Rocky Mountain Highlighter: 2009 May by Rocky Mountain Highlighter

rocky mountain Volume 36 No. 9 May 15, 2009

inside

Saying goodbye to familiar faces, A4

Everything as far as you can see...

ighlighter John Denver • Rocky Mountain High

Now online at RMHighlighter.org

Rocky Mountain High School 1300 W. Swallow Rd. Fort Collins, CO, 80526

Tending to attendance

Issues force administrators to evaluate policy

The class of ‘09’s ﬁnal hurrah, Senior Sign-off Special

events

Bike-in movie: Iron Man,, tonight, sundown

Last dance on the rocks, tonight, 8 p.m.

Scholarship Breakfast, May 18, 7:30 a.m. Last day of school for seniors/ checkout, May 20

Convocation practice, May 21, 7:15 a.m. Convocation, May 21, 8:15 a.m Commencment practice at Moby, May 22, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m

by Austin Adams RMHighlighter reporter

With all the changes that are going on at school, the administrators do not need any more issues to worry about. However, the administrators have a looming problem that has been presenting itself over the past couple of years. Rocky’s Average Daily Attendance (ADA) this year is the worst it has been in years at a weak 92 percent. This may be an “A’ in a class but this number is pretty bad considering the state, district and school goal is 95 percent. There are several things that administrators and staff know contribute to the bad attendance rate. The first may be that it is nearing the end of the school year. Students are not fighting the urge to stay in their class rooms anymore. According to Assistant Principal Brett Larsen, first semester

attendance is always better than the second semester, percentage wise. Another reason may be that the seniors have come down with the classic disease known as “senioritis.” This became evident on “senior ditch day,” which happened to land on April 20, and the attendance on that day was one of the worst all year. The most startling problem that has been coming about, however, is that some parents of the students who ditch are calling into the office and lying about the reason that the student was absent, making the absence excused. “We do have parents that are willing to call in and lie,” Larsen said. “You’re the one who is ruining your student’s chances by calling in and lying because you are being a bad parent.” Not all of the attendance problems are to blame on strictly kids ditching. Most

of the absences have to do with medical circumstances and students leaving early before spring or winter break. But that does not erase the attendance rate problems that Rocky is having. The attendance policy that Rocky has now is that after three absences, teachers have the option to give the student an attendance contract and a phone call home. After five absences, the teacher is allowed to recommend administrator action, including dropping that student from class. Since this policy seems to not be working, teachers and staff have been discussing the next move. “We are trying to eliminate those problems. This past staff meeting we had teachers toss around their ideas,” Assistant Principal Marian Kolstoe said. “We have a good attendance policy. We just need to enforce what we have now better.”

STRAGGLERS: Students wander the halls after the ﬁrst hour bell rings while ditching class. This year more attendance contracts have been handed out than ever before.

Sam Hyland

Graduation at Moby, May 23, 5:30 p.m. No school, May 25 Last day of school, May 29

quote of the issue

“I was born on this Earth to be a mother, a grandmother and to be with school kids. They keep me young; they’ll be my biggest miss.” -Susie Miller, head of FoodFest, A4

Brian Baer/Sacramento Bee/MCT

A 100 DAYS PAST: President Obama waves his hand while out on the campaign trail before the election. The president passed the 100 day mark recently and is now being reviewed on his work in that time.

Obama passes 100 day mark; students, staff weigh-in on job by Jessica Powers RMHighlighter reporter

On April 29, the traditional 100 days mark came and went for President Barack Obama and now some citizens are ready to assess the progress achieved. Some students agreed that 100 days is a fair amount of time to judge the president’s actions in office thus far, while some teachers countered that enough time has not passed to be able to give Obama a truly fair grade. “It’s fair because it is a comparison between the first 100 days of every other president,” senior Evan Williams said. “It is a sign of how the next four years will go.” “I will hold my judgment for now,” social studies teacher Charles Ross said. “Give him some months before we’ll see his effect on the economy and foreign policy.” Social studies teacher

Robert Parry has seen Obama grow. “He’s maturing,” Parry said. “He’s weighing his decisions more carefully then when he was a candidate.” Although he may be maturing in office, some students are not willing to shrug off of his learning curve. “His worst failure so far, was signing those bailouts without fully understanding the ramifications of them,” junior Lexi Cole said. “But I still believe in supporting a man because he’s our president. Something that our former president never received from our citizens.” “The U.S. has an image it must uphold,” Williams said. “It is of vital importance that we are a just society. The shutting down of Guantanamo Bay is (Obama’s) biggest success. I still have faith in him. I voted for him for a reason.”

Two students find dead body by Ethan Farnsworth and Austin Adams RMHighlighter reporters

Dealing with a death is often tramatic; dealing with an unexpected death can even be more so. And then there’s stumbling upon a ►Benedict death. Senior Jeff Benedict and junior Nick Binder were hiking together at Horsetooth ►Binder Reser voir when they discovered a

dead body. This was on April 21, a day neither of the two will forget. “It was disgusting,” Benedict said. “His face was all black and both of his legs were twisted all around.” The man that they found was later identified as 25-year-old Michael Robinson. He had been climbing in the area when he stumbled and fell off the face of a rock to the ground below. In his landing, he broke several bones, including both of his legs as well as his neck. Authorities speculate that although still alive,

“

It was really strange, because for Jeff like a week Benedict, I was losing senior sleep and was just like, ‘Dude, we just saw a dead body.’

”

Robinson was paralyzed and couldn’t move until he eventually died from malnutrition. Police are still unsure of the exact time of death, but they believe it was about three weeks after his death when Binder and Benedict found him. “We were hiking when we looked over the edge and saw him,” Binder said.

“We didn’t look for long because I think our first reaction was that we had to find someone to tell.” They looked around and spotted a police officer who was in the process of pulling someone over just down the road. They went to the officer and told him about their discovery. Although the police no longer needed Binder or Benedict after the report was made, both of them decided to stick around until late that night in order to find out what had happened. It was a traumatic experience that neither will forget. “We went back the next day to just look around and

there was blood all over the rocks and stuff,” Benedict said. “It was really strange because for like a week I was losing sleep and was just like, ‘Dude, we just saw a dead body.’” Robinson was reported to be homeless. Robinson’s father last saw him at the Fort Collins Library on March 23. The police still do not know Robinson’s motive for climbing on the rocks. “It is something that I will never forget,” Binder said. “He didn’t even look real. He looked like a mannequin or something. I think that’s one of the worst ways to go.”

news

A dying breed

rocky mountain highlighter May.15.2009

Poor economy, online news causes newspaper downfall by Courtney Bellio RMHighlighter Features editor

Across the country, newspapers are facing changes, and for many, that means shutting down altogether. Denver’s own Rocky Mountain News published its final edition Feb. 27, 2009, after nearly 150 years of circulation. This fate has been met by many other newspapers including the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Detroit Free Press, which switched from a daily publication to a weekly. This left many wondering where the future of newspapers is headed. “It’s obvious that many of them (newspapers) already have died,” Denver Post columnist Fred Brown said. “And we haven’t seen the end of it. Due to economic problems and the advancement of technology, those newspapers that haven’t closed are still making cuts, some of which are very drastic. “(The closing of newspapers)

is approaching disastrous proportions,” Brown said. “It’s not just the outright closings, but the pairing down of reporting staffs to the point that in-depth journalism is a severely diminished commodity. Papers are closing their foreign bureaus, and their Washington bureaus, and they’re devoting less effort to investigative reporting.” The new age of journalism is beginning to transition into a more technological approach, using the Internet as a means of providing the public with news and information. And with any changes, there are advantages and disadvantages. “People can access it from all around the world—that’s a big advantage,” journalism teacher Stephen Wahlfeldt said. “You can get information out there faster, too. But I still don’t think (online) is as attractive or as a well designed as a newspaper page.” On the other hand, Brown feels that these changes in newspa-

Michael Hoppal

pers and the media are affecting the quality of journalism. “Unless readers, viewers and the consumers of news reward responsible and principled reporting, I worry that the whole hyper-speed information network may soon have no real journalism to offer,” Brown said. “We’re liable to end up with a lot of illinformed people endlessly wrangling over celebrity gossip, police blotters and other trivia.”

