Rocky Mountain Highlighter: 2013 May by Rocky Mountain Highlighter

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Senior Pullout Section// Center Section

highlighter Powerful Pitchers//8

rocky mountain May 17, 2013

side show

High School Hijinks:

Care About This:

On May 11, 2013, two car bombs exploded in the city of Reyhanli near the Turkish-Syrian border, killing 46 and wounding nearly 100. Nine individuals, supposedly with ties to the Bashar al-Assad regime, have been arrested. Reyhanli has functioned as a refugee camp for some of the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and a base for rebels, and Turkey has supported the revolutionary Syrian National Council and in the past.Turkey has unofficially accused the Assad government of being behind the attack, and many believe that Turkey will become even more involved in the Syrian Civil War.

Quote of the Issue:

“People that I love have asked me, ‘if you had your dream job, what would you want to do?’ I would’ve wanted to be the principal of Rocky Mountain, I would’ve wanted to teach here, I would’ve wanted to coach here. I would’ve wanted to do it all.” -Principal Tom Lopez on his impending retirement

Lopez Prepares to Retire//3

‘HORRORS’

//Rocky Mountain High School\\

the

After receiving an anonymous tip from a student, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FRFF) is demanding that Muldrow High School in Oklahoma remove the plaques in classrooms bearing the Ten Commandments. The community has rallied behind the school, which is holding a school board meeting to debate the merits of the plaques and whether or not they violate the separation of church and state. The FRFF states the Ten Commandments violate students’ religious freedom while many community members including local pastor Shawn Money and state Representative John Bennett claim removing the plaques would allow sin to prevail and corrupt the nation.

Summer Calendar//6

Volume 40, No. 9

Foam flies during ‘violent’ struggle for San Juan hallway by Isaac Effner//reporter

At 6 p.m. on May 10, San Juan Hall was the image of tranquility. Within the hour, it had become a “war” zone. Used ammunition sprinkles the hall, wounded soldiers attempt to drag themselves to safety. Despite the early casualties, the gunfire fails to slow. Violence is abundant. Mercy, however, is not. It was the scene of the Battle of San Juan Hall, just one part of the larger conflict that had finally erupted after weeks of military build up. The shaky peace, brokered by The Student Peace Keeping Council (StuCo), had come to an abrupt end. Various rebel factions, formed in the weeks prior, battled each other for strategically worthless parcels of land from their slipshod, ill-protected bases at equally worthless chokepoints. The utter chaos of war showed in the fluidity of the ever-shifting alliances; any two factions which had momentarily banded together would soon betray each other out of desperation. Guerilla leaders fed on the discord, directing their soldiers to carry out slashand-burn strikes and suicide missions, making only small

gains towards their selfish ends. Treachery and cruelty quickly became the norm. StuCo, which had time and time again promised to control the conflict, stood aloof. Those not passive had taken to corruption, abusing their power and aiding the rebel faction of their choosing. Others simply stood idle as wounded child soldiers sought asylum and were granted only passing glances. Warhardened mercenaries recruited for their experience by the rebels were paid in blood money that flowed directly into the pockets of StuCo itself. Only the high body count could surpass the rampant greed, with the dead and dying lining the walls and floors like so much discarded waste. Prisoners were shown no mercy, being taken only so long as they could be used as leverage, and murdered seemingly at

random upon the whim of their callous executioners. Only an hour after it had begun, the battle started winding down. Too few to continue, the ragtag groups of survivors exchanged scattered gunshots, occasionally mustering a half-hearted offensive with what little ammunition they could scrounge from their war-torn surroundings. By 9 p.m., the fog of war had lifted with no clear winner. The battle was over, but the war had just begun. If the Battle of San Juan Hall is any indication to how this war will be fought, it will be bloody. It will be brutal. It will not be won easily.

Weekend warriors: Soldiers eagerly await their chance to join the fray in the Nerf War on May 10. Little do they know that the struggle they are about to enter is not as glorious as they believe.

Alumna dies in small aircraft accident by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

“Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” –D. Carnegie. This was alumna Amy Brobst’s senior quote back in 2007. On April 27, 2013, Brobst and pilot Dale Butler passed away in a small plane crash near Omaha, Neb. Butler was a licensed pilot from Omaha’s Aviation Institute. Brobst loved a good adventure, so it was not surprising that she boarded the three passenger aircraft.

High school friend and track partner, Alana Curtis, was surprised when she heard about the accident. “My friend Sarah, who ran track with us . . . called me Sunday morning and said that Amy was gone but we didn’t know what happened,” Curtis said. “I was looking in the Omaha paper to see what could have possibly happened . . . I saw the plane crash but I was like, ‘No. There’s no way. That doesn’t make any sense.’ So I just dismissed it until some of our other friends messaged me and said that it

was a plane crash.” Curtis was not the only friend to be surprised by the news. Brobst’s former art teacher Missy Wolf was stunned. “I was actually in Omaha myself . . . watching the 10 o’clock news on that Sunday evening when they said her name,” Wolf said. “With some students you have to reflect and think about, ‘Oh, who is that? Oh did I have that person?’ But I knew right away when they

//Jump to Brobst,

on page 2

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May 17, 2013 \ \ 2

Looking Glass launch party a success

Artistic affair: Junior Jacob Munro recites a non-fiction piece he wrote at the Looking Glass launch party on May 3. In the background, a photography piece by senior Heather Raney is exhibited at the launch party.

The 2013 edition of the awardwinning Looking Glass literary magazine launched on May 3 at Everyday Joe’s Coffeehouse. The magazine includes writing, art and music from Rocky students from all four classes. The launch party showcased the impressive work of many of Rocky’s most talented individuals. About 75 copies have been sold, and anyone interested in getting one of their own should contact teachers Colleen Maline or Jim Glenn. One copy costs $15.

//in brief//

Forensics team qualifies nine students for nationals

Michelle Kennedy

One semester of class, $90 and four hours of high-stakes testing later and you MIGHT earn some college credit. That is—unless you can afford to pay $300 or more for credit from CU Succeed. As AP testing season has come and gone, the discrepancy in stress levels between students taking the AP test versus those who paid for credit was highly evident. Those taking AP tests struggled to prepare for a strenuous four hour exam, while those taking advantage of CU Succeed simply completed the in-class assignments in preparation for a class final. However, from personal experience and

On being elected Student Body President

►Donald Chen

Megan Shaw

What are you most excited for next year?

Sean Bray

Michelle’s Musings

Donald Chen

Q: A:

Sean Bray

Following a powerful showing at State, the Rocky forensics team qualified nine students to Nationals in Birmingham, Ala., this year, tying for the second most qualifiers in the school’s history. The qualifiers are seniors Emily Carlson, Nate Bethke, Sean Bray and Maddi Lynch, juniors Bethany Calahan, Dani

Q \\ A

Harton and Thomas Newman, sophomore Dylan Price and freshman Sammie Leo. In addition, Annika Gustafson, Danny Steiner, Sammi Reed and Jacob Munro are alternates. This will be the first time that Rocky has had a freshman competitor at the tournament, and the first time there have been competitors in

both National and Foreign Extemporaneous speaking concurrently. The qualifying tournament also resulted in Rocky taking both categories of sweepstake trophies; the first time any school has done so.

Sean Bray

I’m excited about taking charge of my Student Council family. I’m the head person, so I really want to take good care of them. I’m excited to lead everyone, and lead the people that I’ve been working with for so long. I’m also definitely excited to create some new events that have never been seen before at Rocky, and I’m excited to get to know everyone. I want to meet as many new people at Rocky as possible!

What do you plan on doing differently than in past years?

CU Succeed doesn’t \\ compare A: with AP testing that of classmates, there are very few AP classes taught at Rocky where the coursework is actually on par with the difficulty of an AP test. As a result, students who cannot afford the CU credit are forced to take a much more difficult exam, possibly putting them at a disadvantage in college. Now the call to action here is not necessarily to decrease the difficulty of AP tests or to increase the difficulty of current AP classes. But rather to question the effectiveness of AP classes at Rocky in teaching “college level” material. If the AP test is the bar at which “college

level” material is measured, then are classes here truly preparing students to skip a class in college merely by earning a passing grade through CU Succeed? Although both CU Succeed and AP testing allow students the opportunity to bypass introductory classes in college (while saving thousands of dollars at the same time), in general, AP tests are far more difficult. Essentially, CU Succeed allows students to “buy” college credit, whereas AP tests force students to earn it. Michelle Kennedy is a senior and the Features Editor for the RM Highlighter.

