Rocky Mountain Highlighter: 2004 May by Rocky Mountain Highlighter

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 31, NO. 9

retiring

2: Michoski’s career has been a rousing success. 3: Rocky custodian will return to art after retirement.

senior section 6-7: Senior map of college destinations for Rocky seniors.

opinion 9: Sporting events affect graduation.

rocky sports 12: Baseball moves to state; ranked no. 2 12: Spring sports round-up.

1300 W. SWALLOW RD. FORT COLLINS CO, 80526

Seniors tell of their talents and futures page 5

friday may 14, 2004

“...EVERYTHING AS FAR AS YOU CAN SEE” FROM JOHN DENVER’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

Graduation in conflict by Erik Pinkston

Editor-in-Chief

Numerous seniors this year may be forced to choose between a state athletic competition or a graduation ceremony. Initial times for graduation, May 22, were moved to 8 a.m. earlier in the year to ease potential conflicts with the state track meet and the state baseball tournament. This year’s conflict has instigated a controversy that has upset students. “I don’t think it ever should have happened,” senior Chris Krueger said. Krueger is one of three seniors on the baseball

(Students) should be afforded the opportunity to participate in both. I don’t think it should be a conflict for anybody. -Tom Smailes, English teacher

team, which at 20-1 has a solid chance at participating in the state finals for the first time in years. “It’s the job of the school to figure things like that out,” Krueger said. Students are not the only ones concerned about the conflict. Numerous parents and teachers are upset over the

conflict. “It’s an unreasonable request,” English teacher and Football coach Tom Smailes said. Under pressure from parents and students, Poudre School District changed next year ’s graduation date to a Sunday to avoid sporting conflicts. “Moving it to a Sunday

is altogether a solid idea,” Smailes said. While the district has found a short-term solution, many feel the controversy should have been avoided in the first place. Colorado High School Activities Association sets state tournament dates more than a year in advance. Many feel the conflict should be avoided. “Why is it an issue?” science teacher Tom Creegan said. “Why can’t we just wait until sport dates come and then set graduation. Do we need to set the date so early in

features 10: Embarassing stories still provide great memories. 10: Baseball: America’s pastime.

entertainment 11: Summer movie previews: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Spider-Man 2. 11:Exclusive interview with Shrek.

upcoming

events

Today: Regional track meet @ French Field May 17, 18: Senior finals Tues. May 18: Yearbook signing party @ 6 p.m. Wed. May 19: Seniors’ last day Thurs. May 20: Senior Picnic 11:301:30 Sat. May 22: Graduation at Moby Gym @ 8 a.m.

Opinion Line of the Issue The class of 2004 is special. They are one of a kind; separated from their peers. Somehow, graduation this year was scheduled on the exact day as the state track meets and the state baseball game. See Staff Ed, page 9

This year’s mother better than the last by Kyle Herman

Features Editor

Mr. Howdy didn’t get a female companion and Lo still has no Bo, but the courtyard is full again thanks to 19 new ducklings. Last year a mother duck gave birth to 11 ducklings, which were picked off one by one until there was only one left. Many students and teachers had their own version of what happened to those ducklings, but senior Matt Cole is sure that he knows what happened last year. “Last year ’s mother seemed to be on a constant alcohol binge and one night she did a booze run to Pringles, and when she came back only one was left,” he said. Biology teacher Tom Creegan disagrees with what happened to the baby ducks, but has his own answer. “Last year’s mother ’s parenting style was to send them all out into traffic and hope no-one comes back,” he said. Perhaps the best description is by senior James Daley who said, “She was such a mother ducker.” Either way the courtyard has always been bad luck for any duck trying to make a home there. According to math teacher Diana Martin, ever since the first ducks arrived bad things have followed. “Penelope and

advance?” Teachers, students and parents agree that the school district should avoid situations such as this in the future. “(Students) should be afforded the opportunity to participate in both,” Smailes said. “I don’t think it should be a conflict for anybody.” If faced with the unfortunate situation, Krueger is unsure about his decision. “It’s the decision of either 12 years of school or an entire life of baseball,” he said. “It’s really something I’d have to decide at the time.”

Plans complete, work to begin soon by Steve Turney

Sports Editor

DEBRA WILLIAMS

LUCKY DUCKY: The courtyard (above) is home to 19 ducklings this spring. A previous mother was scared away by a group of unidentified students with a net. Her babies had to be sent to the humane society in a box (left). Every spring the courtyard is home to a family of newly hatched ducklings and their mother. Unlike last year, the current mamma duck seems to be much more responsible than the previous mother. Last year’s mother lost all 11 babies in 11 days.

Homer (first duck couple) got stressed one afternoon and Homer flew right into the window. We didn’t wash the window for weeks and you could see the imprint that Homer left,” she said. So it was no surprise nearly three weeks ago, a week after a new duck mother gave birth, that she took off leaving her ducklings alone in the courtyard. Martin says that the duck left becuase many

students chased and harassed it. The humane society had to take the babies becuase the mother left. She hopes people will be more respectul of the new ducks. With the departure of those 11 ducklings came 19 more when nature gave Rocky a second chance. “I think she’s a floozy. There are four mallards perched out there waiting for a chance in the sun for a date with Polly (new

mother),” said Martin. Floozy or not, she seems to be able to parent well and her baby ducks have lasted much longer than previous ones. Could this mean a turn for the better for Rocky’s duck population? No one really knows. “They are cute and have a good mother,” Daley said. “Soon they will grow up to become parents who have their own babies, and then become some rich guy’s dinner.”

Everyone at some point has probably driven down I-25 and had the hassle of trying to get through rush hour right in the middle of the T-Rex construction well, and for this year’s juniors and seniors, get ready to see much of the same at Rocky. “I’d say probably midMay students are going to start seeing signs that say ‘construction’ start coming up around here,” Assistant Principal Mike Roberts said. “But we’re not going to start blocking off any parking lots until the day after school gets out. Then the entire senior parking all the way to Rocky Mountain Way will have a fence around it.” The school’s new gym, to be built over the summer, is something that the school has needed for a very long time due to the lack of indoor space for physical education classes. “We’re going to be able to create a locker room scenario for our staff and we are also going to have a separate locker room for our officials,” Athletic Director Wayne Moddelmog said. “Obviously, we’re going to be able to make some improvements in our teaching space for our physical education, which is very important.” The new gym will Jump to School page 8

friday may 14, 2004 2 retiring features Michoski gruff, but sweet Knox retiring to travel page

A TEACHING VETERAN: After teaching at Rocky since the doors opened in 1973, history teacher Tom Michoski is retiring. Many know that the social studies department will never be the same again.

by Debra Williams

Reporter

After 31 years of teaching history at the school, Tom Michoski is retiring, but not leaving his relationships with students behind. For him, teaching is much more than a job, it is his life. It combines two of his greatest passions: history and helping others. “In the most basic way, teaching has kept me awake for the past 34 years,” Michoski said. “I don’t mind getting up in the morning. I guess it is basically to be involved in a job where you have direct contact with people and can make a difference.” Senior Katie Weaver relays a memory of Michoski’s friendly teasing and playfulness, destroying the traditional image of seriousness associated with the veteran teacher’s name. “One time I came into class, and I was all giggly and smiley, and he was eyeballing me,” Weaver said. “He asked if I had a new boyfriend, and it was true. Since then he has called me ‘small one with a boyfriend.’” “When I really think about the most special experiences here in the building it is remembering

Going out with song by Megan Buettgenbach

Reporter

When you walk down the music hall in the morning, you will undoubtedly hear the mixed voices of sopranos, tenors, and bases that come from the vocal classes of Mamma Lu, otherwise known as Barbara Lueck. Unfortunately, this will no longer be the case as this is Lueck’s last year of teaching. “I’m going to miss the kids a lot,” said Lueck. “I’ll miss the comaraderie of the staff.” Lueck has been teaching at Rocky since 1988, and has previously taught at Lesher Junior High School, and schools in Wisconsin, New York, California, Ohio, and the Virgin Islands. Lueck’s inspiration to become a teacher was influenced by a former director. “I had a fabulous choir director,” Lueck said. “I always wanted to do what he did. He was an inspiration.” Lueck has also had influence of her own.