Rocky road worth the mountain view Most people who read these senior columns will expect them to be a remembrance of how people left an impact on Rocky. Those people would be incorrect when reading this column. This column is all about how Rocky and the people in it left their marks on me. Rocky. That is exactly what high school life is like. There are times when it is like you are at the top of the world. Life couldn’t get any better. You are standing at the top of that mountain that you climbed for days and everything is going your way. Those times are associated with the memories like the dancing on the rocks or cheering in the stands at a football game. There are those other times though after you are at the top and you stumble down the rocks and you slide a ways down. The times where you didn’t do as well on a test as you had hoped or the

The Highs and Lows Sam Hyland times where you are fighting with a friend or lose them all together. But through all these rocky times, you don’t realize that these things that take place in the halls or the stands or the commons or the classroom or wherever they are happening are giving you a rock solid foundation to be who you are. The experiences you share with others now are the ones that will mold you for life. They will help you determine who you are and the kind of person that you strive to be.

For three years now I have walked these halls and been involved in a lot of different things but to me you shouldn’t look at the things that you have done for the clubs, groups or the teams you have been a part of and the legacy you have left. It is more important to look at what they have done for you. Have they made you feel like you belong? Have they made you smarter or more outgoing? Have they helped you pick a career? Have they given you great memories? These things are all part of the way that Rocky defines us. The lessons learned here and the friendships made or lost play a key role in determining what kind of people we will be. So although along the way we may stumble on the rocky path always remember that you can climb your way to the top of that mountain. Set your sights high because there is nothing sweeter in life than looking out at the rest of the world from at the top of that mountain. And if at first you don’t succeed at climbing the mountain, try, try again. Sam Hyland is a senior and CoEditor-in-Chief for the Highlighter

While journalism may be transitioning into an online era and print newspapers may be closing, Brown feels that print journalist will never completely die. “It may die as a mass-circulation thing, but there will always be a small group of people who will be willing to pay—possibly a lot—for thoroughly researched, well-written, reliable reporting,” Brown said. Wherever the future of journal-

StuCo elections select officers early With half of the Rocky population new next year, StuCo officers have been elected early this year. “We wanted the leadership already in place, so they could help get the classes ready for the school year,” StuCo sponsor Jennifer Adams said. “Also, we do a lot of bonding over the summer and a lot of prep work, so it’s important to have them get to know each other earlier, especially if they are working together all year long.” The Student Body President is Tyler Janzen with Vice President Andrew Fenn. Treasurer is Matt Anderson and Secretary is Zonya Dawson. The Senior Class President is Carson Wray with Vice President Sudi Reddy. Treasurer is Rachel Wagner and Secretary is Tara Bagley. The Junior Class President is Casey Darling with Vice

briefs

BECOMING INFORMED: Junior Keya Kalantary (left), senior Amy Raasch, sophomores Trevor Merrill and Elaina Trousil read the newspaper in Stephen Wahlfeldt’s Journalism I class. These students read the newspaper daily but still newspapers seem to be a dying breed.

ism may be headed, the consensus is that the changes are inevitable, and journalists will have to adapt. “I don’t believe (newspapers) are going to die, but (journalists) have to be more adaptable,” said former Rocky Mountain News reporter Sarah Burnett. “They have to have technical skills, be able to build websites, use video and audio and edit in addition to reporting and writing.” President Jake Mogorit. Treasurer is Katie Kovach and Secretary is Kiersten Eden. The Sophomore Student Council Officers for next year are Jessica Davidson, Kali Glenn, Jesse Janzen, Rylee Johnston, Rachel Kelley and Kelli Lynch. The Freshmen Student Council Officers are Austin Druse, Erika Kehrwald, Sarah Kelley, Kayla Melber, Emma Riffle and Shane Wagner. -Colton Klemperer

Bike-in movie and last dance date set On May 15, StuCo will be holding their last events of the year. There will be a bike-in movie that starts at sundown and the last dance on the rocks at 8 pm. Out of The Gooneys, Billy Madison, Iron Man, and The Sandlot, Iron Man was chosen. The cost is $2 per person and students can choose to attend the bike-in movie or the dance. Students are welcome to bring blankets and snacks. -Shelby Brown

rocky mountain highlighter May. 15. 2009

Staff editorial

iewpoint

Pending cell phone law unfairly discriminates against minors

It’s no misconception that using a cell phone while driving can lower a driver’s At Issue: concentraRestrictions tion on on teen cell the road. That’s phone use any driver. while driving. But Colorado now seems set on pointing the finger at new teenage drivers and labeling them as the primary culprits of cell phone vehicle disOur view: traction. Law needs Recently, to include all a bill passed drivers regard- out of the less of age. state legislature and on to the governor for a signature that says all drivers under that age of 18 cannot use their cell phones in anyway while driving. The same bill says that drivers over the age of 18 are allowed to use their cell phones while driving for everything except textmessaging. While this is a marked improvement and will most likely decrease the amount of cell phone related accidents, it seems

unfair to target minor drivers as the only ones causing accidents. Adults who use cell phones while driving are distracted, too. If the state is going to take away teens communication while driving, it should do the same for adults. It is not only unfair, but it does not make sense for there to be this restriction only on driv-

Letters to the editor

Being part of Rocky means respecting diversity Dear Editor, As an average student at Rocky, I have noticed a transition from junior high to high school where stereotypes and rumors tend to lessen or even disappear. Yet walking through the halls and even in some classes, I still hear racial slurs. I seem to hear hurtful racial comments often, mainly towards blacks. When I moved from Webber to Rocky, I had very high hopes in the school, especially with the way people are treated, but it’s still a problem here. Quite often I hear someone talking about how they hate people, and it simply disgusts me. Rocky supports diversity and love and it’s time for some students to change their childish ways and accept everyone for who they are because right now all the cursing, hate, and racial comments are staining Rocky’s reputation. If our student body can be more connected in a positive way, then the flood of new freshman and sophomores will be a lot easier to deal with, especially with helping them learn and respect the Rocky spirit and way. Graham Magnuson, junior

hi hli hter Rocky mountain

ers under the age of 18. State legislators--all of whom are not teenagers--are saying that teens are not mature enough to handle the responsibility of multitasking, which is quite false. Unlike adults, teens today have grown up with cell phones as a routine part of their everyday lives. Teens have developed the diverse

skills required to use cell phones effectively while driving--more so than adults, many of whom have only been handling cell phones for a small fraction of their lives. A better law would be one which awknowledges that cell phone use while driving is a distraction to all, regardless of age or driving experience. A law that limits any in-car cell phone use to a hands-free devise also saves law enforcement officials from making a guess at a driver’s age--17 or 18?--who has a cell phone pressed up against his/her ear. That judgement call will be only one of the challenges police will face if the current bill is signed into law. Bottom line: If Colorado is going to pass a cell phone restriction law, it should not discriminate against teenagers because adults are capable of the same mistakes which lead to driving distraction.