Brobst// from page 1

said her name and I broke down.” Brobst’s fun personality and unique characteristics will be greatly missed. She was a dedicated artist, runner, RM Highlighter staffer, club member, and enjoyed field hockey. “She was a funny kid . . . we called her Brobst, everybody called her that, and she just had this dry sense of humor. She was always somewhere nearby being snarky and being funny,” Curtis said. “I still have a hard time describing her—she was just Brobst.” Brobst was a goal-oriented person, and that was evident when she found a job in her field, landscape architecture, right out of college. “She was really committed and really was lucky in finding her passion and was able to turn a passion into a career,” Curtis said. After graduation, Brobst went to Jacksonville University in Florida, and then returned to Fort Collins to enroll in CSU. She graduated with a major in landscape architecture and received a job offer as manager for Lanoha Nurseries in Omaha. “Amy definitely had some artistic ability and was very creative,” Wolf said. “An excellent person, great character, always made you smile, so even as a teacher you’d seek her out because she could always brighten your day.” Brobst was in several of Wolf ’s art classes, and always went out of her way to say hello and make people happy. “Amy was a staple around here. An art ‘groupie’ so to speak,” Wolf said. “I would call her Amy, and Duke (art teacher) would call her Brobst and we’d put it together. She was just a happy person.” Brobst balanced art with her passion for athletics. In 2006, Brobst and Curtis won the state championship in a track sprint relay event. “We won state in 2006. That was awesome. That was one of the best memories I will ever have,” Curtis said. “She was just a good athlete, a good artist, and she put her whole self into the things she enjoyed to do.”

I’ll definitely do my best to make our announcements shorter because I know that’s a struggle sometimes. In past years, senioritis really gets the seniors, but senioritis won’t get to me. It can’t touch me! As future Student Body President I have the motivation to carry on and stay involved. I will definitely be pushing my fellow officers to the best of their abilities and not let them slack off.

Do you want to bring back old traditions or focus more on creating new ones?

Personally, I really like going back to old traditions, but I know that for the student body’s sake, new traditions are good. I know that if we do go back to old traditions like Springfest and Powderpuff they would be redesigned and have a whole new look.

How do you plan to go about getting more students involved in StuCo?

It’s definitely a hard thing to do. If people get recognition, like a letter to their class inviting them to the StuCo meetings, it feels a lot more personal. That’s what I really want to do. I really want to hit people personally. I want to motivate them to come because of how motivated I am. Maybe if they see my passion for it they will be more influenced to come.

How do you feel about being an ethnic minority who represents all students at Rocky?

That just makes me really happy! I want to break the typical Asian stereotype where you aren’t as involved and are just focused on academics. I really like to balance my life and be outgoing. Seeing that it’s possible for me, I think I would be a good representation of the other minorities at this school. If I can do it, of course anyone else can! It’s going to be fun next year because I really want to bring a lot of my ethnicity into everything. I love being Asian! Compiled by Megan Shaw

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Shaw’s Law

Megan Shaw

Graduation arrives too soon It doesn’t seem that long ago that we started school, stepping through that door in Kindergarten to a smiling teacher welcoming us into the next 12 years of our lives. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we had to hang our backpacks on little hooks on the wall labeled with our names; that we had to take trips to the store with a list in hand so we knew how many crayons we needed. It seems like just yesterday that we were learning how to write our numbers correctly; learning how to count and then how to add and subtract. Not long after that, we were taking spelling tests and writing in cursive, multiplying and dividing. Recess was the highlight of any day; the playground was a world of imagination until the teacher blew the whistle and we filed back inside. It doesn’t seem that long ago that our backpacks started getting bigger and our homework load slowly increased. It seems like just yesterday that we were transitioning into middle school, more commonly referred to as “the awkward years.” We were growing, changing and learning about ourselves and our peers. We spent summers wandering around our neighborhoods causing trouble with our newfound middle school “freedom.” We screwed up a lot and usually assumed that our lives were over when it happened. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were the first ninth grade class to attend Rocky. The school was like a giant maze; we didn’t think we were very small at the time, but we look at incoming freshmen and realize that we were, in fact, that small. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we became juniors, worrying about taking the ACT. It seems like only yesterday that we began our senior year, eager and anxious to finally be in the last stretch of our 12-year marathon. It seems like only yesterday that we committed to a college, or figured out what we want to do with ourselves after high school, looking straight into the face of the “real world” that had always seemed so distant. And here we are today, three school days away from graduating; planning graduation parties, and reminiscing about friendships formed and memories that were created from day one. To seniors and all of Rocky, don’t be in such a rush to get out; these are the friendships, relationships and memories that have made up the last 12 years of your life, so be appreciative of what you have left. It has been a good run, my friends. Megan Shaw is a senior and the Center Editor for the RM Highlighter.

May 17, 2013

//3//

End of an Era Lopez retires after 12-year Rocky career by Cam Chorpenning//editor-in-chief

A fundamental force: Retiring Principal Tom Lopez dresses up as Yoda for the 2009 back-toschool assembly. After 12 years at Rocky as both a principal and an assistant principal, Lopez will retire at the end of the year.

Highlighter Archives

Principal Tom Lopez always felt that he wanted to serve those around him, and now that his retirement is just a few short weeks away, he looks back on his 37-year career in education with the knowledge that this was what he was meant to do. Lopez came from a family who had worked for their community: both of his parents were educators and his brother is a doctor. Lopez himself had even come close to studying medicine. “I knew I wanted to serve my community. To be honest with you, I was interested in being a teacher, a science teacher, or going to medical school and being a physician,” Lopez said. While teaching at Wellington Junior High School, Lopez was offered an opportunity to attend medical school in Nebraska, but felt that he “fit well with teenagers.” This comfort with young people, Lopez explained, is a result of

//features special//

Blast from the past: (Left) Principal Tom Lopez triumphs over fellow teachers in a hot pepper eating contest. (Above) Lopez pretends to be injured at this year’s back-to-school assembly.

“

//Jump to Lopez,

on page 4

Counselor Gregg Knoll to retire after 29 years by Isaac Effner//reporter

After 29 years of dedicated service to Rocky, counselor Gregg Knoll is retiring. Knoll first came to Rocky after working with the Larimer County Mental Health Center to start up the Rocky soccer programs and coach its first team. Two years later he became a guidance counselor. “It’s been very positive (working at Rocky),” Knoll said. “I’ve always felt very supported here and able to work with students.”

Gregg Knoll, Counselor

Rocky has always been a

quality high school and a great place for students to be.

Knoll is planning on spending time with his family while still working as a guidance counselor during his retirement. “I’m going to do some work for a non-profit called Colorado Youth Outdoors that works with parents and teens doing traditional outdoor activities

like fly fishing, spin casting and archery,” Knoll said. “I’ve also got four boys we adopted from Korea between 10 and 14, so I don’t want to work full time, but I want to keep busy.” Knoll has worked with 27 graduating classes and has been an integral part of the Rocky

community, exhibiting the Lobo Way and supporting the students and staff of the school. “Rocky has always been a quality high school and a great place for students to be,” Knoll said. “So being able to be a part of its setting and helping to develop that climate over the years-working with students, helping them with the transition between high school to what they want to do after graduation-has all been a major piece of what I enjoy about counseling.”

Drive-In pulls in students by Michelle Kennedy//features editor

Blankets laid out on the floor of the car, warm summer air flowing through the open hatchback and a movie playing on a massive screen between rows and rows of cars. This is the Holiday Twin DriveIn. “It’s a lot of fun, the whole group is kind of like a big family,” senior and Drive-In employee Mac Thompson said. “It’s a lot of fun because you’re never bored and there’s always something to do.” However, drive-in’s are becoming a rarity in the United States. Since the “golden days” of drivein entertainment, the number of

establishments in the U.S. has dropped over 20 percent. In fact, the Holiday Twin is one of only six operating drive-in’s in Colorado. “When the drive-in’s were originally built, mostly in the 50’s, they were built on large parcels of land, ‘out of town,’” Holiday Twin Drive-In owner Stephanie Webb said. “As the population in major cities increased, the land became more and more valuable. Up to this point, most drive-in’s have been sold because the land became more valuable than the profits from run-

//Jump to Drive-In,

on page 4

Michelle Kennedy

Working concessions: Senior and Drive-In employee Mac Thompson hands popcorn to a customer. The Holiday Twin Drive-In is one of only six theater establishments of its kind left in Colorado.

features//highlighter

May17, 2013 \ \ 4

Make way for the 5k

Race provides hope for local cancer patients

by Emily Anderson//opinion editor

Those who have experienced cancer, directly or through a loved one, know how expensive it is. The cost of chemotherapy, especially while taking time off work for treatment, can bankrupt a family, only adding to the tragedy of the illness. The first Nick Seaman 5k, held in 2010, was run by the Fossil Ridge National Honor Society to provide Nick Seaman with financial assistance during his battle with testicular cancer. In January of 2011 Seaman passed away, but the race continues to commemorate him and raise money for RamStrength, an organization that provides financial assistance to local cancer patients. “We help people with their basic needs, anything from a mortgage payment or rent to auto-repairs or chemotherapy,” Michelle Boyle, founder of RamStrength, said. “We also provide tuition assistance scholarships for CSU students with cancer.” Last year the race had a turnout of more than 300 people and raised $8,000. This money

