Rocky Mountain Highlighter: 2010 September

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Rocky Mountain

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Sept. 10, 2010

Boda behind bars news, A2

The RM

Highlighter Too much investigates all tanning? types of tanning, and the potential Features, B1 consequences of it

Volume 38, No. 1

Former counselor sentenced to 20 years for sexual abuse

Everything as far as you can see -John Denver, Rocky Mountain High Rocky Mountain High School 1300 W. Swallow Rd. Fort Collins, Colo. 80526

Subwoofers a new concern for hearing loss

by Trevor Merrill Reporter

Subwoofers are a common sight in the cars of many teenagers, but does hearing damage caused from them worry teens?

According to dangerousdecibles. org 85 decibels, can cause hearing loss. Many sound systems with subwoofers produce well over that amount of decibels, depending on the volume.

However, hearing loss is usually not thought about by students. Some claim they don’t have a high enough volume for it to damage them.

“I know my limits,” senior Dakota Collins said. “I like good-sounding rather than bumping.”

Students don’t seem to get subwoofers to just be loud and noisy, but rather because they enjoy the output sound.

“I wanted a better sound quality,” Collins said. “I love that feeling in your heart. I have a long commute to school so I just listen to music.”

With only 85 decibels required to damage hearing, most subwoofer sets are capable of 120 decibels or greater.

Collins has two 12” subwoofers capable of 1400 watts. Senior Connor McDonald also has two 12” subs that can handle 1600 watts, and senior Jeff Margolf also has two 12” subs capable of 1200 watts.

Teenagers usually listen to loud music with deep Jump to SUBWOOFERS, page A2

Quoted directly:

“I think it’s easier to get better marijuana faster (after the medical bill.) I think we’ve been a pot friendly town for forever -- I think the market is now just flooding.

- Senior David Ferkiss on the changing views on marijuana

Study shows one in five teens have hearing loss

by Geneva Mueller Reporter

“What did you say?”

This is becoming a popular phrase in many teenagers' vocabulary.

According to a new study from Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, nearly one in five teens now has slight hearing loss. Specialists did not expect such a severe increase in numbers, therefore the issue is now in the forefront of many professionals’ minds.

Although there is no way to pinpoint the exact cause of hearing loss, many experts point their collective finger at the headphones that have basically become an appendage of the younger generation.

“It's easy to vilify things like iPods and MP3 players, but bear in mind that much of the urban world is getting louder over time, and any high level sound source may be potentially harmful,” Poudre School District audiologist Dan Ostergren said.

According to other experts, some hearing loss in children is a cause of Otis Media, which is the inflammation of the middle ear. Hearing loss was also more abundant with children living in the poverty level. As is apparent, nobody can identify one specific cause of hearing loss but specialists discuss the myriad of possibilities — most of which still require more research to become definitive.

Much ambiguity still surrounds the issue in regards to the causes. However one thing that is known for certain is that many people underestimate the impending dangers of hearing loss. According to the Brigham and Women's Hospital study, hearing loss is a common and under-recognized public health problem that can influence a child's educational, physiological and social development.

“Hearing loss impacts language development first,” Rocky’s hearing specialist Michelle Frounfelker said. “The more severe the hearing loss, the deeper the impact. Language development delays affect reading skills such as vocabulary and comprehension, and writing. These are the core of the academic experience and the basis for communication.”

Because of her personal connection with kids affected by hearing loss, she understands how challenging life with hearing loss can be.

“Communicating is a conscious, focused effort for those with hearing loss,” Frounfelker said.

The majority of teenagers have experienced the ringing feeling in the ears after attending a concert. This is the effect of damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear closest to the brain. Over time, these cells will cease to repair themselves and hearing loss will begin. In addition to concerts and other loud noises such as construction and heavy machinery, iPods have taken some of the blame recently.

Jump to HEARING, page A3

Inside Stuff

►Cancer-free Karp now coaches ’em up.

Sports, A8 ►Students display talent at local music fests. limelight, B8

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Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Case closed

Former counselor Boda sentenced to 20 years

by Elaina Trousil Contributor

BOULDER – Years of keeping a secret. Years of gut-wrenching guilt. Years of fear.

Former counselor Brad Boda spent the past 10 years trying to fix, run and hide from the remorse he felt for taking the innocence of 14 children in acts of sexual abuse in Longmont. But despite his efforts at making amends, mostly through ►Boda his commendable work as a guidance counselor at Rocky, Boda’s past caught up to him as he was sentenced on July 1 in Boulder County Court to 20 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections system for sexual abuse on a child.

Boda is currently serving his sentence at the Crowley County Correctional Facility, a medium security contracted prison east of Pueblo. He is eligible for parole in February of 2020.

On April 16, Boda pled guilty to two felony charges of sexual abuse on a child and sexual abuse on a child by a person in position of trust stemming from his work as a youth counselor at a church in Longmont. The plea bargain stipulated that Boda would serve 10-20 years in prison, instead of a life sentence, if he pled guilty to those two charges. Another 11 chargers where dropped.

The April guilty plea brought an element of closure to a case, which began Sept. 23 with Boda’s arrest at his parents’ home in Greeley after he failed to show up for work at Rocky.

At the dramatic sentencing hearing, many people spoke to the court on Boda’s behalf, but Boda’s victims and victims’ parents also had the opportunity to speak out on the impact of Boda’s actions.

The testimonies were presented to Boulder County Judge Gwyneth Whalen in an effort to persuade her to give Boda either the minimum prison sentence of 10 years or the maximum sentence of 20 years.

At the July hearing, Boda was led into the courtroom, hand-cuffed, by a county

News

Sept. 10, 2010

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sheriff’s deputy.

I have tried to make things Once the hearing started, Pineau stood in right, but none of this can fix front of Judge Whalen and what I’ve done. I have wanted told her that Boda accepts to do something for you. My full responsibility for what he has done in the past. arrest can bring justice. This Pineau told the court that was not your fault. It was all Boda had come to see him my fault. months before he was arBrad Boda, rested and had come clean former Rocky counselor about his past. Pineau described Boda’s coming forward as “pulling back dressed the court, sharing their stories of the drape on himself,” and he concluded broken trust, emotional pain and ongoing talking by expressing that what Boda anger. has done “is a terrible and unforgivable “I trusted Brad,” said one victim’s crime.” parent, who asked to remain anonymous.

After Pineau spoke, the district at“He is a master at gaining trust, but we torney spoke to the court in an effort to were all deceived. I did not protect my persuade Judge Whalen to give Boda the child from this monster, and I put my maximum sentence. child in harm’s way. Boda molested my “Mr. Boda has earned trust, trust son at his 13th birthday party and on outwhich he does not deserve,” said the of-state trips. He brainwashed children. district attorney. “I’m sure there are others He has given each child a life sentence.” (victims), but I hope that there are not.”

Among the victims present at the As Boda sat, looking uncomfortable, hearing, few were willing to speak to the his sister, Kimberly, who asked to keep RM Highlighter reporters. However, one her last name confidential, took her turn of Boda’s victims, named Chris, who also talking to Judge Whalen in support of her asked not to have his last name released, brother. told student reporters that he was 14 years “We have been through every stage old when Boda began abusing him. of grief, and then some,” said Kimberly.

“I testified because I was going to go “Our prayers have been with the victims to the grave with this,” Chris said. “Other and their families. This is not the Brad we victims came forward; I had to come forknow.” ward for others. This gave me closure. I’ve Even though Kimberly was speaking come to terms with it. I’ve done pretty on Boda’s behalf, she does not think his well (in life). I’m living the American crimes should go unpunished.

Dream, and I’m very happy.”

“I do believe Brad needs to be in After hearing all the testimonies, Judge prison,” said Kimberly. “He deserves to be Whalen sentenced Boda to the maximum punished.” prison term of 20 years.

Boda was trembling as his sister talked A close friend of Boda’s, Marshal and he continued to do so when he made Frasier, offered to speak at the hearing in his first public statement since his arrest support of Boda because of their “familyto the court and to his victims and their like” relationship. families.

“It’s hard to take,” Frasier said. “It’s a “I molested you, and I molested your lot like a death in the family. It’s hard to children,” Boda said. “I have tried to learn, but I can’t disagree with the court. I make things right, but none of this can offered to speak, in spite of what hapfix what I’ve done. I have wanted to do pened 10-12 years ago. My opinion of something for you. My arrest can bring Brad didn’t change. I haven’t had contact justice. This was not your fault. It was all since before his arrest. As hard as this has my fault.” been, Brad will go and do his thing, and Several victims and victims’ parents ad- we’ll do ours.”

Subwoofers from page A1 bass. Hearing loss is caused by the hairs on the inner ear which vibrate then translates the vibrations to the cochlea.

When there is Trevor Merrill heavy bass that creates loud, low frequencies, Takin’ it to the beats: Senior Connor McDonald shows off his twelve inch set of subwoofwhich damage ers. McDonald uses his subs to emphasize the the hair on the lower beats in his music. inner ear, thus creating hearing me,” McDonald said. “My loss. mom thinks they’re ridicu“I listen to Dubstep and lous just because how big hip-hop because they have they are.” a lot of emphasize on lower Collins’s parents also frequencies of sound,” Mcenjoy the subwoofers for Donald said. similar reasons to McDonParents however, don’t ald’s dad. seem to worry about their “My parents love them,” children’s subwoofers damCollins said. “It makes them aging their ears. feel young.

My dad jams to “My dad loves them them.” because he’s a bass head like

Ramin’ the Truth

Ramsey Nicholas

Lock-in lowdown

“Attention, students and faculty…”

On Aug. 18, the mere third day of school this year, returning students found themselves not-sopleased about going on lock-in.

What a wonderful way to start out a fresh, new year. Imagine how frightened our freshmen were feeling. It’s their first week of high school, and they’re nervous enough as it is. Now let’s throw in, “We’re all gonna die!” No big deal.

But what a lot of students don’t realize is the school is contacted by the Fort Collins Police Department and alerted of a potential threat towards students in the school. A lot of times, the police department does not even inform the school of what the threat actually is, only advising the school to perform a lockdown or be liable for the harm of students.

Once the lockdown is executed, the school no longer has liability over the harm that comes to its students. Nothing has ever actually happened to anyone during any of these incidents of “social disturbance.”

The threat that occurred last year, was for bomb threat that put students in danger of leaving the school, and apparently leaving their classrooms as well. Many students pondered the question, “Why would they leave us inside of the building when we are in danger of a bomb threat?” It just makes us wonder if the bomb threat was actually so “serious.”

During this year’s “lockout”, students were told that if they left the school during lunch, they would not be let back on campus, which is called a lockout, rather than a lockdown. This procedure was taken into action merely because an angered student on a bike was a threat to the school.

Not much other information was released from the school, but it was confirmed that the student was later that day, arrested in Aurora.

Although I find these lockdowns particularly annoying, my opinion on the situation dramatically changed after speaking with the school office and administration.

I do feel as though the school could do a better job of informing the students of the situation, rather than scaring them. However, instead of looking at these lockdowns as failures they should be looked upon as successes since no one got hurt.

Although now, when something actually threatening, serious, even potentially harmful occurs, many students will not take the situation with severe precaution, since both occurrences were false alarms.

Ramsey Nicholas is a junior and Editorial editor of The RM Highlighter.

News

Sept. 10, 2010

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Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Saturday marks 9th anniversary of September 11 terrorist attacks

Tragedy brings back vivid memories for all

by Ryan Nelson Reporter

September 11, 2001, is a day that will be forever remembered by all Americans.

The mental images and personal connections made that day are something that Americans will always carry in their hearts.

Children, teens, adults and elderly people will always remember the hijacked jet airliners that were used to attack the World Trade Center in New York, and the Pentagon in Virginia, as well as the plane that crashed in a meadow in Pennsylvania due to a hostage rebellion.

Teacher Scott Van Tatenhove was attending Columbia University in Upper Manhattan when the attacks occured. He had gone to visit his great-aunt just a few blocks away from the World Trade Center when it was struck. He had only been living in Manhattan for five days.

“It was a very blue sky that day,” Van Tatenhove said. “Not a cloud in the sky; I was on Canal Street and in plain view of the World Trade Center.”

Van Tatenhove didn’t see when the North Tower was hit with the first plane.

“I didn’t really see the (second) plane hit,” Van Tatenhove said. “I just saw the explosion, but at that point I still thought it may have been an accident.”

After bringing his great-aunt home from shopping on Canal Street, he went back towards the Trade Center out of curiosity. He came back to see that the military had been called in and had closed off the area. The news helicopters were no longer in the sky, and only fighter jets were patrolling the area.

“Everything was shut down,” Van Tatenhove said. “Nothing was moving.”

Van Tatenhove turned back and walked the nearly five miles back to the Columbia University campus.

On his way back, he walked near Saint Vincent’s hospital. The hospital had set up a tent with 100 beds to help the injured.

However, there was no one to help because instead of injuries there were only fatalities.

Most of America learned of the breaking news via television while their day had just begun.

Senior Aaron Hubert was only in third grade at the time but can vividly picture what he saw on the T.V. that day.

