ROCKY MOUNTAIN
highlighter
Rocky Mountain High School Volume 31, No. 4
on the
calendar Dec. 12-13: Collins classic boys basketball tournament at Collins, 6:30 p.m. Fri. Dec. 15-19: Counselors available for schedule changes Dec. 19: Last day of first semester, half day. Jan. 6: Girls basketball @ 7p.m. in gymnasium
Opinion line of the issue Now, more than ever, parents have become more concerned with smoothering their children and dictating their sense of morality. See column, page b1
news a3: Underground newspaper creating quite a controversy a2: Fund-raising competition between teachers runs high
opinion a6: Administration passed first serious test of security a7: Is senior year really necessary for good education?
features b1: Rites of passage deeply engrained in society b4: Depression more common
entertainment c1: Adult cartoons testing limits of TV c2: ‘Samuri’ oscar worthy movie c4: The Finest has managed to stay in buisiness despite competition
rocky sports d1: Superfans at Rocky add flavor and heart to games d4: Favorite student ski resorts
1300 W. Swallow Rd. Fort Collins CO, 80526
Girls basketball, 2-0 page d1
friday, dec. 12, 2003
“everything as far as you can see...” from John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High
Battling the
BUG
Flu season hits hard, hits fast by Erik Pinkston
Editor-in-Chief
It’s that time of year again, when sniffles and fevers seem as common as Christmas lights and advertisements with a large man in a red suit. Yes, ladies and germs, the flu season is upon us. This flu season is the worst Colorado has experienced in several years, and because of a shortage of flu shots, it could get much worse. “We’re not even in the peak season yet,” school nurse Ann Hess said. “Flu season usually peaks between January and March.” Last month, Webber Junior High School was hit with the first major school outbreak of influenza in the nation, with almost 200 students missing school Student illness Days of most during the worst absences related stage of the to illness in Nov. outbreak. Other Nov. 12 -112 students schools in Poudre Nov. 22 -127 students School District and Nov. 17 -118 students across the state quickly followed suit. Rocky’s numbers of sick students and staff have been improving. “We’re doing a lot better,” Hess said. “The last month numbers are down.” Fort Collins was the hardest hit high school in the district, attendence at Rocky was not significantly “The attendence levels weren’t much different,” school nurse Judy Clingan said. Jump to
JAKE RUBIN
GRAPHIC BY JAKE RUBIN
...from the pro’s
stayin’ healthy Widespread illness makes careful Wash hands regularly: Germs are spread by contact Use saunas: Virues cannot survive in hot conditions Drink plenty of water: 8 glasses a day Eat lots of yogurt: Yogurt has beneficial bacteria that improves immune system
gettin’ better Sleep at a slant: Helps relieve congested passages Blow nose gently: Blowing too hard forces germs into ears. Know when to NOT treat symptoms: Both fevers and coughs can be helpful
Illness, page a2
prevention measures important by Sarah Rupert
Art Editor
With the cold/flu outbreak in the Fort Collins area, no one can be too careful lately to stay healthy. “It’s hard to say. We don’t know if it will get worse. All we know is it’s already at widespread status,” said Ginger Martin, a nurse at Associates in Family Medicine on the corner of Horsetooth and Shields. “We have at least 30 to 35 people come in a day with cold and flu symptoms,
and that’s just in our office alone.” According to the National Institute of Health, Americans suffer from as many as one billion colds a year. The common cold is diagnosed as the most common occurring illness in humans. Adults usually suffer from two to four colds a year, while children usually get six to 12. Because of this Americans miss 15 million works days a year and there are 22 million school Jump to
Colds, page a2
Gun incident tests administration
Rocky earns ‘excellent’ rating
by Debra Williams
by Sarah Rupert
Reporter
A distraught young man, a suicide note, a manhunt and a gun. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Rocky was forced to react to all of these items within its own premises when a sophmore had to be physically detained outside of the San Juan offices by teachers. A search of his backpack revealed an unloaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with three full clips. Students and staff reacted almost immediately to suicide notes he handed out that morning by telling administrators. By lunch time, teacher John Robinson had found the young man near teacher
I think Mr. Robinson was awesome the way he handled it. -Laura Vickerman, senior
offices. When he refused to go with Robinson, the teacher took matters into his own hands, literally, and physically detained the young man. “I think Mr. Robinson was awesome, the way he handled it,” senior Laura Vickerman said. “He really is a hero. The fact that he reacted on his gut instinct is amazing.” The incident left many unanswered questions. Are students safe? Why did the student have three clips? How close was the school to another Columbine? “I asked him straight (about the three clips), and
he informed me that when he had shot the gun before, it jammed, and he solved that problem by putting a new clip in,” Principal Tom Lopez said. “At no time did I feel that there was a threat to any other student.” Many students, staff members and parents feel that the administration has proved itself with a quick and safe reaction to a potentially dangerous situation. “I still feel safe here,” junior David McKelfresh said. “I think that (administrators) did a good job controlling stuff.”
Art Editor
This year Rocky received an “excellent” on the Governor ’s Report Card, up from its previous mark of “high.” “I was really excited about it. That’s really what Rocky should be. I feel it’s a reflection of reality,” said former Principal Paul Radcliff, who retired at the end of last school year. Every year for the past three years, the Colorado Department of Education sends out the Colorado School Accountability Reports, or the Governor ’s Report Card. This report, based of 2003 Colorado Student Assessment Program
(CSAP) test and ACT scores, analyzes how schools are performing. Schools are rated by points and “excellent” is the highest rating possible. “This is an outstanding designation for our school. It authenticates everything we have been telling people about the school. I am very proud of our staff and students,” Principal Tom Lopez said. “It’s a reflection on our community, as well as an honor.” Across the district at the high school level, Poudre received an “excellent” rating, while Fort Collins’ rating remained at “high.”
a2: news
friday, dec. 12
page
News Editor: Vanessa Falgout
Parking tickets add up
Powerpuff returns without harassment
by Erik Pinkston
A tradition was reborn on Nov. 21 with the Powerpuff football game. The football game, a flag football game that puts girls against girls, was played for first time in several years in conjunction with the girls-askguys dance. This year administration cr eated strict guidelines pr ohibiting inapropriate dress. Administration was concerned about athletes, mainly cheerleaders, being targets of offensive costumes of fans. Previous Powerpuff football games had problems with students harrassing cheerleaders. Prior costumes, worn by male students, were vulgar and innappropriate for the game. “(Administration) didn’t want students to make fun of cheerleaders,” student council supervisor Laura Druse said. “It was not a StuCo decision.” Administration allowed students to dress up in costume if they had prior approval. Male students “were not allowed to dress up in girls’ uniforms,” accor ding to Assistant Vice Principal Marian Kolstoe. Following the powerpuff
Inappropriate dress targeted by Erik Pinkston
Editor-in-chief
Editor-in-chief
Parking tickets are one of the nuisances that come with the privilege of parking on campus. Parking fees are accumulated throughout high school and have to be paid upon graduation, unlike other fees which have to be paid before each semester. “There is a miconception by students that because they don’t pay their parking tickets and get their schedule and they think their fees are waived,” Human Relations Liaison Jim Gjerde said. A student can receive a parking ticket for not showing their mirror hanger, parking in the inappropriate lot or parking in the visitors lot. Parking ticket fees bring in a substantial amount of revenue into the
ERIK PINKSTON AND VANESSA FALGOUT
I DIDN’T MEAN TO OFFICER: A ticket rests on the mirror of a car missing a mirror hanger in the senior lot. Ticket fees, unlike other fees must be paid by graduation,
school, estimated around $4,000 yearly, Gjerde said. Money accumulated by parking tickets is placed into areas in and around the school. “I’ve always put parking ticket money into areas which benefited student life,” Gjerde said. Areas which have been benefited by such money are signs in halls which give room numbers, blinds in rooms that have sunlight problems, as well as maintenance of the parking lot. Future plans for money
include a proposal for a new sound system in the gymnasium. Gjerde said he distributes accumulated fees “like a grant proposal.” Students appreciate that parking ticket money goes back to them. “There is a good purpose used for it,” junior Mike Kaiser said. Money is allocated depending on the cost of the proposal and if it will benefit students, Gjerde says.
