h
rocky mountain
ighlighter e M d i a Manipu
Volume 36 No. 2 October 10, 2008
inside
Everything as far as you can see... John Denver • Rocky Mountain High
Now online at RMHighlighter.org
lation
Battle of the band games: Guitar Hero: World Tour preview, Rock Band 2 review, B8
Be wary of media control in news
Be in the know on all the issues, candidates, Election Pullout
events
Football game against Poudre tonight at 7 p.m. at French Field
The musical Into the Woods Oct. 16, 17 and 18 in the Main Auditorium
by Colton Klemperer RMHighlighter reporter
Grapic illustration by Chris Peters
THE MARTIANS ARE COMING!
70 years ago, radio program made millions believe in an invasion–from another world A Fort Collins resident, Joe fpec Cassidy, 83, was 13 at the time ront ial Seventy years ago the world s
Trick or Treat Street in the commons on Oct. 30.
quote of the issue
“Any harm we bring to anyone else, we bring to ourselves. It behooves all of us to walk in peace.” -Melissa Etheridge in an exclusive RM Highlighter interview, B1
fyi ’05 alumnus and current rocker, Steven Beck, from Tickle Me Pink gives RM Highlighter an exclusive Q&A, B8
Rocky Mountain High School 1300 W. Swallow Rd. Fort Collins, CO, 80526
►Orson Welles, 1938 Mercury Radio Theater Company
by Sam Hyland
RMHighlighter co-editor-in-chief
was in a panic. On Oct. 30, 1938, millions of Americans tuned in to Orson Welles’ radio theatrical broadcast, War of the Worlds, which seemed to send the nation into a frenzy, thinking that the world was being invaded by aliens. All it took for the media to manipulate millions of Americans was one little radio drama.
of the broadcast and heard the original broadcast first-hand. “I remember my father running down the stairs and asking if we were all right,” Cassidy said. “He told us that they were in New Jersey and might be coming up here (to Boston).” Cassidy’s “they” happened to be the aliens. The Martians were supposedly attacking New Jersey and killing mass numbers of people with ray beams and by gassing them. Jump to WAR page A4
Billboards of guys with perfectly chiseled abs. Political ads blaming higher taxes on the opposition. News programs twisting facts to get viewers to conform to their own personal beliefs. Whether society buys into it or not, media manipulation plays a large part in American society every day. Every time someone turns on, powers up or plugs into the pop culture in this world, they are exposed to twisted information and stereotypes that continuously try to sculpt people’s lives. Sometimes, it’s to get people to buy a product. Other times it’s to ensure a win for a particular political candidate. Some people can even be manipulated to change their entire lifestyles just so they can be with the “in” crowd. Unfortunately, influencing the public is easy because people want to
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Sadly, I see manipulation most in the news. Every Doug Cole, news Media organization Analysis has their teacher agenda...
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hear news in all shapes, sizes and forms. They want to be aware of the latest stories, rumors, trends or anything that they feel they can relate to, along with others around them. The media, in all its forms, understands this need, and it often feeds these needs by simply telling us what we want to hear. To do this, it twists facts from various sources to stretch the truth of the information it wants to get across. Doug Cole, a Media Analysis teacher, believes that news organizations often take part in manipulation more than most other aspects of the media. Jump to MEDIA page A4
School community learns to live with tracks, trains by Mallory Armstrong RMHighlighter reporter
When train tracks divide a city as large as Fort Collins in half, there are bound to be problems or difficulties for the people living there, especially to those who live near the tracks. In the past year, Fort Collins has endured three separate train accidents, most recently the death of 33-year-old Jerry Thomas Mullenix Jr. on Saturday, Sept. 13. Just after midnight Mullenix tried to jump
onto a moving train in Old Town after he left a bar with friends. Mullenix slipped and was pulled under the train near the intersection of Laurel and Mason streets. The train dragged him several hundred feet before it came to a complete stop. He died instantly. “When you’re drunk, you basically feel invincible, so you feel like you can run at a wall and it wouldn’t hurt,” said junior Derric Bolen, who was trying to speculate why a man would ever try to jump on
a train. A month earlier on Saturday, Aug. 23, 22-year-old Gordon Todd-Stearns lost both legs when the conductor observed him seemingly sleeping on the tracks near Drake Road, before being dragged 230 feet. Todd-Stearns is currently recovering at the Medical Center of the Rockies, and still hasn’t made comment for his actions. Finally, in August 2007, 85-year-old William Lofink was killed when he drove Jump to TRAINS page A2
Mallory Armstrong
WARNING: At the intersection of McClelland Drive and Horsetooth Road a sign is placed to warn people of the active trains that run through the middle of town.
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rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
WebWasher woes continue by Sam Hyland
RMHighlighter co-editor-in-chief
The installation of the new computer filter software WebWasher was supposed to be a smooth and positive transition which has turned into a frustrating mess for students and staff in a similar way. “I couldn’t even access my own website page at the start of the school year,” math teacher Brad Avery said. “ It has since then been resolved but what about my math website is not educational?” The original problem with the new filter software was that the developer underestimated the amount of traffic the server would process and “undersized” the server. The goal of the software this year was to protect against malware and spyware. It also sought to give teachers and students different access levels that way teachers could have more resources with in their reach.
Trains
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What we didn’t expect was that the implementation would be so poor. They wanted to test the software in a live environment, which is great in theory. However, that also means they have to fix the problems in a live environment, as well.
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Avery, who was on the software selection committee last year, was very excited at the thought of tiered software because of the enhanced educational opportunities and sites the teachers would be allowed to use. “What we didn’t expect was that the implementation would be so poor,” Avery said. “They wanted to test the software in a live environment which is great in theory. However, that also means they have to fix the problems in a live environment as well. Once school started and problems happened they started to lose time on the educational timeline.” The biggest complaint the district has gotten thus far is that
Brad Avery, math teacher
some sites that were unblocked under last year’s software, SmartFilter, are now blocked by WebWasher. “Identifying these sites and adding them to the “approved” list has been a challenge,” Poudre School District Instructional Technology specialist Ben Johnson said. “The speed at which WebWasher processes the requests had been very slow at times. This problem appears to be corrected now.” The way the new software filters sites is no longer by URL and IT basis. The software itself is actually smart enough to go through websites and determine whether or not a site has educa-
tional value. “Who is one person to determine what education is?,” Avery said. “In order to be twenty-first century learners, people should be able to go through websites and decide for themselves what is superfluous or not.” Recently, a meeting was held with all the principals in the district to confront the district technological specialist, Teresa Cole. “The sole purpose was to hear about difficulties experienced in schools, share what the issues were, what was being done to address them, and what the overall expectation for this solution was,” Cole said. The district later held another meeting at which students could go to and talk to the IT department to express their concerns and suggestions. “Lopez came and talked to me because he knows my background in technology and knows I’m in forensics and I can communicate
for the students,” junior Devin Tivona said. “They seemed really opened to hear what we had to say and to make more open access. They don’t want to discourage people from using the Internet.” “This change was made to give PSD more flexibility and better protection from viruses, malware, and spyware.” Johnson said. “I think once all the bugs get worked out, teachers and students will appreciate the flexibility that the software offers.” The possible benefits that may soon come out of the software include teachers being able to access YouTube videos and making PSD e-mail accounts easier to use. However, for the time being, the students and staff will just have to be patient as PSD tries to work out the kinks in the system. “The issue is now that everyone perceives IT is working against them,” Avery said. “Whether intentional or not, people are upset.”
continued from A1
in front of a BNSF train on Horsetooth Road and McClelland Drive, where the train crew reported seeing Lofink drive alongside the train and try to cross in front of it. With so many reoccurring accidents lately, questions rise to whether a the city is able to function around train tracks without causing destruction and injury. Senior Jenessa Fredrick lives only a couple blocks away from the tracks, which also defines the eastern Rocky attendance boundary. She admits that the tracks and the regularly scheduled trains do become bit of a hassle when she’s trying to get somewhere quickly. “They can be very annoying,
especially because they’re moving so slow during the day,” Frederick said. “They also get in the way when I’m trying to get home for curfew, and also back up the traffic really bad.” She also reported when she first moved to that area, the train would wake her up in the middle of the night. But now, many years later, she’s grown used to it. Registrar Debbie Aragon, who also lives a block away from the tracks, talks about the trains and having lived there for the past 14 years. “For the first two weeks or so I would hear the trains at night, but now I don’t even notice them,” Aragon said. “Only if I’m walking on the trail right next to the tracks
and a big horn makes me jump a mile, they bother me.” Although during the day Aragon rarely gets stopped by a train, she does believe that, because of recent train collision events, a town as big as Fort Collins need to update the train tracks to make traffic more maneuverable. “It would be a good idea to change the configuration of the train tracks in some way, because in a few years traffic is going to just get worse,” Frederick said. “Also there would be fewer accidents involving people trying to jump train or beat them to get somewhere faster.” Bolen and Frederick both reflected on how it is stressed
Mallory Armstrong
enough that if you ever try to go up against a train, you will always lose, and trying to get somewhere a few minutes sooner just isn’t worth it. “What they did was careless and stupid, so it’s their fault for
THE TRACKS: Located in the middle of the city and on the eastern edge of the school’s attendance boundary, the tracks and the trains have become a normal nuisance for many.
what happened, so they died and paid for their consequences,” Bolen said. “(People) need to realize that even if trains are going really slow they are extremely heavy and have so much momentum, so they destroy anything they hit.”
Consider facts instead of slanderous attack ads Every year that this country has a major election, it becomes impossible to watch anything on TV without seeing vicious commercials from politicians attempting to scare us from voting for their opponent. Whether it’s criticizing a candidate for a past decision he/she made or taking something he/she said out of context, no politician is safe from this type of slander. Ever since the Democratic and Republican parties finalized their choice of candidate for President this election, both candidates have been subject to and have taken part in false commercial attacks. The McCain-Palin campaign has put out an ad stating that Barack Obama’s “One Accomplishment” as a state legislator regarding education decisions was “Legislation to teach ‘comprehensive sex education’ to kindergartners.” Another states that under Obama’s economic plan, America would have to pay “Painful income taxes, skyrocketing taxes on life savings, electricity and home heating oil.”
Smarterer Than You Colton Klemperer FactCheck.org, a non-partisan website, has debunked both of these claims. Obama voted for a bill allowing an “age-appropriate” curriculum for Illinois schools to help kindergartners recognize inappropriate sexual advances, among other age-appropriate activities. The ad implies that the bill was written to teach kindergartners about sex, which is completely off-base. The website also researched Obama’s tax plan, and states that Obama has not proposed any plans to raise taxes on either home heating oil or electricity. The Obama campaign’s ads aren’t innocent either. One ad claims that McCain supports “Cutting benefits in half”
for those who receive social security. Another states that McCain voted five times to cut education funding. According to FactCheck.org, both accusations are inaccurate. The first refers to a Bush proposal in 2005 that would “cut” benefits for 28 percent of retirees who haven’t even been born yet, making the ad’s claim completely irrelevant. The second refers to when McCain voted against additional education funding, rather than voting to cut education funding. In fact, one of the five votes mentioned in the ad was for an increase in education funding, not a decrease. As much as we hate seeing these untruthful commercials, they do have significant influence on many viewers. According to non-partisan This Nation.com, spreading false rumors and gossiping have always been part politics. Even if the mud slinging between candidates disgusts people, voters’ opinions of the candidates are often manipulated by the numerous attacks they are exposed to. Because of this,
FIGHTING DIRTY: Commonly seen attack ads against Senator John McCain (top) and Senator Barack Obama (bottom). These commercials are run on television and radio frequently.
campaigns continue to run negative ads, knowing that not everyone will research the truth behind them. If you will be voting this November, don’t base it on the
attacks you see on TV. Take the time to do some research before you make your decision. Colton Klemperer is a junior and a reporter for the Highlighter.
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
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Stylish bags break back Need to NEW TEXTBOOK They’re the trendy, fashionHEAVYWEIGHTS know able and easily accessible version of the backpack to many high ►*AP Geography, An info Introduction to Human by Aliese Willard RMHighlighter reporter
school girls. Unfortunately, the new messenger-style shoulder bags can have numerous negative effects on the body. “I carried a shoulder bag because it was cute,” senior Bridget Stein said, “but I had to stop because my shoulders were killing me. I would get red indents in my shoulders and they were really sore.” In recent years, the popularity of carrying a shoulder bag has risen significantly, as has the number of people with neck and back pain. A study conducted in 2003 by physicians Geraldine Sheirness and Richard W. Kruse for Spine Journal found that back pain increased from 10 percent in the pre-teen years to 50 percent for 15 to 16-year-olds, and it is attributed to the heavier loads students carry, as well as the type of bag. “I’ve seen patients who come in with their shoulder and neck muscles in a state of spasm,” Josh Russell, a chiropractor at Russell Family Health said. “They don’t immediately attribute the pain to the bags they’re carrying, but it’s definitely a source.” According to Russell, as well as chiropractor and owner of Irwin Family Chiropractic Nathan Irwin, when filled with textbooks and other heavy weights, shoulder bags can alter the alignment
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of the body. “Wearing the bag on one shoulder creates an imbalance— the muscles on one side of the body build up,” Irwin said. “When all the weight is centered on one shoulder, the gait and the stance of the body change,” Russell said. “The posture can shift, and the muscles work harder to further compensate how you walk and stand. This creates muscle soreness and tightness.”
Not only do the bags cause muscle irritation, but they can impact other aspects of daily life, as well. According to Russell, the misalignment of the body can affect athletic performances. “The body relies on biomechanics,” Russell said. “If you have tight muscles and joints it can impair athletic ability and increase the rate of injury.” While a possible solution would be to simply carry lighter materials, with the course load of many students, a heavy load is unavoidable. “If it was to carry only a few things, I would use a shoulder bag,” senior Natalie Elledge said, “but I stopped carrying one because with textbooks and school stuff it felt off balance and my shoulders ached afterwards.” According to Angela Kargus, director of public and media relations for the American Chiropractic Association, a backpack with two padded shoulder straps should carry no more than 10 to 15 percent of a student’s body weight, while a messenger bag or bag carried on one shoulder should contain no more than 5 percent of a student’s body weight. For example, a 120 pound girl should carry no more than 6 pounds if using a messenger bag. “Any bag carried on the shoulder is the worst option, unless the bag is unbelievably light,” Kargus said. “Carrying a backpack using both shoulder straps is a better alternative than carrying a messenger bag with the strap over
5K walk/run in dedication of former student Hope’s Angel, an organization in support of former student Kayla Adsit, will be holding a fundraising run and concert on Oct. 11. Adsit was killed in a car accident in May of 2007. The 5K run/walk will begin here. There is a concert and silent auction that will follow held at Avogadro’s Number on 605 S. Mason St. Adults are $20, students $18, and children $15. The concert itself is $10. How►Kayla Adsit, ever, if you 2007 graduate participate in the walk the concert is free. All profits will go to the MAPS foundation International Adoption and Population Services in order to promote and raise funds for safe Drinking Water for children around the world. Visit www.hopesangel.com in order to register for the run/ walk or get more information. -Chris O’Grady
STYLING: Juniors Kelsey Ibarra (left), Sam Adams and Erica Whitlock stand by Student Services all sporting shoulder bags. Although these bags are a popular trend replacing backpacks, they are actually bad for the alignment of people’s spine. Alexa Zafarana
just one shoulder.” If you absolutely cannot live without your fashionable shoulder bag, Irwin as well as the American Chiropractic Association, recommends alternating shoulders that the shoulder bag sits on, to relieve the pressure on one side of the body. But how many students actually consider that? “I never switched shoulders,” Stein said. “I always used the same one. I have a dominant shoulder, just like eating or writing with the same hand.” Another option is to wear shoulder bags across the body, but the side effects still include muscle spasm from pressure on the neck and a negative impact on spinal curvature when the bags contain more than the recommended weight.
hotdogs and other treats available. This year the clubs have been asked to adopt a door and help with passing out candy to the kids. Parents are required to attend with their children. Past years’ attendance has been 400 or more. If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Brad Boda or Jennifer Adams -Alex Clinton
briefs
Torrie Moss
PRETTY COLORS: Chemistry students and Key Club members Tiedye t-shirts in the staff parking lot on Sept. 19. Tie-dying was also available on Monday, Sept. 22, during homecoming week as a way to make rally flags to use at the game against Northglenn High School on Sept. 26.