“

Julie Rickett, brother of Nick Seaman and language arts teacher

I think that’s

part of the reason why people, especially kids, loved him. He could make you feel so funny and special.

benefits local patients tremendously. “The average request for us for a cancer patient is about $470. So if you divide $8,000 by that you can see how many families that helps,” Boyle said. Seaman experienced this help from RamStrength directly when he was diagnosed in 2010. His wife Erin, was self-employed, pregnant and could not work while he went through chemotherapy. “After Nick passed away, Fossil wanted to keep the race going,” sister of Nick Seaman and Language Arts teacher Julie Rickett said. “Since RamStrength had

Courtesy of Julie Rickett

Banding together: Participants in the 2012 Nick Seaman 5k from Rocky hoist the traveling trophy. The trophy goes to the school with the most participants, and after last year, Rocky is hoping to retain its title.

really helped out Erin and Nick (they’d given them grocery gift cards and things like that) Erin said, ‘let’s make RamStrength a benefactor.’” Although proceeds from the race benefit a cancer-fighting organization, many also run the race to honor Nick Seaman, who was a special education teacher at Fossil. “Nick worked with kids with emotional disabilities,” Rickett said. “My brother really had a special way of reaching kids who were troubled, kids that other teachers would not deal with. He was so funny and was kind of a smart-aleck, just a little bit, but he just laughed at everything. I think that’s part of the reason why people, especially kids, loved him. He could make you feel so funny and special. It’s such a loss.” To commend the Seaman and

Rickett families and help other May 18 at 8:30 a.m. at Fossil families struggling with cancer, Ridge High School. The cost students from all schools in Fort is $15 for students, $25 for Collins are encouraged to attend non-students, $45 for a family the race, and a competition (2+ people), and free for kids 12 has arose to determine and under. There will be free Truwhich school can man’s Bagels before the race and produce the highest Texas Roadhouse after. number of students “We’re just hoping we participating. Last year, can get some money to help Rocky won the trophy, people struggling with cancer, and is hoping to do so because cancer is just such again this year. a crappy disease,” Rickett “I think this year it’s said. really important that Boyle added, “All the Rocky really gets on it, money that is raised because Fort Collins and stays local, primarily in Poudre are on it, they’re Larimer County so the getting their sports teams money that is raised and clubs to come. could be used for your ► Nick Seaman 5k Rocky has got to get friend, your neighbor, traveling trophy organized and make your teacher. We help sure a lot of people come because out with every type of cancer: we want to whoop the other high lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, schools,” Rickett said. testicular cancer, whatever. We’re This year the race will be on here for you.”

Drive-In// from page 3

ning them as theaters.” Webb’s husband, Wesley Webb, purchased the Drive-In in 1979 (his fourth drive-in at the time). “On the weekends he bought and sold private aircrafts as he was also a private pilot,” Stephanie said. “The owner of the Holiday Twin at the time wanted to purchase the airplane that Wes currently owned, and was willing to trade the Drive-In for part of the purchase price.” Now, the Drive-In provides inexpensive entertainment and brings in patrons of all ages. “You get two movies for less money than going to a theater and its one of the last drive ins left in the country, so its very traditional,” Thompson said. Stephanie added, “I think most people like the Drive-In because it’s a novelty. There is no place else where you can bring your family, sit together inside

or outside of your vehicle and enjoy a night out.” In the past, there have been rumors about this nostalgic location shutting down. However, Stephanie says that these rumors are untrue. “The theater sits on the last piece of multi-family zoned land in West Fort Collins, making it extremely valuable,” Stephanie said. “However, Mr. Webb has only one drive-in theater left and he has always stated that he will keep this theater as long as the community supports it.” One of the pricey upgrades that most drive-in’s are being forced to make is the switch from film to digital projection. According to Stephanie, by the end of 2014, movies will no longer be made in film form, thus forcing drive-in’s to upgrade their equipment which can cost over $100,000. “We have great support from our fans and we just made a $250,000 investment in new digital projectors and building upgrades,” Stephanie said. “So we are here to stay for many years to come.”

Lopez//

from page 3

similarities that he has shared with his students over the years. “I do have a sense of humor, so I like being around youth in general, but teenagers in general have that quirky sense of humor, which I like,” Lopez said. “I like science fiction, I like fantasy, I like Batman, all that stuff. I also really like being around people that want to innovate and explore. I like group learning, I like inquiry, I like research.” With such a set of interests and passions, education seemed to be the path that Lopez was meant to follow. But before he became the principal of a high school with 2,000 students, Lopez was a science teacher. He taught both at Wellington and Webber Junior

Michelle Kennedy

Directing at the Drive-In: Senior and Drive-In employee Tony Martinez directs a car while working security at the Drive-In. In addition to Martinez, two other Rocky students (senior Mac Thompson and sophomore Roman Ortiz) as well as alumn Michael Fanning work at the Drive-In.

High Schools before becoming an assistant principal at Blevins Junior High. Lopez’s administrative career flourished as he became an assistant principal at Rocky and, after two short years, the principal of the school, a position he has now held for a decade. Over the course of his principalship Lopez has faced various challenges, ranging from re-appropriating storage rooms to become new classrooms to accommodate a brand new freshman class to dealing with outrage in response to the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in foreign languages. However, Lopez claims that his greatest challenge as principal has not come from a single occurrence, but rather from a long-term goal to impact the school.

“It’s not one incident,” Lopez said. “The greatest challenge is making sure that every student that comes to this school has the opportunity to look at lots of different areas of interest and hopefully be caught up with one or two of them.” Even with the challenges that Lopez has been forced to handle, his attitude has continuously been one of love and devotion to the school he serves. Looking back on his long career in education, Lopez’s only regret is that he didn’t have the time to do more. “People that I love have asked me, ‘If you had your dream job, what would you want to do?’” Lopez said. “I would’ve wanted to be the principal of Rocky Mountain, I would’ve wanted to teach here, I would’ve wanted to coach here. I would’ve wanted to do it all.”

