssen said. “I could see it as a gateway into meth, coke or speed.” According to Drug News, the drug affects the central nervous system and releases an adrenaline rush throughout the body which, in turn, leads to an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, Adderall cannot be taken if the user is taking, or has taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a form of antidepressant.) According to the site, a “speed crash” always follows the high. This denouement that follows the rush includes side effects such as nausea, feelings of depression, irritability and extreme exhaustion. Scientifically, the feelings of depression hold chemical clout. While using the drug, the levels of dopamine are much higher than normal, creating a possible euphoric feeling. Once the high is gone, the dopamine levels
Adderall from page A1
are back to normal, but seem less prevalent. After the drug has been taken, the high is what is remembered ,and normal levels of dopamine can cease to suffice to provide natural, everyday happiness. And thus, the depression ensues. “Adderall has been around for a long time,” Van Horssen said. “But there isn’t a whole lot of research done about the long term effects.” Many things about Adderall are still unknown, and extremely subjective to the user. Van Horssen urges students not to use the drug unless prescribed because it affects everyone differently. Whether using or abusing, Adderall is a schedule two controlled substance which comes along with a long list of extremely serious side effects. A schedule two drug is one that has a high potential for abuse and can have serious physical and psychological side effects. Furthermore, the affects of Adderall are said to be “similar to that of cocaine, but the onset is slower and the duration is longer. Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia.” “With any drug, do your research,” Cynkar said. “It’s not a drug that you can quit cold turkey if you start taking it all the time. You have to be careful.”
will think it’s absolutely absurd,” the senior said. “It’s ironic and it’s weird, I know that. But right now, with Adderall. If you use drugs school and academics are what are like I do, to expand your mind, most important to me. I have to then it’s a good thing.” do everything I can to make sure While some students may I succeed.” use Adderall specifically to alter Added language arts teacher their state of mind, many recreTom Smailes, “ When you see ational users are now taking it for kids take drugs like Adderall to academic purposes. Since it is a improve a grade, you know it’s stimulant, students are taking it a problem with their stress level. before standardized tests, while These kids are over-taxed and cramming for tests, and writing overwhelmed; they have to work papers as a way to stay alert and on coping with their busy lives. I focused. try to stress balance at my job and A senior, who wished to remain anonymous because of the at home. You have to do the best you can with the time available. sensitive nature of the story, said she began taking Adderall this year Be reasonable with the resources you have, and that’s all you can as a way to cope with her piles do.” of homework, extracurricular acScience tivities and college teacher applications. We need to Glenn “I needed a Gainley way to cope with wait and let the stress,” the senior science take its isinstrucsaid. “When you course. Once it tor for have 20 problems is scientifically Advanced in math, a paper Glenn proven safe, I Placement to write, several Gainley, Chemischapters to read, science see it being no try, which volunteering teacher different than is arguably after school and the hardcaffeine. a sport in the est class at evening, it gets to Rocky. He be overwhelming. acknowlSometimes you just need a little edges that since his class normally extra help.” attracts high-achieving students, The senior described her it would be plausible for some of first time using the stimulant as them to take an academic perfor“surreal.” Aside from a slightly faster heartbeat, and extreme, even mance enhancer in order to earn a good grade. However, Gainley “tunnel-vision” focus, the source maintains that if any student is said she felt completely normal driven to such levels, they should for the three to four hours the withdraw from the class, no matsubstance was affecting her. ter what the consequences. “Even though I didn’t feel “If I found out my students much different, I was kind of distracted because I was upset that were planning to take Adderall to keep up with my class, I would I had stooped to that level,” the strongly discourage them from senior said. “Taking prescription taking the course in the first pills that aren’t intended for you place,” Gainley said. “Students is a pretty hardcore thing to do, have this, ‘I gotta do what I especially since I’m not a druggie. gotta do to get through this class’ I’m not proud of it – it’s illegal mentality and they don’t care and it’s unhealthy. But it’s what I what happens down the road. It’s had to do to ensure my success.” a health issue, and it’s a bad, bad The senior and teachers alike fear that she might be missing “the plan.” Questions about how such a big picture” about high school drug could creep its way into eduacademics because of her perfeccational circles have surfaced since tionist, tunnel-vision tendencies. the reportings on its recreational “I’m sure when I look back at use. Many are pointing their finthis in 20 years and think about gers to the correlation to steroids how I took drugs for school, I
“”
in the sports world. “I think what we see athletically has gone into the academic realm,” Smailes said. “There’s definitely a parallel between steroids and Adderall. We’re always looking for shortcuts, for an edge. People need to always be bigger and stronger than their peers.” Beyond questions of its origins lays the bigger issue on whether the use of such a stimulant is considered cheating. It is a question that colleges and high schools continually struggle with. In the fall 2010 semester, Wesleyan University officially banned the “misuse or abuse” of prescription drugs in its student code of conduct. Other places, however, find it to be a gray spot and struggle to classify the process as moral or immoral. “I definitely don’t see what I’m doing as cheating,” the senior said. “Maybe not the right thing to do, but certainly not cheating. I still have to acquire the same knowledge and retain it; Adderall just helps me focus in doing so.” Gainley said that his issue with Adderall is not an ethical dilemma, but health-related. “I think taking a prescription drug with no consultation from a doctor because you like a positive, with no regard to its negative is extremely shortsighted,” Gainley said. “That said, in my mind it’s not an immoral advantage. It goes along with eating right and getting enough sleep – these are all things to make your brain more receptive. The drug has potential, but for now we need to wait and let science take its course. Once it is scientifically proven safe, I see it being no different than caffeine.” Smailes said that he disagrees with students who utilize the stimulant as a way to relieve some of their stress. “Life is full of peaks and valleys,” Smailes said. “You need to be able to pull yourself out of a valley without help. You need to learn how to deal with stress without a foreign substance in your body.”
News
January 21, 2011
A3
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Sadie Hawkins dance goes West by Regan Miller Reporter
On Feb. 12, from 8-11, Rocky will be transformed into the Wild West in conjunction with the hoe-down throwdown Sadie Hawkins theme. “We wanted to bring back the old tradition of the Sadie’s dance,” said junior and head of dance committee Jessica Davidson. “It’s creating the image of stepping into a barnyard.” The dance dates back to 1937 when the wildly popular western cartoon-turned-musical Li’l Abner formulated the idea of a day in November when unmarried women pursued eligible bachelors in hopes of marrying them. Because of the cartoon’s fame, an eventual holiday was born from the idea. Schools eventually borrowed the bizarre holiday’s girls-ask-guys tradition and thus, the Sadie Hawkins dance was created. The theme will be portrayed as old country western complete with decorations according. The decora-
tions that will set the scene of the west include saloon doors at the entrance, an apple tree centerpiece, hay bales, and other western paraphernalia. “(I’m really excited) for the decorations,” sophomore and dance committee member Erika Kehrwald said. They are really good for a Sadie’s dance, compared to the past Sadie’s.” The dance committee continues to put their time and effort into the setup and construction of the decorations for the dance. Along with the dance committee, the rest of StuCo helps by also lending their time and talents. “It’s a team effort, we branch off of each other’s ideas,” sophomore and dance committee member Austin Druse said. The members help with the building and creating of the decorations, as well as the setup for the dance. Tuesdays and Thursdays Student Council meets in the San Juan Open Space to help make the theme come together,
and they welcome everyone who wants to help with the process. “Nothing would get done without each individual member,” Davidson said. “They have so much team effort. It’s really a cohesive effort.” The attire for the dance is standard, which usually consists of dates matching each other. This can include matching in boots, plaid shirts, or even bandanas. The dates don’t necessarily have to be decked out in western attire, or dress up at all. “I don’t expect people to dress like Hannah Montana or farm animals,” Kehrwald said. “Cowboy and cowgirl outfits are what most people will wear, or a plaid shirt and a
Engaging in life
Preparing for a Hoedown: Junior Landon Shimpa cuts outs designs for decorations for Sadie Hawkins. The dance this year will be Western-themed, which ties back to the original meaning of the dance.
Fahey Zink
cowboy hat.” The cost for Sadie’s is five dollars for freshman, four dollars for sophomores, three dollars for juniors and free for seniors.
Community Cares Committee look to use inspiration to fund raise for cancer center by Fahey Zink Reporter
Garrett,” said vice principal Tyler Thomas, who is one of the organizers of the The idea of youth starting Engage in Life week. “He came in and to volunteer at a young age and spoke to the group about how he had to carrying it throughout the rest travel to Denver, how it wasn’t a good of their lives; this was the main situation and how wonderful it would be inspiration and goal for the for families to have this new center.” Houska family when they started During the week of Feb. 7 to 11, each Community Cares. club is taking a day to help raise money. Dennis and Noreen Houska, Students have the opportunity to donate owners of Houska Automotive, to the new cancer center by being active approached school counselor with the event going on during the week. Pam Kilness with the idea an “We have huge expectations with a idea of getting youth involved in high school, wanting to give this much helping the community in some money,” junior and Student Council way. With that idea in mind, member Kali Glenn said. administrators involved with the Some of the events going on next project chose 11 students from week include the selling of Engage in Key cub, Peer counselors and Life bracelets and hope rings, a pancake Student Council to help out. breakfast, a homeroom change drive and One of the ideas suggested a mini Wellness Day. These events will was helping out with the new lead up to the Rocky-Collins basketball Poudre Valley Hospital Cangame on Feb. 11, where there will be a Fahey Zink cer Center, which will open in car bash at lunch and before the game. Engaging in Fundraising: Community Cares board members discuss things to sell for the Engage in Life week. The drive will take approximately three years and “Our main goals for the week are to place from Feb. 7-11 and will raise money for the new cancer center in Fort Collins. be located off Harmony and raise money for the teen and children Timberline. The Houska family main focus to be on a teen section versus an Collins basketball game. He had struggled center and raise cancer awareness,” Thomas agreed to give a matching donation for adult one.” with Hodgkin’s-Lymphoma throughout his said. “We encourage students to be a part whatever Rocky raised for the oncology The committee members came up with senior year and finally went into remission of this throughout the week because many center, up to $3000. Poudre Valley Hospital a week, deemed Engage in Life week, to the day of the game. After a dominating of the students’ lives here are touched by also agreed to match the amount students help raise money for the teen and children’s performance by Collins, Karp was put into cancer, and we hope by doing this we can and the Houskas raise. wing of the new center. The story of former the last few minutes of the game and made relieve some of the stress they’re going “As a group, we all agreed on the cancer Rocky student Garret Karp inspired the a three-pointer in the final seconds. Since through.” center and we wanted to support and raise students involved with Community Cares to then, Karp has become a mini-legend, being Added Glenn, “Tons of people are money for it,” said junior and Key Club have the total donations go towards the teen featured in the Coloradoan and even had a affected by this. Students can help out by officer Brennan O’Grady, who is helping out and children wing. Karp became an oversegment on ESPN. spreading the Lobo Way throughout the with Community Cares. “We wanted our night mini-celebrity after last year’s Rocky“The whole idea of this was because of week and to the cancer center.”
Tessting the Waters
Tess Halac
Huck Finn a lesson in history
I
t seems that ever since The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’s U.S. publication date in 1885, controversy has perpetually swirled around the novel. The debate stemmed from the book’s arguably obscene language, with the n-word used a staggering 212 times. In 1955, CBS drastically altered the story line in their visual performance of the book; the network deleted all mentioning of slavery and even had a white actor to play Jim, the escaped slave who is trying to reach freedom with Huck’s help. In 1982, a Virginia school administrator dubbed it the “most grotesque example of racism I’ve ever seen in my life.” In the 1990s, Huck Finn was named the fifth most challenged book in the U.S., and remains a constant source of school banning and debates even today. The latest debacle surrounding the novel comes from Mark Twain scholar Alan Gribben, who is working with NewSouth Books to publish a combined volume of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, with a complete omission of the n-word.