Press pause, live in the now Rewind. Fast-forward. Stop. “Remember this, remember that. I’m excited for this, I’m excited for that,” seem to be some of the most frequently used phrases in the conversations of high school seniors. Be here. While memories are valuable and futures are exciting, rewinding and fast-forwarding can eliminate the importance of now. At a cornerstone of our lives it is easy to look back and reminisce or look forward and hope, but in reality the only place we should be examining is the ground on which our feet stand in this present moment. Now, more than ever, we should be living in the now, embracing life for what it is, not what is has been or will be. These are some sweet times- value them. If we spend out lives, or more specifically, our last few moments of high school, living for what’s next, we are missing the beauty of now. Some people have simply “peaced out” of these last few months, claiming that they are over high school and just want to move on, that’s unfortunate for them. These last few months of

I’ll Hunt You Down

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 News Editor Sam Hyland Viewpoint Editor Katelyn Hunter Sports Editor Loren Collins Features Editor Courtney Bellio Center Section Editor Jill Petrie Limelight Editor Chris Peters Advertising Manager Alexa Zafarana

Reporters Austin Adams Kenna Alaxander Shelby Brown Ethan Farnsworth Michael Hoppal Colton Klemperer Allison LeCain Greg Lewis Paul Lukens Alex Marwitz Torrie Moss Trevor Mueller Jessica Powers Adam Walker Aliese Willard Artist Seth Roberts Adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt

RM Highlighter editorial policy

The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is a student news publication which strives to report school and community events with truth, accuracy, objectivity, and clarity. The 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.

Katelyn Hunter have been accompanied by some of the most memborable experiences from my entire high school career. What if we spent our entire lives desiring to press fast-forward or hoping to live the life that rewind would reveal? Our lives would be wasted. There is a difference between progression and patience. Yes, progression is inevitable and more importantly, necessary, but a vital component to this progression is patience. Be patient. Our lives will be transformed as we transcend from one phase of our lives to the next. We have to remember that and we must be confident in the process, that way we don’t miss out on opportunities and the power of now. Katelyn Hunter is a senior and is the viewpoint editor for the Highlighter.

CHSPA Newspaper Sweepstakes 1st-2008; 1st-2007; 2nd-2006; 1st place-2005; 2nd-2004; 2nd-2003; 1st-2002; 1st-2001; 2nd1996; 1st-1992; 2nd-1991; 2nd-1990; 1st-1987. National Scholastic Press Association National Critique 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. 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.

eatures

rocky mountain highlighter May.15.2008

Faculty, staff members say goodbye

College and career counselor will be dearly missed by all by Katelyn Hunter

RMHighlighter Viewpoint editor

Twenty years, thousands of students helped. Char Mulnix has helped students through her work as the college and career counselor, making the transition from high school easier for students since she began in 1989. But now, Mulnix is saying her goodbyes. “I have always loved the friendliness and openness of Rocky,” Mulnix said. “Everybody works as a team and we have some outstanding certified staff and great support staff.” “Char Mulnix is brilliant,” librarian and 2003 graduate Cassie Poncelow said. “She knows everything there is to know about every single school and every single scholarship. She taught me a great deal about the scholarship pro-

FoodFest leader plans to spend time with family

cess, which were skills that I used throughout college. Ultimately, she helped me get my college more or less paid for.” While many would attest to Mulnix’s greatness and overwhelming knowledge, she would humbly emphasize the challenges of her job. “I love working in this area,” Mulnix said. “The challenge of working with someone and helping them decide on their future, the challenge of that is what makes me want to come back everyday. Everyday is different and every student is unique and has unique talents which gives it a good balance.” But Rocky will be saying goodbye to a friendly face and helping hand as Mulnix moves on to the next phase of her life. “The closer I get to that time, the more I think about ‘what am I

Katelyn Hunter

going to do?’” Mulnix said. “Yet, I know there is a point you have to move on.” Mulnix plans on spending as much time as possible with her eight grandchildren, attending their sporting events, concerts, and other activities. She also looks

forward to the change of pace of time, not designated for anything but a book. “I will miss the people, the students, the staff, the families and the fact that every student is unique and the challenge of trying to figure out how to best help a

student reach their goals and potential.” “She (her absence) will be a tremendous loss to Rocky. There is no one who knows more than Char,” Poncelow said. “There will be a huge dent in the Lobo community with Char’s absence.”

Mauler retires after 32 years of service to district by Allison LeCain RMHighlighter reporter

Highlighter archives

by Shelby Brown

EAT UP: FoodFest leader Susie Miller serves lunch. Miller is looking forward to relaxing.

After 30 years of being the Lunch Lady, Susie Miller is retiring. Miller has five grandkids and one more on the way, all of whom she hopes to be able to spend more time with. “My husband is retired also,” Miller said. “It’s just time (for retirement).” Half of Miller’s years working in the district have been at the elementary schools. The other half have been here. Because Miller has always loved being around kids and teenagers. They are what she will miss the most about work-

ing in the school’s cafeteria. “I was born on this earth to be a mother, a grandmother and to be with the school kids,” Miller said. “They keep me young; they’ll be my biggest miss.” After retirement, Miller plans to kick back and relax by heading on a cruise to Alaska. She’s looking forward to spending time with the new addition to the family and will often be volunteering for Veterans of America. “Maybe I’ll take up a parttime job somewhere,” Miller said. “Who knows what’ll come next. Maybe I’ll be a Starbuck’s Lady.”

RMHighlighter reporter

INVESTIGATING: College and career counselor Char Mulnix works with seniors LeeAnn Albrecht and Rachel Wiggins. Mulnix has helped countless students work out the details of their futures.

Integrated services teacher Suzann Mauler is retiring after teaching in the district for 32 years. Mauler has been at Rocky since 2005 and has worked at several other schools in Poudre School District since 1978. After retiring, Mauler is planning on kicking back and relaxing. She sees herself staying in the field of education by possibly getting a part time job. “Rocky was a great place to end a career,” Mauler said. “We have a very supportive staff.” Mauler said she had the best staff to work with and they always put the students’ needs first, which she will miss. She also had the best time working with students. “They went above and beyond what was expected of

Allison LeCain

GETTING THE MESSAGE: Integrated services teacher Suzann Mauler checks her email. Mauler has worked for the district since 1978.

them,” Mauler said. “They are easy to come and work with everyday.” Integrated services teacher Scot Jones said that it was great working with Mauler because she added a different perspective and was great to her stu-

dents. “She is incredibly dedicated to students and has their best interests at heart,” Jones said. “Rocky is a tremendous school,” Mauler said. “It’s one of the best of my 32 years of teaching.”