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THE FANTASTIC

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May 17, 2013

Matt White Abbitt — Mazen Ishaq Abdelkareem — Hawe Abera — Destini Lea Ann Abeyta — Taylor Dawn Akers — Kelsey Marie Alexander — Austen James Allen — Gabriella Elizabeth Alonzo — Zachariah Benjamin Alvarez — Stella Ardis Amedee — Oscar Adrian Anaya — Sean Kelly Logan Anderson — Weatherly Ann Armstead — Ali Shari Arnold — Krista Rachelle Arnold — Gracie Lyn Askeland — Anna Auerbach — Coy Austin Avalos — Carolina Avila — Ciara Caroline Baird — Lauren Audrey Marie Bancroft — Brianna Marie Banowetz — Alejandro Barajas — Meghan Kay Doreen Barkey — Cristian Basurto — Leah Jean Bauder — Eric Tyler Baum — Marcus Aaron Bean — Devin Andrew Beers — Ryan Theodore Belisle — Austin Matthew Bengford — Oliver Francis Berg — Nathan Louis Bethke — William Gabriel Bindel — Lauren Dwe Binder — Gabrielle Ann Bingaman — Emilie Grace Boland — Dradon Matthew Bolen — Adam Nicholas Bonertz — Arthur Paul Botelha — Kayla Morgan Boyd — Serena Rose Boyd — Dillon James Bradney — Helen Abigail Bray — Sean Stuart Bray — Margaret Colleen Breslin — Nathan Travis Brinks — Jacob Ronald Brooks — Kiley Nicole Brooks — Sean Robert Brooks — Dana Marie Brown — Alan Roger Brown II — Jasyn Leo Bruemmer — Nicholas Paul Brunner — Aaron Michael Brunswig — Janessa Jean Bryant — Chelsey Joyce Buitendorp — Kalea Marie Burke — Ian Ray Califf — Evan Bradley Campbell — Kiva Marie Campbell — Emily Marie Carlson — Griffin Allen Carter — Nadia Estefania Cesar Yabar — Evan Thomas Chase — Tylor William Chavez — Cameron Hayes Chorpenning — Daniel Timothy Clark — Kaitlin Suzanne Clark — Shelby Rex Clark — Sterling James Clay — Cameron Mitchell Clements — David Landis Collins — Mariela Ana Contreras — Mitchell Scott Cooper — Edward Gabriel Cornejo — Angel de Jesus Corzo Avendano — Meghan Renee Cosgrove — Lucas James CostanzaChavez — Katarina Abigail Cotten — Joseph Alexander Creighton — Daniele Thayer Croteau — David Andrew Mitchell Crownover — Marilyn Elizabeth Cruz — Colin Chandler Curl — Cassie Nicole Da Vault — Davis Oliver Dailey — Sarah Lavonne D’Alesio — McKenna Kate Dando — Erika Marie David — Adria Caryn Davis — Bradley Ray Davis — Constance Ann Marget Davis — Danny Glen Davis — Hayden Tasker Denton — Michael McLean Dermody — Michael Bernard Desch — Mallory Ann Devore — Tanner John Devore — Domenic Augustine Digregorio — Sam Laurence Dineen — Trevor Scott Dinkel — Ryan Douglas Doner — Ellen Elizabeth Donnelly — McKenna Joanne Dooley-Basham — Callie Catherine Downing — Kylla Ericka Drager — Cody James Drake — David Lee Draucker — Katelyn Jean Drips — Austin Charles Druse — Benjamin Robert Drysdale — Michelle Bernice Dworkin — Hannah Marie Eccher — Sierra Elizabeth Eddison-Lindsay — Kaitlyn Joy Eden — Isaac Leo Phalen Effner — Jordan Pearl Ekart — Maria Joy Elliott — Joan Elizabeth Ellis — Kaila Marie Elwell — Farrah Lena Emami — Leland James Emslie — Isabel Marina Engeman — Brittany Elizabeth Ernst — Jason Christopher Etl — Justin Dean Evans — Michael Evan Fanning — John Franklin Farnsworth — Sophia Ivy Feavel — Megan Marie Feist — Andrew Beck Ferkiss — Kelsey Renee Ferris — Willis Dirk Fontenot II — Montanna Rae Ford — Bryce Devyn Forseen — Aaron Aubrey Fowler — Luc Philip Freiburg — Alexander Daniel Frick — Dominique Elissa Fuerte — Grant Coleman Gamble — Zoe Elise Gamer — Danyelle Renee Garcia — Sintea Lashea Garcia — Brianna Elizabeth Garza — Coleman James Gibbs — Megan Elise Verwey Gillette — Eric Gomez — Claudia Alejandra Gomez Betancourt — Jeanette Gonzalez — Maria Deguadalupe Gonzalez — Jaimi Rae Graham — Jason Dale Graham — Rebecca Tierney Granowsky — Trevor J. Graves — Jack Harwood Grebb — Kathryn Elizabeth Greiner — Michael John Gronstal — Corbin Philip Grote — Raven Marie Guerrero-Dixon — Gabriel Alejandro Gutierrez — Jacob Michael Haase — Jonathon Michael Hachemeister — William T. Hachemeister — Emmaline Camile Hajicek — Heather Wilder Hall — Mason Dixon Ham — Insaf Chakib Hamdan — Benjamin David Hand — Paige Meredith Handgen — Amber Nicole Harley — Lindsay Anne Harris — Jessaca Katherine-Eva Harrison — Christian Scott Harsha — Chase Taylor Harvey — Mark Calder Haselmaier — Taylor Johnson Hash — Presley Brianna Hassman — Sarah Elaine Hatch — Connor Benjamin Haugen — Emma Rose Hayes — Andi Keiko Heath — Caleb Michael Henderson — Kelsey Elizabeth Hennig — Jourdan Renae Hersch — Kaitlyn Ann Hersh — MacKenzie Ryan Hewitt — Brynn Lewann Hickey — Aaron O’Brian Hines — Morgan Elizabeth Hinton — Lukas Robert Hirneisen — Cooper Allan Hisgen — Taylor Jean Hitchings — Lauren Taylor Hoff — Quinton Julius Holder — Alyse Mari Holloway — Branson Michael Hoog — Thain Thomas Howell — Erin Kelly Hubbard — Daniel John Hunter — Spencer David Ibarra — Savanna Nicole Inman — Taylor Deanne Johnson — Brandon Michael Jones — Dominick Francois Jones — Magenta Lee Jones — Kassidie Lee Joseph — Tyler Aaron Jostes — Anthony Robert Judish — Brittney Merrill Kabasta — Nuha Michelle Kapatayes — MacKinzie Marie Kaufman — Erika Michele Kehrwald — Tecumseh Kekahbah — Sarah Gloria Ann Kelley — Hauna Joy Kelly-Ontiveros — Dylan Merritt Kengott — Edward Bennett Kennedy — Michelle Alexandra Kennedy — Sean Stuart Kennedy — Chase William Kepner — Jesse Douglas Kerns — Holly Anne Kessler — Charlotte Elaine Kettner — Spencer Patrick Kind — Desiree Veronika Klaer — Simon Vincent Klemesrud-Daly — Emily Margaret Knight — Jessica May Knight — Sarah Elizabeth Koehn — Dylan Joseph Kohler — Amanda Rose Kriss — Logan Matthew Kutz — Brianna JoAnn Lacey — Jalen Rose Lacy — Taylor Joseph Landstrom — Jessamyn Joan Lane — Jordan C. Lankford — Jaqueline Denise Larrieu — Megan Alexandra Larson — Asia Claire Lasaitis — William Miles Laybourn — Kayla Richelle Leathers — Victoria Monique Lee — Annelise Rose Lenderts — Blake Bryant Levy — Mitchell Joseph Lewis — Averi Shirleigh Linehan — Ashley Loretta Longo-Peairs — Agustin Romeo Lopez — Ramiro Lopez Altamirano — Luke Ryan Lorenz — Timothy Lucas Lybarger — Clayton James Lyell — Madalyn Marie Lynch — Jana Marie Macbeth — Casey Craig Madigan — Cambria Bailey Magnuson — Nathan Anton Maroncelli — Mariah Janai Martin — Anthony Martinez — Tara Laren Fox Martinez — Tiana Paige Martinez — Cassandra Simone May — Keilani Lois McConnell — Randall Keith McConnell — Jack Franklin McCoy — Trynna Ann Grace McCracken — Jack Ryan McDonald — Alexander Rory McLaughlin — Jessica Marie McLaurin — Conor John McLean — Hannah Aubry McNamee — Seth Lauchlin McQuarrie — Alexandra E. Meadows — Tyler Ray Meadows — Kayla Renee Melber — Mitchell J. Meyer — Trevor Patrick Micek — Marshall Lloyd Mildrum — Julianna Leigh Mill — Caroline Elizabeth Miller — Devon Margaret Miller — Grace Evelynn Miller — Morgan Sydney Miller — Regan Noelle Miller — Alicia Marie Minardi — Joseph David Miotke — Nicole Theoni Mitchell — Paige Lachel Mogilefsky — Lindsey Campbell Munn — Grant Michael Musgrave — Gus Michael Musgrave — Denzel Isaiah Myers — Katharine Drew McCommons Nance — Ellen Newman Nawrocki — Blake Allen Nelson — Carlee Anne Nichols — Brielle Ariane Nickoloff — Julie Elizabeth Niedermeier — Samuel Thomas Nigro — Spencer James Nolan — Kailyn Michelle Nowak — Ryan Christopher Nugent — Keegan James O’Brien — Cale Patrick O’Donnell — Olivia Rachelle O’HaraHulett — Lucas Minoru Okada — Christina Brooke Olivas — Kevin Joshua Olson — Joseph Brigham O’Neill — Peter Joel Ortega — Sylvia Janae Osterberg — Victoria Modina Oviedo — Riley Mackenzie Owens — Sean Michael Padget — Abby Janae Pahlau — Seth Jordan Painter — Aileen Lilibeth Palma — Sierra Nicole Pandy — Abigail Rain Patchen — Natalie Michelle Pederson — Keri Ann Peel — Ricardo Perez — Adam Eric Pettine — Sarah Lynn Phillips — Mason David Pixley — Ashley Lee Plunkett — Colton Moore Prosser — Dane Robert Raber — Heather Lynn Raney — Abel Alexis Rangel — Cesar Deneth Rangel — Helen Alexandra Rawlins — Jessica Angeline Reaume — Samantha Sara Cheyenne Reed — Connor Sweeney Reger — Molly Kathleen Reger — Raychl Elainn Reger — Juan Roberto Reyes — Megan Marie Rhead — Julian Michael Richards — Justin Wayne Ridnour — Emma Taylor Riffle — Sydney Marie Rios — Hannah Rebekah Ritter — Rafael Rivera Jr. — Benjamin Edward Robbins — Isabella Guimaraes Rocha — Kathryn Lydia Rock — Alec Joseph Rodriguez — Celina Monique Rodriguez — Ivan Guadalupe Rodriguez — Jacob Cameron Rogers — Joshua Cougar Rogers — Brianna Laine Roselles — Grant Metcalf Rotman — Sergio Daniel Ruiz — Jacob Burley Sadler — Sydney Nicole Sager-Spoerri — Conor Mogan Sanders — Joseph Tyler Sandoval — Mackayla Jo Schadegg — Justin Troy Schiller — Kyler Alexander Schmidt — Brandon Cole Schneider — Lillian Marie Schulz — Persephone Marie Schure — Taylor Emma Swann Scruggs — Peter James Seel — Killian Mythias Seerley — Jordyn Elizabeth Seidel — Stian Gjelde Sharpe — Megan Elizabeth Shaw — Justin Mikiala Keanuwai Shields — Lukas Michael Short — Caleb Stephen Simmons — Viggo Kristofer Skelton — James Frederick Slark — Solon Dustin Slater — Christopher Russell Tiemen Snyder — Ezra Vincent Spiegel — Benjamin Patrick Spoliansky — Emily Annamarie Springer — Alexander Vaughn Stacey — Noah David Steffen — Kelsea R. Steffens — Daniel Richard Steiner — Julie Katherine Stiewig — Malia Renee Stoner — Peter Birch Strein — Adriane Lee Strickland — Jamie Noel Stroup — Benjamin Cooper Stump — Christian Oclarino Sullender — Karlie Nicole Svoboda — Sabryna Rae Swadener — Paris Elise Tanner — Danielle Rose Tatum — Kayla Ann Thiebaut — Mirina Nicole Thomas — Mackenzie Riley Thompson — Kentorra Renee Todd — John Kenneth Travers — May Li Truax — Bridgette Evon Trujillo — Gabriela Theresa Trujillo — Keith R. Tuttle — Shane Alexander Tzoumas — Tanner Rothko Ulland — Kayla Kathleen Ursta — Barbara Patricia Varela Madrigal — Luis Eliceo Vazquez Chaires — Cory Austin Vernon — Alexandrea Lynn Viert — Alyssa Evelyn Takara Wada — Shane Powell Wagner — Adele Marie Waites — Mercedes Lenaya Walsh — Jazmin Xieara Walston — Braxton Lamont Warren — Tyler John Webb — Kaylee Victoria Weber — Tyler Patrick Weeks — Cody Allen Weihrauch — Marissa Nicole White — Ryan Cody White — Hanna Nicole Wiggins — Calin Alexis Wilkewitz — Forrest Harrold Williams — Ryan Fraser Willmot — Christopher Graham Wilson — Jaimie Allison Wolfelt — Jennifer Leigh Wood — Tyler Bryce Wood — Michael McKiver Woodruff — Maverick Beau Woodworth — Ross Aragon Wyatt — Samantha Ann Young — Kevin Yuan — James David Zafarana — Jared Paul Zentz — Andres Zepeda Benavides — Kristi Jean Zimmerman