Peace Circles begin again on Nov. 5 Peace by Piece Club is back this year. This club is devoted to “helping people one piece at a time,” and offers a place for students to meet new people and get to know their peers. This club is looking for help to plan the fall Lobo Peace Circles, on Nov. 5. Students who participate in Peace Circles will be placed in groups with facilitators who will ask questions, and each participant will be allowed a chance to
be heard. This year, a few junior high students will be allowed to participate as well. Contact your counselor for more information about this event. - Kenna Alexander
Trick or Treat Street scheduled for Oct. 30 Trick or Treat Street is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Trick or treating and games will be available free of charge for ages 12 and under in the commons. There will be a concession stand with
Members needed for book groups New book groups have begun for the fall of 2008. There are ten new book groups available everyday during lunch or during late start.. You can choose the time that works best for you or the book that you are most interested in. There are various different generes of books to choose from including nonfiction biographies and outdoor adventure fictions. Eighty-seven new people signed up for these new book groups and of those 87, threefourths are new members. If you are interested in participating in a book group please see Cassie in the Media Center. -Katelyn Hunter
While Russell, Irwin and Kargus all suggest a quality backpack with padded shoulder straps to carry school paraphernalia, there are also ergonomic bags available at the Better Back Store, located at 3680 S. Mason St. next to Albertson’s. The store caters to back patients and is highly recommended by surgeons and Poudre Valley Hospital. Owner Leah McAndrews advises using the teardrop shaped ergonomic bags for carrying everyday materials, but not school textbooks or binders, as the top of the bag is narrow. The price range of the bags is high: they’re anywhere between $44.95-$200, but they’re made of quality materials and built to last. The bottom line? “Stay away from messenger bags,” Russell said.
Homecoming Court announced The 2008 Homecoming Court was announced at the Sept. 25 Homecoming Assembly. The following students were honored. Senior boys: Evan Wortman (winner); Palden Sherpa; Bryan Peters; Casey Norgard; Duncan Nelson. Senior girls: Jennifer Johnson; Katelyn Hunter (winner); Kelsey Haugen; Faith-Ann Chen; Holly Adams. Junior boys: Carson Wray; Randy Wich; Tyler Janzen; Michael Hulings (winner); David Bashford. Junior girls: Chelsey Watson; Brenna Darling; Diane Enix (winner); Courtney Denney; Kaely Butterfield. Sophomore boys: Jay Seefeld; James McDonald; Chance Lacey; Rhett Cross; Matt Anderson (winner). Sophomore girls: Taylor Zetterquist; Lauren Provencio (winner); Kaia Lagoni; Tara Kengott; ►Katelyn Kasey Darling. Hunter, -Alex Clinton
Homecoming Queen, 2008
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rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
Homecoming hits new record By Jessica Powers RMHighlighter reporter
This year’s homecoming dance was packed causing a record high attendance. Roughly 1,015 students jammed into Red Rox Commons on the night of Sept. 27, overflowing the “rocks” dance floor and filling up the rest of the student center as the dancegoers spilled out into the courtyard to get some relief from the hot, sticky and claustrophobic conditions. Although organizers and participants alike gave the dance high marks, the record crowd and packed conditions raise concern about hosting any dance next year when the school will grow from 1,700 to more than 2,100 with the addition of freshmen. “The culture will just have to change here, really,” Student Council Sponsor Jennifer Adams said. “Students will have to recognize that they can’t all fit on the rocks to dance.” The “rocks” elevated area was so packed with dancers that participants seemed to be doing more standing to hold a floor
Media
Sam Hyland
HOMECOMING TRADITIONS: The spirit band preforms at the homecoming football game. Homecoming week had different themes every day all leading up to the record number attendance dance on Sept. 27. 1,015 students attended the “Starry Night” themed dance.
position rather than dancing. Additionally, the area in front of the DJ booth was so congested, flow from one area to another in the student center was nonexistent. Organizers, however, are already thinking about how to handle the large numbers for
future dances. There’s the possibility of opening up the gym as either an overflow area or as the main venue, reconfiguring the commons to open up more room for dancing or even taking dances to an off-school site, like prom. “I don’t think location will
be a problem,” Junior Class President Tyler Janzen said. “But we can definitely look into (other) locations if the students want that. But then we would have to rent some place, raising the cost.” Ticket cost for this past homecoming dance was $25 for
couples and $15 for a single. Marian Kolstoe, assistant principal in charge of activities, said the record homecoming dance number is reflective of a successful homecoming week, which included a well-attended homecoming assembly and high student participation in spirit week days leading up to the game and dance “The school spirit of the senior class, as well as the leadership of the Student Council members in recruiting and marking impacted the attendance at not only the homecoming dance but the game and other events this year, as well,” she said. “Spirit Week was incredible; the best in years we have been told,” added Brad Boda, counselor and Student Council Cosponsor. Boda also said that despite the record number at the homecoming dance, dance-goers were well-behaved. “This was the first homecoming (dance) in years that there were not alcohol issues,” Boda said.
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“Sadly, I see manipulation most in the news itself,” Cole said. “Every news organization has their agenda, and they strategically choose which stories to run, when to run them, and how to run them.” While there is hope that most people can see past this kind of manipulation, there are a number of examples that influence a large crowd of people. Fox News, a 24-hour channel promoted as “fair and balanced,” , is a well-known news source for much of America. However, particular programs, including The O’Reilly Factor, have been criticized for being too onesided when covering political stories by leaning too far to the Republican point of view. On the other side of the spectrum, MSNBC programs
including Countdown with Keith Olbermann have been criticized for appealing to Democratic viewers. But because these companies have established themselves as prominent news corporations, it becomes difficult to decipher actual fact from distortion that is meant to appeal to a particular audience. Senior Danae Walk, a student taking Media Analysis this year, finds it hard to believe everything she hears on the news. “You can believe that it happened, but you can’t believe the details,” Walk said. News is only one section of media manipulation as a whole. During the election season, we are exposed to even more lies and deception from the media as candidates bend the facts to make their opponent look bad.
Reasonable sitting fee and affordable prints
“Political candidates like to spin the news,” Cole said. “They find something about their opponents and take it out of context, put some dramatic music with it, and it scares the mass public.” This is a problem when the television is the only place that some voters get their information on a candidate. People often end up casting their vote based on which candidate can manipulate the voters better. Junior Malcolm Auld is a student aide in Monica Kauffman’s Media Analysis class, but actively participates in the class discussion. He believes that manipulation in the media has become a significant problem. “A lot of people just believe what they see on TV,” Auld said. The Media Analysis class is a great way to teach students how
War
Allison LeCain
HARD AT WORK: Media Analysis students work on a poster display during class. This class informs students on how to judge and interpret the media.
to judge the media. Danae Walk believes that the class has great importance in her curriculum. “I think it should be required for everyone,” she said. “The way things are portrayed is totally dif-
ferent to me now.” “I’ve taken away the fact that I can’t believe everything I see on TV,” Auld said. “It’s good to think for yourself and not believe everything you’re told.”
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“It was a classic case of mass hysteria,” Cassidy said. “There was terrible stuff going on in Europe at the time. People were already on edge with the developments of world-wide violence.” Walt Jones, a theater professor at Colorado State University, deals specifically with this time period and the radio shows that came from it. He has written two plays geared towards radio broadcasts. His most famous play is called 1940s Radio Hour and starred Meryl Streep in its first production at Yale’s Summer Cabaret in its inaugural season in 1974. In his play, Jones sought to
display the power of radio during the 1940’s time period. Jones has always been interested in radio and preformed radio shows because he thought they were so inventive and required the audience to participate and imagine. “Obviously, from the reaction and desperation of listening audiences, the power of radio drama was clearly exemplified by Welles’ production,” Jones said. “The next day all the boys acted like they were not tricked,” Cassidy said. “They were all saying ‘I knew right away. My parents were tricked, but I wasn’t.’ We all thought it was funny.”
Jones believes that people went into panic during the program because it was treated as an on-location news program. In its wake, broadcasters were required to have disclaimers during frequent breaks in the action. “It is easy to get caught up in the notion of fear even though it was meant to entertain or tell a story,” Media Analysis teacher Monica Kauffman said. “Fear has a way of taking a hold of an audience, causing them to react instead of truly listening to what was being said. The radio broadcast did tell the audience that it was a story. The fear of the unknown, I believe, is what scares people the most.”
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
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Connection established Wireless hubs set up throughout school during summer now active by Jessica Powers RMHighlighter reporter
The school has gone wireless. But don’t be pulling out your laptops just yet. This change will still not support Internet access for personal laptops which raises controversy amoung many students and staff members. All schools in Poudre School District, including elementary, junior, and senior highs will be receiving wireless internet throughout their schools because of new PSD funding which is making this possible. The school went wireless on Monday, Sept. 29. However, this wireless internet is limited. It will be a closed network used only for PSD equipment. This means that only school issued laptops will be able to use this internet. So, what’s the point in even establishing a wireless connection? A major debate has been brought up due to this fact. “There are certain departments such as the business, science, and world language departments that already have laptops issued to them.” media and technology manager Crystal Boyd said. “Currently, in order to use the laptops in the various
classrooms, they must have Apple Airports.” Apple Airports look like little “hubs” and are situated in rooms to provide the access point so that laptops can retrieve the signal to access the Internet. These Apple Airports that give the wireless internet for the laptops cost around $156 each. The science department previously purchased three in order to use the 16 laptops issued to them in their rooms. By going wireless, purchasing airports will no longer be needed. “In the long run it will improve our ability to bring in more wireless labs,” Boyd said. Going wireless will potentially facilitate a better learning environment. There is less disruption when research can be done right there in the classroom, leaving labs and the library open for classes that don’t have access to classroom laptop sets. The hope is that more laptops will be issued to more departments in the future. The problem with installing the wireless hubs is that when students and teachers hear that there is now wireless Internet throughout the entire school, there is confusion as to why they cannot bring their personal
Adam Walker
GONE WIRELESS: Senior Amy Raasch (above) sits in the library using a Media Center laptop that is connected to the wireless network. The school officially went wireless on Sept. 29. However, students are not allowed to bring in their own personal equipment to school, which will not work with the new system. The wireless hubs (left) were installed in the school over the summer.
equipment to school. Although it seems that since the school has wireless Internet now, there should be no problem with bringing in personal laptops. “There is not enough bandwidth to support PSD and personal equipment as of right now,” Boyd said. “The traffic that personal equipment would add could not be handled by the system. “Video and audio coverage would also present an issue. Think of it as a pipe that all these
things can’t fit through at once right now. Or a highway where there are too many big trucks and little cars trying to squeeze through.” Boyd added that she doesn’t see personal equipment being able to be used in the near future, but that it has not been decided upon whether it will or will not happen eventually. “It’s a positive first step to lead us into the future,” Boyd said.
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There is not enough bandwidth to support PSD and personal equipment as of right now. The traffic that personal equipment would add could not be handled by the system.
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Crystal Boyd, media and tech. manager
Lehman Brothers losses impacts district, not students by Chris O’Grady RMHighlighter reporter
As a part of the recent economic downturn and crisis, the Lehman Brothers investment firm collapsed and declared bankruptcy. The Poudre School District was a part of the Colorado Diversified Trust, which included a $5 million investment with Lehman Brothers. According to a press release issued by PSD, the maximum impact to PSD could be a one-time loss of $1.26 million. This is approximately just over one percent of all PSD investments. Providing that the investments regain value as Lehman goes through the bankruptcy process, PSD will regain most of these funds. “There shouldn’t be any changes for (teachers and students),” Jim Sarchet, PSD’s assistant superintendent of Business Services said. “This is a one-time loss, but we’ll continue to watch the markets.” The district has always had a $10.5 million reserve, called a contingency fund, for “circumstances such as these,” which should take care of all financial obligations. “What we’ll do is tap into the contingency reserves,” Sarchet
said. “This is in place to take care of the unexpected. This will help us to meet all payrolls, etc.” According to a statement released by First National Bank, the CDT’s board of trustees elected to transfer their assets to the Colorado Local Government Liquid Asset Trust (COLOTRUST) to maintain an “AAAm” rating on the pooled investments. This rating system is performed by the government in order to decide on the standards with which the government will invest its money. According to Sarchet, without an “AAAm” rating, the pool would lose much of the remaining investment. The COLOTRUST is Colorado’s original and largest pooled investment trust in the state. There seems to be no reason to worry for students and staff, as the district was well prepared for a financial situation such as this. The contingency fund is typically used for incorrect projections in student counts, which must be done before an actual count can be done. However, a late 1980s hailstorm caused the district financial damage similar
to these losses. “It was before I was with the district, but in the late 1980s there was a devastating hail-
storm.” Sarchet said. “That’s the only time the contingency fund has been used such as this.”
Even the PSD was effected by the recent downturn, but given preparation, the effects shouldn’t be felt by students and teachers.
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Staff Editorial
The driving age debate
Every teen looks forward to the day they finally get their license. Now, teens might have to wait even longer. Teenagers today can get At Issue: their drivAre 16 year ers license 16. olds old at However, enough to a new drive? p ro p o s a l put forth by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety would the Our View: push legal drivRaising the ing age driving age is back to not the right 18.Accordsolution. ing to the Na t i o n a l Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the leading cause of death for those 15-20 with a total of 3,490 deaths in 2006. Many people argue that teenagers are not focused or mature enough to be driving at 16. The goal of moving up the driving age is to reduce the shocking number of car ac-
Letters to the editor
Food issues in cafeteria need quick solution Dear Editor, I have been glad to see the improvements that the cafeteria has made with the food ordeal, but I think there are a few more issues that need to be addressed. Many days I have found sitting at the lunch table, that the bread on my chicken sandwich is hard as a rock. I believe that the hard bread means the cafeteria is re-using the food from the day before. Now if this is what needs to happen to keep the budget down, then that’s fine, but at least put different buns on the sandwiches. Biting into bread that feels like it has been left out open for a week is not cool and this problem needs to be addressed fast. Lainey Daroult, senior
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
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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 970488-7091 for advertising information. Also the Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff is in the Highlighter room, Room 528, during 4th period. Editors-in-chief Sam Hyland Jill Petrie
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cidents and make the roads safer. Although car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens, there are other options to help teens become better drivers. The problem is parents are not spending enough time teaching their kids to drive and behave responsibly. Instead of raising the driving age, a
reasonable solution would be to lower the permit age. If this were the case, teens would be required to get even more supervised experience. When it comes to driving, teens need experience, not age. Since not all parents have time to drive their teens everywhere, obtaining a license at 16 is an important step to transportation inde-
pendence. Teens have busy schedules and need reliable transportation to get to their various activities and/ or jobs. The bottom line is not every teenager is a horrible driver. Most teens are responsible and can handle themselves behind the wheel, especially with additional driving preparation.
Abandonment laws unfair Imagine living 17 years of your life with a family and then being taken by your financially challenged father to a hospital only to be abandoned with nine of your 10 siblings. When Nebraska lawmakers passed a unique “safe-haven” law which allows parents to abandon children up to the age of 19 at hospitals and fire departments, they never thought the drop-offs would become so common. Since being passed in July, 16 children have been dropped off. The latest example happened Sept. 24 when an out-of-work widower cast off nine of his 10 children at an Omaha hospital. Gary Staton dropped off his five sons and four daughters, who ranged in age from 1 to 17. He did not bring his oldest daughter, 18. To me, this law actually has good intentions. For women who feel the need to give up their infant after birth out of fear of being unable to create a good home for them, it makes sense. However, dropping off children any older than 1 or 2 years old is pushing it. It would be horrible to leave a child after they started developing memories of their guardian. Staton had other family members who later said they would be happy to take in the children. I cannot understand how someone who has raised 10 children for as many as 18 years
The Highs and Lows Sam Hyland would just be willing to give them up. By keeping only one of the kids, he also separated the family. Staton said he was overwhelmed without his wife and “fell apart.” “I hope they know I love them,” Staton told a local Nebraska television station. “I hope their future is better without me around them.” I understand that this man must have been grieving and struggling to pay the bills, but shouldn’t he have taken into consideration that his wife would have wanted to keep the family together especially for the younger children who must have been scared? This safe haven law should be limited to children under the age of 1. Most importantly, Staton should be ashamed of abandoning his family in a time when they all need each other. Sam Hyland is a senior and co-editorin-chief for the Highlighter.