Quarter Mile of Change results with successful, controversial win by Steve Turney
Sports Editor
The Quarter Mile of Change fundraiser this year was a success in itself as the school raised over $3,000. Although it was a success, there was potential controversy surrounding the “moral” of a fundraiser. Math teacher Derek Widmier and his homeroom were the winners of the Quarter Mile of Change, raising over $800, but when word got out that he was "bribing" his class with incentives, it made some people wonder if Widmier was simply motivating his class, or if he was indeed bribing them. "I think its a good thing to raise money for," Widmier, the 2-time defending champion, said. "I am a little competitive for some instances, but it wasn't based on prior winnings." Widmier was a little confused when he and his class donation had an asterisk put beside it, but wasn't too worried about it. "I think they're just bitter; I didn't take it personally. Nobody ever contacted me or accused me of cheating to my
face. So I didn’t take anything personally," Widmier said. This situation has brought forth one major question: Why is the school offering prizes and incentives to winning classes, instead of just counting on kids to make some sort of donation that they feel comfortable with? "I think its just a way to get kids to do things because they get something back," El Pomar adviser Laura Druse said. "I totally disagree with it because it makes it extrinsic. But who knows, maybe it is a good thing because it all ends up going to a good cause anyway." El Pomar is a committee that is involved in the community and helps out with community service projects such as Adopta-Family. After the Quarter Mile of Change had ended and Widmier's class was crowned champions, there was an e-mail sent out reminding teachers of the nature of fundraisers. "It was saying that if you are going to offer incentives, don't tie them to academics," Assistant Principal Marian Kolstoe said. "I think incentives
FROM PAGE
Illness
The most common form of the flu, type A influenza, “hits you like a truck,” Hess said. People who have type A influenza suffer from fever, cough, sore throat, headaches and muscle aches. Type A flu easily takes a healthy person out of action for a couple of days. “If students get the type A flu, they’re out at least 3-5 days,” attendence clerk Christi Geist said. “And then if they try to get up and back too soon, they don’t get well without the rest.” The state of Colorado has a
are really a great thing. Basically, these are competitions from room to room, so there will be some incentives established. We would simply like them not to be tied to academics." Even though there are differing opinions on whether or not prizes should be given to the winner, the nature of school fundraisers are how the students perceive them and it is ultimately up to each individual to give or not. "You can’t fake kids into giving," Widmier said. "I think they want to give from the heart, but I think you can encourage them without rewards." Only time will tell to see if next years fundraisers will have any changes in how they are run and how winners are crowned. B ut Widmier doesn’t intend on changing his ways of motivating his students. "There are definitely sore losers," Widmier said. "I'm not going to name any names, but the people out there who are sore losers, know they are sore losers."
A1
reported 6,306 cases of the flu and the deaths of 8 children have been attributed to flu or flu-related complications. Colorado is one of 10 states with a designation by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control of a widespread flu outbreak, their highest designation. “It’s the complications from influenza that are concerning,” Hess said. “Pneumonia is a big one.” Also contracting strep throat is common after being sick with the flu. Colorado has a higher incident of strep cases as well as influenza cases.
Getting sick after contracting influenza is common because those infected are “usually immune compromised because (they’re) already sick with the flu,” Hess said. “Colorado is worse, but incidents across the nation have been high,” Hess said. This years flu season struck early, and it struck fast, but it is still possible to stay healthy. Prevention of the flu is best done by regular and vigorus handwashing. Also, it is beneficial to wipe down heavily used areas which may be contaminated.
We here at school don’t want to poke fun at anything. -Marian Kolstoe, assistant vice principal
tradition, male Student were allowed to cheerlead, but they were not allowed to dress in cheerleading uniforms. Students were still encouraged to cheer at the game. “I just wanted it to be in a respectful way,” Kolstoe said. Much of the concern about verbal harassment this year came from similar football games years prior. “I think there is some history we have that shows that cheerleaders have been poked fun of,” Kolstoe said. “ A lot of it came from past history that we didn’t want to go back to.” Druse agreed with the administration’s concerns. “They just don’t want guys out there with big huge boobs and stereotyping,” she said. “Cheerleaders don’t enjoy a good reputation, which is too bad . I think they’re tough athletes.” A group sought approval from Kolstoe for costumes, but they were not present at the game.
FROM PAGE A 1
Colds
days missed. In the end the common cold costs the American economy roughly $40 billion a year. There is no cure for the common cold though, so doctors can’t give you any medicine for it. “If people come in early enough, within about 24 hours of symptoms, we can give them a prescription to make it shorter, but that’s all,” said Martin. “Otherwise the only thing people can do for a cold is get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids and take Advil for pain. You can call your doctor or come in for further advice if needed.” Some illnesses can disguise themselves as a cold so you need to take careful watch of your symptoms. Sinus infections, bronchitis,
If people come in early enough, within 24 hours of symptoms, we can give them a prescription to make it shorter but that’s all. -Ginger Martin, nurse
meningitis, strep throat, and asthma can all seem like a cold, its advised to go see your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away in a few days. To prevent the flu one main thing that’s important to do is get a flu shot. Even though people can get the flu after getting a shot they "still can diminish the severity of symptoms,” said Rocky nurse, Ann Hess.
a3
friday, dec. 12
News Editor: Vanessa Falgout
page
Editor defends controversial underground paper by Kyle Herman
Features Editor
Recently, it has come to the attention of students and faculty that there is a new publication around school. The articles printed in the underground newspaper, Limited Casualty, include some drug references and inappropriate language. This has caused concern among administrators and faculty. “Although underground newspapers are perfectly legitimate, and they enjoy First Amendment protection, they need to be legitimate journalistic publications to fly with the administration,“ said Highlighter adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt. “From what I have seen, those are not there, because of inappropriate language and the promotion of illegal activities.” Although there is a language problem, the editor of Limited Casualty, who chose to remain anonymous, said that the
paper ’s distribution is imperative to the school. “I see the paper as a way for people to express themselves in whatever way they feel necessary,” said the editor. The editor got the idea from his Journalism I class and says that the idea to start the underground paper was more of a game. “I was driving around with some of my friends and it occurred to me that this would be a good idea and it would be kinda funny,” said the editor. The problem with the paper is that for an underground paper to be legimate, the distribution has to run through the administration first, according to district guidelines. The editor is aware that his paper is against policy, but dismisses it with a chuckle. “I really don’t care,” said the
editor. Although the administration wants to find the identity of the editor and stop the distribution of Limited Casualty, the editor thinks that if the paper stops being distributed, there may be some consequences. “If the students don’t have a way to express themselves in a peaceful paper then they might do it in other ways that could be harmful to others,” said the editor. Despite the editor ’s feelings, fact still remains, according to Mr. Wahlfeldt, that the paper goes against guidelines “To make an underground paper legal, the distribution has to run through the administration first, according to district policy, and these do not,” said
Wahlfeldt. The editor plans to continue distributing Limited Casualty despite the fact that it is illegal, and he does not plan on censoring it any more than it already is. “The only thing I wouldn’t print is a story that was written with very poor language,” said the editor. “Some people just can’t write.” Another student who writes stories in Limited Casualty, who also chose not to disclose his identity, says that the publication should not be in any trouble at all. “We haven’t made fun of any teacher or administrator, so there is no reason to try to censor it. We just write what we want and it wouldn’t be the same if it was censored,” he said. “That would change the entire point.” The real reason that Limited Casualty will continue to be distributed, as long as the administration doesn’t stop it,
We haven’t made fun of any teacher or administrator, so there is no reason to try to censor it. We just write what we want and it wouldn’t be the same if it was censored. That would change the entire point. -Anonymous, Limited Casualty writer
has been summed up with these words by the editor: “It makes students feel important, powerful even, that they are writing their views and they are not going to get in trouble or anything. They don’t have to worry about what anyone thinks, because everything is anonymous, and it really just makes kids feel good.”
Acrylic terror Limited Casualty breaks guidelines Popular fashion trend turns fatal by Rachel Tenney
Reporter
Girls, if you are one of the many acrylic nail addicts, run. Run like heck. Every day, females of all ages make trips to salons and spas in order to attain longer, stronger, more beautiful nails. Many of t h e s e locations are considered “discount” n a i l salons, because they offer f a s t , inexpensive services as opposed to some of the fancier, expensive day spas. Although these salons are convenient and popular, many of them can often be extremely dangerous, according to an investigation conducted by ABC News. According to the study, over 50 percent of all nail salons in the United States are owned and operated by families who do not speak English as their primary language. This means that they often have trouble reading and understanding the regulations and products that are meant to protect consumers and make the salons safe and sanitary. The most dangerous aspect of these salons is their use of the chemical methyl methacrylate, otherwise known as MMA. The Food and Drug Administration banned the use of MMA in 1979, but the ban is not strongly enforced. MMA can easily slip through the natural nail, causing a number of allergic reactions and damage to the nailbed. But these
dangers are nothing compared to the internal effects that the chemical can have. Seizures and permanent, sometimes fatal, damage to the nervous system can occur if too much of the chemical gets into the bloodstream. The salons have also been found to have very neglectful sanitation practices. Bacteria often get caught under the acrylic, sometimes causing lifet h re a t e n i n g infections. There have also been numerous cases in which women have contracted diseases such as HIV and Tuberculosis. The ABC investigation also revealed that over two-thirds of discount nail salons use MMA and/or do not sanitize their implements effectively. Customers always have the right to be informed and should ask salon owners about their procedures and chemicals. Some girls at school have become aware of these dangers and are finding that many of the more expensive, safer day spas in town are offering student discounts that make procedures such as gel nails and silk nails more affordable. Senior Chrissy Usher stopped going to discount nail salons when the acrylics began to destroy her nails, but until she started getting gel nails at Cabana Day Spa, she didn’t know just how dangerous the cheaper salons could be. “Usually the acrylics left creases in my nails, and when I took them off, they’d either tear half of my nails off, or leave holes in them,” Usher said. “Now I figure if I’m going to get (artificial) nails, I may as well make them as healthy as they can be.”