rocky mountain highlighter May.15.2009

Simply ReBELLIOus Courtney Bellio

Leaving brings new outlook on Fort Collins Fort Collins has been my home since the day that I was born. For 17 years I have experienced nearly everything that a Fort Collins resident is expected to experience. I’ve hung out downtown on warm summer nights. I’ve hiked Horsetooth and swam in the reservoir. It seemed there was nothing left to do. In the past few years, I had begun to feel as though I was trapped in Fort Collins. It began to feel small and suffocating. The town and the people had become so familiar to me that I was constantly bored. I felt as though there was nothing left to see and do here, and that I needed to get out of this town in order to grow as a person. But now that I’m graduating and preparing to leave Fort Collins and venture into an entirely new state, I’m beginning to see the town and the people here in a whole new light. Things and places that I used to pass by without even thinking about it now make me stop and stare. I find myself wondering if I will have similar experiences in Arizona. Just recently I was driving downtown and I couldn’t help but see how beautiful and unique downtown Fort Collins is. It mixes the best parts of the past with promises of growth and the future. It’s open and always bustling and filled with all kinds of people. It is just now starting to hit me how much I am going to miss things like this. I’ve been ready to leave for so long, and at this point I still am. I’m ready to take on a new challenge and start a new life somewhere far away from where I grew up. But I can’t help but wonder if leaving will actually be everything I hope it will. I can’t help but wonder if I will end up pining for my hometown. Something in my gut just tells me that I won’t know what I had until it is gone. Even before I’ve actually left I am starting to realize how great this town really is. It truly was a great place to grow up. But I am ready to experience something new. And if by some chance the experiences I have cause me to end up back here, then so be it. But for now I am happy to appreciate this wonderful place and enjoy my last summer here before I leave. Courtney Bellio is a senior and Features editor for the Highlighter

features

Achieving success Junior Nathan Hatch demostrates success in many aspects of life by Alex Marwitz RMHighlighter reporter

Math and science are subjects that many people consider difficult or tedious, yet this material can not only be simple, but enjoyable for a select few. Junior Nathan Hatch is one of those people. Hatch is one of the few people who has taken the Calculus 3 class prior to his or her senior year and also takes advanced classes in other subjects yet still excels. “I started taking accelerated classes in elementary school,” Hatch said. “I especially like math because it’s so black and white. That way, you know you did it right.”

Alex Marwitz

IN TUNE: Junior Nathan Hatch plays the viola during Orchestra class.

Hatch excels in not only school but extra-curriculars as well. Hatch seems to accomplish all this by prioritizing.

In fact, he does it right a lot. The first words Nathan’s math teacher Todd Pfeifer had to say about Hatch were, “He’s brilliant”. “Nathan has a way to take things to the next level,” Pfeifer said. “He wants to understand how and why. “He’s one of those naturally gifted people, but he does work

Gowen plans to fix house after retiring

Sprenger’s unique style will be missed

by Colton Klemperer RMHighlighter reporter

by Adam Walker RMHighlighter reporter

Knowing when to say goodbye can sometimes be the hardest part. This year math teacher Rose Sprenger will be retiring from teaching after 20 successful years. Sprenger has taught at many different schools in her career including Lesher Junior High School, Webber Junior High School and Colorado State University, but is happy to end it here. “I am really thankful to wrap up my career at Rocky,” said Sprenger who has been teaching at Rocky for three years. “I have never seen a better math department than the one we’ve got here. I am really going to miss all of the students and staff.” When Sprenger came here in 2006, she didn’t just focus on helping kids with math. Sprenger was about the big picture and

hard.” While Hatch is great at math and science, he does well in other subjects too. “Nathan is well-rounded,” Hatch’s counselor Brad Boda said. “To be able to pull the grades he does in English and Foreign Languages takes a lot of work.” Although school is Hatch’s

top priority, he has been able to keep a balance in his life outside of school with extra-curriculars. He plays tennis in the fall, and is part of the Colorado Math Circle, a group of students from around the state that get together every couple of weeks to do math. But while Hatch enjoys and excels in rigorous academic classes, he also enjoys playing viola. With everything he has going on, Hatch has had to prioritize all the things he has decided to take on in his life. “I would say his priorities go school first, tennis second and a social life third,” Boda said. “I think a lot of kids choose not to make these priorities. He puts a lot more time in his work than most people think.” While he doesn’t deny how hard he works, he still likes to remain modest. “I’m as prone to procrastination as the next person,” Hatch said. “I just don’t waste too much time.”

Adam Walker

BACK TO BASICS: Math teacher Rose Sprenger works with sophomore Kirsten Eden on graphing. Sprenger often tells her classes about her experiences.

wanted her students to succeed in life. “I liked how she would tell us stories about her childhood and teaching,” senior Cassie Norrgard said. “It was always an inspiration for me to hear her talk about her life and I am going to miss that about her when she leaves.” Fellow Math teacher Bob Haddad is going to miss her unique ways of teaching. “She really loves to see kids do well and succeed,” Haddad said. “She had an amazing ability to connect with the students who struggled with math and school. I am going to miss her crazy ways.”

After working here for 14 years, Donna Gowen, secretary of science math, physical education and art, is retiring. Before working at Rocky, she worked at other schools in the district, including Lesher Junior High School and O’Dea and Irish elementary schools. She has chosen to retire to be closer to her children and grandchildren. “I also have plans to open up a flea market and fix our house, which was damaged in the Windsor tornado,” Gowen said. Science teacher Dave Swartz commented on how much Gowen contributed to the Rocky atmosphere. “She did a lot to help Rocky, working in four departments,” Swartz said. “She will certainly be missed. I really enjoyed working with her.” Science teacher Scott Kemp

Colton Klemperer

CLEANING UP: Secretary Donna Gowen organizes supplies in the math and science ofﬁce. Gowen has been an asset to many different departments.

agrees, and liked the way Gowen connected with so many people in the building. “She knows everybody, and she knows how the building works,” Kemp said. “As an office manager, she’s been a supportive influence on us teachers.” In addition to working at Rocky, Gowen also works with her two greyhounds, Gator and Eliza, who are therapy dogs at the Larimer County Mental Health Center.

imelight

rocky mountain highlighter May.15.2009

☼ Fun under the sun ☼

What to do with your money when you’re not spending it on school lunch e On ht Nig ly! On

Star Trek X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Summer Sold O Concerts ut!

May 27 - No Doubt, Paramore

August 1 - Aerosmith, ZZ Top

May 28 - The Offspring

August 4 - Motley Crue

June 21 - Eric Clapton

August 9 - Vans Warped Tour

June 27 - Greeley Stampede

August 15 - Green Day

July 14 - Earth, Wind and Fire

August 25 - Nickelback

r e m

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Terminator Salvation

m u S D C ses a e l e R

May 15 Green Day- 21st Century Breakdown

Summer CD Releases

May 19 Eminem- Relapse

June 16 The Jonas Brothers- Lines, Vines and Trying Times

June 1 Franz Ferdinand- Blood

MCT/Handout

Summer Movie Releases ►Terminator Salvation - May 21 ►Night at the Museum: Battle of Smithsonian - May 22 ►Land of the Lost - June 5 ►Year One - June 19

►Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - June 24 ►Bruno - July 10 ►Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - July 15

June 2 Dave Matthews BandWhiskey and the Googrux King June 9 Black Eyed Peas- The E.N.D. Lil Wayne- Rebirth