DEBRA W ILLIAMS

the special students,” Michoski said. His adoration for the history classes he teaches is obvious to his students, making a traditionally “boring” subject come alive. One of Michoski’s most notable teaching characteristics is his storytelling abilities and his willingness to share personal experiences with students. “I think his absolute love for the subject comes out through his teaching,” Weaver said. “He is one of those teachers who makes you want to major in history, not so much because you love it, but because he does so much.” “I really love hearing about his

A goal I have is to be fluent in Italian. I already know all the music ones. -Barbara Lueck, Chior director

“I really enjoy Mrs. Lueck,” senior Amy Davis said. “She’s really has given me a passion for music. She’s a mentor for me.” “She is a woman who cares deeply about what she does and about her students,” said Erin Valcho, assistant principal secretary and friend to Lueck. “She has such a joy for music; it’s an incredible gift that she has to make music happen.” One of the occasions that she showed this affection was by getting the Echoes group a chance to sing in Japan this past fall- free of charge. “All of us as a group feel really thankful to her for that opportunity,” Davis said. “It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.” Lueck enjoyed the trip. “It was one of the highlights of my career,” Lueck said. After retirement, she and her husband John are traveling to the Lake District in Italy. “A goal I have is to be fluent in Italian,” Lueck said. “I already know all the Italian music words”

past experiences,” Senior Stephanie Rentel said. “It is neat because it relates to history so much and he has lived through some important events. It’s really cool to get personal accounts of historical events.” With the many reasons for loving Michoski and his classes, the loss is overwhelming for the school. “He is going to be missed,” Rental said. “Hi is a big asset to Rocky, and he has played an important role in a lot of people’s high school years.” “The school is going to be missing a quality teacher and a certain element of professionalism,” Weaver said.

by Todd Tarantola

Graphics

Arlene Knox… her name, to so many people, means kindness, dedication and caring. Her decision to retire after 21 years as language arts secretary brings both happiness and sadness to those she has helped the most. The happiness stems from her willingness to take the next exciting step in her life, while the sadness results from those in the language arts department whom she is leaving behind. Knox is retiring due to many factors. “My husband is going to retire in September, so I decided we could retire together so we could go on trips,” she said. “I had some medical problems last year, and I am now feeling better, so I want to go enjoy life and do things I can’t do when I’m working.” While she faces her future retirement with happiness, the prevailing feeling of leaving is currently saddening “As department leader, I really depend on her because she handles the budget, and we

have a big department, so it’s a lot of money,” said teacher Jennifer Adams. “She is always positive. She is the first person you see when you come in the office, and she is always nice to see.” A bit of sadness also permeates Knox’s thoughts. “I’ll miss the people, the students, and I enjoy the job that I do, so I’ll miss that,” she said. Knox offers more than just performing secretarial tasks; her presence is comforting to some. “It was always good to be at peace with someone in the same room. You don’t get that often at work,” said Angie Yamashita, language arts teacher. “Some of the most relaxing times would be when we were working in [the San Juan Office] and she would play Enya and old folk music, and I’ll really miss that.” While in retirement, Knox plans to go on trips with her husband and volunteer at her church and charity groups. “[I also need to] do some deep cleaning in my house I haven’t had time to do [laughs],” she said.

Martin’s philosophy: just to make math as fun as possible for students ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING: Diana Martin teaches her calculus class with a good attitude. Students respect her for her knowledge and fun personality.

by Kelly Reingardt

Reporter

Leaving what you love behind is always hard to do. For Diana Martin, who has been teaching for 23 years, leaving her teaching job is one of the hardest things she has ever had to decide. “Deciding to retire was a hard thing,” Martin said. “ My husband is retired and wants to travel. You have got to do it sometime.” Martin has been teaching math at Rocky for 12 years. She finally decided that it was time to retire, even though she loves every minute of her job. “I love coming to work,” Martin said. “People this age are so alive; they relish in the simplest things.” Martin has made quite a name for herself. Among her students she is know as a great teacher who can make them laugh. “Mrs. Martin is an awesome teacher,” senior Mark Shoemaker said. “Her crazy sense of humor just livens up the class.” While her crazy personality

JAKE RUBIN

impacts some students, for other it is the way she helps them understand math. “She helped me think about math in a different way,” senior Stephanie Rentel said. “I learned a lot. She is a good teacher.” Martin’s personality may be part of what makes her a good teacher. Yet Martin’s goal is just to make math as fun as possible. “I try and be funny, and I’m not,” Martin said. “ I am at least enthusiastic about it and I hope that shows.” Enthusiasm is one of the many things that helps Martin connect with her students, which is one of the things that she loves best about her job. “The beauty of teaching is

being able to share your life with the students,” Martin said. “It keeps you young at heart.” After all the years Martin still wouldn’t trade her experience as a teacher for anything. “I would do it all over again,” Martin said. “ It made me a much better person, and has helped me improve.” Martin is looking forward to traveling and taking care of her new grandson. She also hopes to become a math tutor, and is even looking into opportunities to volunteer. Yet she is going to miss her students. “I love students and they are all so different,” Martin said. “I can’t even imagine what it will be like.”

Retirement welcome after 31 years by Tom Gillan

Reporter

With 31 years of teaching experience under her belt, Pam Tarantola has decided to take a break and pursue other passions. “I’ve been teaching for 31 years,” said Tarantola. “I also was a sustitute teacher for a year.” Tarantola has taught U.S. Literature, Pre AP U.S. Literature, World Literature, Pre AP World Literature, and Voyager Skills. “I am a big fan of the Tarantola,” said senior Nick Jiron. “Being in

her classroom morning after morning could be quite exhilarating.” Tarantola looks forward to much after her long - awaited retirement. “It’s time to do something new,” Tarantola said. “I want to have more time to travel.” Tarantola has taught at Rocky since the 01-02 school year. “That’s the one thing I am sad about,” said English department chair Jennifer Adams. “Is how long she was here.”

Tarantola is respected by those she works with, on both sides of the table. Her students are quick to notice how wonderful her approach to teaching is. “I was only able to take one of her classes my sophomore year,” said Jiron. “That was all I needed to realize the magic in the way that she teaches.” As she leaves to pursue other endeavors, all reflect back onto days past. “We are all happy for her,” Adams said. “We will all miss her.”

friday may 14, 2004

retiring features

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Taylor leaving AP legacy and ‘family’ by Erik Pinkston

Editor-in-Chief

According to counselor Joyce Caufman, retiring teacher Bev Taylor is leaving behind a legend. After teaching purely elective classes for her entire 29-year tenure, Taylor is walking away from the most successful Advanced Placement class in Poudre School District. “Her success with the AP exams is legendary,” Caufman said. Nearly every AP Psychology student of Taylor’s takes the rigorous test every May, and she has the single largest margin of students scoring 5’s, the highest

grade on the AP exams. Taylor ’s success as a teacher thrives solely from her passion of her career. “She works incredibly hard to keep up on current research,” Caufman said. Employing a no nonsense approach to education, Taylor’s classes are highly organized and structured. Contrary to popular belief, her strict attention to organization and classroom management has created classes which students benefit from. “She’s very consistent with her expectations,” Caufman said. “Kids know exactly what is expected of them.”

I think she has more knowledge in her pinky, then most people have in their whole being. -Kristen Arnesen, senior

The secret to Taylor’s happy classroom? She manages to balance a strict and organized classroom with an enjoyable sense of humor. “I think she has a fabulous personality,” colleague Thomas Smailes said. “She has a fabulous sense of humor.” Her sense of humor keeps the classroom afloat, avoiding the depths of boredom. “Her personality is much like how she does class,” Caufman

said. Students enjoy Taylor ’s approach to teaching. The “family atmosphere” of her classes encourages student involvement, senior Kritsen Arnesen said. “She is one of those teachers that has the ability to turn a classroom into a comfortable place,” Arnesen said. “She is able to engage students that would otherwise not be engaged.”