by Debra Williams
Reporter
Administrators are hoping to stop the circulation of the underground paper, the Limited Casualty. Teachers have been asked to confiscate any copies of the publication. The Limited Casualty breaks rules on page 6 of the student handbook regarding inappropriate speech and material. The handbook states that “a student shall not use profane or obscene language, including terms that may reasonably be considered inappropriate.” The Limited Casualty also breaks the guidelines laid out on page 59 of the code of conduct regarding student distribution of non-curricular
Underground papers certainly have their place, but it would be nice if the editors of the Limited Casualty reevaluated their approach and followed policy. -Stephen Wahlfeldt, Highlighter adviser
materials. Such publications “shall require approval by the school principal or other designee before being posted or otherwise distributed” and “the name of the publishers and authors shall be designated on the publication.” “Individuals have not followed school and district policies as to what kind of paper can be
distributed,” Gjerde said. “I would question, if they can’t follow the rules, their validity as a paper.” According to Gjerde, staff members are not the only ones bothered by the publication. Some students are also appalled. “A number of kids were disgusted and brought issues to the office,” Gjerde said. Stephen Wahlfeldt, advisor of the Highlighter, approves of the idea of underground newspapers, but disapproves of the methodology of the Limited Casualty. “Underground papers certainly have their place, but it would be nice if the editors of Limited Casualty re-evaluated their approach and followed policy,” said Wahlfeldt.
Varsity basketball and baseball player Steve Turney and varsity volleyball and basketball player Sara Hunter
a4: news
friday, dec. 12
page
News Editor: Vanessa Falgout
Graduation, state championships collide by Rachel Tenney
Reporter
This coming spring, a few seniors may have to choose between attending the graduation ceremony or state championships. Earlier this year, the Poudre School District scheduled Poudre’s graduation for Friday, May 21, 2004, and the Rocky and Collins’ graduations for Saturday, May 22, 2004. Shortly thereafter, principal Tom Lopez received news that the track and baseball state championships would be held on those same days. All three high schools immediately asked permission from PSD to move the dates of graduation. Shortly after the request was denied, Lopez then “heard that
If we had the opportunity to play that final day, it would be a tough decision, and it would differ between players. I think if you gave most kids the opportunity to play, most would choose to play. -Scott Bullock, baseball coach
Poudre had been given permission to move their ceremony to Thursday night.” The most the district is willing to let Lopez do is switch the three hour long graduation ceremony from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m on May 22. This move would at least allow the competitors to get down to Denver a little earlier, Lopez said, but he is by no means done working towards a more efficient solution. “Some how, some way, we
need to alter the graduation ceremony and get those kids their diplomas and down to the meet,” he said. “It will have impacts that are so unknown right now, but the bottom line is we’re going to have to alter the program.” The students on the baseball team and the girls’ and boys’ track and field teams are all hoping for a chance at state, but if anybody qualifies, it will be the girls, since they won state in 2002.
Coach Bob Parry has high hopes for the team, and expects at least three to five girls to qualify for state. If graduation overlaps with the times of any of the events that they qualify for, the decision is ultimately up to them, he said. “There will be a new addition this year,” Parry said. “The girls may have to decide, ‘Do I go to graduation or to the state meet? Do I join my team or walk across the stage with my classmates?’” Parry is leaning more toward graduation. “I would put graduation over state championships,” he said. Senior Amanda Lawler was on the relay team that won state in 2001, during her freshman year. She has won events in state every year since, and is one of
the team’s top competitors. If she qualifies this year, she’s not sure what she’ll do yet. “It’s hard to think about it right now,” she said. “We’re just going to have to take that bridge as it comes.” The boys’ baseball team has never been to state, but coach Scott Bullock will still push them to shoot for the top two. “Of course our goal as a team is making the playoffs,” Bullock said. “If we had the opportunity to play that final day, it would be a tough decision, and it would differ between the players. I think if you gave most kids the opportunity to play, most would choose to play. I know that if we won, I would personally remember the state championship more than graduation.”
Calendar proposal shifts spring break
CLASSIC CARS
Proposed 04/05 calendar delays spring break by Mariam Habiballa
Contributor
The school district has proposed a new 2004-05 calendar that will drastically change the times for spring break . The change would move spring break from early March to early April, breaking the traditional setting of following CSU’s calendar. In this way, teachers get an extra week with their students before CSAP because spring break comes afterwards, rather than before. The calendar change is stirring some mixed emotions from teachers and students. “I would love another week before CSAP,” English teacher Angela Yamashita said. “I think people will kind of miss the old way because it messes with the CSAP coming between Christmas and the end of the year, but I’m not upset about that.” Yamashita also suggests that she would be more in favor of the proposal if the school district tried to even out the number of days in each semester saying, “It’s a disservice to students, I feel bad for my students because I cram an extra week of info first semester.”
STEVE TURNEY
OLD WHEELS: Sam Babb (top), father of junior Donna Babb, displayed two classic cars to school for his daughter’s history class. One of the cars was a 1929 Model A (center and bottom), while the other was a 1926 Willys Overland, the forerunner of the modern mini-van. Babb, an antique car collector, owns a total of six classic cars.
Not all teachers agree with Yamashita, though. “Honestly, I don’t know if one week to prepare for CSAP will make a big difference,” math teacher Matt Switzer said. “Preparing for CSAP should be in the coursework. Also, there’s an issue with CSU. This is a college town and there’s a number of students whose parents and siblings go to or work at CSU.” Many students seem to agree with Switzer. “I think it kind of stinks for people who have siblings at CSU. It (spring break), also needs to be more in the middle (of the school year), not towards the end.” Sophomore Heather Boegel agrees with Thomas. “I think it’s terrible. They should keep it the same. It would be easier on everybody,” said Boegel. The school board had its first reading on December 8 addressing the new calendar proposal. Many PSD parents sent correspondences objecting the proposal. Thecommittee will meet once again on December 11 to find a possible compromise for the proposal.
Holiday fun lost among stress of gift buying and food making God bless the holiday season. The time when families get together, money is spent, food is cooked, and merriment and joy are everywhere. ‘Tis the time of sleigh rides through snow and gaily walking around catching snowflakes on ones tongue. Sound like the holiday season to most people? Probably not. Time is spent dashing around ‘rasslin’ with others for ‘must-have’ toys and making sure little Johny gets to sit on Santa’s lap. For most, the holiday
Erik Pinkston What Sex Appeal? season, which lasts from Halloween to Valentines Day revolves around one word: STRESS. The hustle. The bustle. The never ending advertisements with Santa Claus. And just when it seems like it is too much to bear - BANG - it’s
Thanksgiving. True, the holiday season is supposed to be the happiest of times, a well deserved break from the bleakness of winter, but for many, the holidays are the most stressful time of the year. Why? Because the holidays are the time where families get together, money is spent, food is cooked and merriment and joy are everywhere. Each of these factors contribute to the holiday blues. As stress levels pile up like drifts of snow, most people have the wrong impression about the holidays.
Instead of enjoying time with family and loved ones, time is spent worrying and festering over party plans, house decorations and the appearance they portray to the outside world. Elegant meals are planned and sweated over, but instead of the oven, the house heats up because of the stress. Also, in today’s floundering economy, who does not worry about spending money? No wonder it is so stressful. But the holiday season does not have to be all about stress. They are supposed to be about one thing. No, not party
planning or empting one’s entire life savings into Toys-RUs, but enjoying a well deserved break and celebrating that with others. If people just relaxed during the holidays, everyone would benefit. Enjoy this time. Drink a cup of hot chocolate. Watch a holiday movie marathon. Take a walk through old town at dusk and enjoy the pretty lights. Because wether you’d like to admit it or not the holidays are “all up-ons.” Erik Pinkston is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of the Highlighter
Open forum policy in place
Colorado would become 39th state to limit passengers from cars of inexperienced drivers by Ozzie Owens
Contributor
Reporter DEBRA WILLIAMS
ATTENTION: Junior Brittany Strachan enjoys a laugh during a GSA meeting. GSA is one of the new clubs under the open forum policy.
members must be currently enrolled students, staff supervision is required, the clubs may receive no school funding, and advertising is limited to the school’s community bulletin board and daily announcements. Many potential groups have taken interest in the new opportunity. But despite this interest, the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is the only new club currently meeting. Though other clubs have not met yet, there are several organizations with applications out. Some of these include: Ultimate Frisbee, Chess Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Young Life. This new policy is shaping up to be a positive addition to the school, according to assistant
principal Marian Kolstoe. “I am hopeful that we will have additional student initiated clubs within the next semester,” Kolstoe said. “The more opportunities that students have to get involved, the better.” GSA member, senior Kody Dittmar, also agrees that the change has been positive. “I feel that this is a big step in the right direction,” Dittmar said. “I joined the GSA because none of the old clubs were interesting to me.” He also believes that “Not everyone is interested in curriculu- based things, and it is important for people to be able to meet together for any reason. Even if someone wants to be in the ‘big fan of a red jellybean’ club, they should be able to do that.”