“I was watching ‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ when it was interrupted with a news update from New York,” Hubert said. “I went to tell my mom and she didn’t think

Photo courtesy of Scott Van Tatenhove

A Day Never Forgotten: A flag stands in New York City amid the smoke and rubble on September 11, 2001. Smoke occupied the city for days after the Twin Tower attacks.

much of it, but after I told her another plane crashed, she was up and turned on the T.V.” “She explained to me that there was a

chance this could turn into a war and since my dad was in the army, that could mean he was going to war,” Hubert said.

Hubert’s father did end up going to war in Iraq. He is now retired and back home from his fifth tour of duty.

Sophomore Ben Spoliansky was five in 2001, and living near Pasadena, California. He doesn’t recall many mental images of September 11, but he does remember emotions.

“Mostly, I was just confused,” Spoliansky said. “I woke up to the sound of my parents pacing back and forth; they were going a little crazy. Later my mom sat me down and explained to me how something bad had happened.”

Spoliansky has only the images on the news and the pictures in magazines and papers to visualize what happened that day, but he will never forget the way he felt and the way his parents reacted to the attacks.

Most Americans will look at September 11, 2001, as a day of regret, remorse and sorrow. But it is the memories and feelings that honor those who lost their lives that day. Everyone will forever remember where they were, how they felt, and what they were doing when America was attacked, and America will forever honor September 11, 2001.

CSAPs produce mediocre results

by Fahey Zink Reporter

The results are in and once again CSAP scores remain flat in Colorado.

While every year teachers and administrators hope for the best, scores continue to be not as high as they should be. According to the Unit of Student Assessment from the Colorado Department of Education, Colorado’s 2010 reading scores stayed about the same with a 68 percent proficient or advanced rate, math remained the same at 55, writing dropped to 53, and science dropped to 47 percent. At Rocky, 44 percent of ninth graders and 39 percent of 10th graders passed math, 77 percent and 71 percent passed reading, 61 percent and 56 percent passed in writing and 60 percent of 10th graders passed science this year.

As the years go by, teachers and administrators are still wondering what’s causing CSAP scores to remain flat.

“CSAPs are kind of pointless, but you gotta do them,” said sophomore Hayley Boss, who took the CSAPs last year and will take them again this year.

“There’s no point of having them in high school.”

“I’m confused on what CSAPs are even for and what they reflect,” junior Meghan O’Neil said. “I think they should stop CSAPs freshman year.”

One theory on why some students don’t take CSAPs seriously is because they have no effect on their grades so they don’t bother trying. The other case is that students try, but they don’t try as hard as

Hearing from page A1

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I don’t joke around on my CSAPs, but I’m not going to sit around and figure out one question. It’s not a grade. I’ll try, but not that hard.

Meghan O’Neil, junior

they would on a regular test.

“I heard some people did joke around, like making up their own prompt,” O’Neil said. “I don’t joke around on my CSAPs, but I’m not going to sit around and figure out one question. It’s not a grade.

I’ll try, but not that hard.”

Rumors have been floating around that this is the last year of CSAPs, but no one is entirely sure yet. Students would agree though that ending CSAPs this year wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

“CSAPs should end this year,” Boss said. “It costs a lot of money for the district, and it wastes a lot of time in school.”

While as of right now CSAPSs are still the state standardized test, students would agree that the test should be changed or end completely. Until then, scores will likely stay at the flat rate where they have been for the past couple of years.

Decibel Comparison Chart

“iPods put out a frequency Point at which that will cause damage,” sounds can school nurse Barb Cynkar become Telephone Motorcycle Normal said. dangerous: dial tone: Engine: conversation: Rock Concert: 85 dB What many people 80 dB 100 dB 60-70 dB 115 dB may not understand is that Info found at http://www.gcaudio.com/index.html hearing loss is completely irreparable. Once hearing loss whisper or rustling leaves. begins, it can never be repaired without the use of One thing is for certain—the new studies have hearing aids or other amplification devices. As was brought attention to the issue of hearing loss and discovered by the people involved with the study conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the have many specialists urging teenagers to take preventative measures. majority of the hearing loss discovered recently “I hope it (the study) brings awareness,” Cynwas in the lesser ranges of seriousness. This brings kar said. about an inability to hear quiet sounds, such as a

Teacher of the Year History teacher Kurt Knierim received the 2010 Preserve America State History Teacher of the Year award. The award is given out to one teacher per state across the nation. Recipients are given a $1,000 cash prize as well as an archive of books and resources given to the school in the honoree’s name. Knierim will additionally be entered to be recognized as the National History Teacher of the Year. Above, Knierim is shown hugging his 9-year-old daughter, Megan, at a ceremony honoring the teacher on Aug. 31.

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Sept. 10, 2010

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

A day of cheer

Confession: this past week I did something completely foreign to me, something I swore I would never do, someTess thing that most Halac people steer clear of and frankly, blatantly laugh at.

This something was cheerleading practice. I wasn’t alone either – in fact, I was joined by my 11 teammates that make up the varsity volleyball team. At our team meeting the very first practice, we decided that it was time we mend our relationship with the cheerleaders.

It is a well-known fact that volleyball girls and cheerleaders haven’t exactly had the most amicable past, which is partially the reason cheerleaders don’t cheer at our games. There was no big, juicy reason that the teams disliked each other, just typical petty girl drama stuff. While neither of the current teams was really involved in the past altercations, there was still an awkward tension hanging in the air.

So when we decided to end this drama, Coach Gainley fully supported it and told us that our captains needed to communicate with the cheer captains about our wishes. That was that, I thought. We’d both say a quick sorry, we’ll try to have more respect for one another, and we would be done with it.

Wrong, Tess. The week after our team meeting, Coach Gainley brought us into a huddle. Our captains informed us that the next Tuesday, we would be having 45 minutes of cheer practice with the squad, and later they would have 45 minutes of volleyball with us. His reasoning for this was something I will never forget – “you can’t talk your way out of something you behaved yourself into.” Basically, a kiss-and-makeup doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to earn respect. It can only come when both sides are truly remorseful for their actions and allow their bodies to do the talking, rather their mouths.

The following Tuesday there I was, standing in the midst of about 40 cheerleaders. I felt like I was in a foreign country. When they stretched their legs, they could actually touch their noses to their knees. How could someone yell that loud when they’re trying to perform a specific routine that’s perfectly in synch with the rest of the squad? How could someone smile that long without feeling like their cheeks are going to fall off? I’ve never tried smiling while trying to hit a volleyball, but I’m pretty sure the results would be somewhere between a crazy grin and a grimace of pain.

Another thing that amazed me was the amount of trust they had to put into their teammates. In most sports, if you don’t trust your teammates, you might lose a point. In cheerleading, if you don’t have trust someone can be seriously injured.

After cheer practice as I was walking back to the familiar sight of a volleyball court, I realized how much I learned. Cheerleading requires a different kind of work than most sports. Instead of running, throwing, hitting and diving, cheer more focuses on rhythm, preciseness and concentration.

So for those of you who think cheerleading is easy and something requiring little to no talent, you’re wrong. I learned three of the most basic cheers (thanks, cheerleaders!) during my practice. I can’t even begin to imagine learning the other 20 or so I’m sure they have to do. Not to mention the tumbling, half-time shows and advanced stunting.

What I learned the most though, was respect.

I know some clubs and sports generate a lot of attention, like football, whereas others receive little or even negative attention. But before you criticize another group and point your finger, realize that with one finger out you have four pointed back at you. If you want your activity to have respect, dish some out; and maybe more importantly, before you dish out criticism, make sure you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.

I’ve walked my mile. Cheerleaders, you proved me wrong; you now have my respect.

Tessting the Waters

Sarah Hite

Add/Drop day complications

S Staff Editorial ►Changes need to be made in the current Add/Drop system to better serve students.

tudents are in charge of the decisions for their schedule at Rocky, but the complications to get that “perfect schedule” make the change not worth it.

The current schedule for Rocky has only four slots for classes, which lacks flexibility. This also causes delays in the add/drop day, and the line backs up to the San Juan open space from the counseling office, causing students to wait as long as two hours. The schedule system, however, enables students to “double up” on classes, helping them excel in specific areas. This means that they can take a core class first semester, and then another of the same subject the second semester. The problem is that students don’t know when classes are offered which class periods, which quarter, or which semester.

The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is published nine times during the school year by the newspaper staff of Rocky Mountain High School/ 1300 W. Swallow Rd./Fort Collins, CO 80526.

Contact Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff members at 970-488-7090 or 970-488-7091 for advertising information. Also the Rocky Mountain Highlighter staff is in Room 528, during 4th period.

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Rocky Mountain

Editor-in-Chief Tess Halac

Center In-Depth Editor Mary Willson

Editorial Editor Ramsey Nicholas

Limelight Editor Chloe Evans

Sports Editor Calvin Jouard

Advertising Manager Jake Mohr

Features Editor Cassa Niedringhaus

Staff Charlie Anderson John Califf

With two add/drop days it could be easier for the flow of students to add or drop their classes, instead of having an insanely long line in front of student services. For these days there should be a difference of the classes. It should be the juniors and seniors on one of the days and then sophomores and freshmen another day.

On the Friday before the new school year starts, the seniors and juniors could go in and change their schedule. Then, on the Monday before school starts, the sophomores could change their schedules while the freshmen have orientation. After orientation, the freshmen could change their schedules. With this seniority rule, the upperclassmen could get the more complex classes they want, in a much easier process. The

ighlighter Trevor Merrill Regan Miller Geneva Mueller Ryan Nelson Doug Watterson Artists Sarah Hite Loren DeWeese 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 RM Highlighter will also comment on issues of interest to its readers.

The purposes of this publication are to report the news to the Rocky Mountain High School community, to provide the school community with a public forum for thoughtful discussion and debate, and to provide students on the newspaper staff with practical journalism experience.

In order to make the RM Highlighter as professional a publication as possible, important legal and ethical guidelines will be followed. Senate Bill 90-99, enacted by the Colorado General Assembly during the 1990 legislative

freshmen could obtain the basic classes first, and eventually, their classes would become more advanced.

This is how the seniority rule would take effect for the different age levels.

The older a student gets, the more he/she knows what they will major in and what classes they will need to take to specifically focus on that. Our suggestion will benefit studentsso that the required credits that are needed for every student will be easier for the upperclassmen to access so they can obtain their necessary credits to graduate.

Classes will still be offered to all students, but the upperclassmen will get to decide which classes they would take, and the classes would be more relevant towards their futures. If this new idea were carried out, the “perfect schedule” could be much more attainable.

session, declares that “students of the public schools shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and the press.” (Colo. Rev. Stat. Sec. 22-1-120) We, the staff of the RM Highlighter, are prohibited by law from publishing certain materials. We will respect these laws. No material which is libelous, encourages illegal acts, or causes material and substantial disruption to school activities will be published. Expressions which are obscene will not be printed. Profanity will not be printed unless it is considered absolutely necessary by the RM Highlighter editorial board to express the views of the writer or quoted person. Expression which is false “as to any person who is not a public figure or involved in a matter of public concern” will not be printed. “Expressions which are in violation of lawful school regulations designed to control gangs” will not be printed.

In the event of a potential controversial item, the editorial board —consisting of all the editors, the advertising manager, and the adviser —will meet to discuss the merits of the item and then decide whether or not to print the item. Coverage of deaths which occur within the Rocky community will be carefully considered by the editorial board.

Natural or accidental deaths will be reported for clarifications of death and will contain a memorial. Except in extreme circumstances, suicides will not be covered to reduce glorification of such acts.

In general, the RM Highlighter observes the guidelines presented in the “Code of Ethics” of the Society of Professional Journalists. The RM Highlighter will not allow source review prior to publication, unless there is a clarification issue. Source anonymity will be granted only after careful consideration by the editor, with the editor reserving the right to make the final decision. Staff editorials shall be presented logically and will represent the views of the majority of the staff. Editorial criticism, of either individuals or groups, will be based on fact and will be constructive.

Guest editorial space, the “Open Forum,” is available to anyone in the Rocky community, including students, parents, faculty, and administrators. Anyone interested in writing in the “Open Forum” should contact the editor-inchief or the adviser, Stephen Wahlfeldt.

Letters to the editor are welcome. They should be signed, and a home phone number should be included. The writer’s name may be withheld upon request, provided the editor agrees that the reasons for withholding a name are valid and compelling. Try to limit letters to 300 words and place them in one of the “Letters to the Editor” boxes, located in the Media Center and the Main Office, or give them to a RM Highlighter staff member, RM Highlighter adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt, or drop them by the RM Highlighter room, Room 528, during 4th period. Letters may also be mailed to the Rocky Mountain Highlighter, Rocky Mountain High School, 1300 W. Swallow Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80526. To talk with anyone on the RM Highlighter staff, phone (970) 488-7090.

Columnists express their own views and not necessarily those of the RM Highlighter staff. No expression made by students of the Rocky Mountain Highlighter shall be considered an expression of school board or Rocky Mountain High School policy. Furthermore, Poudre School District and its employees are immune from any civil or criminal action based on any expression made or published by the students.