Student’s respect Taylor for her passion for the subject she teaches, and her sheer amount of base knowledge on the subject. “I think she has more knowledge in her pinky than most people have in their whole being,” Arnesen said. Students feed off her energy for the subject and often discover a desire to continue learning in a field she taught. “She inspires people to actually think about what she’s teaching,” Arnesen said. Probably half of the class that she started teaching is going to college to study psychology,” Arnesen said, referring to her AP Psychology class this semester.

AP program result of Caufman’s dream Bartmann left Chicago as artist, FURTHERING EDUCATION: Joyce Caufman took over as AP coordinator 13 years ago when only two AP classes were offered. Now, Rocky offers17 classes and 500 students take tests. Caufman is retiring this year after 15 years at Rocky.

by Sarah Rupert

Art Editor

Whether you need help with your schedule, advice on what college is going to be right for you, or you just need someone to talk to, counselor Joyce Caufman has been there to help. But after being a counselor for 15 years she is moving on to bigger and better things when she retires at the end of the year. Caufman has accomplished a lot during her time at Rocky, especially with the AP program. “When I took over the AP program as coordinator 13 years ago all we had were two classes and only 15 kids took exams,” Caufman said. “Now we have 17 classes and over 500 kids taking exams.” The most important thing to Caufman about counseling has always been the students. “The most important thing to me is I’ve had a lot of wonderful students and families that I’ve been able to build relationships with,” Caufman said. Throughout the years Caufman has touched many lives at Rocky.

SARAH RUPERT

“I think she really caters to students’ needs and helps you with basically anything,” junior Megan Braun said. “She talks to you a lot and makes you feel important.” The counseling office won’t be the same without her, either. “I think she is an excellent counselor with lots of experience and knowledge which we are really going to miss,” counseling secretary Leah Kapral said. After retiring, she is still going

to counsel private clients for college and their careers. She is also going to teach a college counseling certification program for UCLA as well as set up workshops for the college board. When that isn’t taking up her time, she is planning on taking care of her elderly mother and friend. She also plans to travel. “I want to travel to Italy, New Zealand, and Switzerland for starters,” Caufman said. “ I don’t have to set an alarm.”

Chappell’s heart bigger then her stature by Steve Turney

Sports Editor

After dedicating 30 years of her life to education in Colorado, 17 of which were at in the Poudre School District, retiring Rocky counselor Anna Chappell has decided to step away from education. “I think 30 years is long enough,” Chappell said. “Plus I substituted for two years, as well. But beyond that, I really love to travel, and I’m hoping that I can do some more of that.” Chappell has been a counselor at Rocky for 16 years and is one of the most familiar faces at the school. Standing at a towering 4-foot-11, Chappell’s heart and care for students outshines her height to an extraordinary extent. “She’s sensitive and caring,” junior Frankie Tenuta said. “She just wants you to have the best experience at Rocky and to leave with a good future.” Chappell has enjoyed her time over the past 30 years of working with students and befriending them in order to see them succeed, and working as

became custodian in Colorado by Joey Murphey

Asst. Sports Editor Lou Bartmann, not to be confused with John Hammond (played by Richard Attenborough) on Jurassic Park, is retiring after being head custodian for 22 years. “Actually, I’m better looking than him,” Bartmann said. Before being a custodian, Bartmann was an artist in Chicago. Bartmann stated that during the ’60s it was a tumultuous time in Chicago due to political riots, the ’68 riots, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, and people going to work armed. “I got sick of it,” he said. “My wife worked downtown, too, and we decided to leave. We were a couple of hippies and we sold everything we had and found some remote land in Buckhorn Creek (Colorado) and built a house.” This is where Bartmann became a custodian. He would bring his children to and from their small, three-room school frequently. When the woman who cleaned the school got hurt, the head teacher asked

SARAH RUPERT

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Anna Chappell works on her computer to help out her students durring class time. She is retiring after 16 years at Rocky.

a counselor allows her to cultivate relationships with all types of students. “I think you build different relationships with different kids,” Chappell said. “With some kids, I think you have more of a personal relationship than with other students. But with every student I’ve worked with, I’ve tried to provide the best counseling or teaching possible. “Being an educator, I know that everyday is a significant

day and what you do is very significant in a lot of young people,” Chappell said. Senior Brenden Kennedy has built a very nice relationship with Chappell over the years and knows the kind of person she is and what kind of heart she has. “She’s small. Small but mighty,” Kennedy said. “She really cares about the students that she has (as a counselor) as well as the students that aren’t hers.”

Present this ad for redemption. Not valid with any other promotions or discounts. Valid at participating stores only.

him if he wanted to take over. “I said ‘well, not really, but I’m here everyday’,” Bartmann said. “It would only take an hour or so to clean, and it was a good deal.” When his children grew up, he and his family moved to Fort Collins where he became a custodian at Rocky. “I’ve served under six principals,” he said. “There has always been a really good staff, people have been supportive, and the school is in pretty good shape.” “Lou has great leadership, he delegates very well, and he instills ownership of the school with the crew which helps us keep it the way it looks,” custodian David Boling said. “He is very flexible and willing to listen to different ideas on how to solve a problem.” He will retire after this year and his position will be handed over to Brian Elhoff who is currently the head custodian at Blevins Junior High School. After Bartmann retires, he plans to go back to being an artist.

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friday may 14, 2004

senior section

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Student to spread faith after graduation by Steve Turney

Sports Editor

Senior Steve Goodell has made a decision for himself that will most likely change a part of him, and his life, forever. Goodell, who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has decided to forego his first year or two of college and go on his mission, which directly relates to his religion. “The reason why I decided to go now is because I could go right in September because I’ll be 19,” Goodell said. “I didn’t want to interrupt school with the mission, so I just decided to go now, and then focus on my schooling.” Many people have the common misconception that one gets to continue to live his or her life normally while they are on a mission of spreading their religious beliefs.

Contrarily, when Mormons embark on their mission, they leave behind many of the things people in everyday society take for granted and view as luxury. “Things that I won’t be able to do, that I do in everyday life, are things like watch TV,” Goodell said. “I can’t go to movies or read the paper. I can’t use the Internet except to e-mail. I get to talk to my family twice a year by phone, once on Christmas and Mother’s Day. But I can write letters and email.” Junior Jared Lindsey recently said goodbye to one of his brothers, Nick, as he left for his mission at about the same point in his life as Goodell. Though saying goodbye to a friend or family member for

I can’t go to movies or read the paper. I can’t use the Internet except to e-mail. I get to talk to my parents twice a year by phone, once on Christmas and Mother’s Day. - Steve Goodell, senior

a couple years is tough, Lindsey believes Goodell will be fine. “Steve is one of the g u y s

who tries to do the good thing, but has a good time while doing it,” Lindsey said. “If he can plant a seed in even just one person, who knows what that person is capable of. He should be fine. He knows how to take care of himself.” Another aspect of a mission is the unknown location of where Goodell might be going. Lindsey’s brother was

Jump to Goodell, page 8

McClendon stands out as Valedictorian

Student joining Marines for ‘right reason’

by Kelly Reingardt

by Megan Buettgenbach

Reporter

In the midst of the Iraqi controversy, one student is ready to face the danger and become a Marine and fight for the American cause. Senior Jeffrey Dugan will leave Fort Collins on June 21 for 13 weeks of boot camp in San Diego’s Camp Pendleton. After boot camp, Dugan possibly will be sent to the Middle East. “There’s a good chance that I’m going to Iraq,” Dugan said. “Deep down, I probably have some fear about going to Iraq. But, if I need to go, I’ll do it. I don’t have any objections. “I think it’s something I need to do,” Dugan said. “I think it’s very honorable. It shows you have something.” For Dugan, this “something” runs in the family. “My brother was in the Marines for four years, and my uncle and grandfather were in the Army,” Dugan said. “But I’ve wanted to do this for so long, probably since elementary school.” Nothing has gotten in the way of his determination. “I think he got into the

sent to North Carolina. Even though Goodell does not know where he is headed yet, he doesn’t seem phased or intimidated by it. “There’s a lot of good places but it doesn’t matter to me where I go. I don’t have a preference at all,” Goodell said. Counselor Pam Killness knows Goodell well and is sure that he will be fine on his own and he will fulfill whatever goals he has for himself on his mission. “I’ve gotten to know Steve pretty well, and he’s a good kid,” Killness said. “He has a good heart, but he likes to cover that up with his sarcasm. He relates well to lots of different people, and I think he’ll do very well on his mission.” There are many unknowns for Goodell right now. He won’t know until probably a month