Not ready Study: Only 32 percent of seniors prepared for college by Mariam Habiballa
Contributor
Despite the fact that 77 percent of Rocky graduates continue their education at institutions of higher learning, only 32 percent of seniors are even minimally prepared for the rigors of college, according to a recent study conducted by policy researchers from the Manhattan Instiute. “I’m ready to get out of high school, but I don’t know if I’m ready for college,” senior Jen Jay said. Many other seniors reiterate Jay’s uncertainty: “I think a lot of them (seniors) think they’re prepared but they’re really not,” said senior Allie Leth. “High school is nothing, everything is prepared for you. College is scary.” However, there are many ways to get ready for college. Senior Nathan Woodworth suggests a logical solution for students to think about, “Start early looking for colleges, getting money, and taking hard classes.” While some seniors are worried about the rigors and expectations of colleges, the faculty is more confident in their students’ capabilities. “Our school district is one of the best in the country,” said science teacher Ed Waterman. “What happens in America doesn’t speak for what happens
page
Proposed youth driving law to eliminate key distractions
by Debra Williams
The new limited open forum policy, adopted by PSD October 27, has enabled students to start new clubs to meet at the school. According to new district guidelines, there are three different kinds of clubs: schoolsponsored activities, schoolsponsored academic organizations, and studentinitiated organizations. School-sponsored activities are established at the discretion of the school. Some of these include Link Crew and choir. Academic organizations serve as extension classes and enhance educational experience, including Spanish Club and Science Bowl. Some previously existing clubs, such as students in action, the book club, and numerous others, have now been declared student initiated under the new guidelines. Student-initiated organizations are allowed under strict restriction, such as all
a5
friday, dec. 12
News Editor: Vanessa Falgout
in Fort Collins.” Yet the Manhattan Institute (MI) study claims that the state’s graduation rates is two percentage points below the national average of 70 percent and far from the Department of Education’s report of over 80 percent. Some students and staff though questioned the validity of the MI study and its policy researcher Jay Greene. Meghan Clyne, a press officer for MI, defended the study however, saying, “The MI conducts only top-notch research. Jay Greene is one of our most meticulous, prolific, and well-known fellows (researchers). “More than 30 major news organizations from USA Today to the New York Times to the Boston Globe have all written stories on the report. Further testament to the fact that the report is taken very seriously. Dr. Greene has testified before the Supreme Court on matters of education, so widely respected is his work.” Science teacher Carol Seemueller, though, makes a point by separating Fort Collins from Colorado saying, “Across the country, there is a huge variation in the quality of education; like Fort Collins, the precentage of students ready for the rigors of a four-year college will be much higher.” Nonetheless, a student’s
achievement level is only as good as his or her preparation for college. “If students take college-prep classes at Rocky, they are, as a group, successful,” counselor Joyce Caufman said. “Students should challenge themselves,” College and Career Center Coordinator Char Mulnix adds. “If you slack off in your senior year, why would you want to go to college? Don’t be afraid to take an AP course and not get an A, colleges want students who are willing to take challenging course.” Taking challenging course isn’t the only way to increase the graduation rate. There are other options teachers are taking. “I would like to see as a solution, more openness to graduation requirements. That’s the next step we have to take. Let them (the students) take advanced classes instead of basic classes. Let’s make school challenging, fun, and interesting, let’s not make it a ‘requirement,’” science teacher Ed Waterman said. In response to Waterman’s views, Gary Bamford, PSD assistant superintendent for learning service replies, “That might be a good point.” He hopes to discuss the issue in upcoming district meetings. “That kind of philosophy, that kind of approach would be really appropriate,” he said.
In today’s busy world, life is full of distractions whether in the car, at home, or in school. Although the world will always be full of distractions, the state congress is discussing a potential bill that would remove one distraction from 16 year-old drivers: passengers This bill which is expected to be presented this season, will not allow young drivers of 16 to have passengers in the car for six months. The law has the potential of keeping one of many distractions away from lessexperienced drivers, keeping them more focused on the road. “Over the past two years, 250 teens have died in Colorado car accidents,” said state Representative Suzanne Williams. “The AAA also represented that Colorado does not have some of the safety measures for beginning drivers that other states have.” Although this eliminates one distraction for inexperienced drivers, there are still a slew of other distractions on the roads which can divert a young driver’s attention. “I don’t think it should be a law because there are other distractions out there, as well,” said Ellen Huner, a junior and driver of a little over a year. “It might help a little, but I don’t think it should be a law.” If Colorado passes such a bill, it would be the 39th state to do so and it would make strict rules for young drivers. This bill would make it a ticket-able offense for a 16-year-old to have a passenger in the car unless accompanied by an adult.
Making this law is not the most appropriate way to go about fixing the problem. -Scott Gammon, Student Resource Officer
Scott Gammon, the School Resource Officer, supports this potential bill. “I agree with the theory, but I’m not sure that criminalizing it is the way to go,” said Gammon. “It would be difficult to enforce because you cannot determine the age of a driver easily.” The news of this suggested solution to reduce the number of accident’s involving distracted teenagers angered some people and questions if it really is the best solution. “As a new driver, it is easy to be influenced by peers, but other distractions are out there, as well,” said Gammon. “However, making this a law is not the most appropriate way to go about fixing the problem. Why should we penalize good drivers,when we need to penalize drivers who were distracted? Rather than doing a knee jerk reaction, we should look for other ways to solve the problem.” Begining drivers understand the complications of the law. But many are still wishfully thinking “I don’t want it to go in to effect, but if it does, I think it will help,” said Rachel Malmquist, a sophomore and future driver. “It shouldn’t be passed until after I’m 16 because that’s what I’ve been waiting all my life for,” said Malmquist.
STUDENT JOBS $9/ Hour Guaranteed! Flexible scheduling, after school or weekends. Perfect for students. Our average employee earns over $12/hour! Nice, modern office in Old Town. Apply in person at Circulation Services, Inc. 109 N College, next to Austin’s. 493-0470, ext. 104 .
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The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is published nine times during the school year by the newspaper staff of Rocky Mountain High School 1300 W. Swallow Rd. Ft. Collins, CO 80526. Contact Highlighter staff members at 416-7090 or (970) 416-7091 for advertising information. Also, the Highlighter Staff is in the Highlighter Room, Room 528, during 4th period. Erik Pinkston/Editor-in-Chief Courtney Mohr/Advertising Mgr. Mellissa Tree/Advertising Mgr. Kyle Herman/Features Editor Steve Turney/Sports Editor Joey Murphey/Asst. Sports Editor Vanessa Falgout/News Editor Jake Rubin/Entertainment Editor Sarah Rupert/Art Editor Marlys Merrill/Reporter Kelly Reingardt/Reporter Heather Stevens/Reporter Rachel Tenney/Reporter Amy White/Reporter Debra Williams/Reporter Megan Buettenbach/Contributor Mariam Habiballa/Contributor Ozzie Owens/Contributor Mike Schneider/Contributor Mr. Stephen Wahlfeldt/Adviser
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Highlighter Editorial Policy The Rocky Mountain Highlighter is a student news publication which strives to report school an community events with truth, accuracy, objectivity and clarity. The Highlighter will also comment on issues of interest to its readers. The purposes of this publication are to report the news to the Rocky Mountain High School community, to provide the school community with a public forum for thoughtful discussion and debate, and to provide students on the newspaper staff with practical journalism experience. Letters to the editor are welcome. They should be signed and a home phone number should be included. The writer’s name may be withheld upon request, provided that the editor agrees the reasons for withholding a name are valid and compelling. Try to limit letters to 300 words and place them in one of the “Letters to the Editor” boxes located in the Media Center and the Main Office or give them to a Highlighter staff member, Highlighter adviser Stephen Wahlfeldt, or drop them by the Highlighter room, Room 528, during 4th period. Columnists express their own views and not necessarily those of the Highlighter staff. No expression made by the students of the Rocky Mountain Highlighter shall be considered an expression of Board or Rocky Mountain High School policy. Furthermore, Poudre School District and its employees are immune from any civil or criminal action based on any expression made or published by the students. The Rocky Mountain Highlighter reserves the right to edit anything it publishes.
friday, dec. 12
opinion
Administration passes first serious test everal weeks ago, our school’s staff and security were put to the test when a gun was brought onto the school’s premises by a student. The aforementioned incident, of course, has been widely publicized in the local press. The unfortunate factor about this attention is that rather than focusing on the positive elements which have surfaced from the event, like The Issue: the way the staff quickly responded to Was the a student’s cry for help which resulted action taken in keeping everyone in the school safe, by faculty and administration the media seemed to focused more on appropriate for the what could have happened and the situation? published comments of Principal Tom Lopez. One local columnist even went so far as to describe Lopez’ response to the incident as “cavalier.” The Highlighter staff, on the other hand, disagrees with the portrayal of Lopez’ methodology of handling the situation. Lopez and the entire Rocky staff stepped to the plate and immediately took action once information surfaced that the student in Our View: question was possibly intending to harm Administration himself, even without knowing the acted individual had possession of a gun. completely The fact that the staff acted upon the appropriately and their situation, combined with the end results actions avoided what of the incident -- finding and detaining could have the student and discovering the gun -been a dangerous do not indicate that revisions need to situation. be made in the school’s security system. Instead, they suggest that Lopez and the security system are functioning well. It is virtually impossible for the school to control every action of every student and there is no simple method to filter all harmful objects completely from school grounds. As long as the students, staff, security, and administrators remain alert and communicate potentially dangerous or irresponsible occurrences, then the school will remain as safe as it has proven to be during its 31 years of existence. We, as the Highlighter staff, give kudos to Lopez and the rest of the staff for not only ensuring the safety of all students during this incident but for being open and honest with the most important people -- the students and their families.