THE FIRST

4-YEAR

GRADUATING CLASS...

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2013!

rmhighlighter\\senior special

2\\ May 17, 2013 Rocky Mountain High School

May 17, 2013

to graduation

//3

on the

Graduation: 4 years

Start: 2009

Rocky’s baseball team won state for the 4th year in a row America’s first African-American president is inagurated

First class of Freshmen enters the high school A big “welcome to high school” for new underclassmen with two bomb threats and a lock-in

Swine Flu hits both CSU and Rocky

We The Kings played a concert at Rocky after students had signed the most pledges not to text and drive

Alum Garrett Karp goes into remission for cancer and shoots a legendary 3-pointer against Collins

2010 Alum Val Pauna sets pole vault record at 11’2”

Former counselor Brad Boda pleads guilty to sex assault on a child

Girls Aubrey Davis and Rhone von Carlowitz play for Rocky’s C-team and varsity football teams

Torch Bearer tradition dominated by males by Lauren Binder//sports editor

Since 1983, as a gift to the senior class, the school was given a torch, a hood, and a speech. Each year, one senior has the honor of being Torch Bearer. They are the best and the brightest; they are the representation of each individual that walks across the stage to receive a diploma. They are responsible for sending off current seniors and clearing the path for the junior class. The title is held by a student who has maintained at least a 3.75 grade point average for the past 4 years. In addition, he or she must have demonstrated leadership qualities, achieved high honors and be involved in a school related activity. Each year teachers hand pick a select few for the running, and then it is up to the seniors to pick one student that they feel truly deserves the honor. But why is it that less than 25 percent of all torchbearers since 1983 have been female?

Rocky has its first Peach Fuzz boys’ volleyball tournament

The incoming freshman class recieved laptops

ing Now leav ntain u o M y k c Ro ool High Sch

Finish: Graduation!

There was a massive Tsunami in Tōhoku, Japan

Colorado legalizes the use of marijuana for ages 21 and older

This was the last year for school dances on the rocks

Prince William married Kate Middleton

2013

2011

2012

The world was said to end on December 21, 2012, but . . . we’re still here

Barack Obama was elected into office for a second term

Gangnam Style is the first video to hit 1 billion YouTube views

Student Council wiped their events for the second semester

“In all honesty, girls just don’t vote for other girls,” counselor Susan Takahashi said. Communication can be a key factor in this decision, and it is divided into two different types: verbal and nonverbal. Verbal being language, manner, and vocal qualities; nonverbal consisting of gestures, facial expressions and touch. According to Charlotte A. Morris in her article The Effects of Gender on communication in the Legal Profession, she believes that women suffer in comparison to men when it comes to communication. This is due to characteristics of quality of speech that men possess over women, including talking loudly, deep pitch, slow rate, downward inflection, relaxed tone and powerful style. Women on the other hand generally speak softly, high pitched, and at a fast rate. Men may be better at giving speeches, but are girls more likely to vote for boys than other girls? Girls have had a history of feeling as though

they have to compete with each other, especially in high school. Are we not able to put aside our grudges and vote on the best candidate? “I think that if girls have some kind of grudge against another girl on the ballad, she definitely won't vote for her,” Takahashi said. Before there was even a ballad, the seniors were given a list of all the students that qualified instead of a select few. The reason for this change was because students were looking at the Torch Bearer as a popularity contest, instead of a leadership role. “I don't know why more boys win it, “ Takahashi said. “But I do know, that the girls who do win it are less cliquey, they don’t stick to one group of friends. That doesn't mean that other girls aren't like that, but the girls that do win are a lot more involved.” So may the best leader win, and good luck to this year’s candidates, Adam Bonertz, Justin Schiller, John Travers, Austen Allen, Michelle Kennedy, and Maddi Lynch.

TORCH BEARERS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

1983- Jeff Whitham 1984-Lori Rademacher 1985- Tor Shuler 1986- Kelly Eitzen 1987- Glenn Criswell 1988- Todd Butterfield 1989- Angela Thieman 1990- Greg Rakness 1991- Dan Bode 1992-Brian Bode 1993- Kevin Wheeler 1994- Adam Bundy 1995- Craig Michoski 1996- Nathaniel Miller 1997- Luke Anderson 1998- Bret Peterson 1999- Megan Pieper 2000- Jay Paddack

2001- Jacob Robert Sippy 2002- Megan Voiles 2003- Nick Lindsey 2004- Umber Bawa 2005- Brian Eggers 2006- Andrew Eggers 2007-Jason Miller 2008- Ben Dratch 2009- Matt Musgrave 2010- Craig Buchanan 2011- Molly Mogorit 2012- Tim O’Grady 2013- Adam Bonertz Justin Schiller John Travers Austen Allen Michelle Kennedy Maddi Lynch

rmhighlighter\\senior special

2\\ May 17, 2013 Rocky Mountain High School

May 17, 2013

to graduation

//3

on the

Graduation: 4 years

Start: 2009

Rocky’s baseball team won state for the 4th year in a row America’s first African-American president is inagurated

First class of Freshmen enters the high school A big “welcome to high school” for new underclassmen with two bomb threats and a lock-in

Swine Flu hits both CSU and Rocky

We The Kings played a concert at Rocky after students had signed the most pledges not to text and drive

Alum Garrett Karp goes into remission for cancer and shoots a legendary 3-pointer against Collins

2010 Alum Val Pauna sets pole vault record at 11’2”

Former counselor Brad Boda pleads guilty to sex assault on a child

Girls Aubrey Davis and Rhone von Carlowitz play for Rocky’s C-team and varsity football teams

Torch Bearer tradition dominated by males by Lauren Binder//sports editor

Rocky has its first Peach Fuzz boys’ volleyball tournament

The incoming freshman class recieved laptops

ing Now leav ntain u o M y k c Ro ool High Sch

Finish: Graduation!