All advertisement is welcome. To place an ad, contact RM Highlighter advertising managers at (970) 4887091. The RM Highlighter, however, reserves the right to refuse advertising which the staff considers inappropriate for our audience.

The RM Highlighter is a member of the ASNE/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service, and some material is courtesy of that service.

The Rocky Mountain Highlighter reserves the right to edit anything it publishes.

Tess Halac is a senior and editor-in-chief of The Rocky Mountain Highlighter.

Editorial Photo Poll Do you think teachers should use Facebook as a way to communicate with students for class assignments?

Luke Petrun, junior

“No, I don’t care about my teachers’ personal lives.”

Gennae Roybal, senior

“No, because school and personal life should be separate.”

Kevin Dwyer, senior

“Yes, because Facebook would be a good way to communicate”

Mike Gronstal, sophomore “Yes, because it would be a helpful reminder for homework.”

Alex Jennings, freshman

Sept. 10, 2010

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Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Is it time for Facebook in the classroom?

Modernizing communication

You’ve just been poked by Facebook, the social networking website used around the globe that has now hit over 500 million users.

Either labeled as a waste of time, a privacy issue, or an efficient way of contacting friends, colleagues, and family, Facebook is now undeniably a huge part of communication throughout our world today. In fact, Facebook is now being used by teachers as a modernized way to communicate with students.

Civics teacher, Tom List, has created a group for his AP gov-

ernment class through Facebook as a way for students to keep up with assignments and understand the class better by practical communication. The idea came to him through his brother, Rich List, who teaches high school in New York.

Rich uses Facebook as a positive avenue to help students learn. He sends them reminders of up coming assignments and projects, hints to the solution of problems that students seem to be having trouble with, pictures of class activities, and reflec-

tions on observations from class discussions.

The truth is, the more modernized our world becomes, the harder it will be to shut out programs from students’ lives.

With the technology we have today, students can access internet websites such as Facebook right in the palm of their hands. So why block students from Facebook on the school computers if they can use the application on their phones anyways? Students spend a great deal of time on Facebook, so accessing a teach-

ers’ page will fit easily into their lives, as well as build community within their school. The sense of community will slowly start to increase as more and more teachers start to use Facebook as a tool rather than as a distraction.

Teachers at Rocky should consider the option of incorporating Facebook as a way to communicate and assist their students in learning in the best way possible.

-Ramsey Nicholas

Pro Con

 Potential distraction

“Call me Mr. Facebook, I can make yo grades drop” “I was doing homework, then I ended up on Facebook” “If you should be doing homework right now, like this” Groups like these, while meant to be comic relief, demonstrate the serious repercussions of what could happen if Facebook were to be permitted in schools. With the Webwasher and YouTube ban, schools appear to take any measure pos-

Sarah Hite

sible to insure that computers are used for education and not abused in any way. Imagine if Facebook were allowed. Gone are the valuable research and writing times, replaced by meaningless chats and aimless wandering of the site.

Teachers using this site as a teaching tool seem to perpetuate the problem. Once you’re on a social networking site such as Facebook, even if for “educational purposes,” clicking the little red ‘x’ in the top right corner is almost impossible.

Instead of finding the information needed and leaving the site,

many high school students are likely to be distracted by a friend who just popped online, pictures posted online, or a particularly funny or ludicrous status update.

Half an hour, an hour, two hours pass, and still Facebook is open.

This is a common situation amongst teens, and allowing education to seep into Facebook would just continue this all-toofamiliar scene.

Furthermore, Blackboard has all the features a Facebook page has to offer without the potential distraction. If set up correctly, anybody placed in a certain class can post comments for others to

see and acquire needed information. Since such a system is already in place, it appears to be an unnecessary hassle to allow Facebook on school computers, even if it were possible to allow only certain access.

Facebook is meant to be a social networking site and should remain as one. The clash between education and internet fun is already a problem many face at home; bringing it into the school setting is just unleashing a whole set of hugely avoidable problems.

-Tess Halac

Finding yourself through exploration

Self discovery in high school doesn’t usually happen until the later years where maturing occurs, but I can’t speak for everyone.

I do believe that once you realize and experience things inside school and beyond, that is when you can truly find yourself. It just depends whether you really are into art, music, or even writing for a high school newspaper.

You could be interested in all three of those, but nobody is the same. Everyone finds their

Rough Draft John Califf

place at different times, and not normally in the same ways.

But I also believe that nobody ever truly finds themselves. In high school, I think a lot of the self discovery occurs when you are being influenced in so many

ways and are experiencing so many new things. Because interests change and time goes by when you are influenced in different ways, the building blocks of finding yourself are formed.

Skateboarding has influenced me in ways I can’t even comprehend to. It has been a huge part of life for me for years. From the day I started to the present, it’s all I’ve been doing, and I haven’t looked back since.

I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if I hadn’t have

had that as part of my life. I encourage others, to do something they have a passion for because it will set them free. They’ll be enlightened beyond compare, and it doesn’t stop there. Self discovery in general could be hard to see at first, but once you mold your life around something you truly love doing, you’ll figure it out.

for XC (cross-country) and no one knew or asked why I was dressed up. Cross country athletes are never taken seriously, and no one really thinks our sport works hard. For example, other sports like golf, football, soccer, even volleyball seem way more important to the school than a team that acts like a family.

When cross-country athletes dress up, other sports don’t care, but when football athletes dress up, everyone cares. We don’t expect students to watch us run, but we feel like

we do not get any support from the school. People take our sport for granted and do no think it is relevant. Other sports practice and have determination, but so does the cross-country team. Cross country athletes go watch other athletes even when we get back from a big meet and we are tired. We still make time for other sports. So in my opinion, I feel left out and unappreciated.

-Briana Cathcart, senior

John Califf is a senior and a reporter for the Rocky Mountain Highlighter.

Letters to the Editor: “If a lot of students are using Facebook, then yes.”

Harry Potter Homecoming

Dear Editor, There are many students at Rocky that have been complaining about the Homecoming theme. For me, “Harry Potter” was not my first choice either, but the theme is not going to make or break Homecoming night. Homecoming is a night where your attitude is going to determine whether you have a good or bad experience, and I hope that

people will realize this. Each and every one of us has the ability to make it the best night ever, so let’s put our complaints behind us and make Homecoming 2010 amazing.

-Michelle Kennedy, sophomore

Show support for cross country Dear Editor, I wore a dress today at school

A6

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Sept. 10, 2010

Playing with the big boys

sports

New boys’ basketball coach Meyer excited for transition to 5A division

by Doug Watterson Reporter

Jeff Meyer has had a lot of basketball experience in his 20 plus years of playing and coaching, but this season will mark Meyer’s first as a Lobo and 5A head coach.

Meyer replaces Bruce Dick as the head boys’ basketball coach who resigned over the summer to lead Resurrection Christian High School.

“Rocky Mountain, what a great school,” Meyer said. “I’m very excited to be here. I’ll bring some cool things to the table.”

Although this is his first season as head coach of a 5A school, Meyer certainly does not lack experience. He played and coached as an assistant at Thompson Valley and as an assistant at Berthoud.

For the past four seasons he has been at 2A Frontier Academy in Greeley. Meyer is also no stranger to the college ranks. He worked

under Steve Morrill as a graduate assistant at Colorado State University and as an assistant at the University of Northern Colorado.

Along with his coaching experience, Meyer also has a great passion for character development.

“There is a lot more to it than just wins and losses,” Meyer said.

“I think one of the major reasons I was hired is I want to develop young men into men. I want them to have a bright future once they get out of high school.”

It is this mentality that set Meyer apart from the two other applicants athletic director Wayne Moddelmog interviewed.

“Jeff’s passion for building character in young men is what our athletic programs are about,” Moddelmog said.

On the court Meyer would like to keep the fast paced and high

“”

I think one of the major reasons I was hired is I want to develop young men into men. I want them to have a bright future once they get out of high school.

Jeff Meyer, new boys’basketball

intensity style implemented by Dick, but does admit that it will take players capable and willing to play his style.

“I try to fit what I do around the players,” Meyer said. “I’d like to take it to an extreme running and I love to press. I love to play full court basketball.”

Even with such an experienced coach, there is always uncertainty when changes are made, especially to an already successful program.

“I’m worried about changes he might make to the offense,” said senior point guard Ty Traufield.

“What we have done has worked

in the past but we are good enough to adjust. I just expect him to push us hard.”

Meyer, who also got a new coach during his senior year of high school, understands what the players are going through but thinks it will be a great opportunity for them.

“I don’t really look at it as a challenge,” Meyer said. “It gives the players an opportunity to show what they can do. They’re not going to be prejudged.”

In high school basketball, just like any other sport, success is determined many times by wins and

losses, a category the basketball team has not struggled with in the past. To Meyer this is not the only judge of success.

“I want them to come to practice and come to the games and have a lot of fun,” Meyer said.

“That’s one of the way I look at success is if the players come back and say they had a really good time playing.”

Although Meyer has big shoes to fill as replaces one of the top coaches in the state in Dick, he is optimistic and excited for his first run as a head coach at the states highest level and does not doubt his abilities.

“I’m really honored and excited to be apart of Rocky Mountain,” Meyer said. “It’s an awesome school and great job. We will make them proud.”

Four and counting for baseball program Dogpile!: The baseball team celebrates after their fourth consecutive state title. The Lobos look to five-peat next season.

by Doug Watterson Reporter

The greatest high school sports team this city has seen in 76 years capped off yet another remarkable season with their fourth consecutive state championship this summer, yet they remain hungry for more.

Led by pitching ace Marco Gonzalez along with a very deep senior class the baseball team cruised through the state playoffs and found themselves in yet another finals matchup. They finished off Ralston Valley 9-4 in the championship game with another dominating performance that has come to be expected from the Lobos.

“It was a culmination of all our hard work during the off season,” senior pitcher-first baseman Chris Bonk said. “To send those seniors out on top after they had won three already was really great.”

Even after winning four in a

Ryan McCrary

row, the players know they must not become complacent. They know the winning formula and plan on sticking with it.

“We play a lot throughout the year,” senior pitcher-outfielder Eric Ferguson said. “A lot of rep-

etitions are the key. We just work harder than a lot of other teams.”

“Coach Bullock is always pushing us to get better and better, to reach our fullest potential,” Bonk said.

The Lobos are accustomed to

having some big names and big time players on the team. After losing twelve seniors, they have their work cut out to replace the likes of Gonzales, shortstop Pierce Trumper and a very deep senior class. Last year the only underclass-

Karp

from page A8 in remission. As if that wasn’t enough to make his day a great one, Karp then went on to play in the Rocky Mountain versus Fort Collins basketball game.

Karp banked in his memorable three- point-shot nearly seven months ago.

But this is no where near the ending of Karp’s incredible journey.

He was seen all over the news and known around the city as well as the entire state.

It attracts the entire U.S. and the Karp story was then brought into the national limelight.

Karp was followed around Children’s Hospital by an ESPN camera crew who would document every step of Karp’s story from the beginning.

The ESPN documentary premiered on national broadcast on July 2, 2010 on Sports Center. The piece featured some of Karp’s family members and a few close friends including Rocky graduates Tyler Mogolefsky, Dillon McNamee, Craig Buchanan and Brittany Lott.

men to receive significant playing time were Bonk and pitcher-first baseman Jess Amedee.

“This year we don’t have the all stars we have had in the past,” Ferguson said. “It’s going to be more of a team atmosphere.”

Even with the loss of so many experienced players Bonk knows this will lead to many teams in the state to underestimate the Lobos.

Following one of the greatest four year runs in state baseball history leaves high expectations to continue the success.

“It’s a lot of pressure going for five straight,” Ferguson said.

“We’ve won four in a row so we can’t be the first class to lose.”

That pressure to win five in a row is welcome by the Lobos who are no stranger to high expectations. It is clear what their mission is for next season.

“We can beat anyone in the state,” Bonk said. “Our expectation is to win five in a row.”

“It was crazy,” Karp said, “I got tons of friend requests on Facebook.”

“I never thought in a million years that I would ever personally be on the show,” Mogolefsky said, “But when I saw that official piece, I was really excited and honored to be a part of such a terrific story.”

The piece featured on Sports Center gave millions of people great inspiration and hope.

“I would say that I mostly felt inspired,” Mogolefsky said, “I remember when he told me he had beaten cancer, I felt so happy and elated.”

Now, Karp is proud to say he is cancer free. He has his next checkup in just a few days and he says he feels great. He is currently taking classes at Front Range Community College in hopes of enrolling at Hastings College next fall.

Karp has been helping coach the Rocky football offensive line as well as filming all the games and some practices.

Karp plans to help out with the basketball team as well as the track team in any way he can.

sports

Fall Sports Previews Field Hockey

The Poudre Unified School District Field Hockey team is in a is in good shape, with more returners than graduates. This is a favorable thing, according to head coach Nick Morales.

“The team is getting ready for an amazing season. We only lost a few players from last season and try outs for the Varsity team were fierce,” Morales said.