The omitted words will be replaced with the word slave throughout the two books, which is projected to be published in February. I can say that I understand Gribben’s intentions. In interviews, he articulated that the censorship was merely a way to attract more readers who would otherwise turn away from the novel because of its sometimes lewd wording. However, I can also say that I disagree whole-heartedly with Gribben’s approach. As a journalist, I have very strong opinions toward freedom of press, which is exactly what Gribben’s is constricting. Obviously, the n-word today holds a sort of infamous significance. However, when Huck Finn was originally published, it was a frequently-used word. Yes, it did hold racial connotations, but not near to the extent it is at today. Furthermore, words provides a better understanding of the past than any other medium. Using actual documents from history in conjunction with context provides needed insight into
a time when intolerance and prejudice were intensely rampant. Simply ignoring this history and putting blinders over our eyes is probably the best way to ensure such intolerance will occur again. For those still uncomfortable with the liberal use of the n-word, I encourage them to buy into Twain scholar Stephen Railton’s version of the novel. Like Gribben, Railton is also republishing the book. However, he is keeping this version unaltered and instead simply including a note that includes context for schools to further explore racism and slavery. I know that the novel creates discomfort among students, as all controversial material should. In fact, it would be more disturbing if it didn’t create this tension. However, this sweeping under the rug solution will prove to be messy and very temporary; sooner or later, the stain of racial controversy is going to have to show. Tess Halac is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of the RM Highlighter.
A4
E
ditorial
January 21, 2011
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Un-Thinspired
Reanna Nelson
A new perspective on wellness
T Staff Editorial ►With obesity rates on the rise, required P.E. credits should be increased not decreased.
he obesity rate in America has doubled in the past 30 years, bringing the American obesity rate up to 34 percent. During the past three years, Colorado has dropped from the top 10 healthiest states in America, partly due to its 0.2 percent rise in obesity each year. In response to this plunge in rank, schools in Colorado have begun to increase the quality of health foods and eliminate soda, candy and other various junk foods. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), schools must keep the amount of calories in school lunches within a certain range and have a selection of food with nutritional value. As well as stick to these guidelines, many schools in America must stick to a very tight budget and cannot afford to pay that extra amount for better quality food. With such difficulty in providing healthy, organic foods for students, one might
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 970-488-7090 or 970-488-7091 for advertising information. Also the Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff is in Room 528, during 4th period. Editor-in-Chief Tess Halac Editorial Editor Ramsey Nicholas Sports Editor Calvin Jouard Features Editor Cassa Niedringhaus National Scholastic Press Association National Critique
H
Rocky Mountain
Center In-Depth Editor Mary Willson Limelight Editor Chloe Evans Advertising Manager Jake Mohr
Staff Charlie Anderson John Califf Ryan McCrary Trevor Merrill Regan Miller Geneva Mueller Ryan Nelson Fahey Zink
think that the school could do other things to improve the health of students, such as increase the amount of mandatory physical education needed to graduate. Surprisingly, physical education requirements are decreasing rapidly in schools all over America. Some schools in the South are actually removing physical education completely from required curriculum. Schools should not be decreasing their P.E requirements but instead should be heavily increasing them in order to keep America healthy. Here at Rocky, current students need 15 physical education credits to graduate, as well as five health credits. The freshmen class of this upcoming year will be taken in a slightly different direction, combining the health and physical education credits into a newly formed class called Foundations of Health and Wellness. This quarter class taken as a freshman will earn students 2.5 health cred-
ighlighter Artists Loren DeWeese Reanna Nelson Mark Steininger Adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt
its, and 2.5 wellness credits, (wellness is the new name replacing physical education). After taking this course, students will be required to select two other wellness classes to gain their final 10 credits in order to graduate. The class is designed to promote lifetime fitness by sharing class time equally between the gyms, weight rooms and classrooms. Over the past couple years, the student body has seen Rocky’s administration take a step in the improvement of health foods and removal of junk food and sodas. We take pride in this effort for the student well-being, but we also make criticism in the system after hearing the news of the reduction in required physical education credits for graduating students. In turn, the decision to improve the food in the school was an excellent choice on the road to healthier teens but is now almost being cancelled out due to the removal of additional physical education.
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 Pro-
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; AllAmerican, 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.
Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Critique
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.
Queen Starting weight: of 125. Current weight: Egypt 110. Goal Ramsey weight: 98. Nicholas The rapidly growing fad known as “thinspo,” is taking hold of thousands of young women across America at a concerning rate. Thinspo is shortened for the urban dictionary definition: “thinspiration”- bone thin models that anorexic girls look to for inspiration. According to the National Institute of Mental Heath, one in five women struggle with an eating disorder and it is estimated that 11 percent of high school students in 2010 have been diagnosed. Anorexia is a serious mental condition that has now been taken to a whole new level. It has become publicized by teenage girls all over America through the blogging website tumblr.com and other various websites, and has now become a trend for girls with insecurities. Tumblr is meant to be used as a way to express yourself. I use my Tumblr blog to talk about my opinions, write, and post/reblog photography and quotes that I find interesting or valuable. Tumblr can be used for many different things, but publicizing your unhealthy manner of starving yourself is not cute or classy, in any way. These thinspo activists have the idea that anorexia is “fashionable,” and that skin and bones is the ideal way to look. Posting numerous photographs of morbidly skinny women and models, these thinspo-crazed teens share their “starvation tips for the day,” or “ways to hide the hunger.” Easily accessible on the internet, the disturbing “Letter from Ana” can be found, spooking people with and without an eating disorder. Describing the intense mentality of the disorder, the letter gives a clear view on the strive to be thin and how it takes control of the victim’s entire life. Anorexia is a disorder that should be taken very seriously, but when publicized like so, it seems to me that it is being over-dramatized and used as a way to receive attention. I am not impressed by any person who looks for attention by harming themselves and to me, it shows weakness, rather than strength, in a person. The reason I bring up anorexia to begin with is because of the recent and tragic death of European supermodel, Isabelle Caro. Dying at a meager weight of 59 pounds, the suffering woman was caught in a vicious cycle from the severe pressures of society to stay thin. Let us keep our concern focused upon those who suffer from this eating disorder, and veer away from the “thinspirated” clones. Ramsey Nicholas is a junior and Editorial editor for the RM Highlighter.
fessional 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. CHSPA Newspaper Sweepstakes
1st-2010; 1st-2009; 1st-2008; 1st-2007; 2nd-2006; 1st place-2005; 2nd-2004; 2nd2003; 1st-2002; 1st-2001; 2nd-1996; 1st-1992; 2nd1991; 2nd-1990; 1st-1987.
Editorial
Photo Poll Will the reduction of required physical education credits affect students? Alex Frick, sophomore
“Yes, I think students enjoy P.E. Kids won’t have as much fun without it.”
Kalli Davis, senior
“Yes, students will be negatively affected because it’s the only way that kids who don’t excersice can stay active”
Benjamin Hill, art teacher
“Yes, the fat will become fatter, and the not-so-fat will become fat.”
Mary Wilson, junior
“It would be good to reduce the credits for P.E. so that students have time for other classes.”
Isiah Hines, freshman
“No, a lot of people don’t like P.E. and would rather use their credits for other classes.”
January 21, 2011
A5
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Adderall: cheating vs. relieving stress
Drug provides stress relief
“I need to study, I need to get the grade, I must get an A on the test.” Pretty soon, students find themselves on their fifth or sixth hour of studying. The hours can really fly by for someone who is taking Adderall non-medically. Adderall typically has the same affect that steroids have on athletes. This describes the perspective put on the growing number of non-medical Adderall users, which is becoming a problem on campus’s around the nation. Adderall is the brand name of an amphetamine formulation that is prescribed for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, it is to be used for these two conditions only. Full time students between the ages of 18-22 are twice as likely
to take this drug than non fulltime students as published by the College Enrollment Status. This statistic is explained by one very motivating factor: the pressure that students are put under. Adderall is used for ADHD users to control the frontal cortex of the brain which is essentially the powerhouse in the brain that is in charge of reasoning, planning, focusing and problem solving. When a person has ADHD, his or her dopamine levels in the frontal cortex are deficient, but are put into balance with the use ofAdderall. When the pill is used as a “smart drug” rather than a prescribed aide, the person will feel overly motivated to study, intensity in concentration and the ability to pull extreme allnighters of studying without fatigue. The strive to be great drives students to great lengths. Taking prescription pills can be seen as an unfair advantage and is considered by many to be cheating. Although it may be considered cheating, it is hardly acceptable that
society is putting such a heavy pressure on students, and as a result, they feel the need to turn to drug use. In a society where it is commonly vital to go to college, there is an immense pressure to get ahead of the game. But in a society where getting ahead is the norm, one must stand out and stand superior to get ahead of everyone else. This, along with family expectations and financial strains, can all be factors of a students choice to take Adderall. It is morally wrong to use a drug to get what you want in life. Nonetheless, the pressure that students feel from society is just as concerning. When taken irregularly in small doses, Adderall is most likely harmless, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Although the long term affects are still unknown, this drug is ultimately harmless to students, cheap (average: $5 a pill,) popular and most importantly- effective. A student can take a pill to
use his or her own brain power more proactively and stay on task with much more ease. The rising costs of college tuition are a stemming factor. The money spent on student education can create more pressure put on students for success. Parents put pressure on children starting at an early age to succeed in school. Society tells students that the best students are expected to get nothing under an A. In response, students feel like they need help that can’t be found anywhere else. Although the use of a prescription drug used for non medical purposes is troublesome, society’s pressure on students is a superior worry. This rising stress on students is leading to much more extreme ways of dealing with problems such as binge drinking, hard drug use, self harming, and even suicide. So before we judge Adderall users, it is important to think about the rising load students are put under and think whether or not that is ethical. Mary Willson
Pro Con
A new form of student cheating Over the years, students have always been in search of various ways to cheat in school; by using iPods, hiding notes, and now using Adderall. It is quite normal for students to become nervous as well as stressed on tests, and this stress-factor should be expected by students. By accepting this, students should take the responsibility of coping with the stress, rather than finding ways to mask the feeling by cheating. Using recording devices such as iPods or writing notes on a hidden piece of paper are clearly cheating and there is no denying it. However, putting aside the legality issue, the use of prescription drugs such as Adderall is considered cheating in the same way that steroids
Reanna Nelson
are in professional athletics. If an athlete is caught using performance enhancing drugs, they are punished for doing so. I see no difference in test takers using Adderall to enhance their performance on test grades. Adderall is a schedule II drug, which means illegal without a prescription in the U.S. It used for people diagnosed with ADHD, Narcolepsy, and severe depression as a central nervous system stimulant. It works by altering the amounts of natural substances in the brain, which causes the student to feel less stressed and a lot more relaxed. Adderall is classified as an amphetamine, just as cocaine and meth are. Meth
Letter to the Editor: Former players want respect
Dear Editor, In an article in the December RM Highlighter, speculations were made about why some girls did not return for the 2010-2011 basketball season. Being one of those players, I want to explain the reasons for why I did not return. In the final game of the 20092010 season, I went up for a layup and injured my knee. It turned out that I had completely torn my ACL
and both of the meniscuses in my right knee. I had surgery about a month after that game. I was unable to compete in track and field, missed all of summer basketball, and missed almost all of summer field hockey. Fortunately, I was given the go ahead to compete in my senior field hockey season. The first game out against Colorado Academy, I injured my knee again. I had re-torn my meniscus and was afraid that I was done for the season. My doctor
and Adderall both contain the same stimulant in them, called dextroamphetimine. It affects the chemicals in the brain and nervous system, in the same way that cocaine acts. Also similar to cocaine, overdosing can be fatal. Besides being dangerous, it also has the similar affect of Meth that allows the person using to focus with ease at the task at hand. I have heard people claim that Adderall is hard to find, thus it is not a big concern among students. However with very little time searching on the internet, numerous sights can be found that deal Adderall without requiring proof of a prescription. Clearly there are many health risks with the con-
sumption of Adderall making it dangerous to one’s health, taking into consideration it also is cheating. The increased ability to focus, as well as relax, the ehancement of performance on tests, makes it a performance enhancing drug, like steroids. Adderall enhances the brains performance by chemically altering the substance makeup of the brain, allowing students to do better on tests. This is the same result that any other form of cheating accomplishes. I think if Adderall is found in a student’s system, the test should be voided, once again putting aside the legality aspect of using the drug, Adderall. Trevor Merrill
said that I was allowed to finish out the season on this injury, but had to have surgery again immediately after the season was over. I pushed through the entire season on a torn meniscus and then finally had surgery again in November. I struggled with the decision to return to basketball throughout the entire fall semester. After having two surgeries on the same knee, I didn’t feel like my knee would allow me to play at the level I expect myself to compete at.