June 23 Third Eye Blind- Ursa Major Pete Yorn- Back and Forth June 30 Rob Thomas- Cradlesong September 22 Sean “Diddy” Combs- Last Train to Paris

Glory days of cartoons long passed As a responsible older brother, I baby-sit my 8-year old sister on a regular basis, let this be my disclaimer. I was recently watching the Disney Channel when they showed a snippet of one of their artist’s songs. The chorus was “reduce, reuse, recycle; reduce, reuse recycle!” Really? Are you kidding me Disney Channel? This was literally a “single” off Mitchell Musso’s new album. I’m all for the cause and protecting the planet, but this is straight up brainwashing: a song about the 3 R’s trying to get children hooked. Something like this would’ve never hooked kids in any other generation, yet it pollutes every cartoon station on TV today. It’s stuff like this that has made me realize that our generation of cartoons has been, and most likely will be, the last legitimate great cartoon era. Not only were our cartoons for entertainment, instead of education, but ours were actually cartoons, not the poorly acted live action skits of modern day. Whatever happened to cartoons like Rocko’s Modern Life? Granted it had to be reformed a few times for references such as

For Peters Sake

Chris Peters the “Chokey Chicken” (restaurant that Rocko and Heffer ate at), but it was still a very funny, very entertaining cartoon that I’ll surely never forget. Does this current generation have a Rocko? How about a Doug? Heck, they don’t even have a CatDog. I feel bad for today’s kids. If our generation wanted to learn, we’d watch PBS, but it seems like this modern generation can hardly avoid being brainwashed. Their only outlet of escape seems to be Spongebob Squarepants. Oh, lookie there, it’s the most popular cartoon out there. Interesting. All I’m saying is that the 90’s seemed to be the last stand, and any possibility of another epic cartoon has pretty much gone. Nothing this generation can produce will ever live up to The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry, Rugrats or even The Angry Beavers. Sorry Mickey and Bugs, but you’ll just have to join the unemployment line behind 13.2 million others. Chris Peters is a senior and Limelight editor for the Highlighter.

rocky mountain highlighter May.15.2009

sports

All too early an exit

Girls’ soccer disappointed in first round playoff loss by Paul Lukens

Loren Collins

FLEET OF FOOT: Senior midﬁelder Holly Adams dribbles past a challenger from Northglenn High School. While the Lobos were a strong 11-4, the momentum ended in the ﬁrst round of state playoffs, as they were eliminated 1-0 by Highlands Ranch High School.

Boys’swimming heads to state by Trevor Mueller RMHighligher reporter

For three months the boys swim team has been working towards one day, and that day is today. The last three months of training and racing have all been in preparation for today, the state championships. All swimmers look forward to the end of the season because they get to see what three months of dedication has amounted to. “The state meet is the peak theater for our athletic performance,” senior Logan ThomasArrigo said. “It’s really what we’ve been working for all year.” Junior Nick Markley’s favorite part of the end of the season is not seeing his own improvements, but watching all of the swimming that happens. “(I like) seeing people get their best times and swim their best,” Markley said. “(I also like) seeing all the kids from around the state that are crazy good.” The state meet is a two-day affair with preliminaries on the first day and finals on the second day. To make it back for finals on the second day, a swimmer or relay must finish in the top 16 in preliminaries. On the second day, two heats of each event are swam and the place that a swimmer finishes on that day is the place that they receive. The girls’ 200 freestyle relay made it back during their season, and the boys would like to match that success. They are very hopeful that they can come back for finals. “I think we’re going to swim very fast, but I don’t know how we’re going to place overall,” sophomore Zack Gertig said. “(But) it’s very possible that we could make it back if we all swim really well.” The boys swim team is sending three relay teams and four individual events to the state meet. The individual qualifiers are Gertig in the 100m and 200m freestyle, senior Alex Frucci in

“

The state meet is the peak theater for our athletic performance. It’s really what we’ve been working for all year.

”

Logan ThomasArrigo, senior swimmer

the 50m freestyle, and senior Trevor Mueller in the 500m freestyle. After winning two meets during the regular season, Frucci placed 7th at conference in the 50m freestyle, Mueller placed 2nd in the 500m freestyle, Gertig placed 4th in the 100m freestyle, and he also placed 5th in the 200m freestyle. The makeup of the relays are, at the time that this article was written, still undecided. They will most likely be made up of Mueller, Gertig, Frucci, Markley, ThomasArrigo, and sophomore Carl Marvin. The state meet is today at EPIC and begins at 4:00 pm. The finals are tomorrow at EPIC and they begin at 2:00 pm.

“ ”

After a disappointing season, often times it’s easier to blame the coach for their season; for the girls’ soccer team, head coach Ron Clark blames himself for their disappointing playoff loss. The soccer team lost in the first round of the playoffs, May 5, against Highlands Ranch high school 1-0. With a record of 114, the girls’ had higher hopes for the playoffs. “I’m pretty disappointed,” Clark said. “I feel, more than anything else, that I failed the team as a coach. One of the hardest parts to think is that we didn’t lack the talent or preparation, we just lacked heart.” Clark is not the only person disappointed in the teams performance in their last playoff game.

One of the hardest parts to think is that Ron Clark, Girls’ we didn’t lack head the talent or soccer the coach preparation, we just lacked heart. None of the players thought they would be knocked out this early. “We didn’t play our best game and just came out flat,” junior Ellie Troxell said. “I don’t feel like we played like it was our last game,” senior midfielder Jenny Johnson said. “We expected to move on, but on any given day, any team can win.” One thing that each person got out of the season was the team bonding. Although it end-

the No. 1 and No. 2 singles as a freshman and junior, respectively. The former was the Lobos’ only singles player to make it to state, despite losing in the first round to senior Ryann Warner of Pine Creek High School. “I think that (Cara) Cromwell is one to follow for her next 3 years,” said departing senior Jennifer Heath, who along with fellow senior Erin Arneson constitute the Lobos’ No. 4 doubles team which made the first round of state. “Also (Keller) and (Jorgenson) if they stay together will be great.” With a bright future ahead, the Lobo girls also got a chance to reflect on the past year and its positives, especially for the seniors,

who will never again don a Lobo uniform. “We’ve tried to emphasize the team aspect,” Heath said. “I think that the support from your team is a big factor. Also, (head coach Bruce Malloy) is great. He worked with us at practice and gives good advice in between points during the match.” Jorgenson also agreed with Heath’s point that team support will prove invaluable for next year and years to come. “All the hard work and how close we were is what really made (this year) really special,” Jorgenson said. “When we lost we still supported each other, and when we won we obviously supported each other as well.”

RMHighligher reporte

Tennis continued from 8

Track

ed on a low note, the girls’ still saw the season as a successful one because of how much they bonded. “This season was definitely successful in the sense that we came closer as a team,” junior defender Jenni Benger said. “After some rough times we did well. We thought we had it in the bag.” Although the team bonded well off the field, including a team paintball fight, in the end it didn’t transfer on to the field. “We realized that after all the work on fitness, tactic and technique, we didn’t even know each other,” Clark said. “Paintball was a blast, and the girls started doing stuff together. I expected that to translate to the playoffs and I don’t have any idea why it didn’t.”