S
What do you think? ...about the administration’s action concering a student bringing a gun to school? I think it was good. They responded quickly and it was good that they sent letters the day of before rumors could spread around. I’m glad they were able to hear it from Mr. Lopez. -Colin West, sophomore
WEST
Very well. They acted right away. Lopez was good to get out the letter right away. It stopped a lot of gossip and rumors. -Chris Kruger, senior
KRUGER
Yes. I think they handled it exactly right. The biggest risk in a situation like that is to have rampant rumors. -Ron Clark, English teacher
CLARK
Conservatives: not what you’d like to think You can have any kind of opinion you want- unless it is conservative. I am noticing more and more that the common opinions at our school are fairly liberal, and those of us who disagree are perceived as judgmental. People assume that if one disagrees with homosexuality, drinking, abortion, or immodesty, that person must hate all who participate in such activities. I know that for me, this is not the case. During a class I made friends with a known homosexual. After a few weeks, he told me how
Debra Williams Freak on Parade surprised he was that I did not judge him. He had assumed that because I am a Christian, I would be condemning him all day long. I am aware that I am not perfect, and I don’t want to judge others because I know that I am no better than anyone else.
I happen to have a life. I really don’t have the time, will, or patience to sit around and maliciously think about how wrong everyone but myself is. The only reason I have to desire to voice my opinions, in speech or print, is because of concern for others. If I didn’t think that these actions were negatively affecting those involved, I wouldn’t care. I know my views are hard to swallow, and I am not out to offend, but I will not sugarcoat how I feel. I am a bible thumpin’ girl who believes that homosexuality is wrong and, in the long run, hurts those involved. Drinking for teens is
irresponsible and dangerous. Abortion not only kills babies, but also hurts women. And girls should be treated as people, not sex objects. I patiently sit and listen to someone when he or she tells me how they feel about a subject, and I would like to recieve the same courtesey from him or her. If people are so concerned with stereotyping and judgments, then maybe more thought should be given to the assumptions that are made about everyone. Even Republicans. Debra Williams is a senior reporter for the Highlighter.
op/ed
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friday, dec. 12
Twelfth waste of time, unneccessary for students
Eliminating senior year would place students in an impossible situation
Recently, it has been purposed by state legislators that the 12 grade be eliminated in favor of funding kindergarten and lower education. I believe that this plan is a great idea. It gives kids a chance to get done with their education sooner. Students are always complaining about how their education takes too long. With this new system, students will go to college sooner and then in turn graduate college sooner. Plus, many already have all the credits they need to graduate before their senior year. For those people, they just use their last year in high school as a way to build on credits that they don’t need. I see no point in taking classes that I do not need. How is that going to help? With many seniors having finished their requirements, many are taking easy classes. We all know those classes: the ones that usually involve very little homework, and lots of fun. Students then get used to the fact that they don’t have any homework. They then begin college and they are suddenly bogged down with a lot of homework that they are not ready for. People are not used to it, and they have a hard time getting it done. During your junior year, you are taking many classes that are required, and therefore, require more homework. If you were to go to college right after your junior year, you would be prepared to take on all the homework you would get. Students would be used to managing their, time and it would be easier to get stuff done. Students are ready to move on after their junior year. Many just use senior year as a countdown to college. They don’t really take full advantage of their senior year. Let students move on instead of staying in high school. Students can handle it. -Kelly Reingardt
Colorado lawmakers have been floating the idea around of eliminating the 12th grade. They think that graduating from high school as a junior will better prepare students for college as well as save tax money; but isn’t that jamming four years into three? If juniors were the new seniors, the nine months in school would be non-stop stress. Seniors have college applications, left over classes that are required, and all the financials for graduation to deal with. They do have a year to complete everything, though, which is neededin most cases. Therefore if juniors were to juggle everything seniors do, plus the chaotic schedule of their own, it would be ridiculous. Grades and test scores would have the potential of failing, a result of the time crunch juniors would endure. So what is the point of creating constant stress and pressure on students that doesn’t need to happen? Students in athletics also would be at a great disadvantage if they were only allowed three years of high school sports instead of four. Not only does that sound unfair, but sitting out of college sports because your ability has not met standards would be an immense disappointment. Kids are on their own at an average of 18 years old, and some are confused with what they should do when they leave. Think of 16 or 17 year olds going to college and leaving home. There would be a whole lot of kids not having the slightest idea of how to live on their own or manage money. Let kids grow up and leave home when they’re ready. It may cost a few more tax dollars, but the future generation will be better off in the end.
Columnist has good views Dear Editor: Kudos to Debra Williams for writing the best column that has
been in the Highlighter this year! It is awesome that she had the guts to speak her mind about something she believes in so strongly. I love the way that this piece probably got so many reactions from other people at
readerinput this school. For all of the people who drink irresponsibly(drinking as a result of peer pressure, having nothing else to
con side
pro side
Is senior year really needed for students?
-Amy White do, and for social acceptance) it must be a reality check, huh? Possibly this time it may have even clicked in your brains that getting belligerently drunk makes you look incredibly ridiculous for continuing to do it
over and over and over! In drinking excessively it shows just how ignorant you really are and how COOL you must look as you sit there puking. -Britnay Winkler, senior
True meaning of service lost in ‘scholarship safari’ Littering the pages of nearly every college and scholarship application I’ve found are the obligatory references to a student’s service activities. These questions probe applicants about the amount and nature of their volunteer activities in an effort to understand these individuals in an 8.5” x 11” world. Yet, beyond the hours reported on such forms and the academic accolades usually listed right next to them, today’s students have become part of a scholarship safari in which all who participate have lost sight of the true spirit of service and school involvement.
Tyler Will
Guest Column By and large the application process is viewed by students as a dog and pony show. What once began as a method of rewarding students who demonstrate the willingness to act “above and beyond academics,” has now turned
into a mandate for community service in which students rush at every opportunity to add some item to their list of activities. This journey towards application material, and in some instances falsity, makes secondary the primary purposes of volunteerism. Volunteering used to be about placing the community in greater standing and helping those in need of aid. Students of today have long since departed from this laudable goal and have sought instead to advance their own standing through cleverly selected volunteer activities designed to paint
the best picture of themselves as applicants. Three months helping African tuberculosis victims in Chad or several weeks spent helping to administer vaccines to babies seems to be the best way of gaining entrance into the university of your choice. An accurate representation of your activities simply won’t do anymore. Nay, feats from the old TV show McGyver are now the norm. “I helped to feed a New Guinean tribe using only shoe leather and a conspicuously large quantity of pez,” writes one student on his application. The sheer amount of volunteer and school
organizations that students choose to involve themselves in should also raise flags about the validity of some students’ repressentations of themselves. How much is too much? Those claiming to be part of every organization offered testify to little other than their ability to attend each meeting long enough for the roster to be signed and the year book picture taken. The entire establishment has lost sight of the meaning of service: to place the needs of others ahead of your own. Alas, I must depart. I have to go volunteer at a local nursing home. Tyler Will is a senior.
photofocus
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Friday, December 12
Page Editor: Erik Pinkston
JUMPIN’ FOR JOY: Junior Tessa Farrell (left) celebrates on the sideline during the football game. The Lobo mascot (below) struts his stuff while attempting to join in on the fun.
FOOTBALL?