I cannot give specific reason why my other teammates decided not to return this year. However, some of the players who did not return were extremely shocked by the comments made by some of our former teammates. Those who did not return did not understand why our explanations for why we did not return were not also included with the explanations of some of the returning players. Meghan Braun, senior
A6
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
sports
January 21, 2011
Wrestlers pin recent competition by Calvin Jouard Sports Editor
Incredible success, unparalled technique and talent. Poise and experience. Multiple state wrestling titles. These accomplishments and attributes are shared by three former state wrestlers: Jeremy Schmitt, Jeremy Luna, and Casey Norgard. There is another thing they share in Wrestling common, LoboLights something undeniable. ►RECENTLY: They’re Dominated Collins, 47-13. all gone. ►ON THE All three MENU:Top of graduated the Rockies last year. tournament, Jan. Many ques28 and 29. ►WHO’S HOT: tions have Ben Drysdale been raised at 112s, Derick with the Padilla at 152s, departure of and Jay Seefeld at 171s. these wres►BOTTOM tlers. Where LINE: Team does the stowill be tested in ried Rocky upcoming part Mountain of schedule. Now is the time wrestling to peak for Top program go of the Rockies from here? tournament. Who will
Alumni from page A8 tage as a coach? No. You know the kids and what they’re like. But when it comes down to it, a kid is a kid,” Widmier said. “If anything, it gives me pride. It makes me more competitive because I bleed cardinal and gold.” Todd Matkin, social studies teacher and head girls’ basketball coach, sees how being an alumnus who coaches could be helpful in the process of making personal connections with students and athletes. “I definitely think that students and athletes feel more comfortable with a coach that they know went through the same halls as they do today,” Matkin said. “But ultimately, it is about building and strengthening those relationships between players and coaches.” Other alumni include Ron Clark and Mark Brook. Brook is a math teacher and head football coach. His story is similar to that of Widmier— he never really thought about coming back to Rocky to teach or coach. It makes sense that Brook would return to the school because his experience as a student was so positive. “I just always remember the community being behind the athletes
Rivals from page A8 Collins, and after graduating went on to play college baseball. Afterwards, Moddelmog looked for a coaching position. He was offered the opportunity to coach at schools in Longmont. “I just wanted to be a part of sports again,” said Moddelmog. “I came back to Fort Collins to try and find a coaching position.” Moddelmog was then given the opportunity to be a part of the football program here at Rocky. He took the job and tallied up some 25 plus years of coaching experience when he was given another opportunity to become the Athletic Director. Tom Waido, Rocky record setter in 2000 in the 100 and 300 meter hurdle events is also now coaching. However, Waido is no longer a part of the current Rocky
replace the lost talent? Can it be replaced? “We don’t really have any superstars,” said junior Aaron Beckmann. “There’s no Jeremy Schmitt.” The feelings of uncertainty have been quieted, thanks to a surprising and successful start to the 20102011 season. Ryan Nelson The team has Sticky situation: Jay Seefeld grapples with Devon Rojas from Greeley West. Seefeld lost the match, 6-10, and the Lobos lost the match, 46-29 posted a 13-1 “We have a fantastic junior fielding a weaker team this year. responsible.” dual-match class,” said Taylor. “Most of “I think this years’ group of “Honestly, we haven’t faced a record so far. Wrestlers Derrick guys is a tighter family,” Seefeld lot of heady competition,” Taylor Padilla (152) and Jay Seefeld (171) these juniors were not on varsity said. “We’re stronger, now that we said. “We’re heading into the have done particularly well. Padilla last year, but they’ve stepped up and risen to the varsity level. I don’t have all stars to look up to. It tougher part of our schedule.” placed 3rd while Seefeld placed 4th expected a lot of guys to step up all comes from within.” As the team heads into the in their respective weight classes from JV.” The closeness of the team has tougher part of its schedule, they at the Warrior Classic, a 32 team Junior standouts include Aaron bred confidence. realize what must be done in order tournament showcasing the some Beckman, who went 5-0 at the “Guys are more in touch with to win. of the best wrestlers in the nation. Elizabeth Tournament. family, and have faith in what we “We have to hold our own and Head coach Ken Taylor is anyEven with the departure of do,” said Seefeld. “We’re doing win close matches,” Beckmann thing but surprised. He had high things the right way. This team is said. “We just have to scrap and expectations before the season and some great wrestlers, senior Jay Seefeld doesn’t think that Rocky is much more mature and a lot more fight.” has not been disappointed.
and the reverse,” Brook said. “The community of Rocky has always been strong.” Added Matkin, “I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. I had always dreamed of coming back to Rocky Mountain in order to give back to the school that gave me so much.” His experience as a Lobo was that of a three sport athlete and committed student. Middle distance track coach Alana Curtis has a very unique story in regards to her high school career as a Lobo. She won the most state championships of any athlete that Rocky has seen. Her high school career was partially dominated by her demanding athletic schedule, but she still reminisces upon her experience. “It’s hard to separate my experiences as an athlete and as a student at Rocky. I worked hard enough to get decent grades, but I was passionate about sports,” Curtis said. “Some of my greatest memories and all of my closest friends come from playing basketball and running track at Rocky.” “Since I’m a relatively recent graduate, there is a lot about being a former Rocky athlete that carries over into my coaching,” Curtis said. “For
coaching staff. “I’m now at Fort Collins,” Waido said, later adding with a chuckle in his voice. “I know that’s kind of a problem.” Waido coached at Rocky in 2006 and 2007, but after a track team coaching staff change in 2008, Waido found himself without a position. As a result, Waido applied for a position at Collins and has been there since coaching hurdles as well as the pole vault. “I wanted to stay involved in the sport,” Waido said. “I’m just happy to help out the kids.” Most high school coaches would agree that their main purpose in coaching is to give back, and help develop not just great athletes, but good people. “The rivalries with Rocky and Poudre are just part of the game now,” Waido said. “I’m just glad I get to help out with all the kids.”
example, I am super competitive. If we lose a race to a team we destroyed back when I ran, I take it pretty personally.” Both as teachers and coaches, Widmier and Brook have had the opportunity to observe how the school has changed since they were students here. “I’ve always thought of it as a great school and teaching here helps you see the bigger picture,” Widmier said. “In athletics, I’ve seen a lot more specialization. I’ve been impressed by the athletes who have come through here. There is a lot more preparation before the season even starts.” Brook has observed similar changes. “Obviously the school is bigger,” Brook said. “But I think that year in and year out, whether it be academics, music, or athletics, Rocky puts out a pretty good product. The quality of Rocky hasn’t changed; it is still very competitive. There is a high standard for excellence here.”
From bottom: Track coach Alana Curtis plays basketball during her high school career, Curtis poses at Rocky, four years later (right).
Class of ’07
Geneva Mueller
Highlighter archive
Girls’ Basketball LoboLights ►RECENTLY: Lost to Collins 60-43 after being down by one at the end of the first half. ►ON THE MENU: Fairview, Jan. 21 ►WHO’S HOT: Kara Spotton is the team’s leading scorer with 18 points per game. ►BOTTOM LINE: Very optimistic. Hope to go far in playoffs.
sports
January 21, 2011
A7
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Diving into the numbers Diving team experiences swell in numbers by John Califf Reporter
Geneva Mueller
Flipping out: Senior Sammy Boyce dives during the Keith Weideman Invitational. The Lobo divers placed and the swim team won 191-110 over
Diving has never been the most popular sport in high school. Many athletes choose other sports to showcase their skills. This is true for some schools, but not Rocky. The diving team this year sports many multi-sport athletes, including soccer adn volleyball players. The diving team has risen in numbers and skill tremendously this season. A spontaneous decision between friends has made an impact on the numbers regarding the team. Senior Nikki Mayer was one of the students to approach the somewhat unknown sport with some of her fellow peers. “I figured since this was my senior year, I would try something new and get involved,” Mayer said. Having been a soccer and track star for Rocky in previous years Mayer, as well as some other students are new to the individualism that the sport requires. “It’s very different than team
sports. There isn’t that team bond sense. Your outcome is really on you. It’s just different,” Mayer said. Skill is another dynamic in the individual stand point as well as the team overall. The team, having more people, varies in skill level. “In soccer people can be doing it since they were little and they grow the more they do it. In diving it seems different because with some people it either comes natural or it doesn’t,” Mayer said. The new spontaneous decisions of students have opened doors of individualism that some have never felt before. Being on the volleyball team her whole high school career, Lindy Gillette is also new to this feeling. “I’ve learned a lot about myself from being on the diving team this season,” said Gillette It’s a whole different world for most students on the diving team this season that have never been in an individual sport. The different skill levels and the self reliance it takes to advance in the sport, are
Diving/ Swimming LoboLights ►RECENTLY: Last Tuesday won 191-110 against Horizon, and won all but one event. Placed well in diving. ►ON THE MENU: Jan. 25, Collins/Fossil at Epic. ►WHO’S HOT: Geneva Mueller won every she participated in at the last meet. ►BOTTOM LINE: Swimmers and divers alike show great promise, and are projected to improve throughout the season.
feelings students haven’t encountered before. The spontaneous decision to try something new helped boost the numbers and skill levels of the team to create, and created a new experience for all.