The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is a student news publication which strives to report school and community events with truth, accuracy, objectivity, and clarity. The Highlighter will also comment on issues of interest to its readers. The purposes of this publication are to report the news to the Rocky Mountain High School community, to provide the school community with a public forum for thoughtful discussion and debate, and to provide students on the newspaper staff with practical journalism experience. In order to make the 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 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 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 Highlighter observes the guidelines presented in the “Code of Ethics” of the Society of Professional Journalists. The 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 Highlighter staff member, Highlighter adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt, or drop them by the 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 Highlighter staff, phone (970) 488-7090. Columnists express their own views and not necessarily those of the 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 Highlighter advertising managers at (970) 488-7091. The Highlighter, however, reserves the right to refuse advertising which the staff considers inappropriate for our audience. The 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-2007; 2nd-2006; 1st place-2005; 2nd-2004; 2nd-2003; 1st-2002; 1st-2001; 2nd-1996; 1st-1992; 2nd-1991; 2nd-1990; 1st-1987. National Scholastic Press Association National Critique 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; AllAmerican, 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 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.
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
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v iewpoint
Talkin With the Ex-Prez. Alex Clinton
Death of man’s best friend a hard loss I recently lost a very close friend of mine. He was my guardian, my protector, my playmate and, most importantly, a dear friend. His name was Mustaine, but I loved to call him Mussin-Chop, Chophead or Buzz. Mustaine was a great listener, a lot of fun to play with and always made me feel better. Mustaine was my black German Shepard dog at my dad’s house in Rock Springs, Wyo. Even though he was 400 miles away most of the year, he still held a very special place in my heart. He went from a dorky, clumsy puppy to a very sophisticated, sweet dog. He loved howling with the family, following my stepmother around and playing hide and seek with his dog toys. I loved the way he would lay on his back with all four of his limbs stretched out waiting for someone to scratch his belly. And when you did, he kicked his leg when you hit the right spot. Right before this last summer, Mustaine had surgery on his leg. A few months and $3,000 later we found out that he had lymphoma. My stepmother had to make the very difficult decision of putting him down a few days later, so he wouldn’t live in pain. He was put down at about noon on Sept. 23. The night before I was struck with an overwhelming feeling of regret, confusion and sadness. I couldn’t remember what the last thing I said to my dog. It was such a shock that my beautiful dog that I had just seen a month before was getting put down that next day for a disease for which he didn’t even show symptoms. I still wish I could have seen him one more time before he went, but as an animal lover, I wouldn’t want him to be in anymore pain any longer. My family has unexpectedly lost four pets in the past few years. It never gets easier, and I’m thankful for the people who realize that. When you’re put in this situation it really does make a difference when people are compassionate towards you. I am grateful for the people who made an effort to help. I will miss my dog, and I continue to grieve over my other lost pets, but I know that they are in no more pain now. I hope to see them alive and well again someday. Alex Clinton is a senior and a reporter for the Highlighter.
New district AP goal: experience vs. discrimination AP classes not just for advanced Students should take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them in high school, including Advanced Placement courses. The district goal is for every student to complete an IB, AP or college credit earning course before they graduate. The school’s goal is to have 85 percent of students complete one of these courses before graduation in 2013. There are a myriad of opportunities offered to us here, between our sports teams, musical ensembles, and academics. In order to achieve the
full experience, one should delve into all aspects of their school. Everyone has subjects they excel in, ones they struggle in, ones they enjoy and ones they abhor. There are always a couple classes that you look forward to because you find the material interesting and the teachers are passionate about the class. So why not expand your knowledge on those subjects? The teachers for AP courses want to teach these classes; they care about the subjects. There is a lot of preparation for what they need to teach,
and they spend the time getting certified by the College Board to teach these courses. You don’t need to be taking multiple AP courses, either. In fact, I discourage that. But one or two AP classes here and there will not cause great stress, but will enrich your knowledge in areas that you might even want to major in. At most colleges, you will, in fact, be able to transfer the credits from these courses onto your college transcript. So, you end up spending less money because you took courses in high school. And you won’t be as confused as
most freshman are in the academic life of college because you chose to challenge yourself before. Taking AP classes helps teach you how to study indepth on a topic. This transfers to other classes as well. Your work ethic improves because if it doesn’t, you will inevitably be dropped from the course. It teaches you to grow up essentially because it’s sink or swim time. And in the long run you will thank yourself. You will never have the opportunity to take these challenging classes again. -Jessica Powers
equipped for their future? In a school of 1800 students, an AP course isn’t the class for everyone. Some students have an undeniable passion for art or music; so, rather than filling their schedules with unnecessary classes, they pursue what they are passionate about. A major component of high school is discovering yourself, not molding yourself into the “AP criteria,” which seems to have more importance than individualized goals. Is an AP class more important than a P.E. class where students learn how to work with other people or a music class where people find an escape? No. Each class offered in a high school is of important
value. It cannot be justified to say that an AP class is so vital to every high school students’ education that one must be taken in order to graduate. By putting this goal in, PSD is signifying that AP equates to a necessity, and this necessity transforms into success. Some high school students simply aren’t academically mature enough to be taking advanced level classes. If every student took an AP class, it would no longer be advanced, but would turn into another required class where students who aren’t serious about school can come to ruin it for the ones who are. Also, it’s unfair to say that an AP class is a requirement to graduate because of the learning disabili-
ties that numerous students face. What about the special needs students? Are they going to be required to take an AP class? Because if not, then isn’t that discrimination? AP classes were created for students who are willing to challenge themselves with a higher level curriculum. AP classes were not created for the common student who doesn’t want to push herself. If PSD makes this a requirement for graduation, then the message that is given is that AP is the only important class, that AP equal success. When in reality, success can only be measured by an individual. -Katelyn Hunter
Topic Tug -oWar
Beat of the street
Do you think the driving age should be raised to 18?
AP classes not ideal fit for all students Every person’s definition of success is different. Whether its money, happiness or good grades, each individual’s perception of personal fulfillment is skewed based on their values, ideas and goals. As success pertains to academic achievement, the goal that every student must complete an Advanced Placement class before graduating is simply biased. This ambition is set up with great intentions: students need to challenge themselves, prepare themselves for college. But is this all that is important? Is an AP class the only challenging class that will prepare students to be better
“Maybe raised a year because of all the accidents.”
Linde Gillette, sophomore
“Only myself and professional truck drivers should be able to drive.”
Sara Cummings, teacher
“No, a higher driving age would lessen our independence as students.”
Amy Long, junior
“No, because with high school comes additional responsibilities so a vehicle is necessary.”
Tyler Parry, senior
“No, Because we need to let younger drivers gain experience before they graduate college.”
Winston Howe, senior
a8 Cross country team battles through injuries by Katelyn Hunter
RMHighlighter Viewpoint editor
After numerous injuries and sicknesses, this year’s cross country team continues to persist. “I think we are all worn out from running so much,” senior runner Nikki Long said. “We haven’t had a full out race where all seven girls have been able to run, so it’s been hard.” One key blow to the girls’ team due to injury has been the loss of Aliese Willard, one of the girls’ top runners. Willard has been out for the majority of the season because of back problems and most likely will not be back. Other ailments have limited the girls from reaching their full potential but they continue to have high hopes for the remaining weeks of their season. “We have a pretty close group of girls,” Long said. “We have just been trying to be supportive of our teams in their time of need so when they come back they can be confident.” Nonetheless, the girls continue to perform as best they can despite the injury bug. They placed 5th in their first meet in a race of about twenty schools, and continued their solid performance by placing 3rd at Silvendale, 10th at the Liberty Bell race and 6th at the Collins Invite. More recently, on Sept. 26 the girls finished 4th at the Lobo-Cat Invite at Fossil, and are anxious to continue working hard to achieve goals set from be-
fore the beginning of the season. “For state I hope to place as high as I can for my team,” Long said. “I just want to represent my team really well and run with no regrets. As for our team, our goal from the beginning of the season is to get top five at state.” We have been working hard in practice,” senior Cassie Ortiz said. “We haven’t been going super easy, but these races now aren’t as important as regionals and state. We have been working on starting out well and being positive throughout the entire race. I’m really excited to see how much our team grew from the beginning of the year.” Similar to the girls, this year’s boys team has faced its own struggles with staying healthy. Still, after translating their hard work over the summer to their actual season, the boys are still expecting big things from their hard work. “Our season is going pretty good so far,” senior Kevin Aiken said. “Right now we are just trying to get everyone to have a good race on the same day. That kind of happened at the Collins Invite, but with injuries and sicknesses it has been hard.” Despite these challenges, the boys plan to get top five at state. “Mentally everyone has to be on the same page,” Aiken said. “We all have to be trusting each other, but I know that can happen.”
sports
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
Adam Walker
BACKHAND: Senior Brian Raasch squares up on a ball against Mountain Range High School on Sept. 18. Raasch and the Lobos are 3-6 thus far in the season as they gear up for regionals.
Tennis aims at state No. 1 singles player MacMaster heads into regionals unbeaten by Courtney Bellio RMHighlighter Features editor
After losing many good seniors last year, the boys’ tennis team is working on picking up where they left off. “This is mostly an improving year for us,” junior Brian Jones said. “I think we’ll be a lot better team next year.” Along with losing several seniors, the 3-6 Lobos also got a new coach. Bruce Malloy replaced the former head coach of both the boy’s and girl’s teams, Carmen Vasos. “He’s (Malloy) definitely doing well,” said senior Brian Raasch, who along with partner Aaron Fichter have posted a 2-8
record. “He’s really encouraging, down-to-earth and personal with the players.” “I really like Bruce,” Jones said. “He has a way of motivating people, which is really nice.” The boys may not have done as well as they would have hoped, but that isn’t to say that they haven’t had their fair share of success this season. “(Our greatest accomplishment was) Probably beating both Poudre and Collins,” Raasch said. “With Poudre we went in and weren’t expected to do well. Poudre was kind of heartbroken, but it helped with our confidence in general.” On top of that success, the tal-
ent is more equally balanced this season. “The team is more equal [this season],” Jones said. “People don’t stand out as much from others.” Before the season is over, the boys would like to continue to improve and get as many people as they can to state. A lot of that will undoubtedly rest on junior Casey MacMaster, the well-celebrated No. 1 singles phenom. He takes his perfect 210 record into regionals, highlighted by his conference title. The Lobos will enter regional play starting on Wednesday running through to today at Loveland High School.
Field hockey finishing strong
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by Kenna Alexander
We feel our team has potential and heart to go further Nick than pervious Morales, seasons. coach
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RMHighlighter reporter
Aliese Willard
LEADING THE PACK: Senior Cassie Ortiz finishes her race during a meet Sept. 19. The team is busy fighting off injuries this year.
Supports the LOBOS Happy Hour
From 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
The Poudre School District Fire field hockey team is ablaze with a new coaching dynamic, and looking to have a fun and productive end to their season. There are five girls from Rocky who play on this districtwide team. Three of them play on varsity. “I like the unified team,” senior varsity left forward Katie Cova said. “It’s cool to play with girls from all of the high schools.” Nick Morales, the junior varsity coach from last season, is now the head varsity coach. “There has been a lot of responsibility and many rewarding events over the last couple of months,” Morales said. “The girls are a great group of young ladies.” So far, the team sports a record of 4-4-2, with a 3-2-1 conference record. Still, Morales is expecting a solid season, with 11 seniors on the team. When the team played Cherry Creek, one of the topranked teams in Colorado, they tied 2-2 – causing the upset of the season, according to Morales.
Kenna Alexander
BATTLE FOR THE BALL: Senior Katie Cova fights to keep ahead of an opposing player on Sept. 20 vs. Smoky Hill High School. The PSD Fire Field Hockey is 4-4-2 this season.
“We feel our team has great potential and heart to go further than previous seasons,” Morales said. “I want [the girls] to continue to grow as a team and work hard towards the playoffs.” “Our season has been good so far,” junior center mid Mary Willson said. “We’re playing a
lot better than we did last season, and I expect us to keep playing better.” Although most people don’t know a lot about field hockey, players like Cova and Willson don’t get discouraged. Both players took up the sport because their older sisters played, and they have grown to love it. Cova, one of the team captains, has become a standout player. She’s scored 10 goals and has had 5 assists. “Katie Cova, one of our team captains, demonstrates the spirit of great leadership and a positive sportsmanship attitude as a Lobo athlete,” Morales said. “I look forward to hearing about [the entire team’s] future field hockey endeavors.” Morales is anticipating a strong finish to the season, with capped off with a playoff opportunity.
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
sports
All coming together Volleyball bonding, finding groove
PASS, SET, HIT: Junior Michie Johnson (left) returns the ball over the net in the Sept. 30 home game game against Northglenn High. The Lobos won the matchup in a sweep. Senior Kelsey Skaar (below) digs for the ball against Fossil. However, the Lobos came up short and lost the constest in four games.
by Paul Lukens RMHighlighter reporter
New coaches. New uniforms. New era of Lobo volleyball. The girls’ volleyball team is putting a successful season with their only conference loss coming against Loveland High School and an overall record of 10-6. The team chemistry is great, and they have high hopes for the rest of the season. One of the many leaders for the team is senior outside hitter 5-foot9 Kelsey Skaar. She leads the team with 8 solo blocks, 141 attacks and 67 total digs. And behind junior outsider hitter Michie Johnson, who has 84 kills, Skaar comes in second with has 66 kills. Skaar is also second in points with 57. “(Skaar) has a good understanding of what everyone provides,” head coach Jay Dukart said. “She knows the importance of each player. She can’t stand out unless everyone else is doing their specified jobs.” However, Skaar brings a lot more to the table than just her playing ability. “She brings a lot of leadership, verbally and by example,” senior middle blocker Mariah Allen said. “She is fun and a hard worker. She has a lot of hustle.” For Skaar, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Volleyball will always be there,” Skaar said. “You could have a bad day, but you know you are going to go somewhere you love, which is the volleyball court. I love the sport and I love competing. It’s a great way to stay involved
“
We have a unique team. We all have different personalities that blend well. We’re like a family.
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Kelsey Skaar, senior
in school.” As for colleges, she is in contact with some Colorado colleges including Mesa State and Colorado College. “It’s mostly up to the school,” Skaar said. “Mesa state is where I would love to play and it’s a great way to pay for college for doing what you love.” To her teammates, Skaar is known for bringing intensity on the court, but she won’t spare a laugh or two. Her fellow players say she is a lot of fun. “She’s a spazz, both on and off the court,” Dukart said. “She is just goofy.” In addition to Skaar, the entire
Paul Lukens
team is doing well. They have outscored their opponents by more than 200 points on the season, and have more than doubled their opponent’s blocks on the season with 154. Consequently, the team has improved, compared to the past couple of years. “Overall, we have improved,” Allen said. “Our defense has improved the most.” “We understand each other better than past years,” Skaar said.
“The overall respect is better, and we support each other.” The girls’ next game, and last game in town, is against Collins at Collins on Oct. 14. They have faced off once already this season, and Collins took the game by a landslide. Luckily for the Lobos, the game was non-conference. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Skaar said. “We have a unique team. We all have different personalities that blend well. We’re like a family.”
Freeman finishes in top 10 by Loren Collins
RMHighlighter Sports editor
At the class 5A state golf tournament in Colorado Springs, senior golfer Cameron Freeman shot a 77 and 74 for a 151 total to finish in a tie for 9th on Tuesday. Freeman’s run began after the first
round on Monday, where he was 6 shots back and tied for 15th at Eisenhower Golf Club after a 5-over-par 77. The next day, Freeman ended up falling back to 9 strokes off the pace to eventual individual winner Mike Guerra of Air Academy High School. However, Freeman gained ground on
the rest of the field with his 74, moving up six spots. Freeman’s effort was the lowest score for any city golfer, and he improved from his 12th place state finish from a year ago when the tournament was held at Collindale Gold Course in Fort Collins.
Highlighter archive
►Cameron Freeman, senior golfer
Improvement remains goal for boys’ soccer by Holly Adams RMHighlighter reporter
Improvement defines the purpose of sports. Each year, the boys’ soccer team claims to be just a little bit better than the year before. And each year, they work harder towards accomplishing their goal of being that much better than last season. So far, the boys have a solid record of 5-1-1 in conference. “We’ve been practicing harder than we usually do,” senior
Wes Miller said. “Were definitely more into this year, and it’s really easy to see at our practices and our games.” Team sports always take a mutual effort from each individual. And this season, the varsity team just seemed to click a little better. “What makes this team so good is that there really aren’t any individuals who stand out,” assistant coach Ron Clark said. “We have amazing talent at every position.”