Marines for all the right reasons,” said Dugan’s Political Science teacher Charlie Ross. “There’s a lot of family pride, too.” “It takes a lot of courage,” agreed junior Jerry Pukkett, a friend of Dugan. Dugan has shown plenty of courage. During the early hours of April 25, when a fire broke out in the apartment complex of Collins West, located just north of Rock, Dugan was in the area. A normal person would gawk at the rare opportunity to see a fire, but Dugan took action. “He jumped out of the car and was warning people about the fire because they were sleeping,” Pukkett said. “He helped one guy get birds out of his house.”

Then all hell broke loose, but Dugan remained calm. “It was scary,” Dugan said. “The roof collapsed right after I walked out of the bird guy’s house.” It seems that Dugan already has a lot of character, but he hopes that he will get even more by becoming a Marine. “(I expect to get) a lot of discipline,” Dugan said. “Hopefully, I’ll get a great overseas experience.” Joining the Marines is as much a career goal for Dugan as it is anything else. He hopes to use his military experience to help him find a career in law enforcement. “I’m aiming to be a cop after this,” Dugan said, “so hopefully it’ll help out there.”

It was scary. The roof collapsed right after I walked out of the bird mans house. -Jeff Dugan senior

Reporter

Being able to score high on the ACT is not an easy task, but getting only two points below perfect is even harder. Yet that is exactly what senior Danielle McClendon had done. Last year McClendon took the ACT and scored a 34, only two points below the perfect score of a 36. Not only this but Danielle had compiled a 4.0 GPA during her high school career, and is being rewarded as on e of this years valedictorians. “It’s rewarding,” McClendon said. “It makes me feel glad that I did the work.” Although there are many who are receiving the valedictorian award, there is something that has set McClendon apart. “She combines her intelligence with a stellar work performance,” English teacher Tom Smailes said. “Beyond that she is quietly competitive and she is hard on herself. She always wants to do her best.” McClendon, who is planning on taking the same work ethic to college, is planning on attending Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. “I want to go into Civil Engineering,” McClendon said. “I will probably be involved in music as well.” The civil engineering field may be difficult, but when asked about McClendon’s ability Smailes had nothing negative to say. “She is multifaceted,” said Smailes. “She does so many things well.” Although McClendon may miss the high school experience, she is looking forward to the journey ahead. “I am going to miss my support group of people who I have known for a long time,” McClendon said. “But I am looking forward to meeting new people and doing new things.”

senior section map

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friday may 14, 2004

senior section map

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Going away to college... Rocky Mountain seniors who are...

surveysays 46%

of seniors are continuing with some sort of education next year

37%

of seniors are attending college in Colorado

of seniors are joining the armed forces after graduation

of seniors are planning on taking a year off from school.

Seattle University: Edward Feeley University of Alaska (Fairbanks): Shane Rideout

Gonzaga University: Brenna Loury New England Culinary Institute: Chris Saari

University of Puget Sound: Mark Shoemaker Western Washington University: Cynthia Hansen University of Washington: Ian Thompson

Montana State University: Margaret Kelley Saint Olaf: Catherine Eisele

Brooks Institute: Jared Diehl Connecticut College: Jessica Ebert

North Idaho College: Michael Brinkerhoff

Augustana College: Lindsay Lucas

University of Wyoming: Molly Bowser, Allison Clavette, Carol DeWitt, Adam Neuman, Kristin Mosher, Brittany Peranteux, Heidi Peterson

273 students surveyed

Wyoming Tech. University: Michael Hodges, Doug Kile

Casper College: Brenden Kennedy

University of Pennsylvania: Umber Bawa

Concordia: Christie Johnson University of Nebraska: Ashley Mallette

University of Nevada: Nicole Barnett Bringham Young University: Greg Averill Weber State University: Kaneze Hassan

University California - Santa Barbara: Rona Hightower, Jaime Schilling

Olivet Nazarene University: Danielle McClendon Wheaton College: Stephanie Rentel, Tanner Roth

Colorado schools, see below

University of Evansville: Shanna Beecher, Danielle Murphy, Lindsey Ralph

Bucks County Community College: Daniel Frazer

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF HIGH SCHOOL?

George Washington University: Rachel Simmons

University of Kansas: Erik Pinkston

Singing Italian songs naked with 16 other men in Japan, that’s just something that-you know-- sticks out. -Trevor Banta, senior

Manhattan Christian: Kyle Donahoe, Josh Veillon

Watching Springfest come to fruition last year was amazing, because I helped organize it.

California State: Kirk Burnett Life Pacific College: Debra Williams Loyola Marymount University: Jake Rubin University of California Irvine: Trevor Banta

Northern Arizona University: Carly Worthington Arizona State University: Rachel Conover, Rae Graber, Chasa Mead, Nick Radishofski, Mike Schneider

-Joey Gumina, senior Oklahoma Christian: Jason Frei

Senior homecoming, because I had a lot of fun.

Oklahoma Baptist: Amanda Dimmen

-Kalin Hendee, senior University of Hawaii - Monoa: Melissa Tree

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT NEXT YEAR? I excited for experiencing new things, meeting new people and seeing what new opportunities come my way. -Erin Voorhies, senior

Learning to go outside my boundries and becoming the person that I want to be. -Ashley Mallette, senior

Loyola University New Orleans: Rachel Henderson

senior year

Texas A&M University: Amanda Lawler

Art Institute of Dallas: Brittany Webb Prairie View A&M University: Russell Hawkins

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Colin Slade Florida State University: Ashley Connell, Rotana AlSaggaf Florida Community College at Jacksonville: Tonya Hoag