Freshmen obtain longboard sponsorship by Calvin Jouard Sports Editor
It started out as a hobby. “It’s what we do for fun, and keeps us fit,” freshman Zac Christensen said. “It’s fun to long board and challenge each other,” added freshman Tanner Avens. These students and fellow freshman Prochazka have Recreational Cody been long boarding together for quite some time. Their passion took a business turn when Christensen was contacted by Burn Longboards, a local long board company, at the beginning of the school year. After seeing the boys’ videos on Youtube, Burn decided to send Christensen free boards in exchange for videos and promotion of their products. “My dad was pretty stoked when he heard (about the sponsorship),” Christensen said. “But my mom was a
sports
little nervous. But it’s all just part of the game.” Christensen receives free boards, or decks, and discounts on trucks and wheels. “Burn kind of just picked us up out of the blue. It was awesome,” Avens said. After being contacted by Burn Longboards, Christensen and his friends, Avens, Prochozka, and Coleman Gibbs contacted another board manufacturer based in Wyoming named Kracked Skulls. “We never really thought about the long run,” Avens said. “We just wanted to put ourselves on the map.” The boys are now involved in a team sponsorship with Kracked Skulls under the team name EquationForLife. Kracked Skulls, like Burn Longboards, provides the team with free and discounted equipment. While these sponsorship deals do not
involve salaries, they do involve plenty of recreation. With the primary focus on riding longboards, there aren’t many times when the boys feel like they aren’t having fun. And all of it is captured on film. “We do all different tricks and races,” Avens said. “Sometimes the camera is still and sometimes the camera-holder is long boarding as well. We’re always encouraging each other to go bigger.” “We try to look for bigger hills, and more stuff to do,” Christensen said. “Whenever we film we always try to go to Boulder.” Christensen also mentions “sliding” as a style displayed in the videos. Sliding involves the wheels breaking traction with the ground, creating a skidding sensation. The boys’ videos all share a common theme—speed. “Go fast,” Christensen said. “With some style, just go as fast as you can go.”
Regan Miller
Board tricks: Freshmen Zac Christensen performs tricks on his longboard. Christensen and his friends video tape their tricks in exchange for discounted equipment
Coach’s dream, offense’s nightmare
Senior Hoppal’s pesky, high-energy defense leads pressure-oriented boys’ basketball team starting with his club teams in junior high. Zig-zagging back and forth across “The only way I could get playthe court, pressing the defender. Active ing time was to play hard D, and that hands, quick feet, knees bent low. The transferred over to me playing some guard is feeling significant varsity time pressured and both last year and this tries to keep the season,” Hoppal said. ball protected. It is evident that his Suddenly, the hard work has paid off as ball is gone, off he leads this Lobo team in the opposite in new fast-paced style ►RECENTLY: Won vs. direction for of play. Loveland by a margin of 99an easy lay-up. “Everyone has picked 72, but lost to Collins 70-56. Michael Hoppal it up defensively, all five Also dropped game to Poudre turns right back players have to play the ►ON THE MENU: Rival game around, bends up-temp style that Coach vs. Fossil. low, and starts all Meyer wants,” Hoppal ►WHO’S HOT: Dermody with over. said. 13.8 ppg and Traufield with “He is a The new defense 12.4 ppg. ►BOTTOM LINE: New coach coach’s dream,” that he is referencing is and up tempo style has the head coach Jeff the high-octane, highLobos sitting pretty eight Meyer said. pressure press that Meyer games through. “He’s the engine installed this year. Unlike that makes this in previous years, where team run, a real the team pressed primarteam player. And he plays with a lot of ily in late game situations when they heart.” were behind or in a close game, this Defensive stopper has been a role team is pressing every time down the that Hoppal has been playing for years, court. by Ryan McCrary Reporter
Boys’ Basketball LoboLights
“The press is designed to create chaos,” Hoppal said. “It’s a sequence of traps. Coach is trying to make the other team guess at what kind of pressure we are going to bring. We just try to make stuff happen whether it’s a steal, a turnover, or a five-second count.” “We are just trying to make the team not dribble and have pressure for the entire game. 32 minutes, not allowing them to just walk up the court each possession. The team has really bought into it, and that is a huge part of the success that we have had this year.” Hoppal, who averaged just under a steal per game last year in limited action is quickly improving on his numbers. He embraces his role as defensive pest, but insists that every defensive series is a team effort. “I’m just trying to move my man back and forth, force him into a trap with one of my teammates. Most of the steals come as part of the trap, when the second defender comes over and puts more pressure on the ballhandler.” “The team, including me, needs to learn to play without our hands. The style we are playing is fast, lots of
pressure, so the foul count will be high. Coach wants active hands, but sometimes we go for a little too much.” Hoppal seems to have a special gift though, often getting under the skin of the opposing players that he defends. This year he has already had multiple incidents in Mary Willson which the rival Run and gun: Senior Michael Hoppal team has had handles the ball in a game against a player try Loveland. The Lobos won the game, 95-76. to intimidate Hoppal. “I try to continue to pressure the player, and not let my emotions get out of control. Their negative reaction lets me know that I am doing my job.”
A8
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
S
ports
January 21, 2011
Why do they come back?
School features previous students as coaches
Class of ’91
Class of ’89
Highlighter Archive
1991 Rocky Yearbook
Clockwise from top left: Derek Widmier coaches up his team, Ron Clark surveys the soccer field (middle left), Ron Clark’s senior picture (bottom left), Derek Widmier playing pool back in the day (far left).
1989 Rocky Yearbook
Class of ’95
1995 Rocky Yearbook
Class of ’83
Highlighter Archive
Highlighter Archive
Highlighter Archive
Clockwise from middle right: Head coach Mark Brook looks on during a football game, Brook D’s up on an opposing player (top right), Todd Matkin coaches up the girls’ basketball team (middle right), Matkin’s senior picture (bottom right).
1983 Rocky Yearbook
Former students contribute to legacy through coaching
Once rivals, other schools now provide coaching opportunities
by Geneva Mueller Reporter
by Ryan Nelson Reporter
“’Neath the Rockies, snow capped glory, Rocky Mountain high…” The beginning words of Rocky’s Alma Mater are just one representation of the way that the school manifests itself into the hearts of all who enter the halls. Everyone has an Alma Mater. Sports However, some choose to continue their lives there after graduation. At Rocky, there is a group of teachers and coaches who are also Rocky graduates. They attended for their high school career and returned after college, and continue to contribute to the legacy of the school. Math teacher and sprint track coach Derek Widmier is one of these alumni coaches. During his high school career, he was an athlete and active student. “High school was a lot of fun; I have a lot of good memories,” Widmier said. “Getting this job was a coincidence I never imagined.” He never planned to come back to Rocky in order to teach or coach, but was lucky enough to receive the job when he applied for it. He takes pride in what he does—something that is a result of Rocky being his Alma Mater. “Do I consider me being a graduate an advan-
“Once someone comes here and is a part of Rocky, they find it is pretty hard to leave,” Athletic Director Wayne Moddelmog said. That seems to be a common thought of people who have involved themselves in the Rocky Once community. One of the someone most common ways to show pride and comcomes mitment in through here and athletic programs. is part of Many people particiWayne Rocky, pate in athletics. Over Moddelmog, 4,000 participate at athletic they find Rocky, including multidirector it pretty sport athletes. Many hard to of those people will go on to coach in their leave. expertise after they have moved on from being a student athlete. Of those, some return to Rocky as coaches and many others will go on to coach elsewhere such as rivals Collins, Fossil and Poudre. But what drives someone to be a part of a different program, especially a rival school? Moddelmog played football and baseball for
Special
Jump to ALUMNI, page A6
Highlighter Archive
Class of ’99
1999 Rocky Yearbook
From top: Scot Jones talks to Justin Frank during a football game, Jones is pictured during his senior year while trying to catch some zzz’s (bottom).
“”
Jump to RIVALS, page A6
The Full Nelson
Ryan Nelson
The good coach According to the dictionary, a coach is a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes. However, when you look for “good coach” there is no definition. That is because everyone’s definition of a good coach changes from person to person. A coach is much more than just a person who trains; they are mentors, role models and even life changers who prepare us for the next play, the next day, the next game, and more often than not, the next part of our lives. A good coach is someone who can look beyond the confines of athletics, and look deeper into the character of an athlete. Character is one of those words that is defined differently from person to person. Back when the football pads were much smaller and not as smelly, my football coach said that character is “what you do when you think no one is watching.” My most recent football coach posts a sign outside his room that states, “Thoughts become Words, Words become Actions, Actions become Character, Character is Everything.” When I read this I feel as though all my coaches have unconsciously added on to each other’s messages. They simply are passionate about the sport and to them there is nothing better than being part of that sport. When a coach shows this much passion it reflects in their athlete’s passionate style of play, style of thinking and style of living. From what I have noticed, the bigger the heart of the coach, the bigger the heart of the athlete. Coaches display this passion in many ways. The little things coaches do and say display their true love and devotion to the sport, as well as the inspirational speeches we all see in movies. However, I think the one thing that makes a good coach even better is their ability to demonstrate and practice what they preach. Another one of my coaches used to race us for conditioning, and once we could beat him in a race, we were done conditioning. The other and most prominent way a coach exemplifies real commitment to the game is to, in every way, even when no one is watching, be the person they tell their athletes to be. Every successful coach has one thing in common. It’s not that they are hardnosed, S.O.B.’ s who simply enforce their authority with yelling and constant angry expressions. It’s not that they are sympathetic and coddle their athletes. And it isn’t a healthy balance between the two. The only common factor between the Vince Lombardi’s, the Mike Ditka’s, The Joe Paterno’s and the Bear Bryant’s of coaching is that they were and are all respected by their players. A good coach does not demand respect, they earn it. A good coach doesn’t have to think about inspirational things to tell you, they naturally feel inspired and just pass the message on. And finally a good coach doesn’t just train athletes or teams of athletes, they train individuals for the next play, the next day, the next game, the next chapter of their lives. Ryan Nelson was a senior tight end on the football team and is a reporter for the RM Highlighter.
F
eatures
January 21, 2011
The Will to Wonder Mary Willson
Section B
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Repairing an image: Students cross West Swallow Road in order to pick up the trash and cigarette butts left there. Some students spend time between classes and before and after school across the street, often leaving their trash behind and compromising the relationship that Rocky has with its neighbors.
Regan Miller
Constant communication
The feeling of wonder overwhelmed me when I was nine, walking around the streets of Katmandu, Nepal. With my first camera around my wrist, my sister at my side, and my dad behind, I took in my first experience in a third world country. I remember the sights like it was yesterday, rather than nine years and over a dozen trips ago. It was dusk when we got in. Then we ventured out to get food. The streets, buildings and sidewalks were gray. The gap between the sidewalk and the road was piled with mud, plastic bags, bottles and saturated paper. The noise was that of hostility between dogs, and the smell was that of a place that didn’t have an organized waste removal or trash removal. I was hooked and heartbroken. The western world is only a small portion of the world. The earth is a huge and beautiful place filled with individuals with stories, places with pasts and both positive and negative events. All humans are united through this truth. I feel like that fact has been fogged this week through recent happenings in the political world. We, America, have it easy. We are given freedoms for the mere fact of being born in Colorado, California, Arizona, or wherever we come from. We have rights, we have organization and we are protected. President Obama addressed the nation on Jan. 12 regarding the Tucson shooting. He addressed America as simple and profound as could be. “We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame - but rather, how well we have loved, and what small part we have played in bettering the lives of others.” The biggest thing I have learned through being immersed in other cultures is how self aware America is. We put such an effort in being good people. Yes we can get caught up in the materialistic aspects of our life, yes we can get caught up in the power we possess, and yes we can get caught up in the negatives. Of course, as a country we have hardships. War, political disputes, terrorism, etc.; yet we have to remember how lucky we are to live here and have the chance to do what we want. How lucky we are to not have to worry about things we overlook everyday like trash and waste systems. We worry about being better people. That is amazing. Mary Willson is a senior and Center In-Depth editor for the RM Highlighter.
Smokers test relationship with neighbors
Cassa Niedringhaus
Community service tops list of suggested solutions
Students cross street, leave trash
by Ryan McCrary Reporter
by Fahey Zink Reporter
The relationship between Rocky and its neighbors is going up in smoke. The neighborhood across the from Rocky Features street on West Swallow Road is a place where some students hang out. They are almost directly across the street from the school and can be seen from the offices of the administrators. The school has been getting complaints about trash and students being disrespectful. However, because the students are across
Special
Cassa Niedringhaus
Repairing an image: Students help clean up the trash on the Rocky campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. Students are given the opportunity to volunteer on Wednesday Late Start mornings to help clean up trash.