These girls were talented to begin with, but got even better in the offseason, according to

Gymnastics

Big changes are in store for the gymnastics team, one of which being new rules.

“Gymnastics went through some major rule changes this year that all teams are going to have to adapt to. I think our team is actually going to benefit from them,” head coach Kim Hufford said.

Aside from the rule changes, the team has a large amount of fresh faces, including freshmen Hannah Linder and Alexis Stockton. Linder will add nice depth to the to vault, beam, and floor events while Stockton will contribute everywhere in the all around event.

“We are extremely young,” said Hufford. “It will be important for these gymnasts to get experience.”

Morales.

“Many of the girls participated in summer pick-up games and played in the Colorado State Games in Colorado Springs. PSD Fire had a great tournament in the springs and for the first time we won three games and lost two,” Morales said.

The team had many games in which they lost in the last two minutes of regulation, but that could be a thing of the past if all of the offseason work pays off.

Sept. 10, 2010

Losing could altogether be erased if senior co-captain Meghan Braun settles into her new position at center forward and recovers from an injury. Junior Meghan Loury will hopefully blossom in her second year on varsity at the midfield position. Also looking for a breakout year is junior Lydia Swartz, who moved up to varsity during the season last year.

-Calvin Jouard

The pressure is on the youngsters this year, as the team finished 8th in the state playoffs last year, and 3rd in the conference with an overall record of five wins and two losses – a solid season. Success this upcoming year will be harder to achieve with only four upperclassmen returning. This veteran bunch is highlighted by seniors Angela Neuhaus, Kelsey Gibbs, and Sammy Boyce, all of which compete in the all around event.

This event consists of the floor, bars, and beam exercises.

Tess Halac

-Calvin Jouard

Lining it up: Junior Brady Stalnaker prepares to make a putt.

Stalnaker is one of the golfers to watch this season.

Boys’ Golf

Fahey Zink

Serving it up: Sean Magill smashes a serve during a match against Mountain Range. The team plays Fairview next. to get into condition and are responding well to coaching,” Malloy said. “I think we will impress upon the league that ‘the pack is back’!”

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Fahey Zink

Goooooo team: The volleyball team gives cheerleading a try during practice.

The two teams agreed to try each others’ sports in order to gain respect for one another.

Volleyball Even though Michie Johnson, Hannah Ney, Erin Zachman and other big names graduated from the quarterfinalist team last year, head coach Glenn Gainley has this to say: “We have a pretty strong core team returning from last year…We are big, strong, experienced, and hungry.”

Leading the charge of this core team are captains Kaitlind Bestgen (senior) and Amelia Morgan (junior).

Bestgen heads into her third year on varsity, and will hit outside and anchor the serve receive, according to Gainley. Morgan on the other hand is going into her second season as

Boys’ Tennis Casey MacMaster. That name has been the center of boys’ tennis around the state for the past three years, winning three consecutive state titles – and now it’s gone. Oddly enough, his departure may not hurt the team all that much.

“His teammates from last year have stepped up and played the entire off season,” said head coach Bruce Malloy.

“Thus, they have gotten better and better. We are subsequently deeper as a squad this year.”

Senior Justin Schnell is one of these players, having never qualified for state, and plays the No. 1 singles position. Alex Creech and John Behm are also part of the senior laden group, and look to play No. 1 doubles. According to Malloy, the singles teams will be very strong as well as the doubles teams, the perfect equation for a solid season.

“The players have bonded as brothers, worked very hard

A7

Practice hard, gradually improve and compete at regionals.

This is head coach Charlie Ross’ list of objectives for the season.

These goals seem to be in reach with three consistent starters returning and only one departure in Travis Sanders. Senior Jeff Amidon highlights the trio and “has matured greatly” according to Ross. Amidon played his sophomore and junior years and has plenty of experience going into this year. Brady Stalnaker is a junior and played throughout junior high and to the present.

Last season he recorded the lowest team scoring average.

Sophomore Ryan Wilmot is the third member of the trio, and is a promising young talent, having played last year. But, according to Ross he has not yet qualified for a varsity match yet.

All players gained valuable experience, as they were forced to step up the previous year.

Unlike a majority of Strike!: Junior Bri Vansickle pitches during a game the teams this season, against Bear Creek. The Lobos won the game 10-0. the softball team returns more talent from last year than what they lost. According to head coach Mike Crockett, four seniors graduated, but six players return with experience to boot.

“We were young last year and will have a lot more experience this year, plus a lot of positive attitudes. We should be competitive in our conference,” Crockett said.

The team can hopefully improve their 6-13 overall record and 8th Front Range Conference finish.

Top returners include junior pitcher and third basemen Bri VanSickle, who played varsity as a freshFahey Zink man, senior Taylor Huxell (outfield), junior Dani Hailey (catcher), and “My outlook is very positive,” said juniors Emily Jacomet (first base) Crockett. “We came off a down year and Katherine Rosecrance. Also, but have worked hard.” promising sophomore Emily Burns (infield) returns.

-Calvin Jouard

-Calvin Jouard

Cross Country

-Calvin Jouard

Cassa Niedringhaus

Opposing forces: The varsity offense and defense battle during their scrimmage on Aug. 20.

Football

Fahey Zink

Lining it up: Cody Borer prepares a kick during a game against Chaparral High School in a game on Sept. 2. displaying great leadership, and are taking players like lone freshman David Morales under their wing. The team hopes to compete not only in league play but playoffs as well.

-Calvin Jouard

The team is a little green in terms of varsity experience – even though the majority of the starters are seniors. Nevertheless, these seniors will have to step up, as eight players from the starting offense graduated, along with a majority of the defense.

“We lost lots of returners and experience from last year. But, there are plenty of kids to fill in,” said head coach Mark Brook.

Not only will these new players have to fill in, but excel at their positions. At the receiver position, J.T. Leidholt and Michael Seidel departed, leaving senior wide receiver Eric Ferguson a starting position for the first time at the varsity level. The

-Calvin Jouard

Softball

Boys’ Soccer One would think beating Cherry Creek would be enough to win a state championship.

This was not enough for the team last year, as they beat Creek, but was ousted from the semifinals by Lincoln.

But, the team is eager to get back on the field and compete. Impact players Phil Ackerson and Jeff Westra departed, but leave plenty of experience behind.

Seniors Matt Anderson, Andrew Fenn, Chet Mogorit and Scott Wegher will be leaders on the team, and head coach Daniel Ibanez expects them to be key players. Wegher garnered second team all-FRL honors last year, and will be vital to team success. Looking to contribute as well is Ricardo Perez. According to Ibanez, the upper classmen are

a varsity player at the setter position. Both players bring experience to the floor, as well as defensive specialists Keera Brown (junior) and Lindy Gillette (senior). Former-libero Kim Catlett will likely hit outside for the team this year. New faces on the team are senior right-side hitter Tess Halac and freshman outside hitter Ashton Mares.

“This team has amazing potential,” Gainley said. “As a coach, I couldn’t ask for a better group of athletes and young women with which to try and build something special.”

tight end and defensive end positions also saw significant losses, but senior Ethan Kitchell will play an invaluable role in filling both these spots. That doesn’t mean Rocky comes into this season with all fresh faces. The offensive line saw four starters graduate, but center Lucas Lovell started last year as a sophomore, and looks to anchor the offensive line in front of returning quarterback Brode McDonald. On defense, junior safety Ryan Fergen and senior linebackers David Johnson and Jay Seefeld also saw varsity time last year.

-Calvin Jouard

The outlook is bright for the cross country team, as long as they don’t repeat previous mistakes.

“The season looks good. We are hoping to peak better this year as we ran well early last year, but did not finish strong,” head coach Matthew Scott said.

Running strong looks like it won’t be a problem this year, at least for the girls.

“Our girls should run as a close pack and are really deep.

I expect them to be really successful,” Scott said.

Included in the girls’ bunch are Ari Munro, Shayla Peel, Mary Wilson, Lauren and Lyndsay Provencio, Geneva Mueller, Kelsey Alexander and Shelby Mathis. The boys on the other hand are loaded with four runners that Scott expects to place well in all meets. Among these boys are Jeff Randall, Ryan Doner, Jake Sumearll, and Hayden Brian.

Scott isn’t about to toot his own horn though.

“We have a great team on both sides, but it is too early to tell how well we will do,” Scott said.

-Calvin Jouard

A8

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

S

ports

Sept. 10, 2010

Hitting back at societal norms Female football players battle on gridiron

by Tess Halac Editor-in-Chief

For the longest time, America has decided the societal norms regarding sports: football, hockey and Sports baseball were Special dubbed male sports, while sports such as cheerleading, volleyball and dance were left to their female counterparts.

Modern times have changed this stereotype, as more and more people delve into sports and activities that were originally meant for the opposite sex.

Freshman Rhone von Carlowitz is one of these people.

She has made Rocky history ► Aubrey Davis

Q&A

Rhone von Carlowitz, freshman linebacker

Teachin’ how to Dougie

Doug Watterson

Why we play the game

Fahey Zink

for being the first girl ever at the school to play football in a non-kicker position. What’s even more surprising, she’s a linebacker.

“I wanted to play in 7th grade, but I was too scared to try out,” Von Carlowitz said. “I didn’t try out in 8th grade either, but then during the season I found out it was a no-cut sport.

So I went and talked to the coach, and he said I’d make a good d-line (defensive line).

That’s where I’ve been playing ever since. It’s the first sport I’ve ever really gotten into.”

While it may be surprising for a school to have one female player in a football program, Rocky actually has two girls playing. Von Carlowitz plays for the C-team, and senior Aubrey Davis is a punter and receiver for the school’s varsity team.

“I’ve always wanted to play football,” Davis said. “I always thought it would be cool. We’re a very football and athletic oriented family. My brotherin-law is a football coach at CSU and my older sister was an athletic trainer for it. Sundays and Mondays, that’s what’s on the T.V. all day. Sundays, that’s all I do.”

Although both girls are in

Family?

Mom: Cameron Ryland Brother: Christian von Carlowitz Dad: Wolf von Carlowitz Stepmom: Denise von Carlowitz Who inspired you to play football?

I kind of inspired myself. I got really into football with my dad. I would go over to his house on Sundays and we would watch it and talk about it.

Favorite pre-game music?

I don’t really listen to music before a game. For away games, I sit on the bus and give myself

Fahey Zink

Down, set, hike: Rhone von Carlowitz (far right) participates in drills before the intersquad scrimmage Aug. 20. On Top, von Carlowitz raises her hand during the post-scrimmage meeting.

a sport that’s usually played by boys, both have said they have been received fairly well by their teammates, coaches and family.

“You know, girls’ sports are so gossipy and catty,” von Carlowitz said. “Some guys might think it’s a little weird, but most are fine with it. My family supports me too. I have a little brother, and he does ballet, so it’s funny because the roles are kind of switched.”

“They’ve fit in well,” said defensive coordinator Satini Liufau. “Guys treat them like anybody else, coaches treat them like anybody else. Once they put the pads on, we just treat them like another member of

a pep talk.

Favorite athlete?

Ben Roelthlisberger. My stepmom is a huge fan of his, and he was just the main sports guy I grew up with.

Do you have a favorite sports memory?

The Blevins game. I had dated this guy from Blevins. His name was Josh. I totally took him down. I wiped him out. It was great.

What would your teammates say about you?

(I think) a lot of the guys are intimidated by me.

They’re scared because of me because of my height.

the team.”

“Overall it’s been pretty positive,” Davis said. “No one has been outright rude to my face at least. My dad is thrilled with it, my mom is kind of along for the ride, and my little brother just thinks it’s awesome. We play (football) like every night.”

Davis has been at workouts in previous years, but has never actually been on the team because it has always just been “wrong place, wrong time.” She credits the help and support of the coaches in her decision to play this year.

“I think it’s great. It’s neat that they decided to be a part of what we do,” Liufau said.

►Rhone von Carlowitz

Karp’s recovery going well, looking ahead to future

by Ryan Nelson Reporter

Fahey Zink

Going sledding: The offensive line pushes Garrett Karp (middle, white shirt) on the sled. Karp helps during practice and films the games.

Imagine a fight of a life time, and imagine the triumph that goes along with this courageous and persistent fight.

It’s hard to believe that over a year ago, Garrett Karp was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His fight lasted for the duration of over six months.

Karp triumphed over the cancer that burdened his entire senior

year of high school.

“Just the fact that he handled the situation with such a positive attitude and grace, makes me feel like I could do anything,” Tyler Mogilefsky said.

However, it was in mid February when Karp’s story seemed to reach even greater heights.

On the 16th of that month, Karp learned that his cancer was Jump to KARP, page A6

To dominate, to win, to be the star - never to be second best.

This is the athlete mentality, focused on success, the big win, and the final result. Words such as undefeated, champions and powerhouse define the most successful programs in all of sports. As for the athletelegend, superstar, and MVP mean that you have reached the top, that there is no one better. These labels are the greatest compliment and ultimate goal for many athletes.

Fear of failure drives them to win at all cost. It doesn’t matter how they get the win, as long as they’re shining brightest when the stadium lights are on and the fans are cheering. The daily grind, the struggles, the life lessons learned from the game mean nothing. The process becomes irrelevant. It’s the final score that means everything.