the majority of the Class of 2004’s favorite year of high school

home the majority of the Class of 2004’s favorite lunch spot

senior prom the majority of the Class of 2004’s favorite dance

The fact that my parents have no control over me and I’m living on my own. -Annie Pitner, senior Colorado State University: Timothy Amerson, Mandi Acher, Stephen Adams, Anthony Arieta, Thomas Athey, Kristen Arnesen, Jeffery Breidenbach, Megan Buettgenbach, Darcy Bonnema, Janelle Brittinger, Brice Burkhardt, Rachel Bradley, Marc Brien, Stephanie Barrett, Rolfe Bautista, Cassie Bohlmann, Amber Camus, Erin Claussen, Matthew Cole, Jason Dekdebrun, Kaylee Dumler, Kevin Doss, Ciera Eaton, Alicia Evans, Nick Ewing, Casey Elgin, Jonathan Fidrych, Brittany Fromme Kelly Funk, Darren Gennetten, Joey Gumina, Jessica Hejde, Roger Nasci, Andrew Ries, Tyler Weigang, Micheal Russell, Ashley Reeves, Sarah Rupert, Molly Krueckenberg, Allison Loth, Cassandra McMullen, Maggie Molinas, Ashleigh Morton, Stacy Novotny, Stephen Holwegner, Kelly McElbain, Chelsey Penoyer, Dayna Knutson, Patrick Potyondy, Kaitlyn Weaver, Katie Tibbets, Kelby Sandoval, Alicia Goebel, Adrienne Perry, Joshua Perry, Dillon Schoenberg, Eva Smith, Hannan Shorrosh, Christopher Krueger, Kelly Reingardt, Gregory Martin, Zuzana Polakova, Jesse Pahlau, Chris Poirier, Krystle Weddle, Amanda Wilison, Amanda Kehmeier, Megan Mitchem, Edward Parker, Holly Hynes, Andrew Martinez, Amy Moll, Amy White, Stephen Turney, April Tocoronte, Corey Gilmore, Diane Matthews, Gabriel Morrissey, Ciara Roonsaville, Lexuan Miliken, Sarah Lindahl, Audra Wubben, Jamie Sugarman, Patrick Oberhoffer, Katie Mill, Lindsay Murr, Todd Tarantola, Sara Hunter, Sara Merrill, Alixandre Dolton Moore, Jenna Middleton, Stephen White,Jennifer Jacobs, Joey Murphey, Julia Kloppe, Joseph Guzman, Julie Wood, Mason Chevron, Courtney Sanchez, Lauren Herzfeld, Rebecca Ailor, Haimy Assefa, Ashley Elder, Jordan Bowman. University of Colorado: Andrew Aguilar, Scott Aller, Kyle Bajtelsmit, Conrad Bontz, Keyan Bondhus, Jonah Byrne, Sam Cade, Jennifer Cheny, Mariela DeSantiago, Whitney Christensen, Brain Cynkar, Matthew Friehauf, Shane Fitzgerald, Richard France, Christina Gavito, Lindsi Hammond, Kalin Hendee, Mike Herbener, Joedy Hulings, Brandon Irwin (Denver), Steven Jackson, Michelle Juchartz, Alicia Lozano (CS), Colleen Lock, Clinton McBride, James Myers, Lindsey Prochazka, Lauren Revier, Laural Thomasarrigo, Benny Tozzi, Jarett Voiles (CS), Tyler Yadon. Front Range Community College: Allison Adkins, Summer Alameel, Austin Archer, Jordan Bowman, Michelle Briggs, Amanda Cabrera, Caitlin Coakley, Cheryl Cooley, Micah Crawford, Joshua Curry, Sean Doll, Kyle Emery, Steven Esery, Donnica Fagen, Jennifer Fiesthomel, Todd Filkowski, Stacey Hall, Kelsey Jurgens, Malinda Loonan, Kristen Pancoast, Brad Reingardt, Cameron Rogers, David Skradski, Dustin Spady, Heather Stevens, Peter Steyn, Sarah Theisen, Brandon Tritten, Brya Wehrer, Nick Wichman, Geoffrey Johnsey, Ryne Haldeman, April Hall, Chris Kneipp. University of Northern Colorado: Melissa Benedict, Luke Bunning, Brittany Clay, Chelsea Cox, Lauren Dyer, Terace Follett, Randy Gonzalez, Erin Hall, Steven Han, Aspen Hancock, John Hess, Shawna Jennings, Allison Kluko, Nicholas Lake, Lindsay Milner, Robert O’Conner, Erin Phebus, Lisa Quaratino, Katie Shaw, Laura Vickerman, Adrienne Waltman, Katie Wayman, Alison Webering, Lindsey Wilkens, Jeffrey Daniel. Fort Lewis: Chelsea Baker, Garreth Brown, Mia Harper, Megan McKee, Alex Nickel, Ronnie Toft. Aims Community College: Chad Fawcett, Whitney Gates, Christine Huval. Mesa State: Ian Abold, Julie Howell, Elissa Larkin, Taylor Manning, Caitlin Rutherford. Colorado Mountain College: Joseph Eberweih, Patrick Keigan, Andrew Sanders. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design: Caleb Gilbert. Denver University: Amber Gilmore. Adams State: Courtney Mohr. Regis University: Jessica Sutton. Western State: Kyle Herman, Mike Lohr, Amy Richards. School of Mines: Laura Kruger, Adam Phipps. Air Force Academy: Patrick Travers. NJC Sterling: Allison Shrum. IBMC: Kassandra Hill, Anna Ivanova. Westwood: Brandon Austin

senior section map

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friday may 14, 2004

senior section map

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Going away to college... Rocky Mountain seniors who are...

surveysays 46%

of seniors are continuing with some sort of education next year

37%

of seniors are attending college in Colorado

of seniors are joining the armed forces after graduation

of seniors are planning on taking a year off from school.

Seattle University: Edward Feeley University of Alaska (Fairbanks): Shane Rideout

Gonzaga University: Brenna Loury New England Culinary Institute: Chris Saari

University of Puget Sound: Mark Shoemaker Western Washington University: Cynthia Hansen University of Washington: Ian Thompson

Montana State University: Margaret Kelley Saint Olaf: Catherine Eisele

Brooks Institute: Jared Diehl Connecticut College: Jessica Ebert

North Idaho College: Michael Brinkerhoff

Augustana College: Lindsay Lucas

University of Wyoming: Molly Bowser, Allison Clavette, Carol DeWitt, Adam Neuman, Kristin Mosher, Brittany Peranteux, Heidi Peterson

273 students surveyed

Wyoming Tech. University: Michael Hodges, Doug Kile

Casper College: Brenden Kennedy

University of Pennsylvania: Umber Bawa

Concordia: Christie Johnson University of Nebraska: Ashley Mallette

University of Nevada: Nicole Barnett Bringham Young University: Greg Averill Weber State University: Kaneze Hassan

University California - Santa Barbara: Rona Hightower, Jaime Schilling

Olivet Nazarene University: Danielle McClendon Wheaton College: Stephanie Rentel, Tanner Roth

Colorado schools, see below

University of Evansville: Shanna Beecher, Danielle Murphy, Lindsey Ralph

Bucks County Community College: Daniel Frazer

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF HIGH SCHOOL?

George Washington University: Rachel Simmons

University of Kansas: Erik Pinkston

Singing Italian songs naked with 16 other men in Japan, that’s just something that-you know-- sticks out. -Trevor Banta, senior

Manhattan Christian: Kyle Donahoe, Josh Veillon

Watching Springfest come to fruition last year was amazing, because I helped organize it.

California State: Kirk Burnett Life Pacific College: Debra Williams Loyola Marymount University: Jake Rubin University of California Irvine: Trevor Banta

Northern Arizona University: Carly Worthington Arizona State University: Rachel Conover, Rae Graber, Chasa Mead, Nick Radishofski, Mike Schneider

-Joey Gumina, senior Oklahoma Christian: Jason Frei

Senior homecoming, because I had a lot of fun.

Oklahoma Baptist: Amanda Dimmen

-Kalin Hendee, senior University of Hawaii - Monoa: Melissa Tree

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT NEXT YEAR? I excited for experiencing new things, meeting new people and seeing what new opportunities come my way. -Erin Voorhies, senior

Learning to go outside my boundries and becoming the person that I want to be. -Ashley Mallette, senior

Loyola University New Orleans: Rachel Henderson

senior year

Texas A&M University: Amanda Lawler

Art Institute of Dallas: Brittany Webb Prairie View A&M University: Russell Hawkins

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Colin Slade Florida State University: Ashley Connell, Rotana AlSaggaf Florida Community College at Jacksonville: Tonya Hoag

the majority of the Class of 2004’s favorite year of high school

home the majority of the Class of 2004’s favorite lunch spot

senior prom the majority of the Class of 2004’s favorite dance

8 Goodell

senior section

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friday april 23, 2004

FROM P AGE 5

within his departure where he will be headed to for his mission. He doesn’t know if he is going to have a companion alongside him who he will share part of his experience with. Also, he doesn’t know how this is ultimately going to

impact him and the way he lives his life. But he does know what his goals are for his mission, and he plans to push himself in order to reach them. “Basically, what I want to get out of the mission is I want to grow as an individual,” Goodell

Construction

said. “I want to learn more about myself and about other people in another part of the country or part of the world. A mission really isn’t for the individual on the mission, it’s for the people you serve. I want to effect and maybe be able to change someone’s life.”