“Were just more of a team this year,” Miller said. “It’s not so separated.” Already in the season, the team has played both their city rivals--Collins and Poudre. However, that’s when their records seem to slant off a little. The Lobos tied Collins 0-0 and defeated Poudre 3-1 in nonleague contest, but then later lost 3-1 to the Impalas in the league game. “It’s not intimidating when you lose to another team,” senior
Clay Sale said. “If anything, it’s more encouraging to play even better.” The Lobos square off again with the Lambkins in a league game on Oct. 14. Shortly after that, the state playoffs begin on Oct. 21. A year ago, the team advanced to the state semifinals before losing to Grandview High School. “We are going to continue to improve more.” Sale said. “We come more together as a team every day.”
a9 Foreign exchange students enjoying new sports by Adam Walker RMHighlighter reporter
Three foreign exchange students are having the time of their lives here in America. Usually foreign exchange students come to a different country to learn more about its culture, education system and different lifestyles. Also, people who come here know that a big part of American culture is participating in many different sports. So, for three Rocky foreign exchange students, not only are they adjusting to an entirely different culture, but to playing entirely different sports as well. Junior placekicker Felipe Cavalcanti moved from Brazil to America at the start of the 2008 school year. When Cavalcanti found out that soccer wasn’t working out, he quickly found out, instead, that football was right for him. “I tried soccer at first, but I didn’t like it too much,” Cavalcanti said. “Football is one of the symbols of this country, and I wanted to play something that was fun and exciting. I didn’t know the rules at first and I wanted to try it.” Cavalcanti isn’t the only foreign exchange student to find the thrill in football. Junior defensive end Sebastian Schell also knew that if you’re going to play a sport in America, it had better be football. Schell spent his whole life in Bohn, Germany, before moving to Fort Collins and is no stranger to the sport of football. In his last year living in Germany, Schell decided to play football and was glad he did. However, Schell quickly learned that American and German football were not exactly the same. “Here in America you lift almost every day before you practice, and you practice a lot more during the week,” said Schell. “The popularity and meaning of football here is similar to soccer in Germany.” It’s a well known fact that the popularity of soccer is huge in just about every nation except the U.S.. Junior Emmanuel Yamson has found out that playing soccer here is a much different experience than what he grew up playing in his home country of Ghana. “There’s not very much interest in soccer here as there is around the world,” said Yamson. The pace of the game is very fast here, but it is very fun. The altitude was hard to adapt to at first, but now I love it here.”
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sports Gymnastics looking for big performances from Grondin and co. rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
FLYING HIGH: Senior Sammy Grondin competes on the beam during a four team meet on Sept. 23. Grondin and her fellow allaround event competitors will be key for the Lobos down the stretch.
Veterans key to team’s success Loren Collins
BRINGING THE HEAT: Senior Aubree Maul throws a pitch against Ralston Valley High School. Maul is undefeated in the regular season, with a 14-0 record. Maul will play a big part in the Lobos’ postseason.
Maul
continued from A12
this season that has truly seen Maul at her best. “I think the difference is that she is more prepared,” head coach Mike Crockett said. “Last year she hadn’t pitched much over the summer. She’s also just a year wiser.” Regardless, the 5-foot-10 Maul has been speaking loudest through her play. In fact, she has been virtually untouchable so far, as Maul sports an 14-0 record and an E.R.A. of just 1.13. Not only that, but opposing hitters have struck out against her 113 times in only 87 innings. Also, if those numbers aren’t enough, consider that Maul is also an incredible hitter as well, posting an astounding batting average of .569, along with 4 home runs and 28 RBI. Still, pitching is Maul’s forte, and she’s at her best when it matters most. “I like the atmosphere of [pitching],” Maul said. “I like being put under that pressure.” “(Maul) is very calm and collected,” Crockett said. “She doesn’t show that she’s nervous.” The standout Lobo pitcher possesses the quiet yet friendly and laid back personality that under first impression would lead you to believe that Maul is anything but the fierce and dominant competitor that she is. Nonetheless, this doesn’t stop Maul from taking a leadership role among her teammates. “I spent time in the past looking up to others, so now it’s nice to know others are looking up at you,” Maul said. After all, Maul did earn the respect and reputation she pos-
“
I think the difference is that she is more prepared. Last year she hadn’t pitched much over the summer. She’s just a year wiser.
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Mike Crockett, head softball coach
sesses by working her way up to where she’s at. When Maul first entered the program she was used as a backup. However, to whom Maul served backup played a big part in how she pitches now. That was Cory Berliner, the author of a perfect game and a state championship season in 2006. “I feel like (Berliner) helped me along a lot,” Maul said. “I’m a better pitcher because of her.” However, Crockett, while noting that both pitchers have been superb, made sure to state that they are still plenty different. “Aubree is more of a power pitcher, whereas Cory was more placement,” Crockett said. “But Aubree is her own person.” One similarity is that Maul may follow the likes of Berliner onto the college softball stage. Maul’s options include Colorado State University-Pueblo, Western Nebraska, and Dakota State. Before the senior can even contemplate college softball however, there is still a playoff push to be played out, with the potential state championship beckoning Maul and her teammates. “It’s going to be huge,” Crockett said of Maul’s impending role in the postseason, “People are going to have to back her up, but she’s going to be a big part; she has been for us.”
by Loren Collins
RMHighlighter Sports editor
This year, the chance for a big performance in the postseason is once again beckoning for the girls’ gymnastics team. However, by no means will their task be easy. It’s no secret that the girls’ gymnastics team has done remarkable things in the recent past, as the program’s incredible run of 3 consecutive state titles from 2003-2005 has not faded from memory. Still, this year’s team, which has won 5 of their 11 meets thus far, has plenty of obstacles that they must overcome first. “I’d like to see us not have our nerves get the best of us at big meets,” coach Margo Karr said. “Individual performance matters, but it’d be nice to see the whole team do well instead of just individuals.” The team is also aware of where their performance stands compared to where it could be. “We’ve been doing pretty good,” said sophomore Sammy Boyce. “But we could do better; we’re still a better team.” Senior Jaia Sattler, who was a member of the team during the Lobos’ last state title in 2005, also agrees with Boyce. “We’re not competing up to our full potential quite yet,” Sattler said. “We need to work that much harder, and use our motivation to put a competitive drive back in the team.” However, time is running out for the girls to pick up their performance in the coming weeks, as it will be crucial for them to compete well in big meets such as against Collins, which poses a serious threat. “(Collins has) a lot of great girls; a bunch of solid all arounders,” Karr said. Still, the Lobos have their own very solid group of all-around event competitors as well, as they are armed with the likes of Sat-
Loren Collins
tler and junior Stephanie Pollard; both will have to turn in their best performances down the stretch. Also, in addition to Sattler and Pollard, the team will also look toward senior Sammy Grondin, another member of the 2005 state championship team, to help lead the way as well. Grondin’s principal strength is the beam event, as she has already won the event once this year. However, she is a sound and confident competitor in all other events as well, and certainly belongs in the discussion when the topic is top Lobo gymnast. “(Grondin) is really cleaning up on bars,” Karr said of Grondin. “She also does a pretty consistent beam and she’s adding (to her floor routine).” “(My season) has been pretty good,” Grondin said. “Even with all of my injuries, I’ve pressed to do well and I’ve (acquired) more skills to be a great gymnast.” As she mentioned, injuries have been the one issue that Grondin has had to deal with and overcome. Over the course of her gymnastics career, she has suf-
fered a significant amount of ailments, including but not limited to shin splints, tendonitis in both knees, and constant back pain. “It’s frustrating at times,” Grondin said about her injuries. “But I when I compete I’ve learned to ignore it.” Nonetheless, despite all the aches, pains, and constant physical demands of her sport, gymnastics has been Grondin’s passion since the age of 4, and by the looks of it, that won’t be changing any time soon. “It keeps you in great shape,” Grondin said. “Gynmastics is one of the hardest sports, and not many people get that through their heads.” So, with their final season together winding down, the team’s seniors realize that it is crunch time for them to make any run towards the glory they last experienced in 2005. It is truly now or never. “I’ve had a good run,” Grondin said. “I’ve been working on new skills to be the best I can for state…I need to compete at the highest level and do my best.”
No. 1-ranked softball team sets sights on state by Courtney Bellio RMHighlighter Features Editor
The girls’ softball team has racked up a great list of accomplishments this season, including an 18-1 record and a conference championship. Not to mention they also are now ranked No. 1 in the state after a key Sept. 20 victory over Legacy High School, the defending state champions and the former No. 1ranked team. As the regular season comes to a close, the girls are looking to hopefully snag another state title
to go with the one won in 2006. “We haven’t set any specific goals, but our expectation is to win state,” said senior second baseman Lisa Pille, who is one of the Lobos’ top hitters this year with a .456 average. “It’ll be a hard victory, but we will pull through.” This year, the team has really come together, and it has paid off as the Lobos have had great success in their season thus far. “We have so many seniors and they’ve all risen above and taken leadership to make a strong core,” said senior first baseman Michael-
la Spoliansky. “The team chemistry is better and we’re just much more positive,” Pille said. The girls agree that one of the best parts of the season was watching the team come together and, in turn, being successful from that. “(The best part is) the success we’ve had and coming together as a team and just playing strong,” Spoliansky said. With the state’s overall No. 1 seed heading into the 32-team regionals, scheduled for Saturday,
the girls are still playing strong, setting goals and working their hardest to accomplish their lofty yet realistic ambitions. “(We would like to) just come together and continue to grow and improve,” Spoliansky said. “There is always room to get better.” “We want to work as hard as we can to become a great team,” Pille said. Crucial for the Lobos’ postseason will be the continuation of their big offense from the regular season, in which the Lobos outscored their opponents 169-30.
►Regionals begin for the Lobos on Saturday at Barnes Complex in Loveland against Lincoln H.S. First game @ 10 a.m.; second game @ 12:30 p.m. ►32 teams qualified for regionals; 16 teams advance. ►Ticket cost at $7 for adults and $5 for students. No school passes.
Need to know info
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
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sports
A cut so deep
ACL/MCL tear ends 3-sport athlete Liss’ year
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by Holly Adams
We lost one of our captains and one of our best friends.
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RMHighlighter reporter
One second and one misstep can change everything. But a dream can never die, and for senior wide receiver Michael Liss, who recently suffered a serious injury to his knee - his dream has just been postponed for a while. On Sept. 26, Liss played in front of the largest crowd yet for homecoming weekend. But by the end of the first half, Liss’ high school athletic career changed for the rest of his senior year. He was running a 5-yard hitch and had jumped to reach for the ball to continue the play, but his awkward landing resulted in a torn ACL, partially torn MCL, and he managed to tear both sides of his meniscus as well. “I caught it like I had hundreds of times before,” Liss said. “I just must have been off because when I landed I felt a huge pop. It was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life.” After Liss calmed down and was helped off the field, he had a variety of different people look at his knee, but he wasn’t as worried about his health as much as his future. “The pain wasn’t what freaked me out,” Liss said. “It was all of the thoughts running through my mind – it was all the possibilities of how bad this could really end up being.” Liss has been a consistent three-sport athlete since freshman year. As a freshman, he suited for varsity football, but started his sophomore year. He has also lettered every year in basketball and track since his freshman year, and twice in football, not including senior year. The injury not only affected
Football
Sam Hyland
BRUISED AND BROKEN: Senior receiver Michael Liss is helped off the field by coaches Mark Brook and Jay Gallagher during the homecoming game against Northglenn after injuring his knee. Liss, a three sport athlete, will be out for the remainder of his senior season.
his football season, but basketball and track seem to be put on hold this year too, thus costing each team one of their leading players in return. “I was just in shock,” Liss said.
“I didn’t say anything the entire ride home when I found out. It really freaked me out that that night was the last high school athletic event I’d ever be a part of.” Others reactions were along
the same lines as Liss’. For his mother, Mary Liss, it was just as unexpected. “We were all looking forward to his senior year,” Mary said. “His best friends and him had grown up playing together, and it was going to be great to watch their last season as a team. We’ll still be enjoying it, but it’ll just be disappointing to not be watching (Mike) too.” Liss is also a large part of the basketball team. He’s been on varsity since his freshman year, and he’s started since he was a sophomore. This year, he claims he will still be a part of the team, but he will just have to be there to support his teammates. However, the team is losing one of its best returning outside shooters in Liss, who is also a difficult matchup for oppents because of his size. “I’ve talked to coach (Bruce) Dick,” Liss said. “He still sees me as a rock of the program. (Basketball) used to be my passion, and I’ll still be a part of it all, I just won’t be able to play.” The support of his friends, family, coaches and teammates is endless. People still see Liss continuing to go far in life and succeed at what he excels in. “He’ll always be Michael Liss,” senior quarterback and friend Bryan Peters said. “Whether he’s playing or not, he’s still one of the best teammates I’ve ever had.” The major focus of a lot of Liss’ fans is what he will do about
Shadows
continued from A12
“I don’t think our winning streak will come to end, because we are playing our game--the one we know can get the job done,” senior defensive end Matt Musgrave said, who has 18 solo tackles. Although the football team lost two of its captains, wide receiver Michael Liss and linebacker Justin Hersch early in the season, the strive to succeed is still stronger than ever. “Nothing but ourselves is stopping us right now,” senior wide receiver Jake Stewart said. The Lobos have stayed strong all season long, with a win in Grand Junction even after a five hour bus ride. The football team came out of their last game against Boulder 380. The Lobos were on top of their game with quarterback Bryan Peters completing 5 of 9 passes for 157 yards. The rushing game was also sharp, with the Lobos running close to 200 yards led by Peters. “We played well especially our defense,” said quarterback Bryan Peters. “Now we can focus on Poudre.” The perennial Impalas have been tough competition in the recent past. Last year, the Lobos only won by two points in a back and fourth game. This year should bring about
Jacob de la Torre, senior
Chris Peters
TIGHT COVERAGE: Senior safety Jeff Benedict breaks up a pass in the Lobos’ 38-0 league victory over Boulder High School.
the same kind of competition. “Our expectation is to play our game and to put ourselves in the best position possible to win,” Musgrave said. “The scoreboard will tell whose the better team at the end.” Impalas’ biggest threat will be their key players. Running back Josh Morton rushed for 1020 yards in
just five games, and he also 15 touchdowns. On defense, Poudre is also armed with outside linebacker, Anthony Crenshaw, who already has 10 sacks this year and poses a big threat to Lobos’ backfield. “We want to play a perfect football game against Poudre,” said Stewart. “We’ve got to stop Josh Morton.” Tonight’s game will be pivotal moment for the season, testing the Lobos on all facets of their game. With only two games remaining following today, the outcome will also determine the direction the Lobos post season. “Our first goal is to win conference and keep getting better,” Wortman said. “We want to win state.” Defensive coach Satini Liufau was more conservative when discussing how the team will approach Poudre. “We’re going to try and be disciplined,” said Liufau. “We need to do our jobs, and take one down at a time..” Liufau also commented on what makes Poudre such a difficult opponent. “They play hard with a lot of emotion,” said Liufau. “That’s where Poudre gets their success.”
known, despite it being a vital necessity to the success of the offense as a whole. “I’ve always played offensive line, and it’s kind of nice to not get all the publicity,” Oberto said. “I don’t get upset about it; I’m used to it.” Senior Xia Wilson, the starting varsity softball catcher, has also played the same supporting role for a long time. Wilson has played catcher at Rocky for her entire four years. She not only is hav “I love playing catcher, and I don’t really mind not getting all the publicity,” Wilson said. “Sometimes it gets frustrating, but I have to accept it.” “(Catchers) are the defensive leader,” said head softball coach Mike Crockett. “Xia’s the backbone of the team. She calls the game, has to wear the gear, and do the dirty work. It’s definitely a position you have to be a little crazy to play.” Senior Sam Doty, an outside defender on the soccer team, doesn’t seem to mind not playing in the spotlight either.
college. With a solid grade point average of 4.02, many schools have looked at him over the years. He has received a lot of interests from scouts to play, and he’s been in contact with some top schools such as Dartmouth, Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and a few other Ivy League schools. Liss plans to major in business, sports medicine, or sports marketing when he starts college next year. He also keeps the idea of playing a sport as an option though. “You can come back from this injury,” Mary said. “He’s talked to a couple different schools already, and he’s still keeping his options open, because if he wants to play, he’ll be able to, and it’s always good to have a goal. Either way, we’ll support him.” “I have a lot of support if I want to play,” Liss said. “If it is something I decide I really want to do and I miss it, there’s potential I can walk on a team.” Liss’ focus on life right now is taking one step at a time, and living each day in hope. “Of course, I’m disappointed I didn’t have a season senior year,” Liss said. “But there’s still a lot to look forward to. As for college, I’ll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it.” Although physically Liss is limited for the season, he is still a key player of both the football and basketball teams, and his support for both will still carry on through his teammates. His recovery time is estimated to be about six months. “We lost one of our captains and one of our best friends,” senior cornerback Jacob de la Torre said. “Mike was a brother to every teammate and cherished every moment on the football field.”