Are you ready for some
by Erik Pinkston
Editor-in-chief
Girl power. That was the message of this year’s Powerpuff football game, a flag-football game between two girl teams. “It’s all about girl power, and these girls really wanted to play a sport that they are not usually encouraged or allowed to play,” coordinator Laura Druse said. Played the same weekend as the Girls-ask-Guys Dance, formerly known as the Sadie Hawkins Dance, the Powerpuff football game was widely accepted throughout the student body. “I got really good feedback from parents and teachers,” Druse said. “There were really good attitudes.” For the past four years, Druse and others have been trying to bring back the Powderpuff football game. This year they finally got administration approval, renamed it
Powerpuff, after the cartoon, and took to the football field. The game was played on a very cold Friday afternoon, but still spectator turnout was higher then expected. “I think things went so well with Powerpuff it’ll be something we’ll continue,” Assistant Principal Marian Kolstoe said. This is good news for many of the girls who participated this year. “It was so much fun,” Cardinal team member Kristen Arnesen said. “I think we should start a girls flag football team.” One of the reasons the game was so succesful was because it was not incredibly competitive. “Most people didn’t get too competetive,” Arnesen said. “It was funny because the (student) coaches were out on the field. I think the coaches took it more seriously then any of the girls did.”
ONWARD TO VICTORY: The gold team warms up, above, to play in Rocky’s Powerpuff football game. Senior Randy Gonzalez (right) coaches his team to victory.
ROARING CROWD: Seniors Nick Ewing and Marc Brien (above) cheer on the girls’ teams from the stands. A crowd of fans (left) is bundled against the cold of the day. Despite chilly temperatures, attendance of the game was larger then expected.
Photos by Debra Williams
features
b
section
Features Editor: Kyle Herman
Vanessa Falgout
Friday, December 12, 2003
GOING
I Can’t Get My Hair Color Right
Being ‘good’ doesn’t ensure morality For many centuries the perception of morality has been distorted. Most consider morality to be as one dimensional as simply doing “good,” that it is something that can be infused into someone in order to create the perfect human being, or rather, an exemplary robot. Society often considers expressing goodness when one is successful at school, advances into higher education, marries, and has 2.5 children. In turn, following this calculated, unrealistic roadmap that leads to nowhere but “fantasyland” is the moral and idealistic lifestyle that is often imposed upon children. Now, more than ever, parents have become more concerned with smothering their children and dictating their sense of morality. On the opposite side of the spectrum, taking any alternative route in life is considered condemnable, improper, and even immoral. Heaven forbid little Johnny or little Sally stray off the stereotypical moral path, such as running off to join some illfated rock band or traveling across Europe directly out of high school, instead of pursuing a higher education. From childhood to adulthood, parents fail to comprehend that learning right from wrong and establishing the difference between good and bad cannot be directly implanted into an individual. It must be learned through making choices throughout life. Little Johnny goes out and joins the ill-fated rock band instead of focusing on his education. The band goes nowhere and little Johnny is left pennyless and uneducated. From this point, it is up to him once again to decide his path. If he has learned from his choice, he will seek help and try to get his life back on track by pursuing an education. If he doesn’t learn from his choice then he’ll just become a bum with a shopping cart. Little Sally goes off to Europe straight away after high school. She travels to Germany, England, and France. She falls in love with Jump to Falgout, page b2
CHILD FROM
ADULT TO
VANESSA FALGOUT
Age only minor part of adulthood by Debora Williams
Reporter
With no ceremony to signify the coming of age, many Americans are left to decide for themselves whether they r emain children or have indeed become adults. Although some American teenagers have a ceremony such as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a Quinceñera, the majority of middle class America is without a public rite of passage. According to English teacher Evan Schneider, this lack of formality allows for personal freedom and flexibility. “There is a particular moment for every individual when the realization hits that they are no longer a child,” Schneider said. “That moment is different for everybody, and there is no standardized experience.” Sarah Miller, senior,
When you could survive out on your own, if you wanted to or had to, you are an adult. -Sarah Miller, senior
explains the events which she believes turn children into adults. “After you graduate from high school and are out on your own,” Miller said. “When you could survive out on your own, if you wanted to or had to, you are an adult.” Humanities teacher Scott Vantatenhove lists important steps to adulthood as getting a drivers license, high school graduation, turning 18, and moving out of the house. Each of these steps comes with increased independence. With a license comes the opportunity to come and go as one pleases. After graduation, there are no more educational requirements. At 18, citizens may vote, and when people move out from their parents’ house , they are no longer responsible to adults for personal habits and choices. “I do not believe that there is a single moment in our culture universally accepted
that translates into becoming an adult,” Vantatenhove said. “For me, it was not until I graduated from college and began living on my own , paying my own rent and bills.” “Rite of passage is not a matter of importance, it’s inevitable,” Schneider said. “There was a moment when I was at CSU when I thought ‘no one is responsible for me but myself’.” Every person has experiences of his or her own which play an important part in the process of growing up. Although these experiences are different for everyone, they are equally important for all. Becoming an adult may be considered stressful to many students, especially if he or she believes that a certan time is designated for that purpose. Miller believes that there is no designated time to become an adult and it is a different time for each different person. “I think it’s better not to know when you are supposed to be an adult,” said Miller. “Then you don’t have to worry about acting like an adult. You can just go out and have fun, despite how old you are.
Religion identifies adulthood by Kelly Reingardt
Reporter
A rite of passage. A transfer into adulthood. A significant event which changes a child into an adult. But what does it mean? What is considered a rite of passage? In modern society many people don’t have an event that tranfers them into adulthood. Without this how do people determine when someone is considered an adult? With so many different views on the subject, how do people know. Is it really important that a person goes through a rite of passage? “I think it is important,” said sophmore Rachel Bauder. “When you pass on, you’re not a kid anymore, and you are respected.“ In the Jewish community Jump to Adult page b2
Lopez’ first semester successful despite challenges by Kyle Herman
THE NEW GUY: Principal Tom Lopez ponders a question during an interview. Lopez is wrapping up his first semester as principal.
Features Editor
As a student, one always has the stress of getting through their first semester in high school, but it is even more stressful as a first year principal at high school. That stress is what new Principal Tom Lopez has been forced to deal with through his first semester. “I learned that everyone in this building depends upon my leadership,” Lopez said. “I learned that my behaviors are critical modeling for everyone else and I can do a tremendous amount of good on a daily basis.” Even with all that stress, by
ERIK PINKSTON
far the most stressful event happened to Lopez on Nov. 12 when a student brought a gun to school and threatened to hurt himself. After the student was found and the gun was taken away, Lopez had to take consequential actions against that student as well as make
decisions on how to publically respond to the incident. But Lopez claims that is one of his most important responsibilities. “I’ve always talked to my students,” Lopez said. “When a student or a parent need me then they are my first priority.” With all the forced anxiety that
a new principal has to deal with, Lopez has managed to get through it without showing his high strung emotions. Including the space crunch, meetings, staff changes, and much more he has had a busy schedule, but Lopez still has managed to walk the halls with a smile on his face, interacting with students on all levels. With the semester almost over, Lopez has a handle on things at Rocky, and is ready to tackle the days and years to come. “I hope the students and faculty see a fire and passion to be my best, exemplify the lobo way, and to encourage all,” said Lopez.
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friday, dec. 12
Features Editor: Kyle Herman
Robinson a hero in many ways by Heather Stevens
Reporter
Heroes are often recognized by single acts of greatness, but a true hero is measured by their actions the other 364 days a year. U.S. History teacher John Robinson is both types of hero. He looks out for his students all the time in many different w a y s , socially and grade-wise. He is always pushing his students to do their best, despite of what grade they may receive and always tries to make his lessons interesting to a student using his great sense of humor. “Mr. Robinson is intelligent, compassionate, hard working
teacher feature
MELISSA TREE
HERO: History teacher John Robinson reads to his 4th period class. Robinson recently stopped a student that brought a gun to school from hurting himself and possibly others.
and is very funny,” said government teacher Tom List. “We are very lucky to have him at our school.” Recently, Robinson went beyond and above his duty by
preventing a student from hurting himself and possibly others. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, a student brought a gun to school and threatened to hurt himself. Robinson was
Adult
Helping people 2nd nature for Hellyer by Kelly Reingardt
Reporter
This is the time of year when people think of giving to others. No one knows this better than junior Jessica Hellyer. Hellyer started a project to help kids when she was only 13. In 2000, Hellyer founded the Kids Matter Project. The p r o gram p r o vides g i f t bags for those children who have been through traumatic experiences. “I started this because of my desire to help people,” Hellyer said. “I felt pretty strongly about it.” Hellyer has distributed over 500 bags to such places as Crossroads Safehouse and
student feature
I don’t do this for the felling I get from it. It’s more important to do something that’s good for the community. -Jessica Hellyer, junior
Namaqua Center in Loveland. She also receives requests from many human service agencies. “It’s sad,” Hellyer. The bags include items such as toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. They also have toys, games, and stuffed animals. Many of these items may have been left behind when leaving in a hurry, and many times the only clothes the kids have are
searching for him throughout the day and found him around lunch hour. He proceeded to detain the student and was able to wrestle the student’s backpack away with the help of journalism teacher Stephen Wahlfeldt. When the administration searched the student’s backpack, they found three clips and an unloaded gun. Robinson was able to save at least one life, and possibly many. “From what I know, Mr. Robinson made the right decision at the right time,” Wahlfeldt said. “Who knows what would have happened if Mr. Robinson hadn’t stepped up.” Robinson feels that his duty is to be a leader to his students and
the ones that they are wearing. “They’re comfort items,” Hellyer said. Hellyer is planning on continuing the project. She has formed a comitee of seven members. Members can join the project at any time, and members range from age 11 to17. Hellyer, who is a 4.0 student and a member of the National Honor Society, enjoys vounteering and plans to continue doing so. She also volunteers at Poudre Valley Hospital, and Beattie Elementary. “My family has always promoted helping others,” said Hellyer. “I guess it was second nature. I don’t do this for the felling I get from it,” said Hellyer. “ It’s more important to do something that’s good for the community.”