To most, a name in the record books is a name never to be forgotten. Winning defines success and success defines the player.

It is sad to think many athletes take the field with this mentality, the wrong mentality. There is much more than this to the world of competition.

The real lessons in sports are hidden, found by only a few. The truly great athletes do not play with this “win and only win” mentality. They play for something much bigger.

But what makes these athletes great?

First of all, they may not be the player with their name in the paper and probably don’t get pointed out in a crowd. A great athlete is one who knows why they play and gets the greatest gift sports can offer, a chance to learn.

They learn to look past themselves. They embrace being apart of something bigger, much more prevailing than a single person could ever be. They become a small, yet crucial part of a team.

They learn to fight, never to give up. Giving up on yourself means giving up on your team. The great athletes can be looked upon with a sense of trust from others, knowing that they will never quit, they will persevere.

They learn to embrace the process. The final result is a part of the process, not the entire process.

Great athletes realize that if they have dedicated themselves then they are victorious. Win, loss, or tie there are no lingering doubts. They know they gave it their all.

They learn to love the game.

The greatest ones love the process, love to persevere, and love the team above all. The gratification from loving the game is greater than any individual triumph or championship could ever bring.

This is the mindset of the ones who have truly figured it out, for they know there is only one chance to get it right. Yet so few will take the chance to learn this mindset the great athlete mentality.

“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”

- John Wooden Doug Watterson is a junior quarterback on the football team and a reporter for the RM Highlighter.

F

eatures

Sept. 10, 2010

Section B

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

The Will to Wonder Mary Willson

Friendly facts

I am a part of a group of friends. I’m sure that most of you are, as well.

It’s a love-hate thing. For me, I love having my support system of friends to always go to and to share my high school life with.

Yet, it’s also a hate thing because for some reason, when a group of people gets together, they are sized up and stereotyped.

This brings a major question into my head: How does one break out of these, as to not be identified with the crowd they run around with?

Friend (fr nd) n. 1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. A friend is someone you like to be around and that likes to be around you. Simply that.

My favorite thing about my group of friends is that every single one of us is completely different and want to be completely different from each other.

Within my friend groups, were all individuals, into our own, unique activities, styles and interest, that come together. Yet, we are not all the same person.

We are generalized because we merely group together whenever we are in the same room.

Runners, cheerleaders, dancers, singers, swimmers, StuCo reps, outdoor lovers, indoor lovers–we represent a lot.

And frankly, we are the least alike people you could put together. So, I challenge you to go into the start of whatever year you are starting and learn to meet people for who they are.

Yes, who they are, not who their Facebook pictures are with or where they stand during passing periods.

This simple act alone, not judging a book by its cover, will make our school a much more diverse and unique place to live for seven hours a day for the next nine months.

Mary Willson is a senior and Center In-Depth editor for the RM Highlighter.

Tanning Yet issues remain Tempts Teens

Mary Willson

by Cassa Niedringhaus Features editor

Today’s teenagers work hard to fit in. They lose weight, dye their hair, buy new clothes, and work for a perfect tan.

In today’s society, people believe that being tan looks healthy and attractive. On average, 2.3 million teens visit indoor tanning salons each year.

“I tan because it looks good and just to keep my tan through winter,” said senior, Caleigh Glass. Glass works at a Sunsation Tanning Salon.

“We warn all customers when purchasing tanning packages about the risks of tanning and we make them do a survey before they tan,” Glass said.

However, some tanning salons sometimes use false or misleading advertising to lead tanners to believe that they are safe. They promote “safe tanning

16%

beds” that provide vitamin D or that have “pure UVA rays.”

However, according to www. sciencedaily.com, dermatologists were surveyed and unanimously discouraged tanning beds.

Not every trend that takes our society is a safe one. Cigarettes used to be portrayed as sophisticated and beautiful.

Today, cigarettes are advertised as unhealthy and detrimental to health, and cigarette usage has significantly declined. Tanning bed usage, however, is on the rise. Tanning beds are classified by the World Health Organization as being as carcinogenic as cigarettes, plutonium, and uranium.

“It’s (effect of tanning beds) bothering but it’s not to the point where I’m totally going to stop,” said sophomore Megan

Jump to TANNING, page B2

of students tan in a tanning bed.

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Cancer tragedy changes family

by Cassa Niedringhaus Features editor

►Bill Walter as teenager

►The Bill Walter family

of students tan outdoors.

Even in the hardest times of his life, Bill Walter knew how to get everyone around him to laugh.

In 1995, Bill was diagnosed with Stage Four melanoma and passed away in 1998. However, Bill lives on in the legacy that he left behind. He lives on in those that knew him: his two children, his wife, his friends, and his family. He also lives on in those who didn’t.

As Bill’s disease progressed, he and his best friend got the idea to hold races in Daytona Beach, Florida and Fort Collins in order to raise money for people with melanoma, and so began the idea for the Bill Walter III

Jump to WALTER, page B2

30%

of students tan to look good.

304 students surveyed

Harry Potter-based theme voted in by students

by Chloe Evans Limelight editor

The book and movie series that has been deemed by critics, the “event of our generation” is now Rocky’s 2010 homecoming theme.

The popular series and now franchise and amusement park, Harry Potter has leaked into more than just popular culture; it has infiltrated Student Council’s dance committee plans.

“We plan to transport the students to an enchanted castle in a creative, magical world,” StuCo sponsor Jennifer Adams said. “We guarantee that A Hogwarts Homecoming will be one they never forget.”

In a close race, A Hogwarts Homecoming won out over other possible themes: Chromatic Fantastic, 1930s Hollywood, Circus, and Mardi Gras.

This year StuCo advertised the themes by placing colorful posters emblazoned with the themes outside of the counseling office.

“We put the posters up to really get people excited for the ballot to go out,” co-head of StuCo’s dance committee, Austin Druse said.

Though this year’s theme is very specific and pop culture based, StuCo is confident that homecoming will have the same feelings as past dances.

“Dance committee and

StuCo are very excited about this year’s theme,” junior class president and co-head of dance committee, Jessica Davidson said. “We believe it will combine new ideas and old traditions to increase student involvement and excitement in all areas: the dance itself, the football game, spirit days and lunch activities.”

Spirits days for Homecoming Week will be announced later this month, closer to the date of the dance.

Set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m., StuCo is currently expecting a little over 1,400 attendees this year, numbers close to last year’s turnout.

Chloe Evans

Getting it ready: Kelly Fagan, senior class secretary, works to organize homecoming decorations in the StuCo office. Students voted in the Harry Potter A Hogwarts Homecoming for the 2010 Homecoming Dance theme.

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Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Features

Sept. 10, 2010

Bike builder after hours Senior builds bikes from parts in spare time

by Trevor Merrill Reporter

When Jay Seefeld got his job and had some extra money to spend, he decided to find some interests of his and put that money to use.

Many students get a job, and spend their money on random junk, or possibly save it up.

Seefeld on the other hand, did neither of these two things.

“I just wanted to make somefor myself,” Student thing Seefeld said. “I just got a job and didn’t know how to spend my paycheck so I watched YouTube videos and learned how to build bikes.”

Seefeld buys bike parts from online stores and various stores around town such as Recycled Cycles or Brave New Wheel.

Once they have the foundation of the bike, Seefeld and his brother, Hal Seefeld, will customize the bike.

“We strip the bike from its main components,” Jay said. “(Then) strip the paint off, paint it, and assemble it with the parts that we like and depending on what it needs. So far this (the bike currently being built) will be the 5th one.”

Once Jay is done building the bikes, he either keeps them for himself, or will sell them.

“I sold one to my brother,” Jay said. “One to my brothers girlfriend, and helped our neighbor build one. I’m hoping to

Q&A

Bike builder: Senior Jay Seefield attaches a new crank (center) to one of his bikes. In bottom, Seefield looks for a crank in his shopping cart of assorted bike parts. As a hobby, Seefield takes various bike parts and assembles whole bikes.

Feature

Trevor Merrill

sell this next one too. It’s a blue and white single speed for about $250. That’s really not bad for a custom bike, because anywhere else you go you’re going to spend

Tanning from page B1

Gillette.

The belief that being tan is healthy is deceptive. According to www.healthcentral.com, people are seven times more likely to develop melanoma if they use a tanning bed just 10 times a year.

“I tan about three times a week and I have been tanning since sophomore year,” said Glass.

“I don’t over do it so I’m not that worried.”

In July, the government enacted a new 10 percent tax on tanning beds in an effort to discourage tanning and to raise an estimated 2.7 billion dollars over the next 10 years.

Tanning outdoors, if overdone, can be dangerous as well. To reduce health risk, people can use sunscreen, reapply often, and spend time outside in moderation.

Cancer caused by sun exposure is more prevalent in today’s society. Each year, approximately 38,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma.

“I was just hanging out by the pool and hiking. I put on sunscreen but I went into the pool right after so I started burning,” said junior Christine Gravelle.

Gravelle sustained serious sunburns while spending time outdoors when she didn’t apply sunscreen. Even though it was a cloudy day, she burned. Then she noticed an odd mole on her chest and her back.

“I decided to get my moles checked because they were growing, had strange colors and shapes and I didn’t want to take the risk of getting cancer,” Gravelle said.

One of the moles had cancerous cells.

Gravelle says that for her peers, she recommends using sunscreen and reapplying, even in the winter. She doesn’t want people to go through what she did.

“I got really tired right after (getting the moles removed),” Gravelle said. “Getting the moles was traumatic.”

upwards of $350 to $500.”

Dakota Collins, a friend of Jay, has worked on bikes with Jay. They striped down Collins’ bike and painted it Rasta colors.

“It’s an awesome hobby,” Collins said. “You can tell he loves doing it. The thing that makes it cool is he’s more than willing to help anyone. We probably spend eight hours total completely striping down the bike, the paint, sanding, priming, and putting it back together. We really didn’t have any troubles; we just had fun with it.”

Along with loving bikes and

Walter from page B1

Melanoma Research Fund 5K walk/run.

“He wanted to have an opportunity to give back,” Kathy Walter, Bill’s widow, said. “There were so many people that had helped us, and so we wanted to be able to give back.”

Bill was a lifeguard, surfer, water-skier, and generally active person in Daytona Beach while growing up and living there. Then, when he moved to Colorado, he spent more time in the sun while skiing and biking. He didn’t wear sunscreen.

“He got the double-whammy (of sun),” Kathy said.

Kathy first noticed his mole when he was playing with his young son, Austin, now a Rocky junior, in the pool. They discovered the mole in August 1995, had it removed in December of the same year, and began immunotherapy in May of the next year. According to www. merriam-webster.com, immunotherapy is “the treatment or prevention of disease by taking measures to increase immune system functioning.”

“From that one small mole, it migrated to his brain, to his lung, to his spleen, to his pancreas, and to his liver,” Kathy said. “From one mole.

People, you want them to realize it. All it takes is one deadly mole. That’s it.”

Bill had 37 brain tumors by the time he passed away, yet he was still able to stay positive and keep everyone who knew him laughing.

“He had a really good attitude about it (the disease), still a positive outlook,” Austin said.

“He kept a humorous attitude,” Kathy said.

“He always kept us laughing. He had the doctors laughing. He had us laughing. In the depths of extreme sadness, he always would put the Billy Bob (fake, brown hill-billy) teeth in and do goofy, goofy things.”

Walter’s sickness, while cushioned by his humor, was a blow to the family. Being only 36 years old when he passed away, he left behind his wife and children, Austin, age 5, and Katherine,

having extra money, there was another factor that contributed to Jay’s bike building. Senior Marshall Anderson rides bikes often, and this convinced Jay that he wanted to build bikes.

“I rode Marshall’s bike at the end of last year,” Jay said. “And I wanted one.”

Along with riding them, Anderson also knows a lot about bikes and how they work and can thus easily relate to Jay’s hobby.

“Building bikes is good because you learn how they work,” Anderson said. “You don’t need to pay insane fees when you bring them into bike shops because you know how to asses the situation opposed to going into the bike shop and having them tell you what needs to be done.”

Steve Armstrong, Campus Security

Q: What made you come to Rocky?

A: I was assigned here by the security department. Every high school has a security officer. I did nights before here so I was in charge of all schools in the whole district.

Q: What is your exact job here?

A: Campus security officer. I do all sorts of stuff: crisis prevention, crisis intervention, parking enforcement, there’s all sorts of stuff I can’t even think of it off the top of my head.

Q: Where do you mostly work here?

A: My office is right back here in the main office. I’m in the school a lot wandering the halls and outside a lot doing the parking enforcement, so you see me in the parking areas.

Q: What do you want students to see you as?

A: Someone that’s here to help them out in any way, keeping them safe and secure but at the same time following policies.

Q: What do you enjoy here the most?

A: All the students. They’re good people for sure. I enjoy being around here and getting to know all the students, for sure, and the staff is really good, too.

Q: What do expect from students behavior wise?

A: The same thing any parent would expect out of their child at home. Follow the rules follow the policies, which most students do.