There was a massive Tsunami in Tōhoku, Japan

Colorado legalizes the use of marijuana for ages 21 and older

This was the last year for school dances on the rocks

Prince William married Kate Middleton

2013

2011

2012

The world was said to end on December 21, 2012, but . . . we’re still here

Barack Obama was elected into office for a second term

Gangnam Style is the first video to hit 1 billion YouTube views

Student Council wiped their events for the second semester

TORCH BEARERS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

senior special//highlighter

4\\ May 17, 2013

Class of 2013 Personalities Most Likely to Brighten Your Day

Most Accident Prone

Most Gullible

Adam Bonertz & Kat Rock

Best Hair

Seth Painter & Adria Davis

Kelsey Alexander & Chris Snyder

Class Flirt Christina Olivas & Mitch Cooper

Most Sarcastic

Life of the Party

Maggie Breslin & Ben Spoliansky Ellen Donnelly & Ryan Nugent Most Likely to be Friends Forever

Amanda Kriss & Michelle Kennedy

Evan Campbell & David Crownover

Will Laybourn & Julianna Mill

\\ rmopinion highlighter

May 17, 2013

Cost of college causes concern for Colorado

s seniors make last-minute college decisions and figure out their financial situations, and as juniors begin to consider where they will apply, school tuition plays an increasingly important role in determining futures. The Issue: In the TABOR reduces midst of state higher increasing education budget spending, afcuts for fecting students higher education, Colorado has gone from 35th to 49th in the nation for average per-student funding as of 2011. With a lack of support from the state, schools have had to rely on tuition and student fees increases to make up the difference, placing the burden on the shoulders of students and families. According to the Colorado Department of Higher Education, since 2001, tuition as a funding source

//staff editorial//

has nearly doubled for all institutions in Colorado. The indirect cause for these budget cuts and state tuition increases is TABOR, Colorado’s Taxpayers Bill of Rights. Under TABOR, government revenues are restricted and tax increases must be voted upon. Passing tax-increasing measures is extremely difficult and unsustainable, as any increase would only last five years. With continuing cuts and no way of raising funding for higher education, students and their families must take out student loans or avoid choosing a certain school altogether. According to a Georgetown University study, among students

50 Shades of Bray Sean Bray

This, dear readers, will by last column. I have no doubt that the infinite sadness permeating your hearts at this moment is dwarfed only by the sheer sense of loss propagated by my impending graduation and departure from Fort Collins, Colorado. My deepest condolences are extended to all of you. But I want to keep things light. No heartfelt goodbye column from Herr Shades, Witzkanzler. Instead, let’s talk about one of my favorite topics: Somalia, that war-torn hellhole beautiful country located geographically in the Horn of Africa, and symbolically in my heart. Now, if I were to ask you what Somalia and the United States have in common, what would you say? A black president? Rampant gun violence? Intense factional conflict that has left the country politically and economically stagnant? If you guessed all three, congratula-

National Scholastic Press Association National Critique

The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is published nine times during the school year by the newspaper staff of Rocky Mountain High School/1300 W. Swallow Road/ Fort Collins, CO 80526. Contact Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff members at 970-4887090 or 970-488-7091 for advertising information. Also the Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff is in Room 528, during 4th period.

STAFF Editor-in-Chief// Cam Chorpenning Ad Manager// Opinion Editor// Sports Editor//

Sean Bray Emily Anderson Lauren Binder

Features Editor// Michelle Kennedy Center Editor//

Megan Shaw

Limelight Editor//Megan Troutman Staff// Lucas Boland Isaac Effner Amanda Kriss

Raven Guerrero-Dixon Aaron Yu

//Amanda Kriss, artist

from the top class percentile, higher socioeconomic groups attend four-year-colleges at almost twice the rate of students with lower socioeconomic status. Tuition increases put students with lower family funding at a huge disadvantage, placing thousands of dollars of student

debt on single individuals and lowering enrollment in general. Colorado should be investing in their higher education institutions instead of forcing them to rely on student tuition as a main means of funding. Educating the population, and especially allowing those of

lower socioeconomic statuses to be educated, can only advance the general welfare of the state. However, this cannot be accomplished when state taxes cannot be raised. The benefits of a well-educated population, that is not in debt, are far greater than avoiding a few tax increases.

Visit beautiful Somalia: \\ Land of freedom and liberty tions - you’re probably me, and that’s a good thing to be. If not, don’t be down on yourself. You probably just don’t realize the paradise of liberty you could find in Somalia. Here’s a fact: Somalia and the U.S. are virtually the same. Just look at those similarities I mentioned earlier. At this point, it might be hard to see why you would go. But that’s where the differences come in, my friends. First of all, the U.S. is a borderlinefascist police state. Tim Clemente, a former FBI agent, recently stated that the FBI can access all digital communications that take place in the United States. Phone calls, email, texts, you name it. Furthermore, there are plans in place to broaden wiretap laws for online communications. In America, the government can find out intimate details of every citizen’s personal lives. In Somalia, there is no government. And a country with no government is a country with freedom. Speaking of freedom, some of the

Pacemaker Finalist-2012; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2012; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2011; Pacemaker Winner-2010; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2010; Pacemaker Finalist-2009; All-American, 4 Mark of Distinction-2009; All-American Hall of Fame Induction-2008; All-American, 5 Marks of Distinction-2008; Pacemaker Finalist-2007; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2007; Pacemaker Winner-2006; All-American, 5 Marks of Distinction-2006; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2005; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2004; All-American, 5 Marks of Distinction-2003; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2002; All-American, 5 Marks of Distinction-2001; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-2000; All-American, 4 Marks of Distinction-1999.

//5//

more disgruntled citizenry have been saying for a while now that Obama is going to take their freedom to own guns. This is a tragedy. After all, they say, we can’t stop gun violence. We can’t stop criminals from getting their hands on guns. How right they are, which is why Somalia is such a paradise for freedom. See, we also can’t stop criminals from committing theft, murder, or rape. We can make it illegal, but they’ll do it anyway. That’s why we call them criminals, and criminals will always exist. But America, the failed state, says that we should still make it illegal and still try to stop it, even if we can’t succeed 100 percent of the time. Somalia, that veritable Garden of Eden, doesn’t try to stop anything. There is no gun control, because you can’t stop gun violence. There are no anti-murder laws, because you can’t stop murder. At least the government can’t. Probably because they’d be murdered if they tried. But that is the price of freedom. The

Sean Bray is a senior and Ad Manager for the RM Highlighter. Gold Medalist-2012; Gold Medalist-2011; Gold Medalist-2010; Silver Crown-2009; Gold Medalist-2009; Silver Medalist-2008; Gold Medalist- 2007; Gold Medalist-2006; Gold Medalist-2005; Silver Crown-2005; Gold Medalist-2004; Silver Crown-2004; Gold Medalist-2003; Silver Crown-2003; Gold Medalist-2002; Gold Medalist-2001; Gold Medalist-2000; Gold Medalist-1999.

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

best way to stop a shootout is with a gun, and the best way to stop violent crime is to stop making it a crime. The point is, I’m moving to Somalia. Sure, the Department of State warns against any and all travel in Somalia by U.S. citizens, but that’s only because they know it’s better than America, and no one would choose America over Somalia having experienced both. Besides, I’ve found a loophole - I’ll just renounce my citizenship. They don’t warn against citizenship-less travel, after all. So this is goodbye, Rocky Mountain. 50 Shades is moving on to greener pastures, to a place forgotten by its government. A place where violence runs rampant, where theft and assault form a livelihood for many of its residents: Somalia. P.S. I’m actually going to school in New Orleans, but the violence, theft, and assault point still stands.

Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Critique

Artist// Adviser//

Amanda Kriss Stephen Wahlfeldt

RM Highlighter editorial policy The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is a student news publication which strives to report school and community events with truth, accuracy, objectivity, and clarity. The RM Highlighter will also comment on issues of interest to its readers. The purposes of this publication are to report the news to the Rocky Mountain High School community, to provide the school community with a public forum for thoughtful discussion and debate, and to provide students on the newspaper staff with practical journalism experience. In order to make the RM Highlighter as professional a publication as possible, important legal and ethical guidelines will be followed. Senate Bill 90-99, enacted by the Colorado General Assembly during the 1990 legislative session, declares that “students of the public schools shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and the press.” (Colo. Rev. Stat. Sec. 22-1-120) We, the staff of the RM Highlighter, are prohibited by law from publishing certain materials. We will respect these laws. No material which is libelous, encourages illegal acts, or causes material and substantial disruption to school activities will be published. Expressions which are obscene will not be printed. Profanity will not be printed unless it is considered absolutely necessary by the RM Highlighter editorial board to express the views of the writer or quoted person. Expression which is false “as to any person who is not a public figure or involved in a matter of public concern” will not be printed. “Expressions which are in violation of lawful school regulations designed to control gangs” will not be printed. In the event of a potential controversial item, the editorial board —consisting of all the editors, the advertising manager, and the adviser —will meet to discuss the merits of the item and then decide whether or not to print the item. Coverage of deaths which occur within the Rocky community will be carefully considered by the editorial board. Natural or accidental deaths will be reported for clarifications of death and will contain a memorial. Except in extreme circumstances, suicides will not be covered to reduce glorification of such acts. In general, the RM Highlighter observes the guidelines presented in the “Code of Ethics” of the Society of Professional Journalists. The RM Highlighter will not allow source review prior to publication, unless there is a clarification issue. Source anonymity will be granted only after careful consideration by the editor, with the editor reserving the right to make the final decision. Staff editorials shall be presented logically and will represent the views of the majority of the staff. Editorial criticism, of either individuals or groups, will be based on fact and will be constructive. Guest editorial space, the “Open Forum,” is available to anyone in the Rocky community, including students, parents, faculty, and administrators. Anyone interested in writing in the “Open Forum” should contact the editor-in-chief or the adviser, Stephen Wahlfeldt. Letters to the editor are welcome. They should be signed, and a home phone number should be included. The writer’s name may be withheld upon request, provided the editor agrees that the reasons for withholding a name are valid and compelling. Try to limit letters to 300 words and place them in one of the “Letters to the Editor” boxes, located in the Media Center and the Main Office, or give them to a RM Highlighter staff member, RM Highlighter adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt, or drop them by the RM Highlighter room, Room 528, during 4th period. Letters may also be mailed to the Rocky Mountain Highlighter, Rocky Mountain High School, 1300 W. Swallow Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80526. To talk with anyone on the RM Highlighter staff, phone (970) 488-7090. Columnists express their own views and not necessarily those of the RM Highlighter staff. No expression made by students of the Rocky Mountain Highlighter shall be considered an expression of school board or Rocky Mountain High School policy. Furthermore, Poudre School District and its employees are immune from any civil or criminal action based on any expression made or published by the students. All advertisement is welcome. To place an ad, contact RM Highlighter advertising managers at (970) 488-7091. The RM Highlighter, however, reserves the right to refuse advertising which the staff considers inappropriate for our audience. The RM Highlighter is a member of the ASNE/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service, and some material is courtesy of that service. The Rocky Mountain Highlighter reserves the right to edit anything it publishes.

\\ rmlimelight highlighter

May 17, 2013

//6//

Summer Calendar Concerts

Movie releases ► Mike Wazowski from Monsters University

MCT

CD releases June 10: Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon - KT Tunstall June 11: 24/Seven - Big Time Rush June 11: The Wack Album - The Lonely Island June 12: Kveikur - Sigur Rós June 25: Rise - Skillet July 16: The Blessed Unrest - Sara Bareilles July 16: X - Chris Brown

May 24: Fast & Furious 6 May 23: The Hangover Part III May 24: Epic June 7: The Internship June 7: The Purge June 14: Man of Steel June 21: World War Z June 21: Monsters University June 28: The Heat June 28: White House Down ► Sara Bareilles July 3: The Lone Ranger releases July 3: Despicable Me 2 CD, The Blessed July 5: The Way, Way Unrest Back July 12: Pacific Rim July 12: Grown Ups 2 July 31: The Smurfs 2 Aug 7: Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters Aug 9: We’re the Millers Aug 16: Kick-Ass 2

Graylock/ Abaca Press/MCT

May 20: Of Monsters and Men - Red Rocks Amphitheater May 28: Arctic Monkeys - Ogden Theater May 30: The Postal Service - Red Rocks Amphitheater June 1: Fleetwood Mac Pepsi Center June 2: Taylor Swift and Ed Jeff Blake/The State/MCT Sheeran - Pepsi Center ► Taylor Swift coming June 14: Trevor Hall - Boulder to the Pepsi Center in Denver Theater June 21: The Ultimate Thriller Michael Jackson Tribute Concert - Red Rocks Amphitheater June 30: Justin Bieber - Pepsi Center July 3: Michael Franti & Spearhead - Red Rocks Amphitheater July 16-17: John Mayer and Phillip Phillips - Red Rocks Amphitheater July 24: One Direction - Pepsi Center Aug. 5-6: Bruno Mars and Ellie Goulding - Red Rocks Amphitheater

Book to Film Classic tales recently transformed into movies connect to classroom by Lauren Binder//Sports editor

The novels that we read in class (or rather, that most of us read) are timeless stories that continue to show us the power of writing. Along with that comes the power of visual story telling and re-making of these classic novels in the movies that we watch. Probably one of the most anticipated movies of the year is based on the epic novel Tom Smailes, The Great Gatsby. This English teacher movie was first created in 1971 and then again in 2000. The question arises as to why society continues to keep making movies on these novels and translate them into modern times. “You know that the real story is this, people are captivated by what they are going to do with this, the cast alone is creating a buzz,” english teacher Tom Smailes said. “You know, is DiCaprio really going to fit in this role? People want to know, but if they really want to know they are going to have to know Gatsby well to criticize it.” With such detailed character development in the book itself there are many complicating, yet confusing attributes to all of these characters. Readers, in a way, create their own version of Gatsby in their imagination.

“

“There is something in those texts that gets us at a very basic level. So with something like Of Mice and Men, it is the basic human struggle and the basic want for the American Dream,” english teacher Larissa Schendel said. “I mean, with The Great Gatsby I think that it’s all these different things, like there is jealousy, there is the love affair, there is the struggle for the American Dream, the struggle to rise above. I think that all of the different things that have made the novel successful to begin with that continues to attract those newer audiences.” As a mostly visual and technological generation, we often find the most enjoyment in visuals that are pleasing to the eye instead of opening a book without pictures. Is the written word becoming less and less practiced, and has society become dependent on the movies instead of the books to teach them these stories? “Do I think that film as text has been growing for a long time and do I think that fewer and fewer of people read? Yes... studies will all show you that,” Smailes said. “It became contradictory because film can help readers. For example, people that watched The Help were captivated by the story, and knew that the book was going to give more detail if they went to

issue is that with the creative license aspect of it, it doesn’t do what the written text is intended to do.

Courtesy of Warren Bros. Pictures/MCT

Just another party: Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) attends her first elaborate party at Gatsby’s house. Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) stands in the back left gazing at his first love, Daisy.

the book.” Reading seems to be more and more underappreciated as film slowly steps into the limelight. But which medium is giving us more information? Are we more likely to learn more from seeing it on a screen or reading it on paper. “I don’t know if it is going to limit or reduce the amount of reading. Sometimes it can stimulate it,” Smailes said. “My issue is that with the creative license aspect of it, it doesn’t do what the written text is intended to do. We need to look at both as two separate texts” Schedel points out that the cinematography appeals to audiences today. Director Baz Luhrmann is known for cinematography that is very choppy and all over the place. “It needs to be very quick with the transitions and it keeps the attention of this younger generation who has to have very short bursts of information otherwise you just lose their attention,” Larissa Schendel said. Movies can be a great tool in the classroom and make room for a greater understanding of themes and morals that you would have a harder time finding in the novel versions. “I will always teach the novel and then I will teach the film. Like showing parts

of the film in order to help shape specific ideas,” Schendel said. “For example, To Kill a Mockingbird, you know, is an old movie, but it is a beautiful movie. I don’t ever show the whole thing but I think that it is really important to be able to visualize some of things that are in the book in order to understand them.” As teachers, they are trying to promote more reading tha having students rely on film. “I don’t think there is anything wrong with looking at both if you are mature enough to look at both and treat both as a separate text then it has value but it depends on the clientele,” Smailes said. With a fine line between books and film, both are huge literary tools that expand imagination and learning. With both, you will be able to gain something out of them, but the question is, which is better? “Good writers create a very good imagery, and every reader is going to have a different image of a character or a setting,” Smailes said. “So if they start falling into what the film version is they lose that creative imagery that we have.” “I think that it doesn’t matter how well the movie is made, you will lose something by not reading the book,” Schendel said.

highlighter\\sports

May 17, 2013

//7

Solid season

Girls’ soccer ends season in second round of playoffs Happy highlight: The girls’ soccer team celebrates a win against Grandview in the first round of playoffs as a Grandview player reflects on the loss. The team advanced to the second round of playoffs but was shutout of the quarterfinals by Legacy High School.