FROM P AGE 1

provide extra space for storage of athletic equipment and uniforms for all teams, more space for classes, as well as providing a gym for the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams to be able to practice and play at Rocky. “When school gets out, we are going to lose almost 100 percent of our athletic storage,” Moddelmog said. “That’s going to be a big inconvenience, but the benefit that we’re going to get in the long term will outweigh the drawbacks.” Classes for the 2004-2005 school year begin on August 18 and all

of the construction must be completed by early September. So students next year won’t have to put up with the parking lot issues and the congestion around the school construction areas for more than a few weeks. Sophomore Andrew Eggers, however, does have a solution to the potential parking lot problem. “I think sophomores shouldn’t be able to drive next year,” Eggers said. “I think they should have to go park over there in the neighborhood or something and not in the lots. They haven’t earned their keep yet. I had to pay

my dues this year, and they should too.” The gym is going to open a lot of new space for the students mainly in the athletic aspects of education and sports, and Rocky has hopes of adding more bits and pieces in the future, too. “Hopefully at some point in time we’re going to be able to put up a rock climbing wall. That is something that the P.E. staff is working at,” Moddelmog said. “That’s not going to come along immediately, but hopefully we’ll be able to do some neat things with the new space.”

Goodbyes avoided because of stinky feet So here I sit. I’ve been staring at this computer for hours trying to figure out the best way to end this year. There is something about goodbyes that just doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t like goodbyes, but then I don’t think most people do. Somehow I never seem to express exactly what I intend to when it comes time for goodbye. I find myself leaving, forgetting some great, miraculously important thing to say. Then suddenly it’s too late, and I’ve managed to stick my foot in my mouth once again. Let my tell you – and my girlfriend will agree with me on this – I’ve got really stinky feet. Let’s see, what are the key ingredients to the cliché “goodbye column?” You need sentiment, a dash of discovery, an anecdotal moment, too much influence and a little bit of the burnt out attitude most seniors have with 3 days remaining in their high school careers. Or if you cook like I do, just wing it and pray . . . Quick, clear your head. Now, what is the first thing you think of when you hear the words “high school”? Some of you undoubtedly think of football games, dances, getting wasted, a favorite teacher. Others don’t think much at all about it. I am one of those people. When I hear the words “high school,” nothing particular comes to mind. For 12 years my body has been owned by the public school system. To me, this is everyday life. I have always looked forward to the

Erik Pinkston Gone fishin’ uncertainty of the future. Since the start of the second semester this year, I have been told that the best part of my life is ending. Is it? I really have no idea. And I probably won’t. Until I’ve lived the rest of my life, I won’t know if high school is the best part of my life. I hope it’s not. I honestly hope that the joys and pitfalls of high school will be eclipsed by the rest of my life. And I am confident that many memories from high school will stay with me forever. If you think about it, it’s impossible to summarize three years of high school in 400 words. I have experienced pain, excitement, angst, happiness and most of all love. For that I am grateful. I can summarize as well in 17 words as I could in 400, and less is more in this situation. I could try, but all of those memories really have no impact on anyone else. So, here I sit. And I have been typing for 30 minutes, hoping to come up with some miraculously important thing to say. I haven’t. But at least I haven’t stuck my foot in my mouth. See, high school didn’t end on a bad note. Senior Erik Pinkston was the Editor-in-Chief for the Highlighter. He will be attending the University of Kansas this fall.

Show your student ID or activity card and receive a FREE 22 oz soda with purchase of any pita 1232 West Elizabeth 102 West Olive (corner of College and Olive)

page

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. Ft. Collins, CO 80526. Contact Highlighter staff members at 416-7090 or (970) 416-7091 for advertising information. Also, the Highlighter Staff is in the Highlighter Room, Room 528, during 4th period. Erik Pinkston/Editor-in-Chief Courtney Mohr/Advertising Mgr. Kathryn Moore/Advertising Mgr. Kyle Herman/Features Editor Steve Turney/Sports Editor Joey Murphey/Asst. Sports Editor Jake Rubin/Entertainment Editor Mike Schneider/Center Editor Sarah Rupert/Art Editor Megan Buettgenbach/Reporter Matt Coulson/Reporter Tom Gillan/Reporter Natalie Grimm/Reporter Kelly Reingardt/Reporter Heather Stevens/Reporter Debra Williams/Reporter Todd Tarantola/Graphics Mr. Stephen Wahlfeldt/Adviser

Colorado High School Newspaper Sweepstakes 2nd place - 2003 1st place - 2002 1st place - 2001 2nd place - 1996 1st place - 1992 2nd place - 1991 2nd place - 1990 1st place - 1987

National Scholastic Press Association National Critique All American, 5 Marks of Distinction - 2003 All American, 4 Marks of Distinction - 2002 All American, 5 Marks of Distinction - 2001 All American, 4 Marks of Distinction - 2000 All American, 4 Marks of Distinction - 1999

Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Critique Silver Crown - 2003 Gold Medalist - 2003 Silver Crown - 2002 Gold Medalist - 2002 Gold Medalist - 2001 Gold Medalist - 2000 Gold Medalist - 1999

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. 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 that the editor agrees 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. Columnists express their own views and not necessarily those of the Highlighter staff. No expression made by the students of the Rocky Mountain Highlighter shall be considered an expression of 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. The Rocky Mountain Highlighter reserves the right to edit anything it publishes.

friday may 14, 2004

opinion

Conflict leaves blemish on graduation T

he class of 2004 is special. They are one of a kind, separated from their younger peers. Not because of test scores, or because of athletic prowess, but because Poudre School District really screwed up the class’s graduation. Somehow, graduation this year was scheduled on the exact day as the state track meets and the state title baseball game. Even that makes no sense, since CHSAA creates tournament schedules months in advance. The Issue: PSD’s solution to the conflict was changing Numerous the time of graduation for Rocky to 8 a.m. conficts with Similarly, Collins’ graduation is at 7 p.m. graduation that same day. Both situations place student force students to make a athletes in conflict with their events. decision that However, the solution for next year’s they should graduating class is having the ceremony not be forced to make. on a Sunday, which is unusual. Sunday’s generally are considered exempt from school activities. It seems that it would solve the problem by changing the graduation date entirely. If graduation was a week earlier, seniors would have a final three days of high school to attend after graduation. Also, if graduation was a week later, seniors would have a week off of school before participating in the ceremony. Solutions do exist to solving Our View: conflict with athletics. Sure, a valid attempt has been made to Better planning avoid serious conflict on graduation day, needs to exist but the proposed solutions by PSD do not by PSD for adequately solve the problem. graduation dates. It seems that the school district has Sunday manipulated graduation times for a select graduation number of student athletes. While studentdays is only a temporary fix. athletes naturally deserve to participate in both athletics and the culmination of their academic careers, the school district has seemingly forgotten the majority of the student population. Graduation is a time of celebration for both students and family. Numerous students have friends and family arrive from various locations in the state and country for their graduation and subsequent parties. Graduation parties are as much a part of graduation tradition as graduation is itself. By moving graduation to different times, and more importantly to a Sunday, the district makes family events extremely difficult to coordinate, which is unfortunate because graduation is a time for celebration. It is respectable that PSD is attempting to solve the problem, but they seem to be lacking serious student input. During the next two years the district should pay close attention to the response of parents and students in regards to the flux in graduation times.

TODD TARANTOLA

What do you think... ...about the graduation conflicts? As a parent, I would have a tough time choosing because they are both very important. -Leah Kapral, Student Services

KAPRAL

The religious people are going to be upset because it is going to interfere with their religious practices. -Roger Nasci, senior

NASCI

We’ve had a challenge in moving the date but we’ve come up with a good solution under the circumstances. -Susan Takahashi, Counselor

TAKAHASHI

Social norms in school as much of a lesson as class Social norms are everywhere. We do many things for no greater reason than because society tells us to. Why do we say how are you when we don’t really care? Why do we go to college just because we are done with high school? Why do women shave their legs? Junior year, I asked myself the latter of these questions. I was on a quest of selfdiscovery, and I was tired of doing things just because people think it is normal. Because of this, last year I was determined to find out why I did the things I did. Why did I wash my hair, shop at American Eagle, engage in meaningless, juvenile relationships with boys, and why did I shave my legs.