Jump to PROBLEMS, page B2
Trespassing. Cigarette butts. Trash. That is the impression that some Rocky students leave on the neighbors around campus. While most students respect the neighborhood and the neighbors, a select group of students does not, according to School Resource Officer Jerrod Hardy. They cross the street to hang out, eat lunch and even smoke. Administrators, the school resource officer and clubs within the school have been working on implementing ideas to either discourage students from crossing the street or to clean the area up. Complaints have been filed against the students and school,
but Hardy said that things have been going better so far this quarter. “We had 34 kids reprimanded for trespassing and smoking across the street last semester,” Hardy said. “So far we haven’t had any incidences in the new semester.” The two punishments from which the offenders can choose are either getting a ticket for underage smoking or trespassing, or they can commit to doing one hour of community service, three sessions of 20 minutes during lunch. “Of the 34 kids who were caught, none have had repeated offenses,” Hardy said. “We think Jump to SOLUTIONS, page B2
Globetrotter brings CHEER to school by Cassa Niedringhaus Features Editor
When Shane “Scooter” Christensen came to Rocky, he had the crowd “C.H.E.E.R.”ing loud. His appearance was due to senior Brayden Nelson winning a radio contest sponsored by 99.9 The Point (KKPL) and TRI 102.5 (KTRR). Nelson also won a free four-pack of tickets to a Harlem Globetrotter show. Christensen, who holds Guinness World Records for
Inspiring kids: Shane “Scooter“ Christensen of the Harlem Globetrotters demonstrates his skill in spinning a basketball on his nose, for which he holds a Guinness World Record. The Globetrotters travel the world to play basketball, show tricks and volunteer.
longest time spinning a basketball on both his head and his nose, did more than show tricks; he brought the acronym C.H.E.E.R., which stands for cooperation, healthy mind and body, effort, enthusiasm and responsibility. “We are known as the Ambassadors of Goodwill,” Christensen said. “Two days ago we were at a hospital visiting kids there. Just Jump to CHEER, page B2
Trevor Merrill
B2
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Features
January 21, 2011
Teacher relates to students Lawrence inspired by own teachers, now looks to do same by Cassa Niedringhaus Features Editor
Denise Lawrence teaches classes that bring hands on experience and real life examples to her students. The child and adolescent development class that she teaches gives students a chance to learn about children and the reTeacher sponsibilities that they entail. Teen challenges and choices is a class that gives students a place to discuss the problems they face. She teaches self-awareness and positive coping mechanisms for the students to use to combat their problems. Lawrence came to Rocky last year to take the place of Patty Mogorit when she moved into the counseling job. “I love Rocky,” Lawrence said. “I love the culture of Rocky too. I think there is a buy-in with the Lobo Way that is pretty amazing for a population of 2,000 kids. (They) adhere to and embrace it. That doesn’t happen
Feature
Problems from page B1
the street, they are not on school grounds and are not under school jurisdiction, but city law. “Some of the kids over there are respectful, but some choose not to be,” said senior Kyle Sothman, who hangs out across the street. School Resource Officer Jerrod Hardy is usually across the street monitoring students during passing periods and the beginning and end of periods. They take the time between classes to smoke and hang out before going back to class. He hopes to be able to connect with students there and help them realize the impact they have in that neighborhood. “When I came to Rocky of November of last year, the No. 1 complaint I had that whole year was from the apartments and how
Solutions from page B1
that the more proactive approach to punishing them (community service) in front of their classmates really has a more profound effect on them. The previous SRO just ticketed the kids. Mom and Dad usually paid for it, so the kids really didn’t feel the effects of their actions. Actually picking up the trash is a much more effective tool.” Junior and Student Council Representative Kelli Lynch believes that there are other possible solutions. “We need to recognize that kids smoking across the street is better than them not being at school, but steps should be taken; there are always ways to help,” Lynch said. “Other groups should try to connect and people should reach out. Classes and clubs could help. Instituting a positive rein-
CHEER from page B1
Just before here (Rocky) I was at another school, talking to some more kids, underprivileged kids. The people, what they see on the court, is a very small percentage of what we do. We do a lot off the court.” The Harlem Globetrotters are known for their tricks and skill in basketball, but also for their service work and work with kids. During his performance, he brought students from the audience to help him perform the famous Globetrotter “Magic Circle,” in which the players demonstrate their tricks as they pass the ball in a circle.
at all high schools of our size.” Lawrence is able to give her students knowledge in these classes that they wouldn’t get out of a book. She is able to bring her experience in being a mother and her life experience to the classroom in a way that enriches her lessons. “If you ask any teacher why they went into education, it always will come back to a teacher that was influential in their life,” Lawrence said. “I had a pretty chaotic family situation growing up. And teachers were just really influential in giving me direction. I think that’s part of why I love teen choices is letting them know that I share with them some of my struggles that I had as a teenager. Letting them know that despite whatever family obstacles they might have stacked against them they really can choose their own path and that you have a lot more control than you think.” Her classes cover issues such as teen pregnancy and addiction. She
brings in former students and other guest speakers as part of her classes. “With the guest panels we did, she had some of her former students talk openly about their problems,” said sophomore Austin Druse. “She was really helpful and supportive. They came in for a panel about child abuse. She had talked to them about all the problems they had been through. They were really open with her and she was open and giving feedback and support.” Lawrence works to teach students responsibility. She has a unit where students take mechanical babies home for the weekend. The unit is not a fun game, but a glimpse into the struggles of life as a teenage parent. When she teaches about addiction, she brings in people who have struggled to overcome addiction. She hopes to convey the message that experimenting with marijuana is unhealthy and can often lead to other dangerous drugs. “Nobody ever intends to become
an addict,” Lawrence said. “It’s a slow progression into that. I think that self-awareness and factual information (are important).” Lawrence hopes to provide more than just class lessons to her students. The teachers Lawrence had in high school were able to see and appreciate her as individual. They worked with her and inspired her to do the same with her students. “She related to us very well,” said
students were leaving trash and being disrespectful,” Hardy said. A trash problem that has been occurring is used cigarettes on the property. While many students who are of legal age go over there to smoke, there are some who smoke even though they aren’t 18. “I used to go over there a lot during my off period,” junior Kaia Holbrook said. “Now since I’ve stopped smoking I haven’t been there as much.” Cigarettes aren’t the only smoking problem. Students are now starting to smoke marijuana during their free time across the street. “With all the dispensaries and the laws changing, everybody’s like, ‘oh marijuana is going to be legal we can smoke it now’,” said Jennifer Wayman, an addiction counselor at Rocky.
Other issues that have been across the street are the fights that go on. The fighting issue has gotten better compared to last year though. So far this year, only one major fight between Rocky and Collins students happened on Oct. 12. Eight students were given tickets at the end of that fight. “Last year half the school was brand new and half the students didn’t know the culture and the norm here,” Hardy said. “But with this year we’ve only had one new class and I think the juniors and seniors are able to influence them a lot better and be more of an impact for them.” With the open campus policy at Rocky, the school can’t tell the students they can’t go over to the neighborhood unless the school becomes closed-campus.
“We have about 2,015 students here and there are about 50 across the street,” Hardy said. “So it isn’t fair to penalize the other 1,965. So rather than Mr. Russ Lopez change the Stapleton, whole dynamics of dean of Rocky, it’s up to me students and the deans to be a better presence out there and make sure to let the kids know that standing across the street smoking is not a good image for Rocky and it’s not tolerated.” While issues like fighting and smoking do happen, many students just see it has a place to hang out. “I don’t see people hanging out there to be a big issue and it’s actually pretty nice over there,” Holbrook
Ramsey Nicholas
Passing on knowledge: Child and Adolescent Development and Teen Challenges and Choices teacher Denise Lawrence helps a student to become familiar with holding a baby. Lawrence hopes to pass on knowledge to her students that will be applicable throughout their lives.
“”
sophomore Molly Reger. “She relates to everyone and listens to their stories and doesn’t judge.” Added Druse, “It (child and adolescent development) is a good class to take because you get the experience learning about stuff that you wouldn’t learn about in a normal classroom. And with Ms. Lawrence, she’s really patient and calm. And she’s nice and will work with you. She’s a different kind of teacher.”
When I came to Rocky of November of last year, the No. 1 complaint I had the whole year was from the apartements and how students were leaving trash and being disrespectful. said. “Kids smoke over there and the worst I’ve ever seen is kids smoking weed, but nothing really bad happens.” Added Dean of Students Russ Stapleton, “It’s not abnormal when we have a population over 2000 for students to need a place to go. Every high school has their own ‘across the street.’”
forcement program with the students in question would bring about positive results.” Mark Holmes, executive director of the apartment complex across Swallow Road, CARE Housing, says that while he is very grateful to the school for offering for the kids to clean up, they should be doing more. “It’s deteriorating the well-being of our community significantly,” Holmes said. “Most of our residents are single women who are mothers and they have small children. People live in fear of the students of Rocky high school. The women are terrified of what they do.” Holmes wants to make it clear that he knows that the smokers do not represent Rocky as a whole. He recognizes that most students don’t participate in such behavior, but that the use of
profanity, racial slurs, and smoking are unacceptable. However, Holmes and the community are considering their options in keeping the smokers away from the apartments. “Just like the Fort Collins Housing Authority did, we (CARE Housing) are considering becoming a nonsmoking community,” Holmes said.
“Meaning that no one is allowed to smoke a cigarette within 20 feet of any gathering place for the community or any building. If that’s the case, no one would be allowed on the sidewalk with a cigarette. It will be a violation of Fort Collins law and it will be aggressively enforced. Even though NHS and Key Club
have clean up days during late start, Hardy believes that it is also the community’s job to impress upon these kids that their actions are inappropriate, and that such behavior must stop. Dean of Students Russ Stapleton said that other work is being done to encourage the students to pick up their trash when they cross the street. “This is the first year that we actually had trash cans across the street,” Stapleton said. “The trash cans were placed to help make students more responsible. What we have also done is we try to reengage students to take care of their own trash. Either myself, Jan Harrison, Officer Hardy or Steve Armstrong are actively encouraging students across the street to pick up after themselves.” While the problem still continues, the solutions do, as well.
One student who participated in the Magic Circle, senior Josh Anderson, is glad to have heard the message that Christensen brought. “That (C.H.E.E.R.) was a good acronym,” Anderson said. “Personally, it was pretty cool. I learned a lot from the man. He is a pretty knowledgeable man; he has been around the world a few times. He’s got some experience on his hands.” Principal Tom Lopez, who first saw the Globetrotters when he was 12 years old, was glad for them to come to Rocky. “They are called the Globetrotters,
so literally, they have been everywhere,” Lopez said. “And they use basketball and the humor that they have to open doors and all kinds of culture.” Christensen has experienced many cultures throughout his life. He began playing basketball from a young age and soon realized that it was his passion. He played in high school and for the University of Montana. “It (going to Montana) was a big culture change, coming from Las Vegas,” Christensen said. “(I was) a city boy going straight to the country. But actually, those people were unbelievable. One of my best times of
my life would be my college years in Montana.” All along, Christensen knew that he wanted to play professional basketball. He spent time as a media coordinator and practice player for the Phoenix Suns. Then, scouts from the Harlem Globetrotters found him while he was playing a pickup game. He has since spent six years with the Harlem Globetrotters, traveling with them and bringing smiles to faces of people around the globe. “I have a couple favorite places,” Christensen said. “Jerusalem is my top one. Iraq, I played in Baghdad, played with the troops. I’ve been to Africa
twice. I actually played on an aircraft carrier where the F-16s come down on the ship. I would never have done it if it wasn’t for the Globetrotters.” Lopez was excited that the students received Christensen’s message well and that they had a chance to experience the Globetrotters. “We should be a school that, even when its abrupt or impromptu, if it’s worthwhile, we need to find a way to host these people,” Lopez said. “The goodwill of them (the Globetrotters) to want to choose Rocky as a venue for them to come, why would I say no? We want to do good things for our community.”