Alex Marwitz

OPEN FIRE: Junior Caitlin Keller ﬁres a serve against Collins on April 21. Keller was part of a No. 3 doubles team that placed 6th at state.

continued from 8

stepped up with so many sprinters being hurt.” “State will be hard to be honest,” Faucett said. “Especially with (Ashly) Lester out indefinitely. She was a huge part of the relays qualifying for state. We still have a chance though and we have a lot of depth.” While the girls’ team will have to overcome some injuries in order to succeed in State, taking place on May 14-16 at Jefferson County Stadium, the boys’ team is just aiming to do better meet by meet.

“The jumpers are all capable of contributing point-wise,” senior high jumper and pole-vaulter Zach Lund said. “We just have to go out and contribute like we know how to and do what we are capable of. I have the ability to come out and reach goals set at the beginning of the season.” The jumpers certainly did contribute to the boys’ second place behind Loveland High School at the Conference meet. Freshman Ethan Karp who has already qualified for

State by being in the top 18 with a 6-foot-1 high jump placed third with a 6-foot jump at Conference. Senior Jacob de la Torre also placed 2nd in the long jump. Aside from the jumpers, distance runner junior Ben Larson placed first in the 3,200 and Graham Magnuson won the 100-meters. “Our boys’ don’t have as much depth but (Ben) Larson can definitely scratch together some points,” Scott said. “State should be exciting.”

Supports the LOBOS Happy Hour

From 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Now Online: Rocky Hockey wins state on May 10. Stories,coverage at RMHighlighter.org

8 Collin You Out Loren Collins

Live your life; don’t hold back

As we grow up, throughout our childhood, many of us have heard the phrases “take a chance,” or “try new things.” Now, here we are, at the end of a very pivotal point in our lives. High school is over. The very routine we have performed day in and day out for the past 540 days is all but completed. Our schools, our teachers, and even many of our friends are on their way out of our lives, many for good. It’s kind of scary to think about. With our departure from much of what we have grown to know and cherish, new things are sure to come of course, and different opportunities are beckoning on the horizon. While this next step and new start is indeed exciting, I am one to say that while I am excited for moving on, I am also saddened that nothing will ever be the same again. Nonetheless, we move on and start a new chapter of our lives. As I close out the voyage that was my high school career, I will no doubt cherish my experiences, as they were the some of the best of my life. Still, I will look back and look at some of the things and situations that will never be the same again, and wonder just “what if?” Therein lies the biggest lesson I learned from my three years as a high school student. While I realize that things in the past are done and gone, never to be changed, I still realize that yes, I admit that I have some regrets. Mostly this is due to not doing as much as I would have liked. Nonetheless, in order for one to live “without regrets” as everyone aspires to do, I have learned that in order to make this true, one must take to heart those childhood adages of “taking chances,” and trying “new things.” So seriously, take a chance, take a risk, because at this stage, why sit around and ask “what if?” After all, we are the authors of our chapters, so why not make it happen? Loren Collins is a senior and Sports editor for the Highlighter.

Track fighting off injuries on way to state by Sam Hyland RMHighlighter reporter

With the passing of the conference meet and the State meet currently underway, the only thing keeping the Lobos from reaching their full potential is a team plagued with injuries in all events. On the girls’ track team, captain Ashly Lester who runs the 100m, 200m, 400m and the 4x100 relay, along with most of the top sprinters are out with injuries. Lester who recently returned from an injury was sidelined yet again for

another hamstring strain. “With all the injuries, we have had to adjust a lot of our relays,” said senior Michelle Faucett who runs both sets of hurdles the 4x1 relay and long jumps. “We still get to go to state because we pre-qualified and our chances at conference are still pretty good.” The girls’ team achieved third place behind Loveland High School and Collins despite their injuries but only placed first in three events. Senior Rebecca Wagner won the discuss throw with 114-1 feet

and sophomore Valentina Pauna won the pole vault event by clearing 10-6. The big victory came from the 3,200 relay team with a time of 9:51:04 and members seniors Aliese Willard and Aubrey Valdez and sophomores Shayla Peel and Shelby Mathis. “The distance team is so far ahead of last year,” distance coach Matthew Scott said. “Our distance runners have helped in a big way. They have helped our sprint medley and Jump to TENNIS, page 7

ports

rocky mountain highlighter May.15.2009

Michael Hoppal

BLAZIN’ OFF THE BLOCKS: Senior hurdler Michelle Faucett breaks off the blocks during the start of her race on April 21. Faucett & co. must overcome a series of untimely injuries which are threatening several potential key state contributors.

Gunning for three TURN AND BURN : Junior second baseman Luke White turns a double play over a hard-sliding Heritage baserunner on May 8. The Lobos won the game 8-0, and later went on to defeat Cherry Creek High School 6-1 that same day.

Baseball in driver’s seat at state playoffs by Ethan Farnsworth RMHighlighter reporter

Paul Lukens

JOB WELL DONE: Senior pitcher Bryan Peters is congratulated by teammates upon retiring the side in the playoff opening game against Heritage High School on May 5. The Lobos are the only undefeated team left in the playoffs.

Threepeat; the infamous term coined by NBA player Byron Scott. Is it probable or even possible that Rocky baseball will win their third consecutive state championship? Right now the odds are favorable. The team has really picked up their game and are looking to turn some heads in the playoffs. The Lobos are firing on all cylinders, having a record of 20-4 and winning 16 of their past 17 games. This performance has placed them at number one in the state and they will be advancing to the semifinals and play on may 15. This amazing performance has been greatly helped by senior third baseman Bryan Peters as well as senior outfielder Jacob Stewart. The two lead the team in homeruns with 9 each. “We all come out here and do our best and try our hardest,” Stewart said. “Every player is giving their all in order to help this team succeed and I think that a state championship really is not out of the question.”

With amazing play coming from every one of the players, a championship shouldn’t be out of the question. Stewart is contributing a batting average of .556 and Peters is not to far behind with a .446 average. Pitcher Marco Gonzales has led the team in batting average for most of the year and was just overtaken by Stewart recently but still holds a .533 average. Gonzales has also had 50 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched with only

13 earned runs. “We have a great team this year,” Peters said. “I think that it is a great chance that we go back to state and win it all. We are one of four teams left so the odds are with us.” Rocky will play in the semifinals on May 15 and if they win they will advance and play in the finals the following day, May 16.

Paul Lukens

Tennis closes out at state, looks to promising future by Loren Collins RMHighlighter Sports editor

While a state tournament exit all but signifies the end of a sports season, the girls’ 6-5 tennis team views their departure from the state play-offs more as a door that has opened more than a door that has closed.

At least that’s the mindset that junior No.3 doubles player Jenna Jorgenson, who along with partner junior Caitlin Keller were the only Lobos to advance past the first round of state playoffs (placing 6th), displayed. “We’ll be really successful next year if we keep building on what we have

going (right now),” Jorgenson said. After all, with this season’s experience, Jorgenson and her fellow underclassmen do represent a strong future for the Lobo girls’ tennis team. In fact, both the Lobos’ several strong returning doubles teams, such as Jorgenson and Keller

SWINGING AWAY : Freshman Cara Cromwell returns with a forehand in a match against Collins on April 21. Cromwell made it to the ﬁrst round of State as the No. 1 singles and lost. Alex Marwitz

(who as the No.3 doubles combo at one point during the regular season won 15 straight individual matches)

and sisters Cara and Callie Cromwell who represent Jump to TENNIS, page 7

highlighter

rocky mountain

signing off Senior pullout section May.15.2009

rocky mountain highlighter

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Senior

M a y. 1 5 . 2 0 0 9

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ign-off special

Dartmouth College: Jesse Rieb

University of Wyoming: Sarah Bailey Becky Watson Tori Emerson Jennifer Johnson Bridget Stien Betsy Conn Cierra Peterson Kirsten Vergane Steven Mares Meghan Daniel Lauren Benigni Catlin Lefebvre Alissa Midland

Humbolt State University: Jack Blessing

University of California, Berkley: Reem Hassani

Reem Hassani

Be a rockstar...