Debra Williams Slacker at Heart In order to find the answers to these odd, yet important questions, I started shopping at thrift stores, stopped dating, did not shower every day, and ceased to shave my legs. This was an interesting time in my life, a time of learning and growth. After a month or two, I began to interpret every conforming to society action that a person would take as striving for

normalcy. I became annoyed with the so-called “preps,” as well as athletes and “goths.” Despite my annoyance at people labeling me a “hippie,” I rationalized my stereotyping as being that of a non-conformist activist. I decided that if I was not going to do these things, then no one should, and what I discovered is that I was the one being judgmental. After over a year of my charades in costume-like attire and man legs, I came to a realization. The only reason I was abstaining from many normal actions was to be abnormal. It had nothing to do with who I really was, or being myself. I rebelled for the sake of rebellion. Being different is okay.

Dressing odd is okay. Not shaving your legs is okay for girls. The problem arises when you take these actions only because you want to be different. I was not being myself. I still don’t date. I like thrift stores, and I eat granola. I do shave my legs now. I do not wear Halloween costumes to school. I shower, and I do not dislike anyone because of the social group they are associated with. I have made an important decision-- that I can be myself, and I don’t need to be different or the same as society. I just need to be who God created me to be. Debra Williams was a senior and a reporter for the Highlighter.

features

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Features Editor: Kyle Herman

Remember the good times The new year has come and gone, and for many of us, so has our entire high school experience. On May 22 we will be seeing ourselves one last time as an entire class, remembering the good times….or the embarrassing ones, like these. In his sophomore year, senior Brenden Kennedy had a severe phobia of spiders. He made this public information in his literature class taught by Amy Otteman. This turned out to be a big mistake. Otteman and other students planned to embarrass Kennedy by way of a giant plastic spider. They hung one above his head on a pulley system and when he sat down, let the spider fly. Kennedy screamed (Otteman called it a girly scream) and flipped over his desk. He claimed to be on the verge of tears as his classmates laughed hysterically. Cassie Bohlmann had her embarrassing moment a mere two months ago. Bohlmann decided one day to get her lip pierced. Even after many friends and concerned teachers told her it would be mistake, she went ahead a pierced it anyway. The next day she came

Kyle Herman Eat Your Heart Out

to school with a lip the size of Roseanne Barr. She tried to fight through the pain as her lip grew at an astonishing rate, but that night she gave up, took out the lip ring, and smiled a goofy, huge-lipped smile. Senior Joedy Hulings had her life-altering event in an art class in her freshman year. Hulings thought it would be funny if she created two new nipples out of rubber cement. She put these items into her shirt and when they were properly placed her teacher took a glance over at her. According to Hulings, her teacher smiled and said, “That is perfectly natural Joedy, I thought it was kind of cold in here, why don’t you go get a jacket?” Hulings still can’t tell that story without a hesitant tone and a red face. Finally, we come to me. To fully understand my story I

must give you a little background. I am diabetic and I have an insulin pump that attaches to my “hind quarters.” One day during lunch as I ate in the commons my pump detached from my shorts and when I stood up it started to hang by way of a 20-inch tube connecting from the pump to me. This had happened many times before, and I reached down in an attempt to pull it back up and re-attach it to my shorts. Of course as I stood up, I stepped on the pump and as the pump stayed on the floor it pulled down my shorts revealing my Hanes-made boxer-briefs. Yippee. All of us have done a stupid thing once or twice and we have gotten over it. As we march into graduation and are handed our diplomas, we will not remember our embarrassing moments, rather we will look to our bright futures and our past accomplishments that have shaped who we are today. Who are we kidding, we are klutzes and will always be remembered as such. Kyle Herman is a senior and Features Editor for the Highlighter

Friday, May 14, 2004 TODD TARANTOLA

Baseball: Always around by Steve Turney

Sports Editor

It all started as a small game called “rounders,” which was played with a stick, a ball, four bases, and a bunch of men having a good time; who knew that baseball would grow and spread to become the national pastime of American culture? “I really think it’s the national pastime because its been the most popular game for the longest time,” varsity baseball coach Scott Bullock said. “It was by far the most popular game in the early 1900’s and even into the 1960’s before basketball and football really started coming along.” Some might argue that the game may have lost some of its integrity due to players receiving enormous contracts and accusations of steroid

u s e among superstars, as well as other issues. Senior Nick Lake, however, trusts that the game today in America is just simply on a higher pedestal than what other countries have come to realize, therefore, causing salaries to soar. “I think the reason American professionals make more money is because fans support the game more here, and fans are really the ones who pay players’ salaries,” Lake said. “I think that other countries may look at baseball as a foreign game rather than a true national sport.” The game of baseball in America is so popular nowadays, as well as in the past, that you can hardly change channels on your TV without hitting some baseball game. “People young and old can enjoy the game,” Lake said. “No matter what your skill level is, you’ll enjoy it. Either playing, watching the game, or just talking baseball.”

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11 entertainment

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Entertainment Editor: Jake Rubin

Jake Rubin

Jew Stew

Goodbyes just suck Well little boys and girls, this is my final column to ever appear in the Rocky Mountain Highlighter. In some ways I suppose this is a good thing (primarily because I’m so apathetic it is taking all my focus to sit here and write this). However, I will obviously miss getting to complain about the so many things that irritate me in the world of entertainment. I guess this is the end of a great year, and I wish all three of my avid readers success in your future endeavors! Now, I have to apologize for that lame attempt of a goodbye, but I suppose it somewhat proves my belief that all goodbyes suck. For some reason there is this lame thing called emotion that inhibits all logic and creativity. Nowhere is this more prevalent that in the entertainment industry. Take for example the recent finale of a rarely-watched TV show. While the name escapes me at the moment, it has something to do with six people who always hang out at a coffee shop in New York. Somewhere in-between the plethora of commercials, I managed to watch this ending and I must say it’s what I’ve come to expect from a crappy televised goodbye; actors on the verge of tears, final hookups, everyone with exactly what they want leaving them smiling and happy…It’s enough sap to stock an IHOP. However, there is one solution (at least for TV) to prevent these emotion-filled endings: cancel the show early. That’s right.Fforget the ratings, forget the fans, just cut off the show in the middle of a season. Or perhaps in the middle of an episode, that could be interesting. No longer would we have to sit through the “final goodbye” episodes or clips of episodes we could see in syndication; the show would just be done with and everyone would go home happy. Wouldn’t it be better to end with a great show in the middle of a season than a crappy “final” show at the end? Alas, shows will end, hype will be made, viewers will watch, and endings will suck. So, as not to be an exception, this ending—without a doubt—sucks. Jake Rubin is (or was in a few days) a senior and Entertainment Editor for the Highlighter.

Friday, May 14, 2004

Summer movie predictions

Q & A:

Shrek

by Jake Rubin

Entertainment Editor With hundreds of movies being released this summer, it can be difficult choosing the right one to see. Luckily, the Highlighter has predicted and commented upon the quality of five highly anticipated summer films. While some will be great, others should havnever been made at all. Each movie has been given a grade based on the plot information and trailers.

Anchorman Set in 1973 San Diego, Will Ferrell stars as Ron Burgundy, a famous TV reporter on a maledominated news team who is forced to deal with a female addition (Christina Applegate) to their staff. With a hilarious supporting cast, this is bound to be a comedy worth seeing. A(July 9)

Brad Reingardt, a senior often confused with Shrek, sat down with Kelly Reingardt to answer some questions on Shrek’s behalf. His new movie, Shrek 2, comes out on May 21. Q: Are you excited about your new movie coming out? A: Yes, I am. It should be very entertaining for all ages. Q: Are you going to the premiere with Fiona? A: Yes, I am going with Fiona. She just spent all of the earnings on a new dress. Women! Q: Are you bringing donkey with you as well? A: No, I am sick of him. If he wants to go to the premiere, he can come by himself.