Helping out: Students collect trash from the parking lot to help keep the campus clean. Dean of Students Russ Stapleton is “working to reengae students to take care of their own trash.” Cassa Niedringhaus
Features
January 21, 2011
Singer going to Grammys
B3
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Lagoni achieves lifelong dream by Chloe Evans Limelight Editor
Out of 1,000 applicants, senior Kaia Lagoni was one of 30 selected. And out of 30, Lagoni was one of eight singers selected to be a part of the prestigious Grammy Jazz Ensembles 2011 and to perform at various Grammy week events. Every year, the Grammy Foundation invites 30 high school musicians (singers and instrumentalists) to Los Angeles to the GramStudent attend mys, perform with special guest artists, record at Capitol Studios & Mastering in Hollywood, potentially receive college scholarships and participate in many other great opportunities. For Lagoni, this is more than a dream come true. “I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” Lagoni said. “Actually going to the Grammys and just being able to see the performances has always been a dream of mine.” Though many people aspire to simply attend the Grammys and witness all of its events, Lagoni will be in the dead center of it; not only will she possibly be able to walk the red carpet, but she will be performing at the MusiCares Person of the Year, which will honor Barbra Streisand, the official after-party and many other ►Kaia Lagoni exciting events. “I’m looking forward to all the people I’m going to get to
Feature
“” Kaia Lagoni, senior
My parents give me unconditional love and support. Even though I’m not going into a career that is guaranteed to be successful, they support me no matter what.
meet,” Lagoni said. “I’m going to get to work with extremely talented and dedicated musicians my age from around the country.” Lagoni has been singing in choir since fourth grade, has taken professional voice lessons since the age of nine and has wanted to be a professional singer ever since she received a karaoke machine for her seventh birthday. But achieving those dreams has meant a lot of support and help from those around her, including choir teacher Paul Falk. “I’ve gotten a lot of my jazz training from Falk,” Lagoni said. “He’s been both encouraging and supportive of what I want to do. He’s helped me learn and to explore different styles of music I wouldn’t have been introduced to otherwise.”
Cassa Niedringhaus
Editing clips: Junior Hudson Bloom works on editing his current film projects in his home studio. His walls are decorated with movie and Hollywood posters.
Falk is the director of Spotlight, a choir that Lagoni belongs to, and has helped her prepare audition tapes for not only the Grammy Jazz Ensemble, but also for colleges. “The good thing about the Grammy experience is that it’s good preparation for the conservatory level,” Falk said. “She’ll stand out among random other people who are naturally talented.” Lagoni auditioned for the program with two of their required songs, a song she chose, excerpts from more of the Grammy selected music and a paper application. Falk has not only had the opportunity to watch Lagoni gain acceptance into the selective program, he will also watch her perform in LA as well. “I’m going for the second part, but I’m missing their
Hunters hope for haunts
Tracking the supernatural: Club members gather to research ghosts. They are planning to get locked into the Windsor Library overnight in April in hopes of experiencing paranormal activity.
by Chloe Evans Limelight Editor
“I see dead people.” Or at least that’s the hope of the Paranormal Scientific Investigation of Colorado club, less formally known as Ghost Hunting 101 club. Originally formed at the beginning of this year, junior Dylan Crawford brings in different types of equipment and describes to the other members how it is used in a ghost hunting method. The Club specific equipment needed for ghost hunting isn’t particularly easy to come by, but luckily Crawford has special connections. “My parents are professional ghost hunters, so I’ve been surrounded by ghost hunting since I was six,” Crawford said. “At first I didn’t believe in it, I just thought it was a fun past time.” But that fun past time quickly turned into something more serious when Crawford encountered a ghost himself.
Feature
Chloe Evans
“I saw one (a ghost) when I was eight,” Crawford said. “I was lying on my couch and a tall dark figure walked toward me, whispered something in my ear, and then walked out the front door.” Despite the fact that Crawford has experienced the paranormal, he and his club are eager for more connections. In April, the club is planning on an overnight lockdown in the Windsor Library. The public library has had reported sightings of ghosts and allows teens to stay in overnight lock-ins to experience the paranormal for themselves. Though the club is currently small in numbers, participants are excited about the future activities. “I’m most excited to get cool video evidence (during the lockin),” freshman member Javier Mendoza said. “I’ve tried a couple experiments myself that have been successful, but I’ve never been able
to get them on tape.” In addition to video evidence (infrared, night vision, and full spectrum), the team will be using equipment specifically made for ghost hunting. They use digital audio recorders, ghost box communication devices, gause meters that capture electromagnetic activity, an infrared beacon, and many other tools. The teacher sponsor for the club, art teacher Benjamin Hill, is proof that one doesn’t need to have a strong belief in the paranormal to be interested in it. The tools can be interesting learning pieces and open up a whole new world to interested students. “I personally don’t have a list of interest in ‘ghost hunting,” Hill said. “But I do think that it is important to study-question things within our society/world that don’t have definitive answers.”
rehearsals, which I really wanted to see,” Falk said. “This is the first time they’re allowing other directors to come and watch the other directors, so it’s a shame there’s a time conflict.” In addition to Falk, Lagoni’s parents and voice teacher, Cynthia Vaughn, will be attending certain Grammy week events that she will be performing at. “I’m excited to travel to Los Angeles to hear some of the Grammy Choir performances,” Vaughn said. “I think it will be a fabulous experience for Kaia.” Vaughn has been working with Lagoni since early last summer; Falk and Lagoni’s previous voice teacher referred her to Vaughn. Despite the fact that Vaughn doesn’t normally take many new students, Lagoni’s focus and determination encouraged her to work with her.
“She has excellent natural vocal talent and she has been training her musical skills for several years,” Vaughn said. “She is a great singer, but she is also a great musician. That is so important because it isn’t just about the voice.” With only weeks to go until she’s set to leave for the Grammys on February 13, Lagoni continues to learn the eight songs she’s required to know for the events with the help of Vaughn and Falk. But besides her unwavering support from her musical teachers, Lagoni also relies on encouragement from her parents. “My parents give me unconditional love and support,” Lagoni said. “Even though I’m not going into a career that is guaranteed to be successful they support me no matter what.”
B4
Te
January 21, 2011
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
en
LET’S TALK ABOUT MONEY
C
B5
enter in-depth
Where the money goes: students and
spending
Students take classes to understand how to deal with their own finances Ramsey Nicholas Editorial Editor
As young adults, the Rocky student body will benefit from a strong grip upon personal finance and the right ways to manage their money in preparation for the future. Last year, all sophomores were required to take the five-credit, quarter class Critical Skills. Starting 2010-11, juniors must take the new and modified course, Personal Finance. The two classes contain similar components but Personal Finance was designed to focus on the financial aspect of young adulthood. Chloe Evans It is a federal Learning the basics: Junior Cecelia Butler learns goal that about the Front Range Community College programs all students from Steve Aronson in Personal Finance. understand the important aspects of wise financial decisions. Key elements of the class include teaching students how to pursue a career, how to get job interviews, how to create a resume, and how to be confident financially and professionally. “Personal Finance is a tool that can be used as navigation for future careers in each student’s life,” Personal Finance instructor Laura Johnson said. “Personal Finance is the hugest gift that students can take out of high school.” Also available at Rocky, the PACE program (Professional and Community Experience), provides opportunities for students to gain career experience through a variety of partnerships in a business and a professional area. In PACE, students can earn credits through outside-of-school volunteering and paid job opportunities. Meeting once a week, the class gets hands on
experience with guest speakers, setting goals, and having the freedom to choose what they want to do. On every other Friday of the month, the Larimer County Workforce Center comes to the College and Career Center and provides a list of jobs open for teenagers in the community. Giving a lot of professional advice, the LCWC can teach students how to get their foot in the door and land a job. Personal Finance and PACE are both ways to get a look at finance with the school, but in order for students to be financially successful, they must become active in banking. Wells Fargo is intent on educating teenagers and young adults through their Hands on Banking. In the Wells Fargo educational outreach, they attentively focus on teaching students how to create budgets, save money, use credit as an advantage, how to spend, and how to keep money safe. The employees of Wells Fargo will personally sit down oneon-one with each teenager and explain how to manage money in profound and simple steps. “You can really use your bank as a resource,” Wells Fargo store manager Cyndi Collins said. “We understand how to use it as an essential help in your financial life, and we can show you how to use the bank through online budgeting and even mobile, as well as understand the value of money and the importance of saving.” The Hands on Banking program created by Wells Fargo takes teens through a step-by-step process on how they can begin
to independently manage their money on their own. It was approved through the Department for Educating Finance and can be viewed at www.handsonbanking.org. Also supporting and living a proactive financial lifestyle, senior Mark Umbreit pays for his own gas, car insurance, and phone bill. Umbreit works 30-35 hours per week at Safeway on Taft Road. “It does take time away from homework and time with friends, but I don’t really have a choice,” Umbreit said. “I encourage students to get a job and start saving now so they can be ready for their future in advance. Buying my own car really taught me the importance of saving and spending wisely. Paying my own bills really helps me to understand how valuable each and every dollar I make really is.”
287 students surveyed
How much is spent: student
spending per week
Understanding how to handle money important for students Mary Willson Center In-Depth Editor
287 students surveyed
How did we get here?
The economy consists of many parts; money in, money made and money out. This concept is taught in school, taught by parents and guardians, but is best learned through experiance. The normal age for teenagers to start wanting a job is 15, which means high school is the bulk time in a life where they learn the in and outs of banking. “I think there’s a pretty close connection between what you buy and the kind of person you are,” Ben Hill, personal finance
“”
I think there’s a pretty close connection between what you buy and the kind of person you are. Ben Hill, Personal Finance teacher
teacher said. “It seems to me [students] spend the majority of their money on food and technology.” As the ages between 15-18, the majority of the high school population is not responsible for bills, rent, or other costly living necessities. At this time, education is free, and essentially students have freedom to do what they please with their money. This can be a
gift, yet at the same time it is a period to learn how to manage money .“The way we think about money really relates to what you think about yourself,” said Hill. “I see this in people who buy things to boost their social status is the main thing. I see this in clothes, car, phones, etc.” Money is vital in the form of traditional entertainment and so-
cial gatherings. Eating out, movies, concerts and further outings normally all require money. It is how students manage the extremity of this that can make or break a bank account. “The amount of students we have come here is huge,” Ross Hafner, manager of the Qdoba on Shields street said. “We staff at least one or more people during your lunch hour.” Qdoba is a huge spot for students to go for lunch, yet can burn a hole in a student’s pocket with one of their burritos costing up to seven dollars. “Probably 20 percent of our
business comes from students, although it’s hard to say,” Hafner said. “Whether it’s their money or their parent’s money, I see some of the same kids come in everyday.” Through students spending habits, the question emerges of whether students should be taught the skills of how to spend and manage money, or whether it should be from personal experience. “There is importance in teaching it in eleventh grade because their minds are at a point where they can grasp and put it into play in their near future.” Hill said.