On Rock Band. Greg Nelson

Los Angeles Film School: Ronald Blackburn Azusa Paciﬁc University: Tracey Kaiser

Duncan Nelson

or their assistant...

Will Sampson Catlin Still

Northwestern University: Jon Zeller

Kenyon College: Kendra Lechtenberg

University of Chicago: JR Lopez

University of Louisville: Chris O’Grady

Arizona State University: Kelsey Haugen

University of New Mexico: Lauren Hart Miriah Allen

University of South Carolina: Michelle Faucett

University of Arizona: Emily Hite Vanessa Bisetti Andrea Lotz

In-State

Savannah College of Art & Design: Allison Mecklenburg

Southern Methodist University: Ellen Holbrook

Tulane University: LeeAnn Albrecht Will Sampson

Richard Patrick Fennig Ariane Beard Samantha Hyland Katelyn Hunter Leah Warren Chase Loeb Cassie Norrgard Skylar Pegg

Shippensburg University: Clay Sale

Northern Arizona University : Courtney Bellio Scott Ballantine

South Mountain College: Cam Freeman

Tallahassee Community College: Xia Wilson

Florida Atlantic University: Steven Sorensen

Hawaiii Paciﬁc University: Shannon Clay

Colby Elizabeth Helzer Brooke Baldwin Kristina Gosselin Hannah Devore Joshua Bollinger Callie Anstett Amanda Baker Ritchie Ponce Adam Riedel Alex Bradley McGraw

In a fantasty league.

Cedarville College: Anna Vendl

Loyola University: Faith-Ann Chen

Front Range

Jake Stewart

Be a moviestar

Central College: Alison Dameron

University of Missouri: Khali Johnson

Ventura Community College: Nick Brinson

Liz Montgomery

Be a sports legend...

Arcadia University: Emily Hehn

Iowa State University: Chelsea Boyd

DePaul University: Sean Hoag

UNC

Tyler Parry

St. Olaf College: Annika Bergen

University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Alex Frucci

running.

telling vulgar jokes.

Black Hills State University: Evan Wortman Jordan Connolly

University of Nebraska, Lincoln: Bryan Peters Christopher William Peters

Brigham Young University: Rachel Strien Mary Petty Brynna Nelson Liz Montgomery Rebecca Avril Rebacca Saari

Stanford University: Jacob Stewart

Hold a world-record in...

Class of 2009?

University of Montana, Western : Erin Bender

Montana State University: Jesse Ramierez Haley Rabold

Edit a magazine

n o n n a Sh ertz Courtney Bellio G

Where in the world

Great Falls University: Shannon Gertz University of Oregon: Sam Bartish

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Isela Cervantes Jeanetet Trytek Jonny Faulkner David McWhorter Grant Getzy Cody Elbrader Sara McLain Paige Hanawalt Willam Adams Lars Eriksen Michael M. Cook

Jessie Granger Kenyon Neal Josh Hales Jake Rice Aaron Crownover Kirk Devore Bekah Kyle Brandon Straight Haley Hughes

Mesa State College: Western State College: Art Institute of CO: Sammy Grondin Cassandra Ortiz Alex Koliha Alan Meyer Morgan Baptist Colorado Mountain College: Morgan Hartman Rene Haro-Sipes Danae Walk Jeﬀ Benedict Emma Lavelle Devon Maddox Tommy McCahan Cam Bourdon Walker Benjiman Archer Alex Taylor Knoll Aubrey Valdez Denver Metro College: University of Denver: Aaron Hartzhiem Vienka Nguyen Wesley Miller Holter BrandonKalie Vaughn Metro State University: Megan Purdy Ethan Brozka Aubree Maul Rachel Wiggins Camille Llyod Colorado College: Justin Hersch Angela Komar

Future Buffs Peter Mares Veronica Penney Matt Sanders Jillian Petrie Casey Fitzgerald John Schrader Paul Lukens Alex Marwitz Andy Halac Amber Caﬀey Evan Williams Matt Musgrave Dylan Tobin

Colorado School of Mines: Derek Witte Alex Borchert Peter Travers Fort Lewis College: Keelin Cox Taryn Winkelman Lauren Bradley RM College of Art and Design: Partirck Stoll Cole O’Donnell Colorado Christian University: Rebecca Wagner

Nate Beard Nicole Tschetter Margaret Behm Claire Decaney Roberta Casnellie Katie Morgan Duncan Nelson Holly Adams Chris Wolfelt Kelly O’Connor Andrew Hafnor Danny Dohn Neil McCarthy

Military Marines- Douglas Edgar

Coast Guard- Patrick Collins Kayla Machado Ryan Standing Jordan Lee

Army- Olivia Joy Retterath

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Jennifer Heath Case Runyan Jessica Powers Cristine Schroeder Danny Shaﬀer Jenessa Frederick Dawit Assefa Kathryn Nelson Nancy Wittmer Kaylee Terrin Allison LeCain Sam Richard Chris Colton Andrew Harrison Caitlin Still Torrie Moss Abigail Boland Lauren Wilson Susanne Sholander

Paulina Slimak Tim Parry Rikki Harrington Mike Liss Cory Prasuhn Jake de la Torre Chloe Patrick Paul Newsom Loren Collins Kyle Barry Sean Ridgley Creighton Tippetts Tyler Parry Brandon Bank Ryan Dyer Emily Ehrenberger Kaylyn Schmer Jessie Sawyer Amanda Brumit Greg Nelson Daniel K. Fisher Aliese Willard Jeﬀ Gombos Andrew Willard Adam Walker Annie Rentel Garrett Christensen Sean Babbs Ryan Mackey Jaia Sattler Mandee Bayes Keenan Smith Andrew Funk Zach Lund Alex Funk Ashly Lester Alexa Zafarana

Sarah Ching Megan Hardie Vikky Hurt Tabitha Boner

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Dartmouth College: Jesse Rieb

Humbolt State University: Jack Blessing

University of California, Berkley: Reem Hassani

Reem Hassani

Be a rockstar...

On Rock Band. Greg Nelson

Los Angeles Film School: Ronald Blackburn Azusa Paciﬁc University: Tracey Kaiser

Duncan Nelson

or their assistant...