Q: Anything else you want to tell Rocky Students?

A: Go Lobos.

Compiled by Fahey Zink

Safe Tanning Facts ►Ultraviolet rays are two to three times more powerful in tanning beds than tanning outside. ►People who use indoor tanning beds are 74 percent more likely to get melanoma than those who have never used indoor tanning before. ►A safer way to get a tan is using tanning lotions or spray tans that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

age 18 months.

“I don’t really remember life with a dad, so this is normal for me,” Austin said.

Their family misses him, especially, when they are involved in parent activities, such as the Butterfly Kisses dance, a father-daughter dance through the Timberline Church that is held at the Lincoln Center annually. However, their family always likes to look for the silver lining.

“The silver lining, I always like to say that there is a silver lining, is that we have been able to help others,” Kathy said. “Through our tragedy, we have been able to help other people.”

With the help of Bill’s friends and family, the Bill Walter III Melanoma Research Fund/ Rayz Awareness of Melanoma was started. It is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to research, education and patient funding.

Between their locations in Daytona Beach and Fort Collins, they have been able to raise over $500,000. “(The money goes to) the most innovative, nontoxic, clinical trials,” Kathy said. “We give the money to a researcher who really has a heart, a passion, for melanoma. We do not put our money towards radiation treatments. We do not give money to chemotherapy treatments, because that is just money down the drain. Chemotherapy and radiation are not effective for melanoma.”

Not only were good qualities brought out in the Walter family, good qualities were brought out in those around them, too. Other families and dads have stepped up to help in Austin and Katherine’s lives.

►DHA is a colorless chemical that interacts with the amino acids in skin to produce a brown color that usually lasts about five to seven days ►It has no known toxicity. The only concerns about DHA are the dangers to the lips, eyes, and when it’s inhaled or ingested. www.medicinenet.com

“We have been able to meet a lot of neat role models that have been involved in the kids’ lives that we wouldn’t have ordinarily met,” Kathy said.

Walter’s passing has also changed the way the family looks at life.

“It’s caused me to have more inner-strength, more confidence in myself,” Kathy said. “I feel like I’m more outgoing. It brought about a more caring attitude, more empathy for others who are going through hard times. It’s caused me to really appreciate life, appreciate my kids, appreciate friendships.”

Austin has grown up surrounded by mentors, and looks to do the same for young children that have lost parents. He mentors children that he has met through church or other activities. He plays sports and games with them and reads to them.

Katherine spreads their story in a way to help people feel more grateful for what they have.

“When I tell people (our story), they just feel more appreciative (for their own dads),” Katherine said.

Over the years, the family has spent hundreds of hours at health fairs, talking to lifeguards, and generally educating people about the dangers of too much sun exposure. While that is a large time commitment, they see it as a positive thing.

“It’s worth it if it saves somebody’s life,” Kathy said. “Bill’s passion and zest for life, that’s what keeps us going. I would say that’s what the foundation is built upon.”

Features

Sept. 10, 2010

B3

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Learning the ropes New Assistant Principal Thomas settles in

by John Califf Reporter

Whether you know it or not, Tyler Thomas has got your back.

Thomas, the school’s new assistant principal, has high hopes for Rocky this year. To put it in perspecStaff tive, she is going to help continue the tradition of giving support to the staff and students all the same. Her goal is to positively involve everyone at school as a whole, and in the end make the 2010-11 school year a success for all.

“So far, she has been fun to work with and is willing to do what is best for students when helping to make decisions, even the tough decisions that are not always the favorite decision,”

Feature

“” Tyler Thomas, assistant principal

I love Rocky.

It’s new and different to me and it’ll take some getting used to.

said fellow Assistant Principal Karen Bennett, “but it is what is best for the entire school.”

Thomas was a student at Colorado State University and earned her bachelors degree in biology and anatomy. Thomas began her career student-teaching at Loveland High School, teaching freshmen science for a year.

After that year she moved to Mountain View High School from 2001-2010, teaching AP biology and anatomy. She was dean of students there for a year before joining the administrative team at Rocky.

“I love Rocky,” said Thomas.

“It’s new and different to me and it’ll take some getting used to.”

Thomas’s AP duties include overseeing the school’s activities, including school-sponsored and student-initiated clubs, and organizing the school’s standardized testing program, which includes CSAPs and ACTs. “Ms. Thomas brings a lot of energy and new ideas to Rocky,” Bennett said. “I’m excited that she has come to Rocky, and she has already been a great addition to our admin. team.”

Fahey Zink

Watching the action: New assistant principal Tyler Thomas supervises the Lobos’ home softball opener on Aug. 28 against Bear Creek High School.

Thomas’s duties include activities and clubs supervisor as well as standardized testing coordinator.

New faculty, staff join school team for school year Blair Berg Age: 26 Position: Social Studies Years of experience: In life: A lot.

In teaching: One year.

Education/School(s): CSU and UNC Your path to Rocky: I started getting paid for what I love doing, and I have been showing up every day since.

Personal Comment: The kids are wonderful, the staff is great, the administration is supportive and I hope that the Colorado Rockies get to the playoffs.

in process.

Your path to Rocky: I grew up in Wisconsin and came west to attend CSU for grad school. After working with Jan Harrison as a student teacher, I had a change to join the RMHS pack.

Personal Comment: I am excited to be a part of the best school in Fort Collins. It is a great honor and responsibility to join the Rocky community. I look forward to learning and sharing for a great year. When I’m not working on schoolwork, I love going to concerts and lumberjack racing.

Jeff Bibbey Age: 46 Position: Science Years of experience: 21 Education/School(s): Colorado School of Mines, Metallurgical Engineering Your path to Rocky: Two years as Foundry Engineer, Teaching Certificate, 12 years at Webber, five years at Rocky, three years back to Webber, Back to Rocky!

Personal Comment: The students at Rocky show the greatest variety of talents I’ve ever seen!

Gina Harris Age: 42 Position: Sign Language Interpreter Years of experience: Have been signing for 24 years, actual interpreting in the school systemthree years.

Education/School(s): Two degrees from Aims Community College in Greeley. Working on B.A. in interpreting.

Your path to Rocky: Came to Rocky because they were in need of interpreters and I’ve heard about Rocky’s great drive and their excellent reputation.

Personal Comment: I have found the staff and students warm, welcoming and friendly.

Rocky made me feel comfortable, welcomed and excited to be here.

Monique Cassidy Position: Language Arts Years of experience: Some high school, some college.

Education/ School(s): CSU (twice—creative writing and English education) Your path to Rocky: After moving to Denver for my husband’s job, ironically enough, I was hired back in Fort Collins!

Personal Comment: Teaching is the best job in the world, and I feel so fortunate that I get ► Cherise to spend each day with such a great Packham crop of teens.

Adrian Flygt Age: 29 Position: Science- Tech Physics and Geo Space Years of experience: Rookie Education/School(s): University of Wisconsin-Madison, BA Philosophy and Biology. CSU-MA

Danielle Krenz Age: 25 Position: Sign Language Interpreter Years of experience: This is my fourth year interpreting.

Education/School(s): Bachelor of Arts degree in sign language interpreting: Quincy University (Quincy, IL) 2007 Your path to Rocky: My husband and I just moved from Illinois to Fort Collins.

Personal Comment: I have really enjoyed my first few weeks here at RMHS. I look forward to getting to know the students and staff here better and for a great school year!

Kevin Michael Age: 39 Position: Paraprofessional Years of experience: Three years at Rocky as a paraprofessional teacher.

Education/School(s): Oak Park High School, in Chicago, home of Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Write. CSU English/History graduate.

► Blair Berg

Your path to Rocky: South on College, West on Swallow Personal Comment: Rocky has the cleanest hallways!

Cherise Packham Age: 40 (this month) Position: English Years of experience: 5 in the classroom Education/School(s): BA and teaching certificate BYU (go cougars). Just starting my masters.

Your path to Rocky: I was part time at Blevins last year. It’s great to be at Rocky and see familiar faces.

Personal Comment: I love teaching. It’s the best way I see to pay it forward.

Terra Thiebeaut Age: 33 Position: PaCE director/ business Years of experience: 15 years of field experience Education/School(s): USC- Undergrad in Business Management/Finance Your path to Rocky: 12 in Real Estate in Pueblo, CO. Four years in Pharmaceuticals. One year as a long-term substitute in Pueblo, and student taught at Rocky last year.

Personal Comment: I love it here! The staff and students at Rocky are awesome.

I am very fortunate to be a Lobo for the 2nd year!!

Tyler Thomas Age: 36 Position: Assistant Principal/ Activities Director Years of experience: 14 years in education (12 years teaching, one year as Dean, one year as AP) Education/School(s): B.S. from CSU; MA from DU. Your path to Rocky: Started teaching (Science) at Loveland High School. Taught there for

three years until Mountain View High School opened. Taught at MVHS for nine years (Biology, AP Bio, Anatomy/Physics) then was the Dean of Students for one year.

Lucky enough to get this job at Rocky this year!

Personal Comment: I have lived in Fort Collins for 14 years and Rocky has always been known as a school with great people (students and staff), great traditions and high expectations.

So far, it’s living up to its reputation and I am thrilled to be a LOBO!!

Karen Ward Position: business/technology Years of experience: Ten years teaching, 15 years banking and corporate administration.

Education/School(s): BS in business administration, Oral Roberts University. MS Education Technology –National University.

Your path to Rocky: Grew up in California, moved to San Antonio, TX in 2006, moved to Fort Collins/ Rocky this summer.

David Weber Age: 51 Position: Technology Ed/ Industrial Arts Years of Experience: 21 Education/School(s): Bethany College WV, Keene State NH, University of South Florida.

Your path to Rocky: Greensburg Salem Schools, PA for six years, Palm Harbor University High School for eight years and Bayside High School for six years, in Florida.

Personal Comment: Everyone at Rocky has been great. I feel right at home here, because

► Jeff Bibbey

the students and staff have been so welcoming.

Jamie Westyn Age: 30 Position: Integrated Services/ Resource, World Geography Years of experience: 6 years Education/ School(s): Chadron State College Your path to Rocky: I taught elementary students in Arizona for two years, moved to Denver, ► Monique to teach preschool students Cassidy for two years, then taught at an on-line K-12 School in Denver…Now Rocky.

Personal Comment: I have been impressed by both students and teachers here at Rocky. I love the high energy everyone brings everyday to accomplish their goals, overcome fears, and to make themselves and others better than they could ever imagine being.

Elisabeth Williams Age: 48 Position: ELA coach Years of experience: 8 Education/School(s): University of North Texas (BSED), Eastern University (MA) Your path to Rocky: I was an exchange student to South America in high school and learned Spanish there.

Since then, I have taught students from over 25 countries in Texas, Vietnam and the Philippines. I’m recently worked as a curriculum coordinator at Faith Academy in the Philippines.

Personal Comment: It’s a real privilege to be part of the pack!

The students seem motivated and kind, the teachers and staff seem professional and dedicated. What an awesome school!

Compiled by Regan Miller

B4

Sept. 10, 2010

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Society changes view on marijuana use; changes and attitude mirror ’70’s era

by Mary Willson Center In-Depth editor

“”

Alex Amys, Kind Creations

“Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight,” Bob Marley first sang in 1973.

Thirty-seven years later, that line is still in full force.

Between the medical marijuana law passing and the first African American president—we have seen change, we see it on bumper stickers and hear it in speeches. How is Colorado trying to bring change?— marijuana.

Our society will continue to strive for change throughout our lives. Growing up in the 21st century can feel like a mirror of the 70’s.

“For you—it’s a revolution,” Robin Shaffer, owner of local tobacco paraphernalia shop, Rockin’ Robin’s said. “You and your friends can walk around not feelin’ like outlaws.”

On Oct. 20, Colorado passed a law that states any Colorado resident with a form from a certified doctor stating they have a legitimate reason for medicine can get a Medical I sure as hell alternative Marijuana License. As expected, there hope we’re was definitely an out roar of non supgoing through porters on the topic, but as an adolesa revolution. cent it’s easy to see the uproar of supporters; in the fact that this is a step towards following California into the legalization of the drug altogether— aka— proposition 19.

Proposition 19 says all Marijuana would be legal for anyone over the age of 21, and treated as alcohol.

“It didn’t work for prohibition; I don’t think it work now,” Shaffer said on the topic of the illegal substance.

It may seem like the Medical Marijuana laws don’t mean much to normal society, yet, in some ways it has changed the mind set of Colorado--especially in the music industry.

Pretentious alternative reggae band, Slightly Stoopid has launched a “Cauzin’ Vapors- Legalize it 2010” Tour.

Four bands at Mile High Music Festival (August 14-15) smoked Marijuana on stage, and had a plane circling with the words “Light It Up;)” circling.

Is this behavior accepted in society?

“To a point, but definitely not with everyone. I mean, we have delivery people that won’t even come into the store. They just drop our stuff outside,” Alex Amys said, employed at Kind Creations, another Tobacco paraphernalia store on College Ave. “yet, the thought of it definitely has become more acceptable. I mean, people will now walk around with a pipe in their pocket.”