FROM PAGE B 1
a rite of passage is the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ( Bar for guys, and Bat for girls.) For senior Jessica Sutton, it was her chance to finally be seen as an adult in the Jewish communtiy. “It’s the transfer into adulthood,” Sutton said. “In strict Jewish communities adults expect a lot more of you.” A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is when a Jewish child at the age of 13 makes the transfer into adulthood by reading from the Torah( the Jewish Bible). “My Jewish responsibilities increased afterward,” said Sutton. “It brought me closer to Judaism.” In the Christian religion, the act of Confirmation is a way of becoming an adult. Confirmation starts when you study the basis of the religion and all that the religion intales. What does it mean to
one that feels right to you? Your future should be yours to determine, regardless of whether you wish to pursue a brilliant career, a life well lived, or both. At Colorado State University, we provide world-class teaching and research in a welcoming environment where you have the freedom to follow your own path, without compromises. Where will your path lead you? Call 970-491-6909 or visit us at www.2goplaces.colostate.edu.
someone who has been through it, though? “To me it meant that I was now complete in my religion,” Bauder said. “In my family it is a tradition that everybody goes through. I was not only their child, but a part of the church.” Confirmation is a big deal in the Christian community. Many people see it as a way for young people to become complete in their religion and therefore become more of an adult. “It was like being a huge part of your religion,” Bauder said. “ You feel closer to your religion and God.” No matter what religion you are, most of the time there is something that makes you more independant, be it a Bar or Bat-Mitzvah, Comfirmation or some other spiritual act, the rite of passage is guaranteed to you. FROM PAGE B1
Depression
Falgout
harder. Many things that we take for granted are not as easy for those suffering from depression. “I can’t go out in the sun very much,” said Stone. “With the stress of high school, it is hard for me to function normally.” Depression is also known to cause sleeping trouble. According to the Suicide Resource Center, those suffering from depression may wake in
the French culture and establishes herself a modern painter in Paris. Without following the typical path of success, she has found her own sense of happiness and success. Although it is understandable that parents are simply concerned that their children may constantly make choices that subject them to potentially lifethreatening risks, it must be understood that the choices made throughout a youth’s existence will naturally lead them to their own sense of morality. Vanessa Falgout is a senior and the News Editor for the Highlighter.
FROM PAGE B4
Where is it written that the intelligent choice canít also be the
that is the most important part of his career. “I am a teacher and a role model,” Robinson said. “When the school season ends, I am also a role model in the community.” Students look up to and respect Robinson. Senior Stacy Novonty is one of many students who appreciate Robinson. “Mr. Robinson is a great teacher who makes learning fun. He is a younger teacher who is in touch with our generation,” she said. No matter where Robinson is, whether at school, the store, or just walking down the street, he always keeps an eye out for his students. That is why many students consider him such a good role model.
the middle of the night, stay awake all night, or sleep too much.” Although many suffer from depression, there is help. People can get medication,therapy, and make lifestyle changes. “ I suggest that those who are suffering from depression find out what makes you happy, and do it,” Stone said. “ Go to a doctor to get medication, and counseling.”
friday, dec. 12 Pass your classes, empty your wallet
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Features Editor: Kyle Herman
by Amy White
Reporter
The time has come for seniors to put on their caps and gowns, as well as empty their parents’ bank accounts. The cost of being a senior h a s i n c re a s e d rapidly as graduating necessities have become m o re c o mmercialized. Some families have been g re a t l y a f f e c t e d b y t h e amount of money given to e x p e c t e d c a u s es, s u c h a s s e n i o r p i c t u re s , c o l l e g e applications, and graduation announcements. “Senior year has been extremely expensive. I’ve a l re a d y p u t o v e r $ 4 0 0 o n p i c t u re s , o v e r $ 2 0 0 o n graduation announcements, and $300, more or less, on a class ring,” said parent and
Pace Assistant Deb Aragon. “Not to mention $50 for a yearbook, and $1k for out-ofstate college visits.”
Wi t h graduation ap proching quickly, Excel Scholastic encourages students to purchase many of the available senior targeted products, for a price. Senior m u g s , T- s h i r t s , d a z z l e r tassels, photo albums, minidiplomas, and the grad-tenna balls are just a few examples of available items that makes the price go up.
“I think it has gotten way to expensive, but after 13 years of hard work in school, it’s something you want to do for your kids,” Argon said. “I’m willing to pay because it’s the least I can do to show my kids how proud I am of them. Although some people believe that the cost does not matter and all the necessities are well worth the expense for graduating accomplishments, it can still seem to be a major take from someones life savings. Although Aragon claims that she is willing to buy these graduation products for her children, she does believe that you need to pick and choose at what you want, and be wise with your spending. “It would be wise to manage your money carefully, or you’ll end up like me with no money for Christmas,” Aragon said.
Remembering the good old days by Megan Buettenbach
Contributer
Every December, the school hosts a staff holiday luncheon for staff and Rocky retirees. Not only do they host it, they also serve lunch to the retirees. This year’s event took place on Dec. 10. Prior to the luncheon, recently retired principal Paul Radcliff thought that the dinner would be a little akward. “It'll be a little strange looking at it from the other end, but we’ll be looking forward to it,” said Radcliff. Former math teacher and athletic director Brent Hardy also went. He also had some mixed feelings before the event. “It’s gonna be funny,” said Hardy. “I’ve never been at the other end of it. It’ll be nice to see all the people we worked with, and those who have retired.” Principal Tom lopez said that the dinner is for everyone, retired
Table by table you hear stories. They like to reminisce and to hear how other staff members lives are going. -Tom Lopez, Principal
and working teachers, but it focuses on the retirees. “We never leave anybody out,” Lopez said. “It’s usually the newest teachers who don’t know what it’s about.” Not only is the lunch a time for eating and socializing, it’s also a time to recall past experiences and tell stories. “The dinner is a great experience,” said Lopez. “Table by table you hear stories (of the retirees),” said Lopez. “Retirees like to reminisce and to hear how other staff members’ lives are going.”
As for Radcliff’s retired life, he has plenty of stories to tell. “I had some shoulder surgery,” said Radcliff. “The rehab was real painful-it put a damper on things.” But on a brighter side, Radcliff enjoys playing golf, working out, reading, and spending time with his four grandchildren. “The grand kid thing is the highlight of retirement,” said Radcliff. “My golf game was at it’s best before my shoulder surgery.” Hardy also has been appreciating his spare time. “I’ve done a little traveling,” Hardy said. “We (hardy and his wife) spent two weeks in Alaska on a land and cruise tour. We spent a week in San Diego, which we really like.” Even though Hardy said he misses being around students he says he has done everything right. “I enjoyed the years that I taught, and the new retirement,” said Hardy. “I have no regrets.”
Q & A: Paul Radcliff
Paul Radcliff is the former principal of Rocky. He retired last year and passed his duties on to new Principal Tom Lopez. He recently answered questions for editor-in-chief Erik Pinkston.
Q: How are you still associated with Rocky? A: I meet once a month with Tom Lopez to talk with him to make the transition smoother from me to him. I also try to go to a lot of sporting events. I went to the musical. I support a lot of extra ciricular activities.”
Q: How has the retirement life been going? A: It’s nice that I have the flexibility and time to do what I want. But I do miss Rocky, though.
Q: What have you been doing since you retired? A: We’ve done a little bit of traveling. In fact we’re going to Indiana in couple of days. We’re going to celebrate the 45th anniversary of one of my basketball teams. We also enjoy taking a lot of day trips. I had shoulder surgery in October, so that’s kind of held me up.”
Q: Have you been spending more time with your family? A: We are. I have two grandchildren in Fort Collins and two more in Greeley all of them five years of age or younger. It’s a lot of fun to play with them and read to them.”