Will Sampson Catlin Still

Northwestern University: Jon Zeller

Kenyon College: Kendra Lechtenberg

University of Chicago: JR Lopez

University of Louisville: Chris O’Grady

Arizona State University: Kelsey Haugen

University of New Mexico: Lauren Hart Miriah Allen

University of South Carolina: Michelle Faucett

University of Arizona: Emily Hite Vanessa Bisetti Andrea Lotz

In-State

Savannah College of Art & Design: Allison Mecklenburg

Southern Methodist University: Ellen Holbrook

Tulane University: LeeAnn Albrecht Will Sampson

Richard Patrick Fennig Ariane Beard Samantha Hyland Katelyn Hunter Leah Warren Chase Loeb Cassie Norrgard Skylar Pegg

Shippensburg University: Clay Sale

Northern Arizona University : Courtney Bellio Scott Ballantine

South Mountain College: Cam Freeman

Tallahassee Community College: Xia Wilson

Florida Atlantic University: Steven Sorensen

Hawaiii Paciﬁc University: Shannon Clay

Colby Elizabeth Helzer Brooke Baldwin Kristina Gosselin Hannah Devore Joshua Bollinger Callie Anstett Amanda Baker Ritchie Ponce Adam Riedel Alex Bradley McGraw

In a fantasty league.

Cedarville College: Anna Vendl

Loyola University: Faith-Ann Chen

Front Range

Jake Stewart

Be a moviestar

Central College: Alison Dameron

University of Missouri: Khali Johnson

Ventura Community College: Nick Brinson

Liz Montgomery

Be a sports legend...

Arcadia University: Emily Hehn

Iowa State University: Chelsea Boyd

DePaul University: Sean Hoag

UNC

Tyler Parry

St. Olaf College: Annika Bergen

University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Alex Frucci

running.

telling vulgar jokes.

Black Hills State University: Evan Wortman Jordan Connolly

University of Nebraska, Lincoln: Bryan Peters Christopher William Peters

Brigham Young University: Rachel Strien Mary Petty Brynna Nelson Liz Montgomery Rebecca Avril Rebacca Saari

Stanford University: Jacob Stewart

Hold a world-record in...

Class of 2009?

University of Montana, Western : Erin Bender

Montana State University: Jesse Ramierez Haley Rabold

Edit a magazine

n o n n a Sh ertz Courtney Bellio G

Where in the world

Great Falls University: Shannon Gertz University of Oregon: Sam Bartish

senior pullout3

Isela Cervantes Jeanetet Trytek Jonny Faulkner David McWhorter Grant Getzy Cody Elbrader Sara McLain Paige Hanawalt Willam Adams Lars Eriksen Michael M. Cook

Jessie Granger Kenyon Neal Josh Hales Jake Rice Aaron Crownover Kirk Devore Bekah Kyle Brandon Straight Haley Hughes

Future Buffs Peter Mares Veronica Penney Matt Sanders Jillian Petrie Casey Fitzgerald John Schrader Paul Lukens Alex Marwitz Andy Halac Amber Caﬀey Evan Williams Matt Musgrave Dylan Tobin

Nate Beard Nicole Tschetter Margaret Behm Claire Decaney Roberta Casnellie Katie Morgan Duncan Nelson Holly Adams Chris Wolfelt Kelly O’Connor Andrew Hafnor Danny Dohn Neil McCarthy

Military Marines- Douglas Edgar

Coast Guard- Patrick Collins Kayla Machado Ryan Standing Jordan Lee

Army- Olivia Joy Retterath

Future Rams

Sarah Ching Megan Hardie Vikky Hurt Tabitha Boner

Other

Aaron Vernon Alex Miller Kaleb Schmit Lauren Whittenberg

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s ign-off special

rocky mountain highlighter May.15.2009

Choose your destination... Before you begin... pick a number 1-100 and STICK WITH IT!

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3.5-3.99 - Doctor

- Get ﬁred for giving out free lotto tickets, advance to G

-Any other number - Play and graduate, don’t go pro, advance to: choose a major

3-3.49 - Nurse

Red Robin

2.5-2.99 - Dentist

- Bartend - Bump into another bartender and mix drinks -- you’ve cured cancer!

Other Division 1 School Pick a number 1-100 -Any number in the 80s - Play Lower League Ball (#81 go Pro) -Any other number - Play and graduate, don’t go pro, advance to: choose a major ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

Division 1 Powerhouse Pick a number 1-100 -Odd number - Go Pro -Even number - Underachieve and don’t go pro, advance to: choose a major Division 1 Mid-Major

<2.5 - Massage Therapist ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

Law

-Lawyer - Compile money and guilt -Public defender - Clean conscience Political Law Pick a number 1-100 -Odd number - Win senator, representative, governor or mayor -Even number - Win city council -#72 - Win president -Any number in the 20s run for president, lose $750,000 ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

Pick a number 1-100 -#23, #24 or #1 - Go Pro -Any other number - Play and graduate, don’t go pro, advance to: choose a major

Chemistry/Biology - Master’s - Win Nobel Prize - Ph.D. - Waste your life failing to ﬁnd a cure for cancer

Division 1 Minor

Inventor

Pick a number 1-100

- Common items - Create a popular pill entitled “Flatulence Fragrance” and sell it for $1,000,000

-#100 - Go Pro -Any other number - Play and graduate, don’t go pro, advance to: choose a major ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

- Save the world - Solve global warming Astronomy - Scientiﬁc - discover origin of the universe - Apocalyptic - discover how the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012

Play in the U.S.

ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

Waste your time trying to popularize your sport in America, advance to: choose a major

Pick a number 1-100

Play internationally Pick a number 1-100 -#34 - Achieve all-star status

-Any number in the 10s or 60s - Work as a professor at a university - make a lot of money and publish praised works

-Any other number - Get dominated on a global scale

-Any other number - Teach in high school and cry yourself to sleep after trying to put up with the class of 2010

ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

7 Eleven -- Minimum Wage - Invent a new ﬂavor of Slurpee - Sell it for $1,000,000

Pick a number 1-100

- Bus Tables - Bill Gates liked his Whiskey River Burger...and tips you $1,000,000

-#3 or #46 - Die -#68 or #99 - Injured by suicide bomber - receive purple heart -Any other number - come back one year later, start over at choose a major (and do it for free!) Non-Combat

Fast Food

- See I and choose what ﬁts you best

- KFC - Fry and batter your hand, advance to G

ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

- McDonalds - Work your way up to the national McOfﬁces and rise to the top

Air Force Pilot - Conservative - Achieve a job as a jet-pilot -- make huge money and live to tell about it

ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

Mooch off your friends/family - Slowly pawn off their belongings -Get kicked out - go to “bum off caring urbanites” Live off the land...

- Showy - Miscalculate a stunt, crash into the side of Horsetooth and join the ranks of the many corpses polluting that mountain National Guard - The Nuggets win the NBA Finals and you die in the riot when a crazed fan throws a nugget of gold at your head

- ...in Oregon - Publish a bestselling adventure novel, make $1,000,000 - ...in Mexico - Catch the swine ﬂu and die Bum off caring urbanites... - ...in New York City - get food poisoning from someone’s leftover pizza and die

Coast Guard - Give a beached whale mouth-tomouth and get a whole episode of Dateline NBC devoted to you Recruiter

- ...in Denver - get food poisoning from someone’s leftover Rocky Mountain Oysters...and die

- You deny a Grand Theft Auto addict his shot at fame, he stabs you...you die

ADVANCE TO: Dec. 21, 2012

December 21,2012

Doomsday

Do you believe in the Apocalypse?

Yes

It doesn’t happen, you wasted all your money on survival tools, you waste away all alone.

It does happen, and you are stricken in your tracks at a local Walmart, you should’ve been more prepared.

I’m an astronomer

It happens, and you were the only one who knew how to save yourself, pat yourself on the back, survivor.