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continued from A12 Xia’s the backbone of the team. She calls the game, has to wear the gear, and do the dirty work. It’s definitely a position you have to be a little crazy to play.
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Mike Crockett, head softball coach
“I’m the kind of guy who likes to fly under the radar,” Doty said. “I like my position and I just do my thing.” Sports teams as a group usually don’t consider who’s receiving the most publicity and who isn’t. “Nobody’s worried about being in the spotlight,” Oberto said. “We just play as a team and work together as one.” “It’s good to have a couple players in the spotlight so our team gets some recognition,” Doty said. “But it’s important everyone does their job. It’s our job to just go out there and play.”
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Collin You Out
Loren Collins
‘Duke’ keeps at it even while injured They say coaching isn’t easy. It has definitely seemed that way for girls’ volleyball coach Jay Dukart. Within the last month, the poor guy has seen more than his fair share of freak accidents resulting in injury during his first year as the head coach. It all started when he accidentally got cracked in the face by one of his players during practice--in what he described as a whirling, spinning kung fu punch. This resulted in a broken nose for Dukart, thus sending the coach, who hadn’t seen the inside of a doctor’s office in 13 years, on a visit to Urgent Care. Within a few weeks of that incident, “Duke” as he is affectionately known, both dropped a hammer on his hand and became a victim of a five-gallon bucket of drywall mud dropped on the ankle. So now add some ligament damage to the list of maladies. Plus, even though Dukart has been relegated to a cane and boot, his players are now finding ways to gun for him. The day after his blow to the face, he was nearly struck in the nose by a stray pass. Then, last Thursday, a wayward volleyball once again was sent Duke’s way. Only this time it did strike him, and not surprisingly, it nailed him in the foot. Luckily, no further injury resulted--at least from that incident. So seriously, can the guy catch any breaks these days? The good news during all of this for poor Duke is that he hasn’t let any of this get in the way of his coaching. Props to you, coach. Despite all these shenanigans going on of late, you’ve still managed to keep the team on the winning track, with a solid record of 9-6 and have all the while seemingly brought forth a new era to Lobo volleyball. The girls appear to be playing with a new persona, which seems more laid back and loose, almost goofy in a way. They seem to love their new coach, too, even though they keep finding ways to place him in bodily peril. Nonetheless, great job so far coach and power to you. Good luck with the rest of the season, and wish you a speedy recovery. Loren Collins is a senior and sports editor for the Highlighter.
Inside: Girls’ volleyball cooking up chemistry, A9
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ports
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
Scary good: Pitcher Maul dominating opposition
ROCK AND FIRE: Senior Aubree Maul pitches in a game against Poudre in the Triple Crown Invitational on Aug. 28. Maul is 14-0 for the No. 1-ranked Lobos.
by Loren Collins RMHighligher Sports editor
Loren Collins
►Xia Wilson, catcher for No.1ranked softball team
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Aubree Maul, senior pitcher
credit a great deal of that to the growth of senior pitcher Aubree Maul. Ever since she took
over the No. 1 pitching slot in her Inside junior ►Softball y e a r, look coverage, M a u l page A10 has quietly been making quite the name for herself. Still, it has been
Playing in the shadows
Jump to MAUL, page A10
Often anonymous, athletes still find niche in non-glory positions
Loren Collins
by Kenna Alexcander RMHighligher reporter
Teamwork is defined as a cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of people acting together as a team or in p the interests of a comi mon cause. Although teamwork is one of the most important elements for an athletic team, fans often times single out particular players. Watching an athlete drive down the field
orts spec al
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The softball team is ranked No. 1 in state, which is a big change from last year, where the Lobos saw their season end early with a quick exit from the playoffs. This year, though, things are different, and
I like the atmosphere of pitching. I like being put under the pressure.
or court to score countless points is exhilarating, but this one player most likely had plenty of help along the way. Usually, it’s often the athletes who man the crucial positions, which are frequently overlooked, that make the plays possible, such as junior offensive lineman Alex Oberto. Oberto has played offensive line since the beginning of his football career in sixth grade and has grown accustomed to his position not being well-
►Brandon Straight, offensive tackle for 6-0 football team
Loren Collins
►Sam Doty, middle defender for 8-1-2 boys’ soccer team
Jump to SHADOWS, page A11 Courtney Bellio
Despite injuries, Lobos unbeaten Face 6-0 Poudre tonight in showdown game of ranked teams by Alexa Zafarana RMHighligher reporter
Chris Peters
TRUCKIN’ THROUGH THE DEFENSE: Senior quarterback Bryan Peters sneaks up the middle against Boulder High School on Oct. 2. Peters and the Lobos will have their work cut out for them tonight as they face off against 6-0 Poudre.
Who would have thought that after having two of the four team captains out with season-ending injuries, the football team would still be 6-0. Not only are the Lobos undefeated, the team is tied atop the Front Range Conference, and ranked No. 7 in state by the Rocky Mountain News. This leads the Lobos to tonight’s game against the undefeated and 6th-ranked Impalas, a game that will mroe than likely determine the
Need to know info
►PSD is adding 400 seats for game ►The Lobos are the visiting team ►Student activity pass gets you in free ►Arrive early to secure seat because game is general admission
conference champion. The game also could sway state playoff seedings and state ranking. “I think we are going
to keep rolling this season and our best football is yet to come,” said senior outside linebacker Evan Wortman, who leads the team with 22 solo tackles and 15 assisted tackles. The football team has an advantage over its opponents, averaging 34 points per game while giving up just 14. The Lobos are expecting to keep their winning streak alive and don’t see a point in the season where that will change. Jump to FOOTBALL, page A11
rocky mountain highlighter Oct. 10.2008 Simply ReBELLIOus
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eatures
Vantatenhove brings love of music to classroom, B2
bsection
A decade of sorrow Tolerance Courtney Bellio
in need of work
I will never understand how anyone could be so intolerant of another person’s lifestyle choice that they could go as far as beating that person to within an inch of death and leaving him tied to a fence to die. That sort of intense hatred is unfathomable to me. Intolerance is a huge problem. There are so many groups and people that are determined to hate, that is makes it hard to make any progress on the matter. Recently, I attended a ceremony at the University of Wyoming dedicating a bench to slain student Matthew Shepard. While there, I was given a card that listed ways to erase hate. The one that stood out to me the most was number 4: Speak out about jokes or slurs that target individuals or groups. This point really made me think. I couldn’t honestly say that every time I’d heard a slur or hateful joke, that I’d said something to the person who made it. In fact, I couldn’t think of even one time when I did. And that makes me just as guilty as the person making the inappropriate comments. What’s worse is I couldn’t even come up with a reason why I hadn’t spoken up. So many different excuses came to mind ranging from fear to just wanting to mind my own business, but nothing I could think of could justify it. The ceremony made me think about the way I’d been living my life. As corny as it may sound, I took the whole thing as a sort of call to action. Matthew Shepard didn’t deserve to die, and I want to make sure I do everything in my power to erase the hate that killed him. And I can start by taking the advice from that card and speaking out against those awful comments. Courtney is a senior and Features editor for the Highlighter.
Hate crime still prevalent ten years later by Alexa Zafarana RMHighlighter reporter
Just outside Laramie, Wyo., a fence runs through the middle of a field. It’s a split-rail fence, built out of whole pine logs, much like other fences in the area, which separates one side of the vast, open prairie from another. But, this fence is different. At this fence, on Oct. 8, 1998, a bicyclist saw what at first he thought was a scarecrow. Instead, he
found an unconscious, brutally beaten man tied to this fence and left in the cold. This man was Matthew Shepard, an openly gay student from University of Wyoming, who was kidnapped, robbed and savagely beaten solely because of his sexual
orientation. After he was found, he was taken to Poudre Valley Hospital, where he died on Oct. 12. Now, 10 years later, the fence is gone, but the area still lies as a symbol of the tragedy that the small town of Laramie faced. It’s also a symbol of the impact that the story of Matthew Shepard had on the community. The story made headlines around the nation and it
became a prominent illustration of the brutality of hate crimes. It symbolizes the deep hatred within our society, but also gives hope for the future. “I’m from Wyoming,” counselor Pam Kilness said. “It definitely made the community and campus more aware.”
Courtney Bellio
After Shepard’s death and the conviction of his killers, his own mother, Judy Shepard, worked in the community to speak out against hate crimes. According to the Matthew Shepard Foundation, his tragJump to REMEMBERED, page B2
Matthew Shepard leaves lasting mark on community, country by Courtney Bellio RMHighlighter Features editor
RMHighlighter Archives
CONSTANT REMINDER: The fence near Laramie, Wyo, where Matthew Shepard was found 18 hours after being beaten and left for dead.
It will be ten years on Oct. 12, ten years since the hate crime that shocked the nation. Matthew Shepard, a student at the University of Wyoming, died Oct. 12, 1998, after being beaten, tortured and tied to a buck and pole fence and left to die shortly after midnight on Oct. 7. And all of this was because Matthew Shepard was gay.
“It’s an incredible tragedy that individuals can be so hateful that they would kill someone they had no connection to,” former Gay Straight Alliance member Annika Bergen said. “They had no idea who he was or what he stood for, and they killed him for something that was out of his control.” Shepard’s killers, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney, claimed that Shepard was coming on
to them, and they wanted to teach him a lesson. But during the trial, both boys’ girlfriends testified that Henderson and McKinney had gone out that night with plans to rob a gay man. However, Shepard’s death has not gone unrecognized. His brutal murder launched thousands of organizations, websites and even a play titled The Jump to SHEPARD, page B2
Tragedy hits home for singer, activist In an exclusive RM Highlighter interview, Melissa Etheridge speaks out about the murder of Matthew Shepard and tolerance by Courtney Bellio RMHighlighter Features editor
Q: What was your first reaction when you heard about the beating and then the death of Matthew Shepard? A: It was overwhelmingly sad. My partner was pregnant at the time, and we knew it was a boy. That was
to be my first son, and to hear that a mother had just lost her son in such a brutal, shameless way. It made me very sad. Q: What does the tenyear anniversary of Matthew Shepard mean to you? A: It means that we have spun around the sun 10 times since then - we’ve gone through 10 of the seasons. And hopefully we have learned from what happened. Hopefully we have started to confront our deep-seeded fears and our repressed fears of sexuality and such---that we’ve gone
MUSICALLY INCLINED: Melissa Etheridge performs at the 2008 DNC. Etheridge is an activist with the environment ,equal rights and many groups.
somewhere, hopefully we’ve come farther now. Q: What do you think people should take from this tragedy? A: I hope they would understand and have compassion that homosexuality is not a choice. Homosexuality is something that you’re born with, it’s something you breathe. And 1 out of every 10 or 20 children are born are gay. And just because our society is a little freaked out by it and doesn’t know what it means, that doesn’t mean you can take a young, innocent boy and beat him until he dies. It’s
Oliver Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT
not okay. Q: How do you think Matthew Shepard should be remembered? A: I hope he’s remembered as a gentle, young man whose loss ignited a
country with compassion and understanding. Q: How did you come up with the lyrics for the song Scarecrow? Jump to ETHERIDGE, page B2
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features
Remembered edy served as a “water shed moment of civil rights,” bringing awareness to the discrimination that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Questioning (LGBTQ) community still faces. “(The Matthew Shepard story) magnified the positive and negative views that people
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held about (homosexuality),” sophomore Sarah Anderson, a member of the Gay Straight Alliance, a club that works to bring awareness, said. The Matthew Shepard Foundation is also working toward getting the Matthew Shepard Act passed in legislation, which would fight against hate crimes.
Wyoming is 1 of only 8 states where discriminating against someone from the LGBTQ community is not considered a hate crime. “I think people need to take all hate crimes more seriously, or it just gets worse,” senior Anna Ziegler, another GSA membersaid.
Shepard ►Matthew Shepard (right). The fence (below) where Shepard was found.
RM Highlighter archive
Etheridge A: I had this drum loop playing over and over, it’s very hypnotic, and I just started singing the lyrics as they came to me. I heard someone say that the bicycle rider who found him [Shepard], at first when he looked at him on the fence he thought he was a scarecrow because he was up against the sky. And then he realized it was a body. I thought about that person and how they might feel and what a horrible sight. And that was sort of burned into my mind, what that must have looked like. I was trying to write about my anger and my fear that I live in a world that
rocky mountain highlighter Oct. 10.2008
“I think the intolerance comes from ignorance and fear,” Kilness said. “They are afraid of people who are different. People have learned that from their parents or other institutions. There are a lot of groups that promote hate or fear of people who are different from them.”
The story of Matthew Shepard remains a prominent lesson not just to Laramie, but has even reached as far as Rocky. “In Rocky in the last few years, we have become more accepting to the gay population,” Kilness said. “I’m not saying there isn’t harassment, but something is changing.”
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Laramie Project, written by Moises Kaufman. The play documents over 400 interviews with people in Laramie as well as the director’s reflection on the incident. “I wasn’t part of it, but it’s a great production,” Shepard’s mother Judy Shepard said. After his death, Judy created an organization in honor of Matthew to reach out to the community and create awareness. “We started the foundation on Matt’s birthday in 1998, and the original idea was to help people Matt’s age, Matt’s community, deal with the world and provide information,” Judy said. “The campaign is called Campaign to Erase Hate. We concentrate on hate crime legislation.” Another tribute to Shepard’s
death is the song Scarecrow written by Melissa Etheridge, in which she recounts the horrific event and how it affected a nation: “Showers of your crimson blood/ Seep into a nation calling up a flood/ Of narrow minds who legislate/ Thinly veiled intolerance/ Bigotry and hate/ But they tortured and burned you/ They beat you and they tied you/ They left you cold and breathing/ For love they crucified you/ I can’t forget hard as I try/ This silhouette against the sky/ Scarecrow crying/ Waiting to die wondering why/ Scarecrow trying/ Angels will hold carry your soul away.” One of the most recent memorials was a bench dedicated in
honor of Matthew Shepard at the University of Wyoming. Both his mother and father and the president of the University spoke at the ceremony. Along with the memorials and organizations created in light of Shepard’s murder, people can work every day to “Erase Hate.” “People just don’t know about the gay community,” Judy said. “They have misinformation, and unless they know what’s lacking, basic civil rights are being denied the gay community, they won’t know how to help it. So we need to tell our stories.” “Everyone can contribute,” Bergen said, “whether it’s speaking out against someone being teased or joining an organization.”
this society. So I tried to bring myself to understand and forgive them for what they did, just as Matthew’s parents did. They could have been put to death, but Matthew’s parents said no. There is a certain amount of forgiveness there that I tried to portray in the song also.
show in Denver, but I’ve never been to Laramie.
Q: Where do you think intolerance comes from? A: Fear.
continued from B1 senselessly murders gay people. I tried to understand all that and I tried to talk about what it meant to me. And in the bridge, which is the part where the drums stop, I think about the boys who did it. I try to understand that they were children too and they probably grew up with that upbringing and probably heard horrible things come out of grown ups’ mouths about gay people. And there was probably much homophobia around them and ignorance and probably physical abuse done to them. It’s this sort of cycle of violence that sometimes we have in
Q: What do you want people to take from the song? A: Compassion, understanding. Understanding that there is no us and them. These boxes that we’ve tried to put ourselves in that go I’m this way and they’re that way so they’re different and if you’re different, you’re dangerous, and try to change that. Q: Why Matthew Shepard? Of all the causes you could write a song about or fight for, why this? A: It touched me so deeply and personally. Being a gay person and having two sons now, at the time it was one, it just touched me very very deeply and I write from that place. Q: Did you ever visit Laramie after the tragedy? A: No, I’ve not been there. I met some of his friend. They came to a
Q: If you could spread one message about tolerance or equal rights what would it be and why? A: It would be, that which you do to another person, you do to yourself. We are all connected. We are all one consciousness, one spirit. And any harm we bring to anyone else, we do to ourselves. It behooves all of us to learn compassion, to teach compassion and to walk in peace. Q: How do you feel about gay, lesbian, and bisexual discrimination not being classified as a hate crime in Wyoming? A: I would say we still have a ways to go. Q: Do you think Matt’s death has had an affect on the gay, lesbian community? A: Yes, I think it gave us a person; it gave us a saint almost. That sort of mythology to come out and be ourselves. That’s the best thing we can do for this—to come out and not be homophobic ourselves and be in the world as we hope they would treat us--to become the change that we wish to see.