by Aaron Yu//reporter

“I don’t wanna jinx it.” Girls’ soccer coach Ron Clark has a jokingly superstitious view on the girls’ varsity soccer team’s most recent achievement—going nine games in a row without a single loss. “It’s awesome,” Clark said. The Rocky girls have been on fire this season with an impressive 10 games won out of 14 total. Though they’ve faced large challenges, the girls have persevered and blasted the competition out of the water for a chance at the gold. “It’s a very steep mountain,” Clark said. “It always is, but I think we have a great chance.” It stands as a testament to the team’s talent due to the fact that even though the weather has maimed their practice schedule, they have kept an incredible record. “The training’s been crap this year,” Clark said. “That’s another thing that’s amazing about this team. We’re doing so well with such a bad training schedule.” With several snow days and outdoor practices ruined by mother nature, one might not expect such a spectacular performance but as Clark said, the girls “made it work.” Like all great teams, the girls’ soccer team has a dynamic that keeps them ahead of the game; excellent teamwork. “We all add something special to the team and to our play on the field,” junior and

Arms//

from page 8 and day out on our swings.” The Lobos have a stacked batting lineup, and supporting whoever is on the mound is not of concern. This season the Lobos are collectively batting .383 with an on-base percentage of .456. Throughout the 18 games, 172 runs were scored and 63 hits went for extra bases. “Along with the pitchers, they know that our hitters behind them will provide a lot of runs for them too—so it works both ways,” O’Donnell said. Also a benefit of a large selection of viable starters is the ability to keep kids healthy. Throughout the regular season the Lobos avoided any and all injuries. When Colorado gets a wet spring, it is especially difficult to prevent players, namely pitchers, from getting hurt when cancelled games get rescheduled in the same week, compounding with previously scheduled games. “When you have five games in a row like we’ve had a couple of times, you can’t bring out a guy twice in the five days, especially

Lucas Boland

Girls’ Soccer wrap up//

Record: 11-4-1 made it to the second round of playoffs Stars: Kait Eden, Izzy Engeman, Natalie Graves, Mackenzie Garske, Kara Boldt Working on: Advancing to state next year, not letting things get to their heads

starting outside defender Natalie Graves said. “All 15 of us are close friends.” Along with Graves, Clark also believes that teamwork is

Baseball//

Record: 16-2, 14-0 in Colorado, number one seed in the State. Will be playing in the State double elimination today. Stars:Trevor Thomas, Tyler Stevens, Carl Stadjuhar, Marcus Bean.... lets get real... everyone. Star moments: Outscored apponents 30-1 in playoff tournament last Saturday

starting,” O’Donnell said. “Having five different guys that can go out and start games is really great.” The guys are able to get the rest that’s necessary in between starts to prevent throwing out any arms. Typically, having a pitcher go every fifth day is ideal. “We haven’t had to bring one kid back early because of the depth—it’s given us a chance,” Bullock said. Heading into the playoffs, the full arsenal of arms will be needed to compete with many strong teams throughout the state. “There are a handful of teams that are capable of winning the whole thing,” Bullock said. “They’re in the playoffs for a reason.” The Lobos feel confident,

the girls’ greatest trait. “My girls are not average girls,” Clark said. “I have some very, very talented girls on the team, but their teamwork is what makes them special.” Along with their current status as a force to be reckoned with, the Rocky girls boast a past record as well such as beating cross town rival Fossil Ridge two years in a row and almost always advancing to playoffs. “This is my 7th year as head coach,” Clark said. “There’s

Girls’ Tennis wrap up//

Rocords: 2-3 with one first place finish Stars: Brianna Garza, Kyra Carney, Michelle Dwarkin, Natalie House Star moments: Garza made it to the final round at Regionals

Hockey wrap up//

Records: 11-3 Stars: Evan Campbell, Nick Davidson, Mike Gronstal, Tanner Ulland, Grant Rotman Star moments: 2-1 in playoffs

been highs and lows, obviously, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.” The game changes with each passing year as new players join and older players go. No two seasons are quite the same when it comes to Rocky and this season is no exception. The girls justified their spot in the top 16 through winning games left and right and leaving a storm of victory and crushed opponents behind them. On one particular excellent game on April 25, the Rocky girls beat the Monarch team with an

8-0 score. In the state playoffs, the team started well with a 2-1 victory over Grandview in a first-round game on May 8. However, the Lobos ran into a tough Legacy team in the second round, dropping that May 11 contest, 2-1, to close out the year. Despite the state loss, Clark is happy with the season. “What they’ve done is awesome,” Clark said. “Even if they don’t win another game, I’ll still be proud of them.”

Girls’ Track Wrap up//

Records: One first place, 4 second places, and 4 third place finishes Stars: Alivia Aryes-Perry, Carly Lester,Bri Lacey, Star moments: 3rd at conference, Carly Lester smashes school record as well as taking home 3 titles at conference. Alvia also holds the school record for the 100 dash

Boys’ track wrap up//

Records: 3rd place finishes Stars: Jordan Williams, David Messerli Matt Abot Star moments: Williams placed third at conf. in the high jump. David Messerli won the 800 dash.

Boys’ Swimming Wrap up // Records: 2 third place wins Stars: Jack McCoy, Josh Collier, Colton Prosser Goals: never give up, be able to send people to state next year

however, and are well prepared for their first state playoff game against 13-8 Chatfield High School today at 10 a.m.

Cam Chorpenning

Hitting hard: Junior Natalie House (top) and senior Brianna Garza (left)play against Poudre. Brainna Garza, advanced the farthest in the season and lost at Regionals.

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►Cory

Armed

Richer

and

►Tyler

//8//

May 17, 2013

►Grant

►Carl

Stevens

Gamble

Stajduhar

dangerous

“

Lauren Binder

Baseball targets double elimination state tournament by Lucas Boland//reporter

Despite the spring baseball season feeling more like a winter sport, the Rocky team has been hard at work. The Lobos are 16-2 in the regular season, with the only two losses coming at the Big League Dugout Tournament in Arizona back in March. Since returning to Colorado, the team is undefeated on a 14-0 run heading into today’s eight-team, double-elimination state tournament. The success is due, in no small part, to

//sports special//

IrresistiBoland Lucas Boland

Scott Bullock, head baseball coach

We can go seven, maybe even deeper than that,

and feel good about the fact that our guys can go and give us a chance to win -- against anybody.”

the incredibly talented and deep pitching staff. With a wealth of strong arms among their pitchers uncommon for high school baseball teams, the Lobos have a handy advantage over their opponents. “It’s rare in high school baseball that any team can run seven guys out there and feel really confident,” Scott Bullock, head coach, said. “We can go seven, maybe even deeper than that, and feel good about the fact that

our guys can go and give us a chance to win—against anybody.” The Lobos have a rotation consisting of seven primary pitchers, including four regular starters: Cale O’Donnell, Grant Gamble, Carl Stajduhar and Tyler Stevens. Trevor Thomas, Marc Bachman and Cory Richer are also regular pitchers. Having a great depth provides many benefits, one of which is faith in the team.

“We can run anybody out there and we know that they’re going to give us a great start,” Stajduhar said. The team finished their 18 game season with an average ERA of 3.38 overall and a 1.69 ERA in league play. Lobo pitchers are also boasting having kept the opponent batting average to .260 and on base percentage at .342, both impressively low. The confidence in the capability of the pitcher on the mound results in alleviated pressure off the offense and the supporting defense. “All we’ve got to do is go out, score runs and find a way to win,” Bullock said. “We don’t have to have big innings,

we just have to have produc-

tive innings.” Likewise, the pitching staff is well aware of the merit of the Lobos at the plate and in the field, resulting in a return of confidence for them. Defensively, the team has made only 16 errors all season long, none of which were against league opponents. “When you have our staff that throws lots of strikes and pounds the zone, our defense is always ready to make plays,” Stajduhar said. “We do also keep a good approach day in

//Jump to Arms,

on page 7

Athlete Collins is first openly gay athlete; sets great example

Being the first to do anything is never easy. The first to graduate and go to college, the first to give that presentation in front of the whole class, being the first batter of the game...right up there with being the first person in all of major American professional sports to be openly gay. Among the thousands of people who play professional sports in the U.S., only one of them is admittedly gay. Earlier this month, Jason Collins became that one person when he appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated May issue and told his story inside. In the personal biography he talks of how he’s lived a double life for 34

years, being gay but not being able or feeling comfortable about it. With the NBA lockout last season he had a lot of thinking time, and during it he decided he was done hiding. I applaud Collins for having the confidence to officially be openly gay. Breaking the story on the cover of Sports Illustrated, although a bit flashy, makes it all the more public and more difficult to do. Everything had to be done for the first time by somebody, some things are harder to do than others. For him to have the backbone to do it and withstand the media firestorm that follows breaking stories such as this one is impressive.

Additionally, the response from the NBA players, fans, and officials is encouraging to see. Rather than personal attacks the community proved themselves to be very open-minded and accepting. Many of Collins’ fellow players and teammates expressed their utmost support for him now and throughout the whole, trying process. With the manner and class that Collins went about the entire issue, he couldn’t have done it better. Lucas Boland is a junior and a reporter for the RM Highlighter.