A timeline of money from its earliest form to current use
►The first people didn’t buy their goods with money. They used Barter, which is the exchange of personal possessions of value for other goods. This type of currency went from 9,000 B.C. and continues to be used today.
►At about 1200 B.C. in China, cowry shells became the first form of money. The cowry was used throughout history. In about 1,000 B.C. the first original development of metal coins started.
►In 1816, England made their value of currency pegged to a certain number of ounces in gold. The gold system came to the U.S. in the 1900s. When the depression hit in the 1930s, the U.S. led the world to ending the gold currency.
►Next, silver coins came into play in 500 B.C. They first showed up in present day Turkey, but were improved by the Greek, Persian, Macedonians and Roman Empire. They eventually took the appearance they have today.
►Today, nations continue to change their currency. Modern money comes into play, also known as credit money. If one has a dollar and puts it in the bank, the money belongs to them, yet they don’t literally have it.
►From the ninth to the fifteenth century, China started to use the first form of paper currency. In 1445, the use of this currency vanished from China. The use of paper currency would be used in Europe years later.
►The future of money has already started. It seems like now everything is done electronically with credit cards, debit cards, electronic banking and automatic deposits. Although one may never hold all the money they own, it is represented as information.
Source: Library Think Quest
B4
Te
January 21, 2011
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
en
LET’S TALK ABOUT MONEY
C
B5
enter in-depth
Where the money goes: students and
spending
Students take classes to understand how to deal with their own finances Ramsey Nicholas Editorial Editor
As young adults, the Rocky student body will benefit from a strong grip upon personal finance and the right ways to manage their money in preparation for the future. Last year, all sophomores were required to take the five-credit, quarter class Critical Skills. Starting 2010-11, juniors must take the new and modified course, Personal Finance. The two classes contain similar components but Personal Finance was designed to focus on the financial aspect of young adulthood. Chloe Evans It is a federal Learning the basics: Junior Cecelia Butler learns goal that about the Front Range Community College programs all students from Steve Aronson in Personal Finance. understand the important aspects of wise financial decisions. Key elements of the class include teaching students how to pursue a career, how to get job interviews, how to create a resume, and how to be confident financially and professionally. “Personal Finance is a tool that can be used as navigation for future careers in each student’s life,” Personal Finance instructor Laura Johnson said. “Personal Finance is the hugest gift that students can take out of high school.” Also available at Rocky, the PACE program (Professional and Community Experience), provides opportunities for students to gain career experience through a variety of partnerships in a business and a professional area. In PACE, students can earn credits through outside-of-school volunteering and paid job opportunities. Meeting once a week, the class gets hands on
experience with guest speakers, setting goals, and having the freedom to choose what they want to do. On every other Friday of the month, the Larimer County Workforce Center comes to the College and Career Center and provides a list of jobs open for teenagers in the community. Giving a lot of professional advice, the LCWC can teach students how to get their foot in the door and land a job. Personal Finance and PACE are both ways to get a look at finance with the school, but in order for students to be financially successful, they must become active in banking. Wells Fargo is intent on educating teenagers and young adults through their Hands on Banking. In the Wells Fargo educational outreach, they attentively focus on teaching students how to create budgets, save money, use credit as an advantage, how to spend, and how to keep money safe. The employees of Wells Fargo will personally sit down oneon-one with each teenager and explain how to manage money in profound and simple steps. “You can really use your bank as a resource,” Wells Fargo store manager Cyndi Collins said. “We understand how to use it as an essential help in your financial life, and we can show you how to use the bank through online budgeting and even mobile, as well as understand the value of money and the importance of saving.” The Hands on Banking program created by Wells Fargo takes teens through a step-by-step process on how they can begin
to independently manage their money on their own. It was approved through the Department for Educating Finance and can be viewed at www.handsonbanking.org. Also supporting and living a proactive financial lifestyle, senior Mark Umbreit pays for his own gas, car insurance, and phone bill. Umbreit works 30-35 hours per week at Safeway on Taft Road. “It does take time away from homework and time with friends, but I don’t really have a choice,” Umbreit said. “I encourage students to get a job and start saving now so they can be ready for their future in advance. Buying my own car really taught me the importance of saving and spending wisely. Paying my own bills really helps me to understand how valuable each and every dollar I make really is.”
287 students surveyed
How much is spent: student
spending per week
Understanding how to handle money important for students Mary Willson Center In-Depth Editor
287 students surveyed
How did we get here?
The economy consists of many parts; money in, money made and money out. This concept is taught in school, taught by parents and guardians, but is best learned through experiance. The normal age for teenagers to start wanting a job is 15, which means high school is the bulk time in a life where they learn the in and outs of banking. “I think there’s a pretty close connection between what you buy and the kind of person you are,” Ben Hill, personal finance
“”
I think there’s a pretty close connection between what you buy and the kind of person you are. Ben Hill, Personal Finance teacher
teacher said. “It seems to me [students] spend the majority of their money on food and technology.” As the ages between 15-18, the majority of the high school population is not responsible for bills, rent, or other costly living necessities. At this time, education is free, and essentially students have freedom to do what they please with their money. This can be a
gift, yet at the same time it is a period to learn how to manage money .“The way we think about money really relates to what you think about yourself,” said Hill. “I see this in people who buy things to boost their social status is the main thing. I see this in clothes, car, phones, etc.” Money is vital in the form of traditional entertainment and so-
cial gatherings. Eating out, movies, concerts and further outings normally all require money. It is how students manage the extremity of this that can make or break a bank account. “The amount of students we have come here is huge,” Ross Hafner, manager of the Qdoba on Shields street said. “We staff at least one or more people during your lunch hour.” Qdoba is a huge spot for students to go for lunch, yet can burn a hole in a student’s pocket with one of their burritos costing up to seven dollars. “Probably 20 percent of our
business comes from students, although it’s hard to say,” Hafner said. “Whether it’s their money or their parent’s money, I see some of the same kids come in everyday.” Through students spending habits, the question emerges of whether students should be taught the skills of how to spend and manage money, or whether it should be from personal experience. “There is importance in teaching it in eleventh grade because their minds are at a point where they can grasp and put it into play in their near future.” Hill said.
A timeline of money from its earliest form to current use
►The first people didn’t buy their goods with money. They used Barter, which is the exchange of personal possessions of value for other goods. This type of currency went from 9,000 B.C. and continues to be used today.
►At about 1200 B.C. in China, cowry shells became the first form of money. The cowry was used throughout history. In about 1,000 B.C. the first original development of metal coins started.
►In 1816, England made their value of currency pegged to a certain number of ounces in gold. The gold system came to the U.S. in the 1900s. When the depression hit in the 1930s, the U.S. led the world to ending the gold currency.
►Next, silver coins came into play in 500 B.C. They first showed up in present day Turkey, but were improved by the Greek, Persian, Macedonians and Roman Empire. They eventually took the appearance they have today.
►Today, nations continue to change their currency. Modern money comes into play, also known as credit money. If one has a dollar and puts it in the bank, the money belongs to them, yet they don’t literally have it.
►From the ninth to the fifteenth century, China started to use the first form of paper currency. In 1445, the use of this currency vanished from China. The use of paper currency would be used in Europe years later.
►The future of money has already started. It seems like now everything is done electronically with credit cards, debit cards, electronic banking and automatic deposits. Although one may never hold all the money they own, it is represented as information.
Source: Library Think Quest
B6
Limelight Games and entertainment
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Rotten Food
January 21, 2011
Loren DeWeese
Don’t let your food go rotten.
Pick-Up Lines
Hey baby, if I could change the alphabet I’d put U and I together.
Loser.
Loren DeWeese
You suck at flirting.
Top Ten
Will Ferrell movie lines:
10. “... they named it San Diego ... which, of course, in German means a whale’s vagina.” (Anchorman) 9. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but I will kick you repeatedly in the balls!” (Step Brothers) 8. “I like the Christmas Jesus best, and I am saying grace ... when you say grace, you can say it to Grown-up Jesus or Teenage Jesus or Bearded Jesus or whoever you want ...” (Talledega Nights) 7. “Everybody panic! Oh my God, there’s a bear loose in the coliseum! There will be no refunds!” (Semi-Pro) 6. “You pooped in the refrigerator? …I’m not even mad, that’s amazing!” (Anchorman) 5. “Christ! Why didn’t you tell me that was a pop-up book? Things scare me.” (as George Bush, SNL) 4. “If the moon was made of barbecue spare ribs, would ya eat it?” (as Harry Caray, SNL) 3. “Tom Cruise, use your witchcraft to get the fire off me!” (Talledega Nights) 2. “Gator needs his ghat!” (The Other Guys) 1. I’m Will Ferrell and Kasey Darling drinks too much caffeine. by Ryan Nelson and Charlie Anderson
Talent from page B8 TJ’s love of music extends outside of school with his band and the other instruments that he plays. Improvisation also play a part in his talent, when he is given chords and a beat, he can make up songs as he
goes. “He’s a really good musician,” said junior Matthew McHugh, who plays bass in the orchestra. “He’s pretty creative. Even though he’s in orchestra and he’s really good at reading music, he can also improvise really well.”
Not only is he respected by his peers, TJ’s parents are immensely proud of his achievements. From when he started playing through sixth grade, his mom would sit down and help him practice everyday. She would go to the lessons and learn the violin with him so that she would be able to help him practice. They helped him to foster his love of music. However, they make sure that he knows that his playing doesn’t define their love for
him. “I always made sure we poured the love into them (our children),” Tom said, “I wanted to make sure they knew they were loved and fully accepted. I knew they would be confident around other people.” Added Shawna, “We don’t love him because he is musical or because he performs. He is secure in who he is. What he does is an extra bonus.”
Mary Willson
Acting it out: Sophomore Nate Bethke (left) acts out a scene during dress rehearsals with senior Brian Lamb (right) in Just Desserts, directed by senior Nicole Ela. One Acts included four student directed and acted plays.
Act from page B8 dents. The amount of pressure on senior director Costa and senior assistant director Barton, taught them to be prepared for anything. “I was really happy to see the finished product and see the vision come through with all the work we put into it,” Costa said. “It was a race for time.” Barton had some experience in the musical field with this year’s recent musical, Anything Goes, and he was also involved in One Acts as a sophomore. “Overall, the experience was rewarding,” Barton said. “Stressful, but rewarding. The group togetherness played a big role in the success.” The theater department continues to ignite student’s creativity and diversity by bringing them together for unforgettable performances. Students’ expression and their time spent was rewarding for all who played a part keeping One Acts a tradition. “Students can be responsible and capable to do things and come together and work hard,” said Costa.
Limelight
January 21, 2011
True Grit’s new ensemble out shoots original by Ryan Nelson and Charlie Anderson Reporters
Comparing a modern Western to a John Wayne classic is similar to comparing 70s fashion to today’s fashion. It was great at the time, but looking back, we realize Movie that we can do much better. True Grit, starring Jeff Bridges as U.S. Marshall Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn, was released on Dec. 22. It’s a remake of the original True Grit (1969) starring John Wayne. The stubborn and well-spoken Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) seeks out a U.S. Marshall to avenge her father’s death. She is pointed in the direction of Rooster Cogburn, the harsh-minded and gravelly “bounty hunter.” The movie chronicles the journey to find and kill Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) alongside newfound ally
Review
and Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Matt Damon). The trio travels through the beautiful scenery of Fort Smith, Arkansas and the nearby Indian territories on the hunt for Chaney. Living up to the reputation of the late, great John Wayne is something that many actors may never do, especially when it comes to the portrayal of a man who exemplifies “true grit.” Bridges not only portrays the hard-nosed character in his own “Jeff Bridges way,” he also keeps audiences entertained with witty one liners and humorous superstitions. It can even be said that Bridges outperforms Wayne as a gritty U.S. Marshall The new True Grit is supposedly based more off the original True Grit novel by Charles Portis. While the story line doesn’t deviate much from the original True
B7
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Western revival: Rooster Cogburn (Bridges) and Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) continue in their mission to avenge Ross’s father in the new film True Grit. The movie is a remake of the 1969, John Wayne original.