Q: How can people get involved to stop crimes like this from happening? A: If you’re gay I would say come out, be out. If you’re not, I would say understand that love is not black and white, that life is not black and white, that there are people who see the world differently than you do. That is not something to be feared. Fear does the worst damage. Q: What is the accomplishment you are most proud of as far as your activist work goes? A: When I have a young person come up to me, and say, ‘Thank you, you saved my life.” You were the only gay person I even knew about, or you and Ellen and Rosie’. That because of us they didn’t jump out of a window. That, I would say I’m proud of. Q: What is something you would still like to accomplish? A: I have a lot I would like to accomplish. I think I have a lot ahead of me. It might political, it might be social. I think we’re all going somewhere and I don’t know exactly what we’re going to accomplish, but I think it’s going to be pretty great because people like you are going to change the world. Q: Why do you think it is important to be an activist, both through your music and your time? A: Because it’s just the truth. It’s not something I take on. These are subjects and things and issues that are close to me. I am a gay person, I am a person who has survived cancer, I’m a woman. These things are important. These are things that I stand up for.
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
features
History gets musical Social studies teacher brings new meaning to history class
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with sophomore Kandi Marsh, a Halloween fanatic
by Alex Clinton RMHighlighter reporter
Social studies teacher Scott VanTatenhove is taking his selfcreated class, History of Rock and Roll, to the next level. This November, VanTatenhove will attend the National Council for Social Studies convention in Houston, Texas, to make a presentation about how he created the class and how to teach it correctly. VanTatenhove is hoping that by going to this convention, other districts will want to pick the class up for their curriculum and make it available to students. “It’s a great testament for all his hard work,” social studies department leader Ginny Cox said. “Going to this convention shows his versatility. He’s insane. I love it.” VanTatenhove said he first saw the class in a college curriculum and thought it would be an intresting class to bring into high school. The class allows students to look at history from a different point of view by examining past genres of music. “I think a lot of people think this class is a joke, but it isn’t,” senior Brandon Bank said. “It is
Q: What do you like about Halloween? A: You can dress up however, and you don’t have to worry about people judging you.
Teature eacher f
Alex Clinton
STANDING OVATION: Scott VanTatenhove teaches his History of Rock and Roll class about Woodstock. VanTatenhove is working to introduce the class into other districts.
an extremely amazing class, but should be taken seriously.” The class is an examination of rock and roll, its origins and its impact on the culture. It covers everything from the early blues to rockabilly, the British blues, funk and punk, all the way up to modern music. The students get a feel for the eras with nightly homework that consists of listening to music from the time period that they are covering, and then matching it to that era’s events with VanTatenhove’s unique lectures. “I want kids to realize that rock and roll music has a long
line behind it,” VanTatenhove said. “I think the kids would be more appreciative today of the music if they see how it is connected to the history.” His teaching style is unique because he teaches at a level that students understand. “VanTatenhove has a minimal amount of notes and a vast knowledge of the subject to keep it fun,” Bank said. “He tells funny and interesting things that make you pay attention.” “VanTat is all that and a bag of potato chips,” Cox said. “He does a great job with teaching the class.”
VanTatenhove has met many interesting people and bands through his journey of creating the unique class, such as The New York Dolls, The Descendants and Rise Against. When VanTatenhove isn’t teaching History of Rock and Roll or one of his many humanities classes, he is doing a variety of other things. He has run for Fort Collins mayor twice, which relates to another interest of his, city politics. He is also on the City of Fort Collins Transportation Board and the Board of Directors in the Fort Collins Music Association.
Junior Borthwick to compete in pageant by Katelyn Hunter RMHighlighter Viewpoint editor
Some people were born to perform. At least that’s how it is for Marissa Borthwick. “From the time she was a little girl you could tell it brings a light to her eyes and she just sparkles when she gets to per form,” B o r t h wick’s mom Laurie Borthwick said. Because of her passion for the stage, Borthwick has decided to try something new, and will be competing in the Miss Teen Colorado Pageant on Oct. 11 and 12, where that sparkle can come to life once again. “It’s going to be my first pageant,” Borthwick said. “But I’m pretty excited. I’m in musical theater and choir and I’m used to being on stage, so it should be fun.” After receiving information in the mail about the pageant, Borthwick thought it would be an exciting opportunity, but wasn’t sure if it was something she wanted to pursue. “I thought it would be fun,
seature tudent f
Katelyn Hunter
CLASS ACT: Junior Marissa Borthwick (left) goes over lines for the upcoming musical with sophomore Kirsten Eden. Borthwick will compete in the Miss Teen Colorado Pageant this month.
but I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to,” Borthwick said. “Then they called me back and told me they wanted me to do it and they thought I had a good shot, so I thought ‘why not?’” “(Marissa) is willing to try new things all the time,” Borthwick’s friend Rheo Carpenter said. “She seems shy, but once she goes out on stage she seems pretty confident.” Borthwick is going to take
her willingness and confidence to the pageant, as she competes with around 70 other girls from across the state. The girls will be tested in three different categories, which include an interview portion, evening gown and swimwear. “I have been practicing a little,” Borthwick said. “I have been looking at typical pageant interview questions and practicing walking in heels, which are
about four inches and I’m not really used to that.” “She has a really pretty evening gown, so I think she is going to do really well with that part of it,” Laurie said. “The interview part is going to challenge her in a new way, but she does really well with speaking.” Beyond the categories of the pageant, Borthwick is anxious for the experience as a whole. “I’m most excited about being able to meet a lot more people and to get the stage experience,” Borthwick said. If Borthwick were to win, she would then have the Miss Teen Colorado title for the rest of the year and would compete at the national pageant next summer. “The winner would travel in and out of state to sporting events and other things,” Borthwick said. “They will also mentor younger kids like girl scouts and platform teach about healthy eating and other things.” Besides performing, Borthwick also enjoys playing the guitar, singing and acting. “In my best imagination, she will be a star on Broadway in New York City,” Laurie said. “That’s my hope for her.”
Q: What do you do to celebrate Halloween every year? A: Usually trick or treating and partying. Q: What are you dressing up as this year and why? A: An Angel. The past 13 years I’ve dressed so gothic, so I thought I’d change it up. Q: How did you get so interested in Halloween? A: It’s the day after my birthday. I can party after my birthday. It’s two parties in a row, and everyone dresses up for my birthday. Q: What’s your favorite thing you’ve dressed as? A: Sally (from Nightmare Before Christmas). My Nanna made the outfit. Q: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever gotten when trick-or-treating? Best? A: The best was condoms, the worst was toothpaste. Q: Do you make your own costumes or buy them? A: Both. I usually buy them and add stuff to them. Q: What’s the best costume you’ve ever seen someone wear? A: My dad wore a big woman costume with a stuffed animal in his butt and handed out fliers saying, “Where’s my dog?” Q: Do you decorate your house for Halloween? A: Not my house but my room. I go full out with cobwebs, skeletons and motion-sensor detectors.
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rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
ROCKY L U B S Meetings/Upcoming events
•FBLA/Deca- Wednesdays at lunch in the San Juan
Open Space. Competitions for Districts start in Nov. • Key Club- Every other
Thursday in room 337. New
volunteer opportunities every week.
• Jewelry Club- Every
Wednesday at lunch in the Visual Arts area.
LENDING A HELPING HAND: Club leader Nancy Whittmer leads a meeting in Mr. Cole’s classroom during lunch. The goal of the new club is to help whoever they can.
• UFO- Tuesdays and Fridays after school at Rossborough Park. • Connection Club- Second and fourth Tuesday of each month during lunch in Room 317. • Book Groupies- See Cassie Poncelow in the library for information. • River Watch- Goes out once a month to collect river water samples to be tested. See Mr. Swartz or Mrs. Seemueller. • High Life- Beginning in Oct., meets every Friday at lunch in room 501. • GSA (Gay Straight Alliance)- Every Tuesday at lunch in room 332.
N E W S
Tuesday at lunch in room 508. Fundraiser to be held Oct. 28 at lunch to benefit the Fort Collins cat rescue. • Fuse- A nondenominational Christian outreach club that meets every Monday in room 606.
New club reaches out to community by Chris O’Grady RMHighlighter reporter
Nancy Whittmer wanted to find a way to help people in the Rocky community, and what resulted was the formation of the Help a Friend, Neighbor, or Stranger Club. “I just wanted to help people,” Whittmer said. “One of my favorite shows was Oprah’s Big Give, and that inspired me to want to make the community a better place.” With the help of Jeremy Idler, Chloe Patrick and club sponsor Doug Cole, the club became a reality. The organization helps people in need, brainstorming ways to help them fundraise. “Basically we wanted to help people somehow,” Idler said.
“We want to find people in need and raise money for them.” “Nancy asked me to help out,” Patrick said. “We started raising money and it was really fun.” The club is all about finding projects, and most meetings involve brainstorming ideas on who they can help and how. “We talk about ideas on how to help people,” Idler said. “We work through different ideas and how to get the word out.” “My biggest role is helping get people introduced to the club,” Patrick said. “You know, spread the word.” The club allows students an opportunity to get involved and work with friends. “I like how you can hang out
while being productive,” Patrick said. “You can do two things at once.” Their first project last year was aiding the Boys and Girls Club, holding a pledge per pin fundraiser to help them with their wish list. But their cause has expanded this year. “We’re helping with Windsor tornado relief,” Idler said. “And we’re hoping to get a bench in front of the school for a visually impaired girl, who has to wait after school for her mom to pick her up.” “We just want to help as many people as we can,” Whittmer said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s an individual, a family, or the Boys and Girls Club. We want to help.”
Club raises awareness of Uganda tragedies by Greg Lewis RMHighlighter reporter
• Animal Rights Club- Every
Courtney Bellio
Peace Week is approaching fast, and all students are encouraged to get involved as much as they can. This event, which is run by the club Schools for Schools, will be held on Oct. 20-25. and will include theme days at lunch, as well as a homeroom fundraiser and a movie shown in the auditorium during first and second period. Schools for Schools is a chapter of the Invisible Children Organization, which is a nonprofit
group whose goal is to promote peace in Northern Uganda and stop the exploitation of children as warriors for the ongoing turmoil in the area. The club also works to call attention to the matter and get people involved. The club was started two years ago after the Invisible Children Organization showed schools in the community a documentary about the war in Uganda and did a presentation in hopes of getting others involved. Schools for Schools is led by
seniors Angela Komar and Emily Schiola. The club is sponsored by science teacher Janet Harrison and PE teacher MacKenzie Mushel and meets every Friday at lunch in room 506. Meetings include creating fundraisers to help the community of Northern Africa and helping to fund the building of new schools for their children. “Our goal is to get other clubs involved during the lunch activities,” Komar said. “We want to promote peace and raise as much money as possible for the people of Uganda.”
Allison LeCain
PEACE ON EARTH: Sophomore Kasey Darling hands out t-shirts during a club meeting. Schools for Schools is hoping to get the majority of students involved with Peace Week.
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
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limelight
Games and Entertainment Seth’s Cartoon Corner - Seth Roberts
Q: How do saggers’ pants stay up?
TOP TEN
TEĔNSWERS You’ve got questions about teens, we’ve got TEENswers
down, considering that gravity applies to anything that has a mass, which inAs a teenager, you cludes pants, especially pants tend to see a lot of underwith a belt. wear, but not by choice. It turns out that gravity When boys wear their does act on jeans, but fricsaggy pants down below tion prevents an accidental their crown of their butt, de-pantsing from occurit puts out the question: ring, according to physics How do their pants stay up teacher Kara Quinlan because it seems like gravity When wearing a belt, should take over? even if it is not very tight, Is there some magical the friction between the force that others do not know belt and the underwear about? cloth is just enough to hold It would make sense ►Cheyne pants up. Also, when a that gravity would pull them Fiesthumel, boy who sags walks, there senior
is an angle in his knee, which also provides friction to keep jeans from falling. This means that if someone stands still for a while, friction will begin to give in to gravity and the pants will eventually hit the floor. However, none of this works if a boy is not wearing a belt. If so, the only possible way that pants would stay put is the waddle method or just holding them up. So, although boys might have to hike it up every once an a while, they can rest assure that if they wear a belt, their pants will most likely stay where they prefer, even if others would prefer them higher. -Allison LeCain
Worst Ways to Spend a Weekend 10. Looking at Russia with Palin 9. Vacationing in Wyoming 8. Playing Scrabble ® with Gjerde 7. Listening to the Jonas Brothers’ CD 6. Loitering at Wal-Mart 5. Prank-calling the elderly 4. Waiting for your number to be called at the DMV 3. Debating the pronunciation of Fanta 2. Finding a date for Boda on Craig’s List 1. Brainstorming better sign-offs with Duncan by Allison LeCain, Aliese Willard, Chris Peters, Sam Hyland, Colton Klemperer and Greg Lewis
Saturnian Go Home - Kristen Lockie
by Alex Clinton and Jessica Powers
Name/Grade
Most Famous Person Ever Met
Dream Date
Favorite Flintstones Character
Favorite Song at Homecoming
Ellen Loran, junior
Zuill Bailey
Orlando Bloom
Pebbles
“Shake It” -Metro Station
Jason Adkins, senior
Travis Pastrana
Amber Heard
Pebbles
“Got Money” -Lil Wayne
Dillan McGregor, sophomore
Mickey Mouse
Jake Gylenhall
Bill Rutledge tech teacher
Bob Hope
My Wife
Bam Bam “Paper Planes” -MIA
Bam Bam
Didn’t Go
Name: ___________________________
Sudoku Challenge From the mathmatical brain of Brad Avery, math teacher The objective of the puzzle is to complete the 9 x 9 grid so that every column, every row, and every 3 x 3 grid within the 9 x 9 grid contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. Each puzzle can be solved with pure logic, so guessing should not be necessary. Difficulty Level:
▲Submit solutions to the box outside of the Highlighter Room, # 528, to be eligible for a prize drawing.
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limelight
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
Cole survives drive-by In Teacher Tales, we allow teachers to share interesting stories exactly how it is. Doug Cole, an English teacher, retells of his drive-by experience in St. Louis: Eleven of us piled into a conversion van with no air conditioning or radio, and drove to St. Louis over 4th of July weekend. We stayed in a hotel across the border in Illinois. That night, we wanted to check out downtown St. Louis just for fun. So we decided to drive there without directions-thinking we’d
teacher tales
be able to figure it out. We took the 1st exit to St. Louis, which was actually for East St. Louis—the area with the highest murder rate in the Allison LeCain U.S.! We pulled over at a gas station to ask for directions to downtown St. Louis, and it turned out to be a combination liquor store and strip joint—but it was the only place we could ask!
We parked across the street and were waiting to cross, when we saw a fancy convertible sports car drive up. We were pointing at it, when this guy stood up in the convertible, pointed a gun at us and started shooting! We were screaming, and hit the ground and crawled army style behind the van. We could hear bullets hitting the van, and my friend got shot in the arm. After the shooting stopped we walked around to the front of the van and it was covered in red—we realized it was paint! The guy had been shooting paintballs at us,
Chocolate Café provides great taste, setting by Aliese Willard RMHighlighter reporter
The concept of a restaurant which serves only gourmet desserts is to some a dream come true, so as soon as I entered the Chocolate Café, I knew I was in for, quite literally, a treat. The inside of the Café is cozy and has a European flair with a high ceiling, antique street lamps, and splashes of warm brown with accents of blue i on the walls. The candles and roses on each table create the ideal place for a date. I had the white chocolate croissant bread pudding with cream angelaise and raspberries while my friend had the Drambuie chocolate brownie with ice cream and caramel sauce. Though I’m usually not a bread pudding fan, I certainly am now. Soft layers of sweet croissant dough were sandwiched together by the white angelaise sauce, and raspberries were sprinkled throughout. My friend’s brownie with ice cream, enhanced by a subtle dose of Drambuie liqueur, was rich and addictive. All of the ice cream used in the Café’s sweet creations is from Walrus Ice Cream, adding quality, and the recipes are original cre-
fev ood ew r
Aliese Willard
DELECTABLE: A Chocolate Café dessert sits on a highly decorated table with candles and a flower. The Chocolate Café offers an assortment of unique desserts.
ations of the owner, Kathy Speer. Taste was not the only factor that set the Chocolate Café apart from other establishments: The food’s presentation was like a piece of artwork. I ordered a latte to test the coffee, and received a mug with chocolate swirls decorating the foam on top of the coffee. My friend’s dessert had a poodle stenciled in cocoa powder on her plate, and my bread pudding had liberally applied flourishes of syrup adorning the raspberries. While the menu was pricey, with desserts ranging from anywhere between $6 to $10, you get
your money’s worth. Not only is the food delicious, but the portions are enormous: the bread pudding was the size of a brick, and my friend’s brownie covered most of her plate. Neither my friend nor I were able to finish our desserts, so we ended up recruiting another friend to help. Overall, the Chocolate Café experience is excellent. Be sure to split a dessert between two people, rather than ordering your own; you’ll be full long after you leave. Dessert fanatics, prepare for paradise.