It all depends on what eyes you are looking at the subject through, and what kind of atmosphere you are in.

“I think its easier to get better marijuana faster [after the medical bill],” senior David Ferkiss said. “I think we have been a very pot friendly town for forever- I think the market is now just flooding.”

In juxposition, three medical dispenseries opted not to give an interview for this story.

Shaffer, who grew up in the 70’s, explained her view on the subject of change and acceptance of change in our generation. Her thoughts are she has been there before, and nothing has changed like her generation expected.

“When I was your age, I said, ‘When I am older, it will be different.’ So did everyone. Most of those people became their fathers,” she said. “It didn’t get different as fast I thought it would.”

Yet, change has been made throughout the years, just like our generation is striving for.

“I feel like people your age don’t appreciate the changes we fought for in past generations,” Shaffer said. “For example, a girl came in here with a green button with beige writing that said 89. I said ‘89! 89!

89!’ (While she was jumping up and down). She said, ‘No, you don’t understand. For every dollar a male makes, we make 89 cents.’ I said, ‘yeah, I have the same button that says 59 cents.’ We barely made half. Look at it now.”

Everyone sees the Medical Marijuana movement a different way; some in a positive light, some in a negative light. No matter the views on the subject, Colorado will need to commit to a side soon after November.

“I think it [the future] is dependent elections in November. I think California will legalize Marijuana,” Ferkiss said. “How the government reacts will show what will happen here.”

“I sure as hell hope were going through a revolution,” Amys said.

C

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enter in-depth

y r a s s eve t n e ld n Community suppresses d u t u s ofa sho marijuana movement n a jud y i a r s a ts me use n e dld It’s extremely difficult to deny the fact that the u b t s marijuana culture in modern America is growing f u o sho zed exponentially. The uncanny similarities between i l a today’s drug culture and that of the ‘60s, (the a n g a n increasing availability, and, of course, the legality of e e u el j se i marijuana in medicinal form) are only a few reasons e r v a h that support the case of a near revolution in marimaecom s t n r e e juana consumption and culture. There is opposition a b tud mor t ye

% 1 2 % 7 2

Embracing a movement: Thousands gathered in Boulder on April 20 to celebrate “national weed day,” also known as “420.”

by Charlie Anderson Reporter

% 3 7 53%

ofcsome e pas beover th a n ijupatable r a m cce een s e v a ts ha ase over n e d e of stu ana incr riju a m f se o the u ast year the p

Highlighter Archive

and doubt of the revolutionary mindset, however.

“I don’t see it as a revolution,” Resource Officer, Jerrod Hardy, said. “What it is is mass confusion.”

Hardy, along with many other skeptics, argues that this feeling of an uprising is simply uncontained confusion. Fort Collins Police Officer, Mark Neal, agrees that America is far from a revolution.

“This situation is on a pendulum. We’ll go back and forth, and right now it seems like marijuana is ‘moving forward,’ but eventually it’ll settle down and everything will come back to the center,” Neal said.

With the legalization of medical marijuana in Colorado, users are convinced that complete legalization is just around the corner. Many are comparing today’s openness regarding marijuana to that of the late 1960’s and are hopeful that the similar characteristics will eventually lead to complete legalization.

Local marijuana card-holder, Kelsey Tribushen, agrees that there are similar characteristics to the ‘60’s, but regulations are becoming more controlled and professional.

“The regulations are getting tighter…which is good in a professional mindset; it stops random people from opening dispensaries and doling out whatever they have.”

When speaking of the 60’s, conversation always comes back to the modern Youth of America.

According to both Hardy and Tribushen, the youth forty years ago were rebelling against something.

“They fought against the war in Vietnam, and they fought against the government. We have war in Iraq, and some may not agree with the government; but there aren’t any sit-ins, or huge protests or anything,” says Hardy. “The youth today is very separated from each other.”

No matter how one may look at it, the marijuana issue always comes back to confusion. Regulations in dispensaries, laws regarding medical marijuana cards, and even taxes are muddled.

“Marijuana laws are harder to enforce now because it is partly legal,” Neal says. “There are definitely a lot of grey areas.”

Many optimists are hopeful that the marijuana revolution will continue to the point of “no-return,” otherwise known as complete legalization. But realists know that it is impossible to progress through confusion. A revolution may be in effect; but in order to do that, America must first push through this confusion in the law and straighten out the grey areas.

B4

Sept. 10, 2010

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Society changes view on marijuana use; changes and attitude mirror ’70’s era

by Mary Willson Center In-Depth editor

“”

Alex Amys, Kind Creations

“Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight,” Bob Marley first sang in 1973.

Thirty-seven years later, that line is still in full force.

Between the medical marijuana law passing and the first African American president—we have seen change, we see it on bumper stickers and hear it in speeches. How is Colorado trying to bring change?— marijuana.

Our society will continue to strive for change throughout our lives. Growing up in the 21st century can feel like a mirror of the 70’s.

“For you—it’s a revolution,” Robin Shaffer, owner of local tobacco paraphernalia shop, Rockin’ Robin’s said. “You and your friends can walk around not feelin’ like outlaws.”

On Oct. 20, Colorado passed a law that states any Colorado resident with a form from a certified doctor stating they have a legitimate reason for medicine can get a Medical I sure as hell alternative Marijuana License. As expected, there hope we’re was definitely an out roar of non supgoing through porters on the topic, but as an adolesa revolution. cent it’s easy to see the uproar of supporters; in the fact that this is a step towards following California into the legalization of the drug altogether— aka— proposition 19.

Proposition 19 says all Marijuana would be legal for anyone over the age of 21, and treated as alcohol.

“It didn’t work for prohibition; I don’t think it work now,” Shaffer said on the topic of the illegal substance.

It may seem like the Medical Marijuana laws don’t mean much to normal society, yet, in some ways it has changed the mind set of Colorado--especially in the music industry.

Pretentious alternative reggae band, Slightly Stoopid has launched a “Cauzin’ Vapors- Legalize it 2010” Tour.

Four bands at Mile High Music Festival (August 14-15) smoked Marijuana on stage, and had a plane circling with the words “Light It Up;)” circling.

Is this behavior accepted in society?

“To a point, but definitely not with everyone. I mean, we have delivery people that won’t even come into the store. They just drop our stuff outside,” Alex Amys said, employed at Kind Creations, another Tobacco paraphernalia store on College Ave. “yet, the thought of it definitely has become more acceptable. I mean, people will now walk around with a pipe in their pocket.”

It all depends on what eyes you are looking at the subject through, and what kind of atmosphere you are in.

“I think its easier to get better marijuana faster [after the medical bill],” senior David Ferkiss said. “I think we have been a very pot friendly town for forever- I think the market is now just flooding.”

In juxposition, three medical dispenseries opted not to give an interview for this story.

Shaffer, who grew up in the 70’s, explained her view on the subject of change and acceptance of change in our generation. Her thoughts are she has been there before, and nothing has changed like her generation expected.

“When I was your age, I said, ‘When I am older, it will be different.’ So did everyone. Most of those people became their fathers,” she said. “It didn’t get different as fast I thought it would.”

Yet, change has been made throughout the years, just like our generation is striving for.

“I feel like people your age don’t appreciate the changes we fought for in past generations,” Shaffer said. “For example, a girl came in here with a green button with beige writing that said 89. I said ‘89! 89!

89!’ (While she was jumping up and down). She said, ‘No, you don’t understand. For every dollar a male makes, we make 89 cents.’ I said, ‘yeah, I have the same button that says 59 cents.’ We barely made half. Look at it now.”

Everyone sees the Medical Marijuana movement a different way; some in a positive light, some in a negative light. No matter the views on the subject, Colorado will need to commit to a side soon after November.

“I think it [the future] is dependent elections in November. I think California will legalize Marijuana,” Ferkiss said. “How the government reacts will show what will happen here.”

“I sure as hell hope were going through a revolution,” Amys said.

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enter in-depth

y r a s s eve t n e ld n Community suppresses d u t u s ofa sho marijuana movement n a jud y i a r s a ts me use n e dld It’s extremely difficult to deny the fact that the u b t s marijuana culture in modern America is growing f u o sho zed exponentially. The uncanny similarities between i l a today’s drug culture and that of the ‘60s, (the a n g a n increasing availability, and, of course, the legality of e e u el j se i marijuana in medicinal form) are only a few reasons e r v a h that support the case of a near revolution in marimaecom s t n r e e juana consumption and culture. There is opposition a b tud mor t ye

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Embracing a movement: Thousands gathered in Boulder on April 20 to celebrate “national weed day,” also known as “420.”

by Charlie Anderson Reporter

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ofcsome e pas beover th a n ijupatable r a m cce een s e v a ts ha ase over n e d e of stu ana incr riju a m f se o the u ast year the p

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and doubt of the revolutionary mindset, however.

“I don’t see it as a revolution,” Resource Officer, Jerrod Hardy, said. “What it is is mass confusion.”

Hardy, along with many other skeptics, argues that this feeling of an uprising is simply uncontained confusion. Fort Collins Police Officer, Mark Neal, agrees that America is far from a revolution.

“This situation is on a pendulum. We’ll go back and forth, and right now it seems like marijuana is ‘moving forward,’ but eventually it’ll settle down and everything will come back to the center,” Neal said.

With the legalization of medical marijuana in Colorado, users are convinced that complete legalization is just around the corner. Many are comparing today’s openness regarding marijuana to that of the late 1960’s and are hopeful that the similar characteristics will eventually lead to complete legalization.

Local marijuana card-holder, Kelsey Tribushen, agrees that there are similar characteristics to the ‘60’s, but regulations are becoming more controlled and professional.

“The regulations are getting tighter…which is good in a professional mindset; it stops random people from opening dispensaries and doling out whatever they have.”

When speaking of the 60’s, conversation always comes back to the modern Youth of America.

According to both Hardy and Tribushen, the youth forty years ago were rebelling against something.

“They fought against the war in Vietnam, and they fought against the government. We have war in Iraq, and some may not agree with the government; but there aren’t any sit-ins, or huge protests or anything,” says Hardy. “The youth today is very separated from each other.”

No matter how one may look at it, the marijuana issue always comes back to confusion. Regulations in dispensaries, laws regarding medical marijuana cards, and even taxes are muddled.

“Marijuana laws are harder to enforce now because it is partly legal,” Neal says. “There are definitely a lot of grey areas.”

Many optimists are hopeful that the marijuana revolution will continue to the point of “no-return,” otherwise known as complete legalization. But realists know that it is impossible to progress through confusion. A revolution may be in effect; but in order to do that, America must first push through this confusion in the law and straighten out the grey areas.

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Limelight Games and entertainment

Rocky Mountain Highlighter

Bad Egg- Lauren DeWeese

Top Ten Fest from page B8

Both Robuck and Adam have been able to play at different venues, shows, and benefit concerts around Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. They both agree that Fort Collins encourages young, local musicians.

“There are a lot of opportunities in Fort Collins,” Adam said. “There are a lot of people that can help you, and if you know the right people they can get you far; just look at Tickle Me Pink.”

Sept. 10, 2010

Full Moon- Lauren DeWeese

Reasons why Snooki from Jersey Shore doesn’t belong in society:

10. The Census cannot legally add “orange” as an ethnicity.

9. When she jogs, she scares children into thinking there is a really slow fire.

8. Leprechauns are only allowed to be given a few years to find their gold.

7. Complaints have started to arise about a pigeon family living in her poof.

6. She has her own gravitational pull.

5. Her ring of gravity consists of alcohol, spray tans and STDs. 4. The Lollipop Guild has had their

15 minutes of fame.

3. She’s a man.

2. She is the only mistake in the Wonka Oompa Loompa Breeding System.

1. She hasn’t had her caffeine today.

Charlie Anderson

Rocking Out: Musician Trevor Hall plays his set at the Mile High Music Festival on Aug. 15. Though not popular in maintstream music, it is predicted that his talent will take him far.

Tickle Me Pink is a local band that made it big in late 2008.

Whether or not Robuck, Adam and their band mates look to pursue their musical hobbies and transform them into careers, it’s certain that their local musical experiences have impacted them for good.

“I can’t see myself doing anything else,” Robuck said.

“I’m going to take music as far as I can, but it will always be a part of my life.”

Mile from page B8

one may speak, act, and mature is all learned growing up with the people they are closest to. When thinking about the legendary Dave Matthews, many people have a hard time grasping the concept that he is just a normal person who had a childhood and parents.

In fact, these may be some of the most important influences in Matthews’ music. Another example is Purdy, whose success today would have been literally impossible without the help of his father.

“I sent [my old man] like, a little demo that I had made on this tape when I first figured out I could write a song and he sent me this eight-track recorder for my twenty-first birthday and

Charlie Anderson

one microphone and I made my first five records on that,” Purdy said. Although Purdy may not be the biggest name in the music industry, he has grown to become a recognized vocalist on the indie-track.