I, Robot Will Smith is yet again a cop in this “thriller/comedy” about creepy white robots that turn on their human owners and attempt to take over the world. Like most of Smith’s movies this has lots of CGI, lots of action, and little originality. D (July 7)

The Terminal Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks join forces again to create this film about an immigrant who is forced to live in an airport terminal. With his love interest being Catherine ZetaJones, this film will likely be a hit for those looking for an intelligent summer movie. B+ (June 18)

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban In the long-awaited third Harry Potter, Harry discovers more about his past while an escaped murderer is after him. Said to be much darker than the previous movies and books, Azkaban has already garnished early reviews calling it the best of the three. A- (June 4)

Q: Who is your favorite co- worker on the set? A: I am going to have to say the gingerbread man. He just looks so tasty.

Spider-Man 2 Can Spider-Man 2 follow in the likes of X-Men and make a sequel better than the original? From the looks of the trailer, it’s possible. In this movie, Peter Parker deals with having a life beyond that of Spider-Man’s and is forced to choose between Spider-Man and his friends. A (June 30) Also see: Shrek 2, Dodgeball, King Arthur, The Village, Collateral, and Troy

Q: Is there any real life romance between you and Fiona? A: She wants me, but I don’t want to break the hearts of millions of women by settling down with just one. Q: Is there anything else you would like to say to everyone? A: Stay out of my swamp!

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rockysports

Sports Editor: Steve Turney

Steve Turney

Friday, May 14, 2004

Baseball blasts into Final Eight by Joey Murphey

Fistfight in a Phonebooth

Don’t worry, I’ll figure it out soon “Hey Turney, where are you going to college?” That is the No. 1 question I have been asked more times than any other in the past few months. To be honest, I don’t know when I am going to know about college. I might know in the middle of the summer, or I might know tomorrow. But the truth is, there are so many unknowns in my life right now that I am all mixed up in deciding what I want to do for the rest of my life. The whole idea of “senioritis” hasn’t hit me this year. I’ve been so busy with playing baseball and getting ready for the state tournament, doing homework, while still trying to maintain a social life. The reason for my dilemma is because I have the chance to play baseball in college, but I’m not sure if that is what I want to do or not. The reason I’m struggling with the decision so much is because I know, in the long run, it will ultimately be the one choice I’ve made so far in my life that will change me forever. Playing sports is something that I am used to and I have done for so many years, and I can’t imagine not playing a sport in my free time. I don’t know what to do right now. I’m not worrying too much about it right now because I know I will eventually make my decision sometime in the near future. I’m mainly just focusing on finishing out the school year and the baseball season strong, graduating, and then making my decision on college. But there is one thing I know for sure that I am going to do, because I want to, and I feel like it’s important. I want to thank my teammates that I’ve played sports with over all the years and the coaches who have helped me develop myself in athletics. In particular, my baseball teammates who’ve help make this year the best year of baseball for me, ever. Thanks to my baseball teammates: Scotty A., Krueger, Fritz, Capper Dan, Bach, Buck, Bryce, Towne, Yol, Jammerz, Tbone, Foam Dome, Deke, Coach Bullock, Coach Schwab, Coach Tripi, and Coach Moddelmog. I’m not sure where I’ll be next year, but when I finally figure it out, I’ll be sure to let you know. Steve Turney is a senior and the Sports Editor for the Highlighter.

ROLLING INTO STATE: Senior Steve Turney, left, throws a pitch during an 11-0 conference win over Loveland. Teammates, below, celebrate after junior Nate Towne hit a two-run home run, which was one of three first-inning home runs in the Lobos during their final conference home game. The team is the No. 2 overall seed in the state tournament, and looks to build on their 20-1 overall record today against ThunderRidge High School at 10 a.m. in Denver.

Asst. Sports Editor

A force to be reckoned with. The baseball team seems to be unstoppable after going undefeated in conference. “On the baseball field, every day is a holiday,” senior Scott Aller said. The team’s 10-0 conference record and 20-1 overall record proves their status around the state. Also, the team was seeded as No. 2 going into the state playoffs. After dominating the district tournament with a 28-0 win over George Washington High School, and 12-2 over Smoky Hill High School, they have made it to the state’s final eight. “This is the best team that I think Rocky has ever had,” Aller said. “Our team this year and next year have the best chance of having special seasons.” Pitching has contributed a lot to the team’s success along with strong defense and timely hitting. “We’ve gotten hits when we need to,” junior Chris Capps said. “We have had good pitching and we’ve played good defense.” It is no doubt that the team has momentum going into the final eight of state and by no means are they going to let down. The team plays ThunderRidge High School today at 10 a.m. at All Star Park in Lakewood in the beginning of the double-elimination rounds of state tournament play.

TODD TARANTOLA

sportsbriefs Boys’ swimming ends season with Girls’ golf hopes to PSD Vipers look to prove strong showing at state tournament qualify four golfers themselves at state tournament This year’s Poudre School District Vipers lacrosse With state competition going on last Friday and for state tournament team have high expectations to win what matters the Saturday, the boys’ swimming and diving team held The girls’ golf team is chipping their way to the state tournament. “We’re getting a lot better, and we’ve improved a lot,” sophomore Haley Hartman said. “We’ve all of the sudden started to focus and everything has started to come together really well.” The Rocky/Collins golf team’s top finisher at the Northern Conference match was Kelly Gillum (Collins) who placed second overall with a score of 76. Hartman shot an 84 and senior Ashley Mallette shot an 89, which also contributed to the team’s second place conference finish. Skyline High School was first with a score of 309. “I really think we can make it to state,” Hartman said. “We’ve all shot scores good enough, we just all need to get in the mindset.”

most, the state title. Vipers ended the regular season 6-1 in conference play, and 13-2 overall. “The regular season was a success but we’ve haven’t reached our goal yet. We haven’t got the state title,” junior goalie Lucas Gillis said. The Vipers first playoff game was this past Wednesday against Mullen High School.

their own against great competition. With seniors Mike Schneider, Jon Fidrych, Clint McBride, and Dylan Westfall leading the way, the team ended the season on a good note at state. Schneider and Westfall made it to the finals. “ The season was good, and we all had a lot of fun. Everyone on the team had fun and that’s what matters the most,” Westfall said.

- Matt Coulson

Girls’ tennis team qualifies for state in No. 1 singles, No. 2 doubles

Girls’ soccer ends with 2-1 loss to Columbine in first round of state

The girls’ tennis team qualified three players to the state championship. Junior Alisa Wagner qualified for No. 1 singles, and senior Rona Hightower and sophomore Brea Roth qualified for No. 2 doubles. “I am happy with how the team did overall,” Hightower said. “Even though only my team and Alisa are going to state, I am proud of all of us and how we did.” The team finished in a 3rd-place tie with Thompson Valley High School at regionals.

The girls’ soccer team was upset in the first round of state competition with a 2-1 loss to Columbine High School, a team the Lobos had beaten earlier in the season. The team ended the season with a 9-4-2 overall record and ended up 2nd in conference with a 6-22 record. The team’s biggest accomplishment of the year was beating Collins in conference, breaking Collins’ 29-0 conference winning streak.

- Joey Murphey

- Steve Turney

- Joey Murphey

Track qualifiers set for state by Steve Turney

Sports Editor

The track team has had a brilliant year so far, and they look to continue it at the state tournament on May 21-22. “This year’s team is special,” coach Bob Parry said. “The seniors on this team are something else.” Time qualifiers for the team are junior Wil Buchanan in the 800, junior Aaron Braun in the one-mile and two-mile. The 4by-800 (2-mile) relay which consists of Buchanan, Braun, and junior Jared Aldern and

senior Kyle Nowak. Also, Brice Burkhardt qualified in the high jump event. The boys’ team is ranked No. 6 in state overall, and the girls’ are No. 3 by the Rocky Mountain News. Both girls’ and boys’ teams are good,” junior Katie Hager said. “We have a lot of talent and practice hard. I think we will do good at state. The competition will be tough but I know we will do great and try our hardest.” The teams have their last chance to qualify for state at regionals today at French Field.