Grade: A
Into the Woods cast steps up in Schendel’s abscence by Greg Lewis RMHighlighter reporter
The show must go on. Performers have been living by this philosophy for ages. Currently Into the Woods is finding their own meaning to the saying as the final touches are being made on the show without director Larissa Schendel. Schendel has been on maternity leave, transferring the direction of the show to the hands of both her students and Rocky alum Stephanie Short. “It was her vision and dream to do Into the Woods,” Short said. “We are all trying to keep that vision alive without her there.” Short, who graduated in 2007, participated in musicals all three years she attended Rocky, as well as participating in choir and being the president of Drama Club. She is now a student at CSU and gladly accepted the challenge to take over Schendel’s role as director. “The musical won’t suffer at all just because she’s not there,” Short said.
“
We could hear bullets hitting the van, and my friend got shot in the arm.
”
and the “blood” on my friend’s arm was just paint. We saw the car that had shot at us at a stoplight maybe 50 yards away, and the guy was laughing. Then we saw this “innocent” bystander who had also been hit with the paintballs, and was really angry. The bystander pulled
Trend
Alex Clinton
Seniors Steven Sorensen and Mike Cook have both stepped up to lead as the crew works to get their show off the ground. “Steven has gone really above and beyond what a stage manager would usually do,” Short said. “Without him I could not do any of this. Mike Cook (and Greg Fisher have) really stepped up to lead the tech crew.”
The show, which opens on Oct. 16, is quickly approaching, but everyone involved remains confident and ready to show off what they having been working so hard on for months. “With Ms. Schendel gone, we have done a lot of improvising and different stuff,” Sorensen said. “This is different from any show we’ve ever done.”
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Thornton mentioned Brian Kahenek as being a little-known artist that he discovered on GH2. However, Thornton also has mixed feelings about the exposure that the games give to certain bands. “Zeppelin doesn’t do it,” Thornton said. “It’s a strange way to introduce classic rock to our generation.” Despite how certain artists may Feel about the games, one thing remains true: Guitar games are popular, and many gamers are introduced to bands that they have never heard before, prompting them to buy more of their work. Artists look to GH and RB as priceless exposure. But why are GH and RB so universally popular? The concept of making ordinary people feel like rock stars is a great, making it an obvious hit for more “musically challenged” players. However, the games are still in high demand by musicians as well. “It’s just fun,” Thornton said. Thornton is an experienced guitar player and has performed in several talent shows. “It’s easier than real guitar so you feel better than you really are.” Alonzo drums for his band Candy Claws, but even though he knows what it’s like to perform in front of a real crowd, he still enjoys jamming onscreen. “I’m able to play music with my friends who don’t play music in real life,” Alonzo said. By appealing to so many groups of people, it’s safe to conclude that guitar games are truly the real deal. By combining inter-
RB2
OH NO!: Senior Tracey Kaiser pesters junior Quinton Lister and junior Diane Enix during a rehearsal. Into the Woods will premiere Oct. 16 in the Main Auditorium.
Doug Cole, English teacher
out a real handgun and shot the guy who had shot us in the chest. The guy fell back in the car and it drove away. My friends and I were really freaked out, because we weren’t sure if the bystander was going to shoot us too. He turned to us and told us we needed to get out of there immediately. He gave us directions about how to get out of east St. Louis, and we left. We were so scared we didn’t even think of calling the police. I told my parents six years later. -Aliese Willard
Chris Peters
SHREDDIN’: Seniors Trevor Mueller and Alex Marwitz rock out to Rock Band 2. Music games have caught on with teens rapidly.
active video games with popular music, Guitar Hero and Rock Band have captured the attention of a whole generation. But how long can these games hold their reign of power? While Johnson and Alonzo believe that GH will continue to grow, Thornton has a different idea for future guitar gaming. “I can’t see them evolving into more than they are right now,” said Thornton. “I think it will probably fade away sadly because of the lack of things you can do with the game.” Whatever the future of music gaming is, one thing remains true. These games are huge. “It’s good for a lot of people who love music,” said Johnson. “A lot of people are instrumentally challenged and it’s a way for them to express themselves musically. Plus, it’s addicting.”
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content, totaling over 500 songs. Additionally, RB2 boasts a lineup of rock gods (Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Bob Dylan, AC/DC) as well as more recent icons (Paramore, Linkin Park, Avenged Sevenfold.) RB2 features a well-balanced mix of party, popular, heavy and simply enjoyable songs. By far one of the greatest upsides to RB1 compared to Guitar Hero was its song selection, and the sequel doesn’t fail to live up to the precedent set by its predecessor. When it comes to gameplay, RB2 is fairly similar to RB1, with only small details changed or added to the Band World Tour gameplay mode. Also, there has been a Drum Trainer mode added to help players master the ba-
sics of drumming. The main key element added has been the addition of Band World Tour Online, where up to four players can be a member of a band through XBox Live, where they will tour the world and rock out sold out gigs all from the comfort of their respective living rooms. Whether or not players will enjoy RB2 is up in the air. Players that are selective with music or that play in isolation will likely be disappointed with the game. However, as is the case with most music games, players that love group play and enjoy a wide expanse of music will be amazed with what the game has to offer. RB2 is a game built for the masses that is a can’t-miss at any party or social gathering.
limelight Eagle Eye mystifies with nonstop action
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rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
by Chris Peters
RMHighlighter Limelight editor
A cool calm voice that can reach you through any electronic device; one that commands immoral and illegal deeds from its target; the perfect iconic voice for an unforgettable blockbuster film. Eagle Eye begins with Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) who is down on his luck. He’s struggling to i make rent, runs dry at the bank and has to deal with the death of his overachieving twin brother. Until one day he arrives home to an apartment full of poison, bombs and other incriminating paraphernalia. Just then, a phone vibrates with a call from an unknown number. He picks up the phone to a soothing voice (Julianne Moore), commanding him to leave the premises. He is confused and feels threatened, but doesn’t move. The FBI bursts into his house and arrests him
m evovie ew r
Beck
MCT/Handout
FEDERAL FRUSTRATION: Zoe Perez (Rosario Dawson) and Thomas Morgan (Billy Bob Thornton) stand puzzled, pondering the purpose behind the crimes committed. Perez and Morgan hunt Shaw and Holloman all around the Washington D.C. area throughout the course of the movie.
as a conspiracy terrorist. The storyline then shifts, introducing Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan), a single mother. She is trying to enjoy an evening with some friends when she receives a similar
phone call, commanding her to hijack a Porsche Cayenne. Their storylines cross, as Jerry is told to get in the Porsche. The voice directs them throughout the story to complete what seems like minor tasks that
quickly escalate into more dangerous stunts, making them risk their lives. LaBeouf and Monaghan accurately capture the fear and confusion presented by the situation. In addition, Billy Bob Thornton, who plays Thomas Morgan, an agent in the FBI, does a marvelous job portraying the anger and frustration involved with chasing the undetectable terrorists who seem to be able to escape any impossible situation. Eagle Eye is an exciting, nonstop thrilling action story that pits the government against average U.S. citizens. Filled with unexpected twists, Eagle Eye keeps the viewer constantly thinking and considering what lies ahead. It is a perfect movie for anyone who likes a mind strainer, or simply someone that enjoys explosions and unrealistic escapes. Regardless, Eagle Eye is a can’t miss, one of the better action movies of the year.
Grade: A-
For Peters Sake Chris Peters
TV lacks originality The phrase “everything has been done” has no effect on Hollywood as more and more re-makes and eerily similar shows are popping up all over TV. Shows like Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, American Gladiators, and numerous American Idol spin-offs are polluting the good left on TV. Can it really be that difficult to come up with a few fresh ideas? These people are hired and paid great amounts of money specifically to generate new and creative ideas and they come up with concepts like America’s Best Dance Crew and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. More specifically, FOX Network has been copy-cating shows on other networks. For example, as soon as NBC came out with The Singing Bee, FOX returned fire with Don’t Forget the Lyrics, which is simply pathetic. At this rate, networks will each be equipped with their own variations of Joanie Loves Chachi, and couch potatoes nationwide will melt for it. It’s ridiculous that TV executives are so lazy that they can’t even generate a few new ideas. If they want me to buy into cable TV, they’re going to have to try harder than that. Chris Peters is a senior and Limelight Editor for the Highlighter.
continued from B8
Q: What have the sales been like on the new CD Madeline? What kind of reaction has it gotten locally and nationally?
A: On a local front its been going really
well. We’ve sold a couple thousand in the Denver area alone, and nationally it’s consistently going week to week holding steady and just selling more copy’s consistently. No real big boom yet. It’s been really consistent. On our online sales, it’s our single Typical and The Time is Wrong and stuff that we’ve got quite a few sales with. Just with those individual songs.
Q: Did you believe that a few years after
graduating from Rocky you would be nationally touring in a band? Did you ever think this would happen?
A: I had always hoped for it and one way
or another I was so driven to get to this point, but I didn’t know the approach or the steps to take to get here. But it has always been a passion of mine in school. I played guitar all the time. I just hoped one day it would work out, and so far it has.
Q: What’s life like on the road and what cities have you been to? What cities do you like and what cities do you not like? How do cities compare to Fort Collins?
A: Fort Collins will always be home for
all of us, but at the same time it’s good to get out. Actually, going city to city has been really a lot of fun. But there has not been a lot of time with driving and everything to hang out in each individual city, and see the sites or even go to a decent restaurant. Our hours are so messed up with driving.
Q: What kind of venues have you
played and what kind of crowds have you drawn?
A: We’ve been playing Aggie-esque
theatres, anywhere from 650 to a 900person venue. It’s been going good. Pre-sale has been anywhere from 200 to 400 every night.
Q: When you’re playing live, what is
your favorite song to play? What song usually gets the biggest reaction?
A: Madeline actually does. That song hits really well. Another favorite I like to play live is the Time is Wrong. That one has some good energy and we usually kick the set off with that. Q: What is a typical day for you? A: Usually we get up around 9 or 10
a.m. depending on the day. Then, unless we have to drive somewhere, if we didn’t drive through the night, we’ll get something to eat. Load-ins are usually around 4 p.m. and then we’ll load in and back line. Doors are right around 7 p.m. and we’ll just hang out. Then hanging back stage, play the show, back up, sign some autographs, head to the hotel, and do it all again.
Q: What’s it like getting asked for your autograph? And has anyone recognized you outside of a concert as a member of TMP.
whole heart and soul into it and it’s really honoring him in addition to just carrying it and seeing where it will go.
A: It’s a dream come true. It’s cool to
a positive role model?
see how passionate they are for your music. It really hits home then, that your reaching these people genuinely.
Q: Individually or through the band,
how have you dealt with the death of the bassist Johnny Schou? What are some specific challenges you’ve been going through?
A: Touring, when that all went down, we
had about a week to work with another person and then we hopped right on tour with Finch and that itself was challenging and we all had our personal battles with everything that went down. You move on and do the best you can.
Q: What kept the band together after he
died, and what was the deciding factor to keep the band going?
A: Really, just to honor him and it was
a passion of Johnny’s. Just with all the music he’s written in this band, he put his
Q: What advice would you give teens as A: Just stay passionate. Keep doing
what you love. Practice hard. If you’re a musician or whatever you do, just put your whole heart into it, and just go for it.
Q: Will there be another single anytime soon?
A: Potentially, yes. We have a couple
ideas. Obviously, were going to let Typical ride nationally for maybe a few more months and then were hoping to get Madeline out there. We think that that will be a good one. It will hit home with a lot of kids with their issues. We’d like to get that out as well.
Q: Why do you think your CD Madeline
had caught fire so quickly? What kind of audience are you looking towards?
A: Initially, the songs hit more of a teenage crowd, but there is a lot of depth in the lyrics. Honestly, on tour there have been a lot of college students and even
adults that have gravitated towards our songs through their own personal experiences, or they just like the tunes themselves. The crowd that we’re really aiming for is anybody in that spectrum there. When Typical hit the radio, a lot of people who have had relationships that have gone to hell in the past could relate to that with a catchy tune. From there, if they bought the record or checked us out online, then heard the other songs, then they grab a hold of that and thought maybe this could be a cool band. So Typical being played on the radio is huge for us. And once people checked that out and the CD that’s what reaches the older crowds.
Q: If
a fan meets you what shouldn’t they do?
A: There’s not been one thing that’s
been so bothersome, that’s just like, “ok leave me alone.” There’s been some fans that have been overtly, either wanting to help, or not necessarily rude, but they kind of get in the way when your loading in or out. They’re really pushing to help out. And it’s just like “no, it’s cool,” but they just keep insisting. But overall we’re all pretty patient.
RMHighlighter archives
EARLY DAYS: Beck plays guitar while on the John Lennon Bus. Beck visited the bus during the 2004-2005 school year.
l Music games leave lasting impression
b8
Inside: English teacher Doug Cole dodges bullets, B6
by Greg Lewis RMHighlighter reporter
Step aside MTV, there’s a new sheriff in town. More than twenty years ago, the music industry was forever changed when a small cable TV station spliced the day’s top singles with short creative videos. Once
considered a fad, music videos have grown into one of the most important aspects of the music industry today.
rocky mountain highlighter
imelight
However, recently there has been a new musical phenomenon on the rise: music video games. Try to find someone who hasn’t played Guitar Hero or Rock Band and you could be in for a long search. Both popular video game franchises have sold millions of copies worldwide and are quickly becoming a global phenomenon. But what makes these games so popular? Why do people play them? And what does their success mean for the future of the music industry? “It’s kind of addicting,” junior Sydney Johnson said. “It’s hard to explain. It’s just fun. I love music, and I feel like I can jam out and pretend to be a rock star.”
Oct.10.2008
Johnson certainly is not alone in her love of these games. Considering their immense popularity, Guitar Hero and Rock Band have an obvious effect on the music industry, but are they good or bad for bands and the labels that they represent? “It’s definitely influencing music,” junior Wesley Alonzo said. “It’s one man’s opinion on whether it’s hurting or helping music.” “I’d say that it allows a lot of artists that aren’t as well known to be put into the music scene,” junior Scott Thornton said. Jump to TREND, page B6
battle of the band games Guitar Hero: World Tour promises realism, exciting new concepts
Rock Band 2 impresses with setlist, polishes finer qualities by Chris Peters
by Chris Peters
RMHighlighter Limelight editor
Activision will call it innovation, Harmonix will call it thievery, but you can just call it rock. Guitar Hero: World Tour, available nationwide on Oct 26, will be the first Guitar Hero game to offer the full band experience. World Tour prides itself on realism, as it will be offering revamped controllers such as a new drum kit with two elevated cymbals and pressure sensitive pads, a larger guitar with a touch pad for a wider range of notes and a microphone with a more realistic pitch interface than in Rock Band. In addition to realistic peripherals, World Tour also offers a new song creator, tied online to GHTunes, a created music sharing program. This will include recordable tracks for lead, rhythm and bass guitar as well as drums. Vocals will not be available due to copyrighting issues. Despite all the change offered by World Tour, Guitar Hero’s song selection style also remains the same. Throughout the course of the series, fans have often been excited upon seeing their favorite bands, only to be disappointed when the song selection is lackluster. World Tour is no different, boasting bands such as Metallica, Lenny Kravitz, Nirvana and The Rolling Stones; however, the songs selected by these artists are disappointing, ignoring their epic masterpieces in exchange for some lesser-known singles. On the whole, Guitar Hero: World Tour looks to be a landmark in the growing battle between band games. There is no doubt that World Tour is a must have for any music fan.