Trevor Hall, another “undiscovered” artist with mainstream talent, owes his optimistic lyrics and tune to his father. During his set at Mile High, Trevor introduced his father to a crowd filled with parents and children alike; to thank him, to sing with him, and of course, to stage dive with him. Without local and parental support, artists have no ground to stand on. Artists seem to be similar to birds— they don’t just fly right off the bat. Birds need someone to teach them how to

fly and how to hunt. Artists require this instruction and this constant criticism from their own city. For Slug, this helping hand came from his hometown.

“With music especially, it’s kind of like [the members of the hometown] give you an opportunity to […] build your skills—they watch you do it.

They come to the show and they watch you go through your stages of growth and it creates a connection between you and the other musicians, you and the… people who are advocates and maybe not musicians, but fans […]”

No matter how mainstream one may become, no one can deem their roots inconsequential.

Limelight

Sept. 10, 2010

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Rocky Mountain Highlighter

One-man band

Senior Jones releases second CD with updated sound

by Trevor Merrill reporter

Senior Nick Jones recently released Caffeine Heartache, a new album by Thrifty Astronaut.

Thrifty Astronaut is an electro-acoustic, garage pop, one man artist originally created in February 2009. Caffeine Heartache has CD a calmer tone than Jones’ first EP release, Thrifty Astronaut. It has smoother transitions, as well as an excellent balance between background music and vocals. The Thrifty Astronaut EP had a less electro-acoustic sound to it than Caffeine Heartache.

Both CDs are very well made, and definitely worth purchasing.

“All the songs I’ve written in Thrifty Astronaut I’ve written after I got a reel to reel machine,” Jones said.

A reel to reel machine is a device used to record multiple tracks on a tape. It’s a form of magnetic tape audio recording.

Review

Courtesy of Nick Jones

Turning up the volume: Jones works with his equipment during his CD release party at Everyday Joe’s. Caffeine Heartache is Thrifty Astronaut’s second release following his previous EP.

“It’s changed my sound a lot,” Jones said. “I’ve always written songs as I record them and with that it’s put my music in a more experimental mind set.”

Jones often performs at local coffee houses as well as other venues. One of his favorite local coffee shops is Everyday Joes.

“It’s the most musician friendly,” Jones said. “It’s a nonprofit coffee house.”

Jones has also performed at other places such as the Mishawaka Amphitheater.

“They get a lot of nationally known musicians,” Jones said.

“I’ve also played in Denver at the Larimer Lounge.”

Jones is going to open for Otem Rellik at 8 p.m. on September 16. The show is at Avogadro’s Number and has a $5 entrance fee. Both Thrifty Astronaut and Danielle Ate the Sandwich will be opening for Otem Rellik.

“It’s exciting (to play with

Otem Rellik),” Jones said. “I’ve played with Otem Rellik before but I’ve never been asked to play with him before. He’s my favorite musician and he’s been a big influence to me and it’s very flattering to get respect from him.”

Jones is currently working on giving other artists opportunities to cover his songs to give them a different sound.

“I’m compiling a bunch of covers and remixes from the CD (Caffeine Heartache) for free downloading,” Jones said. “I’m getting a bunch of artists I like to collaborate with me to cover songs.”

Both albums are available on iTunes as well as thriftyastronaut.bandcamp.com. The Thrift Astronaut EP can be downloaded from this site for $1, and the Caffeine Heartache album can be purchased for $10.

Grade: A

Burger joint destined for popularity

by Tess Halac Editor-in-Chief

When one finds a new savory restaurant close to the proximity of Rocky, his or her instinct might be to keep it a secret, to leave this as their personal precious hidden jewel.

Unfortunately for Rocky students, the secret Food is out. Larkburger is here.

And it’s good.

Located on the northwest side of Drake and College, Fort Collins is now the fourth place lucky enough to host this delectable fast food.

Delectable and fast food are rarely words heard in the same sentence, but for larkburger the description is truly appropriate.

All the burgers are made-to-order using Black Angus beef, with the unique opportunity to choose how your meat is cooked. Larkburger sets itself even further apart from other burger joints with oneof-a-kind options such as a lettuce

Chew on this: The new restaurant larkburger offers delectable food choices in a simple, green environment.

Larkburger is located on the corner of College Avenue and Drake Road.

Review

Trevor Merrill

wrap in place of a hamburger bun, turkey meat as opposed to beef, a vegetarian burger, and soy beans as an alternative side to french fries.

Despite the many options a customer is allowed on their choice burger, the selections for the entrée are slim. Larkburger only offers five types of burgers, plus two mini-portions of the

original and turkey burger. In comparison, other burger joints are offering 10-12 types to ensure that every customer’s taste buds are satisfied.

Overall, a slim menu doesn’t affect the larkburger experience, because the food’s flavor sends the other competition completely out of the picture. While burgers may

not be categorized as “gourmet cuisine,” larkburger burgers are dangerously close.

Not only is larkburger friendly to one’s taste buds, it’s friendly to the environment. The eating space is open and inviting; with wood paneling lining most of the walls.

Normally seen as an interior design faux pas, this wood is salvaged

from urban forests in California.

A portion of larkburger’s sales are used to plant new trees. Furthermore, all packaging, cups and salad containers are made from recycled materials to continue the eco-friendly vibe. Larkburger even goes as far as to reuse the canola oil used for the french fries as automotive fuel.

Larkburger, however, is not as friendly to one’s wallet. The Larkburger, which is the standard size hamburger, is priced at $5.75.

The fancier and foofier selections are priced even higher. Cheese is also extra, a definite downside to the restaurant. Fries are available for $1.95, but the amount given is so immense, it’s definitely worth the price. While the average highschooler may not be able to eat there everyday with their budget, it does make for an awesome treat every now and then.

Even though the restaurant is new, it is definitely going to be a hotspot soon. Enjoy it while you can, Rocky.

Grade: B

Eat, Pray, Love movie falls short of book

by Mary Willson Center In-Depth editor

Three-hundred and thirty-one pages, 36 chapters, 3 countries, transformed into a 2 hour, 13 minute movie.

Elizabeth Gilbert wrote the book Eat, Pray, Love based off of a year adventure she took around the world. It is a Movie dense, philosophical, self exploring book where Gilbert studies her life and the possible meanings of it.

Julia Roberts stars in the movie directed by Ryan Murphy. A bit less dense, the movie has a chick-flick feel with all the same general ideas, yet it overly simplifies Gilbert’s experiences.

Italy, India, and Indonesia are the three countries Gilbert chooses for her travels. After a

Review

messy divorce, followed by a painful heartbreak, Gilbert (played in the movie by Roberts) decides she needs to learn to eat (Italy), learn to pray (India) and learn to become devoted (Indonesia). Predictably, she meets many wonderful people who teach her many wonderful lessons.

While reading the book, the reader dives completely into the mind of Gilbert, can understand her positive point of view, and feel the pain of her heartbreak. However, all the sensory details are lost in the movie due to the absence of narration.

In Italy, one can almost taste the daily feasts Gilbert has that causes her to gain 20 pounds, which to her, is well worth it for the best food on earth. Reading her narration is far more sensory than watching it in the movie.

Traveling around the world: Juila Roberts portrays Elizabeth Gilbert in the film Eat, Pray, Love. The book turned movie tells the story of a middle-aged woman who sets off across the world to discover who she truly is.

On the other hand, the movie was pretty. A pretty two hours and 13 minutes of wonderful cinematography in exotic places. In addition, Roberts is the right character for this movie, charming, and far from perfect which makes her realistic and relatable.

Both are good, yet in their own ways; yet completely not relatable.

One is an easy piece of literature, full of soul searching questions and relatable life lessons. The other is a laid back, easy watch with not much leaving ones mind working.

Eat, Pray, Love the movie, along with Eat, Pray, Love the book are both a good investment, although depending on whether you want to dive into a personal journey, or if you want a relaxing Friday night.

Book grade- B Movie grade- C

Francois Duhamel/Columbia Pictures

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Rocky Mountain Highlighter

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imelight

Sept. 10, 2010

Mile High musicians stay true to roots

by CHLOE EVANS

Limelight editor

by Charlie Anderson and Geneva Mueller reporters

Five stages, sixty bands, and two days to blow minds.

That was the mission Chuck Morris, concert-coordinator, set out to accomplish this year at the Mile High Music Festival.

A variety of sounds rained into every genre imaginable; from the French eclectics of Phoenix, to the drop-dead reggae of Jimmy Cliff. Headliners, Jack Johnson and the Dave Limelight Matthews Band, drew crowds with numbers upwards of 40,000 people. Needless to say, all attendees had their musical pallets quenched.

After the weekend of Aug. 14 and 15, many people walked away with a better understanding of how intimate live music really can be. Fans may feel personally connected with a certain artist, but all preconceived notions can fall in the instant that the artist picks up the guitar and begins their set. Even musical connoisseurs sometimes have trouble realizing that world-renowned artists are regular people. Some may hold them as idols or legends, but the fact is that everyone started at square one.

“I didn’t even have any idea that real people could write songs,” Joe Purdy, acoustic vocalist of Arkansas, said. “I thought they were just magical people in a far off land.”

A handful of people are lucky enough to make music their living, but they all came from somewhere; they all have families, influences, and a home.

“I honestly believe that if I was from any other city in the world, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now,” Sean Daley (a.k.a. Slug of Atmosphere) said.

Artists seem to believe that they are a product of their upbringing.

Ryan Moran of Slightly Stoopid believes that the fluidity of the band is derived from their adolescence in San Diego, filled with “smokin’, drinkin’ and surfin.’” The lyrics, the connection of the band members and, in turn, their success are all products of their personal roots.

A big part of this is family. How Jump to MILE, page B6

Special

Mary Willson

Mary Willson

In the spotlight: Seniors Steven Steinmark (above left), Devyn Robuck (above center), and Drew Miller (above right) play a show at New West Fest in Old Town Square. Robuck and his band were able to participate in New West Fest because of other shows they had played in other Fort Collins’ festivals.

◄Adam Petty

Pursuing their Dreams

Rocky students earn New West Fest gigs

► Devyn Robuck

◄ Jackson Aldern

by Chloe Evans Limelight editor

Fort Collins has had the tendency to be infamous for numerous scandals, but the next cause of fame for Fort Collins could be because of numerous musicians from Rocky.

Seniors Devyn Robuck, Drew Miller, Steven Steinmark and Rocky graduate, Tucker Bush joined together to play at the Old Town Square stage during New West Fest on Aug. 22. Their band, Devyn Robuck, was able to book the gig after Robuck and fellow students Miller, Steinmark, and senior Jackie Baum played at Rocky’s Battle of the Bands last spring.

“We played Battle of the Bands, and there was a judge there, Greta Cornett that Vantatenhove brought on,” Robuck said.

“We played FoCoMX (Fort Collins Music Experiement) too, and then Bohemian Nights contacted [us] to play at New West Fest.”

“It was a lot of fun,” Steinmark said about playing at New West Fest. “It was the most people I’ve ever played in front of, it was cool to see random people stop and enjoy our music.”

In addition to Robuck, fellow Rocky students senior Adam Petty, freshman Jackson Aldern, and 8th grader Jake Petty are in the band, Chaos with other students from local high schools. Adam has been playing shows at local venues since 7th grade, and he’s been in over 10 bands.

“I met most of the people in the band from Academy of Guitar, where I took guitar lessons for 10 years,” Adam said. “My dad signed us up for Youth in Spotlight, a contest at Everyday Joe's. We sort of got everything together in a week and ended up winning, that’s how we got to play at New West Fest.”

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Skate tour encourages Rocky skaters

Shreddin’ the gnar: Cody Truesdell grinds across a ledge at the skate park at Spring Canyon. Earlier in the summer a local skate shop hosted a skate tour at the park that Rocky skaters attended.

John Califf

by John Califf Reporter

“Good times had by all,” Andy Weiss said, owner of The Market skate shop in downtown Fort Collins.

The Go-for-Broke tour, which featured stops all over Colorado skate parks, ended the summer with a bang, at least in the eyes of the participants. After four months, the tour ended at the local skate park at Spring Canyon.

The Markets’ skateboard team was accompanied by the Satellite skateboard team from Boulder, Colorado. Instead of a contest, riders simply rode around and skated how they wanted. Due to this style of

riding, the competitive aspect was cut out and it became less about winning or losing and more about just skating. The jam also featured a couple new obstacles to the park that created versatility for riders.

“The overall idea of a contest needed to be rethought,” said Weiss.

“A contest doesn’t feel like skateboarding, it’s not as natural.”

“I enjoyed the environment that the jam posed,” freshman Nick Davidson said. “It gave me the positive push to better my skateboarding.

The free product was cool too.” The events and other stops were endorsed by numerous sponsors including Vans. The sponsors supplied all of the participants with food and

refreshments. Senior Cody Truesdell really enjoyed the environment and believed the tour acted as a good base for all ages and skill levels of riding.

“I had loads of fun at the jam, it really refreshed my skating,” Truesdell said.

According to participants, the positive encouragement and the desire to have fun made the tour the way it was.

“The entire tour in general was a success,” Weiss said.

Other ideas and plans are in motion for next summer, though nothing is set in stone. Rumor is, the next tour will go beyond Fort Collins and a bus tour could possibly be in the works.