Lorey Sebastian/Courtesy Paramount Pictures/MCT
Grit movie, the minor details are what make this movie not only flow much better, but make the new movie outshine the original in every aspect. There are many factors that have contributed to the major differences between the two movies. Obviously, technology in the movie making business can not only make aspects look more realistic, but even the audio and editing of a movie really make a story come to life. Not only did the new True
Grit seem more realistic, it seems to show grit in a more blue-collar fashion through everything from the images seen, to the voices heard. Steinfeld, reprising a role made famous by Kim Darby (True Grit, 1969), shows some grit herself as she plays the part of Mattie Ross. While in both the new and old True Grit movies Mattie Ross must demonstrate brilliance and determinism, Steinfeld seems to truly portray the character with more wittiness and dedication
than Darby showed in the 1969 version. Damon out-performs his 1969 counterpart played by Glen Campbell whose only real claim to fame was, well anything but his acting skills. The new True Grit is a step up above the old movie in every way. Casting is undoubtedly better, graphics are more realistic and the story line is, all around, a smoother, flowing chronicle.
Grade: A-
New restaurant’s food excels, atmosphere needs work by Tess Halac Editor-In-Chief
With a quaint atmosphere and a hippie-chic interior, Ingredient has all the characteristics of about 90 percent of Old Town’s restaurants: delectable food, slightly high prices and cheery, “Colorado nice” workers. Ingredient’s twist? It’s healthy, too. Located on the corner of Mountain Avenue and College Avenue, the restaurant offers an extensive menu chock-full of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Soups, sandwiches and salads dominate the list, although pizza is also available, as well as a semi-limited breakfast menu. The food I sampled was, in a word, divine. The corn chowder soup flavorful and satisfying, the salad fresh and moist, and the vegetarian burger made only from the most delectable ingredients, like edamame and red pepper. Dessert
Food Review
is particularly unique – instead of ordinary pastries or a mundane ice cream selection, Ingredient offers a chocolate fondue with a variety of foods to dip into the concoction. If fondue isn’t preferable, you may also opt for the foods “á la carte.” Of course, these healthy and delicious entrees do come with a downside. The price for each main meal ranges from about $8-12. While not overwhelming, this can rapidly put a damper in a poor high schooler’s wallet. However, the portions are decent, and even allow a chance for leftovers. Appetizing food aside, the Ingredient atmospheric experience is merely subpar. Ingredient’s building was not originally intended as a restaurant, and the jumbled layout detracts from the overall feeling of the place. The order area is far too long and skinny; I was forced to walk
Tess Halac
Definition of delicious: Ingredient, the new Old Town restaurant, offers scrumptious, healthy meals for a price. Despite its good grub, the restaurant’s location doesn’t make it a prime lunch option for students.
up and down the narrow aisle several times to find my preferred food option. While not an overwhelmingly difficult ordeal at the time, as the restaurant grows in fame and popularity, this will inevitably prove to be a problem.
Furthermore, while some may see its Old Town location as an attraction, the hustle and bustle of it combined with the nearly impossible parking situation, can likewise act as a detractor. It is also quite clear that Ingre-
dient still has its “newbie” status and has all the characteristics that establishments typically possess when they open. Disorganization was fairly rampant: it took a while for my food to be delivered, the worker struggled to use the cash register, and my order number was forgotten. However, like most establishments, these negatives will likely be toned down once the kinks are worked out. Bottom line, Ingredient will almost certainly never be one of Rocky’s prime lunchtime spots. The transportation difficulties, relatively slow service and high prices are enough to steer most students away from it. However, for a lunch with a family member (who may pick up the check), your significant other or a place to do homework with sustenance at a moment’s notice, Ingredient is nearly perfect.
Grade: B
Isakov’s makes coffee house home by Charlie Anderson Reporter
The brick walls of Everyday Joe’s Coffee house are dotted tastefully with intriguing photographs and artwork; tables and chairs make up the rest of the room. Concert simple The coffee bar sits adjacent to a simple stage in the northeast corner. The atmosphere is warm and homey, and it goes without saying that customers are made to feel comfortable in the humble room. Singer/songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov seems to enjoy the venue as well. On Dec. 29, Isakov played his third show at Everyday Joe’s to a sold out crowd of over 200 people. “It makes sense to me because I just need to feel like I’m at home,” Isakov said about playing at Everyday Joe’s. “I like this
Review
gregoryalanisakov.com
Hats off to talent: Gregory Alan Isakov is a singer/songwriter originally from South Africa. He recently played a show at coffee shop, Everyday Joe’s to a sold out local audience despite the freezing weather on Dec. 29.
room.” Whispered orders were audible over the softened words of opening musician Aaron Espe, as coffee machines whirred in the background. The crowd eventually settled as Isakov took the stage later in the evening, accompanied by two microphones, a handful of harmonicas, and a guitar. The overflowing room was held silent, evidently in awe, as the artist played his first songs in his uniquely confident, yet reserved manner. A handful of anticipated songs from Isakov’s only solo albums “That Empty Northern Hemisphere” and “That Sea, The Gambler” were spread throughout the set, including the highly admired “That Moon Song” and “The Stable Song.” A standing ovation greeted the end of the set’s last song. Isakov took this as an opportunity to
perform covers of Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen, received admirably by the crowd. A handful of fans embraced the single-digit degree weather to stand outside and listen to the acoustic guitar work and elegant lyrics. Isakov’s growing popularity is with due respect and necessity; drum machines or puncturing bass lines cannot produce this kind of musicianship. To develop such moving songs that outwardly appear so simplistic is pure talent. Although not as well known as one might like him to be, Isakov’s softness and guitar intricacies bring him to comparable ranks with artists by the likes of Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, and Iron and Wine. Appreciators of the acoustic artistry may agree that (much deserved) further recognition for the Boulder native is on its way. Grade: A+
B8
Rocky Mountain Highlighter
Hitting the prodigy note John Califf
Wessel’s musical talent, passion strong by Cassa Niedringhaus Features Editor
“” Shawna Wessel, TJ’s mother
Junior TJ Wessel was born with a talent and love for music that isn’t often seen. an early We don’t love age,From his parents him because recognized his pashe is musical sion for music. His dad, Tom Wessel, or because in band and he performs. played TJ would often He is secure tag along to band practice. in who he “Any toy became is. What he an instrument,” does it an said TJ’s mom extra bonus. Shawna Wessel. “So a broom, a little play broom, would become a guitar. The bumper of the car would become a piano. He would take drawers out and stand them on their end like they were amplifiers, or speakers.” When he was four years old his parents wanted to get him a musical instrument, a real one. Because his hands were too small to play the piano, they got
him a small Suzuki violin. He started lessons with a private teacher when he was four and a half years old and has continued the lessons ever since. TJ’s love of music continued to grow as he did. Through the years he learned to play many instruLimelight ments besides violin; piano, drums, guitar, baritone and French horn. He currently plays in Rocky’s chamber and symphony orchestras and in a band with his friends. He made All State Orchestra both as a sophomore and a junior and into the Western States Honor Orchestra through UNC. Also, his band will be performing in Rocky’s Battle of the Bands. “I love music, love playing music, love listening to music,” TJ said. “Just the energy and passion that drives it, the feel of music, I really like it.” When he performs, he works to convey a message through his playing. “Sometimes there’s a little bit of nervousness there but I just try to let that go and focus on the music,” TJ said. TJ is able to distinguish himself
Special
through his playing. His playing enables the orchestra to play pieces that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. “He’s just got a very engaging personality,” said orchestra teacher Beth Wells. “He knows a lot about music and he knows a lot about the violin. And not only does he know a lot about it, but he loves it. That’s why he knows a lot.” TJ stands out not only for his playing but for his leadership skills, as well. When he leads sectionals during orchestra, he helps the other students to improve their playing and enjoy the music. “He loves helping the other kids,” Wells said. “He really wants people to do well. He definitely pulls people into the team.” Added junior Michael Harrison, who plays violin in the orchestra with him, “He is good leader because he is modest. He has no ego. If there is somebody that really needs help he will put the time towards them.” Jump to TALENT, page B6
Gaining direction
One Acts offer students chance to experience acting, directing
Mary Willson
Mary Willson
Some students involved in One Acts this year have never been involved in theater. For some it creates an experience they would have never imagined themselves being a part of. Senior Haley Mohr had never been in theater, but being included in One Acts influenced her to try more things. She acted as Delphine Delago in Just Desserts. “I have never done anything like theatre or auditioned for
What's in the Limelight?
Jan. 21: Movie Release: No Strings Attached Movie Release: The Company Men Concert: Thirty Seconds to Mars at the Fillmore Jan. 25: CD Release: Iron & Wine: Kiss Each Other Clean CD Release: Amos Lee: Mission Bell CD Release: Cold War Kids: Mine Is Yours Jan. 26: Concert: People Under the Stairs at the Fox Theatre Jan. 28: School: School of choice deadline Concert: Rebelution at the Fillmore Jan. 30: Concert: The Wailers at the Ogden Feb. 4: Movie Release: The Roomate Movie Release: Sanctum Movie Release: Waiting for Forever Movie Release: Frankie and Alice Feb. 10: School: Parent/ Teacher conferences Concert: The Decemberists at the Ogden Feb. 11: Movie Release: The Eagle Movie Release: Just Go With It Concert: Peace Office at the Aggie (free show)
by John Califf Reporter
Rocky is a school of tradition and students continue to light and pass the torch in more ways than one. One Acts, student directed, acted, and produced plays, ignite the creative and diverse side of student expression. This year has inspired numerous students to express themselves in ways some had never thought possible. The reward for the work and the creativity they produce go beyond words. One Acts premiered on Jan. 13 and 15 and included Just Desserts, directed by senior Nicole Ela, Waiting for Death, directed by seniors Erick Costa and Jack Barton, A Dead Tongue, directed by senior Evan West, and Apocalyptic Butterflies, directed by senior Kiersten Eden.
L
imelight
January 21, 2011
Camera, lights, action!: Sophomore Amanda Kriss (above) gets all gussied up for her One Acts show by applying theatrical makeup. Freshman Jessi Gravelle (left) preps in the mirror before set to go on stage. One Acts were Jan. 13 and 15 and featured four different plays completely directed and acted by students.
anything before,” Mohr said. “It was a neat experience. I learned a lot about how to present myself and how not to, but I think that goes beyond theatre.” Mohr wasn’t the only student new to theater; senior Marshall Anderson, who acted in Waiting for Death, also learned from this new experience and gained new insight on his perspective of theater. “I enjoyed it (One Acts) a
lot, there are many aspects to theater you wouldn’t even have known unless you have done it,” Anderson said. “It was an eye opening experience.” Though the group had to overcome a race against time and time-manage effectively in order to get the final product; but the feeling of accomplishment makes all the hard work worth it in the end for the stuJump to ACTS, page B6
Feb. 12: School: Sadie Hawkins Dance Concert: Devotchka at the Fillmore Feb. 15: CD Release: Bright Eyes: The People’s Key CD Release: Devotchka- 100 Lovers Feb. 17: School: Military Recruiter Fair