RMHighlighter
Limelight
editor
A worldwide phenomenon that enlisted millions of rock minions can leave a wide void in rock fans; Rock Band 2 is here to fill that void. Rock Band 2 was released in the U.S. on Sept 14, disappointingly only available for XBox 360 in a game-only format. This release technique is either terrific, in getting the game out to fans before Guitar Hero: World Tour can release, or is really dumb, by letting down fans on other consoles or that don’t want to buy individual instruments. The second installment in Harmonix’s Rock Band eries features 84 songs on disc, the ability to export games from RB1 to RB2 as well as a large collection of downloadable
Jump to RB2 page B6
From Rocky to rocker
Tickle Me Pink guitarist, and class of 2005 Rocky alumnus, Steven Beck, has just finished a
national tour and will start another with Hawthorne Heights on Oct. 17. The band is based out of Fort Collins and Beck is excited to be a member of the budding Fort Collins music scene. Q: When did you start guitar? A: I started playing right around the age of 6. My dad inspired me to play. He played acoustic and sang, but nothing big. He would play around the house and that inspired me to pick up the guitar. Then he got me a cheap electric, and I started taking lessons and I took lessons for about 2 ½ years from a guy named Jesse Solomon. From there Jesse actually hired me to become a teacher. And I taught for four years, before joining the band, and now we’re here. Q: How did you meet the rest of your band? A: Actually, I met Johnny through the Academy of Guitar where I got lessons. It was about 8th grade and we had our lessons back to back, and I met him there and knew of him. But he lived across town and we didn’t go to school together. And then he introduced me at New West Fest to the guys. And from there, it was about two or three years ago that they were considering having another guitar player in the band, and about a year later, I joined.
Paul Lukens
Jump to BECK, page B7
BACK TO BASICS: On a break from touring, Tickle Me Pink guitarist Steven Beck plays guitar at the Academy of Guitar where he first learned to play.
vote
no matter who you like, or what your issue is, you’ve got to:
’08
pullout2
H
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
ow do they stack up putting the candidates, amendments, referendums and everything else on the ballot to the test...
I will have A: “Obama, student loans and debt and
“McCain, because Obama is just a good speaker, but not enough experience.”
seth martin
senior
troy michaels
“McCain, becuase I don’t agree with Obama’s view on hunting and foreign policies.”
the passing of amendment 46 would any abolsih affirmative action practices in Colorado businesses.
the passing of amendment 48 would classify a fertilaized egg as a human being, outlawing abortion and hormonal birth control
MCT
senior
In short...
McCain/Palin MCT
the passing of amendment 54 would prohibit union workers or their families and anyone who had a sole source contract from contributing to any related campaign and would make such contributions legally punishable.
“
In short... the passing of amendment 50 would implement a a local vote for citizens in gaming communities to extend the legal bet maximum to $100. The revenue from the extension would go to benefit Colorado Community College classroom education.
“
Yes it provides funding for our community colleges.”
senior
In short...
the passing of amendment 52 would split severance taxes on minerals and mineral fuels between local and state government funds.
“
tabitha goring
chelsea boyd
No, because I don’t think that the government has any place in the regulation of family planning.”
“
senior senior
No, because there was speculation that it would take funding away from water projects.”
senior
Yes, because it cleans up Colorado government and eliminates backroom deals and special interest funding.”
R V ocky
if every Rocky student could vote, our election would look a little something like this...
It requires one industry to be responsible for a multitude projects that it isn’t affiliated with.”
In short... the passing of amendment 59 would require that tax rebates that would otherwise be refunded to the taxpayer would instead be spent on K-12 public education.
“
otes
Yes, because it increases funding to our schools.”
senior
Besty Markey would beat out Marilyn Musgrave as US Representive with 69% of votes, to Musgrave’s 35%... 358 students surveyed
fill out the ballot cheat sheet after you read up on ballot issues and bring it with you to your polling place to make sure you cast an educated vote
President Barack Obama John McCain Other __________ US Senator Bob Schaffer Mark Udall Bob Kinsey Other __________ US Rep. Dist 4 Betsy Markey Marilyn Musgrave State Senate Dist 14 Matt Fries Bob Bacon
State Rep. Dist 51 Ken Bennet Don Marostica State Rep. Dist 52 John Kefalas Bob McCluskey State Rep. Dist 53 Donna Gallup Randy Fischer Amendment 46 Yes No Amendment 48 Yes No Amendment 50 Yes No Amendment 51 Yes No Amendment 52 Yes No Amendment 54 Yes No Amendment 58 Yes No
Barack Obama would win the presidency with 69% of the vote... Mark Udall would be re-elected Senator with 47% ...
ballot cheat sheet 2008
State Rep. Dist 49 Kevin Lundberg James Ross
jon zeller
In short...
“
Obama/Biden
ian erikson
annika bergen
No, overall, more damage is done in not having Affirmative Action, it gives a justification to not hiring minorities.”
Yes, because we are in desperate need of help of service for the disabled.”
the passing of amendment 58 would eliminate the severance tax credit currently given to gas and oil prodoucers for their property taxes in the state of Colorado.
senior
eli jimmerson
In short...
senior
“
“I don’t know, I just know that I want out of this war. junior
“
}
“Obama, I agree the US needs to change and he would best offer that change in foreign policy and universal healthcare.” sophomore auburn emery
craig buchanan
junior
the passing of amendment 51 would increase the Colorado sales tax by 2/10 of a cent over the next two years to increase funding for the disabled.
cassandra muller
i won’t be making as much to afford college.”
colby helzer
vote for?senior
?
In short...
In short...
alyssa ebert
Q:Who would you
pullout3
election ’08
Amendment 59 Yes No
35% of students say that they feel invested in a candidate in this election. The Economy is the most important issue in this election to 32% of students.
One in two students would vote
the same way as their Parents.
•editor’s note: Amendments 47, 49, 53, 55, 56 and 57 have been withdrawn. The ballots have already been printed, so they will still appear, but their votes will not be counted.
pullout2
H
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
ow do they stack up putting the candidates, amendments, referendums and everything else on the ballot to the test...
I will have A: “Obama, student loans and debt and
“McCain, because Obama is just a good speaker, but not enough experience.”
seth martin
senior
troy michaels
“McCain, becuase I don’t agree with Obama’s view on hunting and foreign policies.”
the passing of amendment 46 would any abolsih affirmative action practices in Colorado businesses.
the passing of amendment 48 would classify a fertilaized egg as a human being, outlawing abortion and hormonal birth control
MCT
senior
In short...
McCain/Palin MCT
the passing of amendment 54 would prohibit union workers or their families and anyone who had a sole source contract from contributing to any related campaign and would make such contributions legally punishable.
“
In short... the passing of amendment 50 would implement a a local vote for citizens in gaming communities to extend the legal bet maximum to $100. The revenue from the extension would go to benefit Colorado Community College classroom education.
“
Yes it provides funding for our community colleges.”
senior
In short...
the passing of amendment 52 would split severance taxes on minerals and mineral fuels between local and state government funds.
“
tabitha goring
chelsea boyd
No, because I don’t think that the government has any place in the regulation of family planning.”
“
senior senior
No, because there was speculation that it would take funding away from water projects.”
senior
Yes, because it cleans up Colorado government and eliminates backroom deals and special interest funding.”
R V ocky
if every Rocky student could vote, our election would look a little something like this...
It requires one industry to be responsible for a multitude projects that it isn’t affiliated with.”
In short... the passing of amendment 59 would require that tax rebates that would otherwise be refunded to the taxpayer would instead be spent on K-12 public education.
“
otes
Yes, because it increases funding to our schools.”
senior
Besty Markey would beat out Marilyn Musgrave as US Representive with 69% of votes, to Musgrave’s 35%... 358 students surveyed
fill out the ballot cheat sheet after you read up on ballot issues and bring it with you to your polling place to make sure you cast an educated vote
President Barack Obama John McCain Other __________ US Senator Bob Schaffer Mark Udall Bob Kinsey Other __________ US Rep. Dist 4 Betsy Markey Marilyn Musgrave State Senate Dist 14 Matt Fries Bob Bacon
State Rep. Dist 51 Ken Bennet Don Marostica State Rep. Dist 52 John Kefalas Bob McCluskey State Rep. Dist 53 Donna Gallup Randy Fischer Amendment 46 Yes No Amendment 48 Yes No Amendment 50 Yes No Amendment 51 Yes No Amendment 52 Yes No Amendment 54 Yes No Amendment 58 Yes No
Barack Obama would win the presidency with 69% of the vote... Mark Udall would be re-elected Senator with 47% ...
ballot cheat sheet 2008
State Rep. Dist 49 Kevin Lundberg James Ross
jon zeller
In short...
“
Obama/Biden
ian erikson
annika bergen
No, overall, more damage is done in not having Affirmative Action, it gives a justification to not hiring minorities.”
Yes, because we are in desperate need of help of service for the disabled.”
the passing of amendment 58 would eliminate the severance tax credit currently given to gas and oil prodoucers for their property taxes in the state of Colorado.
senior
eli jimmerson
In short...
senior
“
“I don’t know, I just know that I want out of this war. junior
“
}
“Obama, I agree the US needs to change and he would best offer that change in foreign policy and universal healthcare.” sophomore auburn emery
craig buchanan
junior
the passing of amendment 51 would increase the Colorado sales tax by 2/10 of a cent over the next two years to increase funding for the disabled.
cassandra muller
i won’t be making as much to afford college.”
colby helzer
vote for?senior
?
In short...
In short...
alyssa ebert
Q:Who would you
pullout3
election ’08
Amendment 59 Yes No
35% of students say that they feel invested in a candidate in this election. The Economy is the most important issue in this election to 32% of students.
One in two students would vote
the same way as their Parents.
•editor’s note: Amendments 47, 49, 53, 55, 56 and 57 have been withdrawn. The ballots have already been printed, so they will still appear, but their votes will not be counted.
pullout4
QA &
election ’08
rocky mountain highlighter Oct.10.2008
fort collinsfocus
a close up look at people on the ballot who live where we do. in an effort to give the ‘fort collins focus’piece a bipartisan perspective, the highlighter contacted fort collins republican candidate for senate Bob Schaffer. The Schaffer campaign failed to comment after being contacted multiple times by highlighter reporters.
john kefalas/ state representative
How do you appeal to young voters? Poudre school system, so I have the parent What role do they play in this elec- perspective. PSD is doing well, all the teachers are very educated and all value learntion? “I was once a teacher, so I have had
ing.”
What’s the largest education reform isWhy did you become a politician? interaction with young people and I beHad you always wanted to be a politi- lieve that I can connect or relate to them. sue facing Colorado in this election? How cian? I have two sons, one’s in the army and the does this affect the students who are in “I became a politician because Fort Col- other is at CSU. So I know how younger the PSD are? lins is my home and I care about the community. Public service was a very important step that helped be want to become a politician. I want to serve the people of Fort Collins, and help them.”
Where does your passion for politics come from? Kefalas was elected to the Colorado house in 2006 Kefalas graduated from CSU Want further information? Go to www. kefalas2008.com
“My passion came after I graduated from CSU in ’78 and joined the Peace Core. Seeing all of the poverty and helping those in need set the foundation to serve others.”
What were you like in high school?
“I grew up in Brooklyn New York and went to Fort Hamilton High School. I was like any other teenager, I did things that I shouldn’t have been doing and I learned from those things. I had to balance friends and academics just like any other student. I hold on to good memories but I was glad to move on to another period in my life.”
people think. The issues of education are important and I would like to help children to the value in education. Young voters are the majority of the vote so I hope that they will be very involved in this election.”
How does living in Fort Collins affect your policies?
“A lot of students don’t graduate, so I would like in insure better schooling for ‘post schooling’ (as in pre-school and kindergarten). The curriculum needs to be higher so it will better prepare students for either the work force or college. We need to adopt the 20th century knowledge and work skills.”
What steps need to be taken for this reform? “My priority is to represent all people
of Fort Collins. I’m elected by district, so we try to have community hearings and listen to the issues of our city. The city influences my decisions because we are all connected.”
How did working in PSD affect your views on education? What was your position?
“I was only a substitute for Poudre School District and I taught science. Yet both of my children when through the
What were you like in high school? majority party. Did you get involved in Politics? How does living and having taught I had no idea in high school that I would in Fort Collins affect your views as a be involved in this sort of thing. But I was politician?
“We need to change the standards and make them higher. Right now all we have are the CSAP tests to tell us how our system to doing. But how can we measure our children with just tests? We can’t so we need to figure out another way to measure our progress. What needs to be done is; raise our standards, invest in early childhood development, our teachers, and their teaching method. We need to prepare our children for what they want to do in the future. Currently, we are re-aligning the curriculum standards. ”
bob bacon/ state senator
Why is it important for young voters Having taught in Fort Collins, I am probably more aware of the educational to participate in this election? It’s their future, as much or more than problems we face than many representatives might be, but also living in Fort Col- mine. How will this election affect people lins I am more aware of the issues affecting When did you get started in politics? the University. in high school? When I retired from teaching I ran for It will not affect people currently in What are the biggest issues affecting school board. When Peggy Reeves was term education in Colorado, and specifically, high school as much as it will affect those limited, I ran for her position of House kids in the Poudre School District? in high school in subsequent years. We are District 53 in 1996. I ran for the Senate In the Poudre School District, kids have reexamining the standards using other asseat in 2004. been measured by the CSAPs for several sessments than CSAPs. My concern is that How have politics changed since you years. We have started an 18-month effort CSAPs give such a narrow focus on what got into it? to reexamine the standards and evaluation you know and are able to do. I don’t think it has substantially tools in order to see if the students and Why should I, as a high school stuchanged, except for a change in the major- schools have achieved these standards. dent, vote for you? ity of Colorado legislature. It has changed My passion is improving higher educaWhat are you doing to appeal to in the fact that we (the Democratic Party) young voters? tion and accessing all important aspects have been more inclusive in giving the miI continue to go to the CSU “Blue to provide all kinds of opportunities for nority party the opportunity to participate Thursday” when the Young Democrats whenever you decide to take part in postin the proceedings of the senate. We honor have their display, in order to meet as secondary educational opportunities after everyone in the Senate rather than just the many students as possible. high school. aware of the issues being confronted in government, and I had an opinion. I suppose during my years of teaching at Poudre High School I became more interested in becoming a part of politics.
Bacon taught in PSD for 31 years Bacon has served in both the Colorado house & senate Want further information? Go to www. baconforsenate.com
Student gets ballot ball rolling by Mallory Armstrong RMHighlighter reporter
Jill Petrie
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Senior JR Lopez
explains why he became interested in starting a ballot initiative concerning an optional decal for new drivers.
In his sophomore year, senior JR Lopez looked up State Representative, Randy Fischer’s number to approach him with an idea that could possibly help save the lives of teen drivers in Colorado. What Lopez came up with was an idea for legislation, that young drivers starting off with their permit can optionally buy a warning sticker at about 2 dollars, proclaiming that they are a student driver in training, similar to that of cars used in driving lessons in Driver’s Ed. When he was learning to drive, he was honked and shouted out a lot, and it made him speculate whether they would be nicer or not if they knew he was a new driver. “The whole reason I did it was so that other drivers can be more aware and cautious of [the younger drivers],” Lopez said. “I got the idea after going through the whole Driver’s Ed process myself.” After the idea expanded in Lopez’s junior year with Fischer, who said he’s been
working on the idea as a bill and not a ballot initiative for 18 months to make it a law like Lopez suggested. Fischer explained is not unusual for a piece of legislation to take several years to work through the process, so before the state can make the bill official, they are currently doing a 3-year trial period on a few cars to see if it gets positive feedback, considering getting any idea flowing legislatively can be quite difficult. “Passing any bill in the legislature can be quite challenging, and getting both houses of the legislature and the Governor to approve takes considerable work,” Fischer said. “The work of a legislator requires convincing at least a majority of one’s colleagues, and to be successful, a bill needs to be a great idea and needs to adress a problem that merits solving through law.” Fischer also reflected on the fact that he is very encouraged by the fact younger people are becoming more politically active. “I was very active in politics when i was
in high school, and my political involvement became a live-long endeavor that eventually lead to my electrion to the state House of Representatives,” he said. Fischer praised Lopez by saying he really deserves to take pride in his accomplishment in getting the idea considered by the joint Senate and House Transportation Committees this fall. “I am, indeed honored to be asked to carry his idea through the process, however, i can’t take any of the credit,” Fischer said. “JR has shown tremendous persistence, and thats really what it takes to get anything doen legislatively, persistence.” Indeed Lopez was passionate enough to get the idea flowing through the Colorado legislative, by addressing an important public policy issue. “I am very proud [of my accomplishments], it’s got a lot further that I thought it would,” Lopez said. “Plus it’s not forced upon drivers, so if they are nervous they can get [the decal sticker] to feel better [about driving].”