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Friday, December 12
Features Editor: Kyle Herman
Depression impacts many students by Kelly Reingardt
Reporter
VANESSA F ALGOUT
With all the stress of high school, more and more teens are starting to suffer from clinical depression. As more teens are diagnosed with depression, many begin to wonder what effects can be caused by depression. According to the Suicide Resource Center, people with depression show signs of irritability, feelings of hopelessnes, and have trouble enjoying things that they may have enjoyed. “It can cause feelings of hopelessness,” said senior Stephanie Rentel. “And therefore cause suicidal thoughts.” Depression can cause many to commit suicide. According to the Department of Public Health and Environment, the average age of those who commit suicide in Larimer County is 15, and in 1999 there were 28 deaths related to suicide. “You don’t want to do a single thing,” said Randall Stone, a I can’t go out in junior who suffers the sun very f ro m clinical much. With the depression. stress of high Suicide is only school, it is one of the effects of hard for me to d e p re s s i o n , function though. A study in normally. 2000 showed that t h o s e w i t h h i g h -Randall Stone, senior who levels o f suffers from clinical depression had a 40 depression percent increase in the risk of coronary heart disease, and a 60 percent increase in the risk of death from heart disease. According to Duke University, depression c a us e s a re d u c t i o n i n B R S (baroreflex sensitivity), which controls changes in blood pressure. A reduction in BRS has been found in people who have had heart attacks, and been diagnosed with arrhythmia. Although many effects on the body come from depression, others come fr om the m e d i c a t i o n t h a t i s p re s c r i b e d t o t h o s e suffering from clinical depression. “One pill makes me sleep,” Stone said. ”Another increases my appetite. I also have a mood stabilizer, and an anti-depressant.” Depression can also make everyday life Jump to Depression page 2
Dealing With The Dark Depths
Of Depression
Counseling Center offers escape from harsh reality by Debra Williams
Reporter
The Counseling Center is a sanctuary for students who are hurting. It is a place to get help, or even just have someone to talk to, for teens with any number of problems. “We can offer our offices as refuges throughout the day,” counselor Brad Boda said. “If you need a place to cry, why not here? Sometimes people just need to cry and have someone pat them on the shoulder.” “For a lot of people, it is the chance to talk to somebody (that helps),” counselor Pam Kilness
If you or someone you know is depressed, here are some resources that you can use. Youth Therapy Groups................................................221-1440 Hope Counseling Center...............................................493-1157 Suicide National Hotline.................................1-800-SUICIDE Adolescent Response Team.........................................498-6990 For additional information, contact your counselers or go to the Counseling Center and pick up a pamphlet on depression or stress. Additional numbers are available in the Student Yellow Pages, which you can also find in the Counseling Center.
said. “When you are depressed, you feel very alone, and to have someone to talk to is powerful. (Students) can talk to anyone in the counseling office. We have a school psychologist and a mental help therapist through a
student assistance program.” Rocky also houses a very unique program called Peers. It is a highly selective group of trained students who are available to help others whenever needed. All a student
has to do is go to the counseling office and request a PEER, and one will come. For many, the relationships formed are enough to make a situation seem a bit more bearable. “I had a really hard time when I moved here and the Counseling Center made me feel welcome,” new student Katie Collins, sophomore said. “If it weren’t for the Peer Room, I would probably still be having a hard time.” “When my brother died in February, the Peers were a big help to me,” Halley Trujillo, junior, said. “It was nice to have people who knew me and cared
about me. They kept me coming to school every day.” Since that difficult time, Trujillo has become a Peer, and hopes to help others the way she was helped. “We are always here; we are always around top help the kids around us,” Trujillo said. “We are going through the same things, but we have been trained to deal with the problems. What is said in the Peer Room stays in the peer room unless it is about sexual assault or we fear for the safety of the person. In that case, it will only be told to a counselor, but never another Peer.”
entertainment c ...all grown up and still AnimateD section
Entertainment Editor: Jake Rubin
Friday, December 12, 2003
Jake Rubin
Jew Stew
Hollywood lacks creativity Hollywood is filled with some of the most creative people in the world. This is confirmed each and every time I step into an aptlypriced movie theater like Carmike and Cinemark, as I see poster and ads for high quality films. The other day I was faced with the incredibly grueling task of choosing between paying $7.25 for either Master and Commander and Bad Santa. Hard choice I know, but logically I picked the better of the two: Bad Santa. Now some crazy folk might argue that Master and Commander is a much better film. However, I think that Bad Santa is probably a better film simply because it has some remote hint of originality. Unlike Master and Commander, The Cat in the Hat, Cold Mountain, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and just about every other movie coming out this winter, Bad Santa is an original script, NOT adapted from a novel. I don’t so much have a problem with movies that have been adapted from books. In fact, some of the best movies of all time have been based or adapted from a book. What annoys me is the lack of creativity that has become a standard in Hollywood. I see this every year at the event known as the Academy Awards, which is the supposed culmination of movies throughout the year (despite that most nominees are released in December and January). From Gone with the Wind to The Hours, the films honored at the Oscars have become more predictable each year. The unoriginality of movies in this day and age is just obnoxious. It seems that there can be no compromise between quality and originality in terms of successful Hollywood movies. So what I ask is where has all the creativity gone? Obviously, the movie industry is still doing innovative and creative things but above all other things the writing seems to have suffered. Instead of writing something original, scriptwriters convert a New York Time bestseller into a film with A-list actors. Jake Rubin is a senior and Entertainment Editor for the Highlighter.
Adult cartoons consume TV airwaves by Kyle Herman
Features Editor
The Simpsons, South Park, Futurama, Family Guy, Home Movies, King of the Hill, Brak, Kid Notorious, The Oblongs, Aquateen Hunger Force, Sealab 2020; and that is just skimming the top. Cartoons have always been a fun entertainment feature throughout many teenagers’ lives. But recently, adult-themed
cartoons are becoming more and more popular. It all started with the ever popular Simpson family, who spawned a new breed of cartoons. Instead of the Tom and Jerry approach of getting hit on the head every 10 seconds, The Simpsons began a more sophisticated type of humor. The Simpsons had the first idea to make an animated world that included more mature ideas. There is the drunk man, the arrogant boy, the genius girl, the housewife, and the religious neighbors. And the writers are not afraid to make fun of any of them. “I watch the Simpsons because it’s a low-brow humor
hotgifts by Vanessa Falgout
News Editor
Not sure what to ask for this holiday season? Here is a list of four hot gifts to add to your wish list. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Collectors DVD gift set): This collection is a four disc set w h i c h includes 40 minutes of n e v e r before s e e n footage and many special bonus features not included on the original DVD release. The set also includes a nifty Smeagol, or Golum if you prefer, figurine. Price: $50-79 Nokia 3650: For anyone interested in getting a cell phone and digital camera,
JAKE RUBIN
that makes fun of everything, but it’s also sophisticated at times,” said junior Kyle Bunten. “ T h e y by Rachel Tenney make fun Reporter Children all over the world have known of things something for decades that adults have never that you been able to fully comprehend until recently. need to be Cartoons are pretty darn funny. educated With the development of animation in the about, like early twentieth century, a new, limitless free trade world of endless possibilities was begun. a n d Suddenly anything was possible– politicians.” actions, sounds, characters, After The Simpsons, other Jump to History, page c2 animated cartoons popped out and became Jump to Toons, page c2
Cartoons evolve over time
why not get two-in-one? The Nokia 3650 features not only features and built-in digital camera and video recorder, it is also a cell phone. The 3650 enables users to send pictures messages to other compatible phones and via email. Some of the other features on the phone include: a large color display, Bluetooth wireless, voice dialing, and polyphonic ring tones. Price: $240-300 Gameboy Advance SP: Into gaming on the go? The Gameboy Advance SP edition is a redesigned of the original Gameboy Advance, featuring several upgrades. The new f e a t u r e s include a built in light for better illumination and a stylish, yet functional flip-screen feature.
The redesign makes this popular gaming system even more practical for mobility. Price: $94-129 Apple iPod- For hardcore music aficionados with a pretty penny in their parent’s pocket, the iPod by Apple is the ideal gift of this holiday season. Despite the Hefty price, the iPod MP3 player is one of the m o s t advanced systems available on the market– featuring 1 0 (2,500 songs), 20 (5,000 songs), or 40GB (10,000 songs) hard drive, touch sensitive scroll wheel, backlit LCD screen, personal playlists, contacts, calendars, to-do lists, and text notes. The iPod is also compatible with both Macintosh and Windows PCs and can autosync with iTunes library. Price: $299-499
c2: entertainment
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friday, dec. 12
Entertainment Editor: Jake Rubin
Samurai ‘Cruises’ to box-office gold Reporter
moviereview
Very few movies come along that are hard to criticize, but The Last Samurai is a vivid, suspenseful visual epic that is both touching and exciting, and does nearly everything right. It grabs the audience from beginning to end and even brings a tear or two. The Last Samurai begins in eighteenth century America just after the Civil War. Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) is a Civil War veteran who has become a bitter, disillusioned alcoholic, haunted by his experiences in war. He is offered a job to train the Japanese troops in modern, Western warfare in order to crush the rebellion of a group of Samurai, led by Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe). Katsumoto is an adviser to the a young, weak-willed emperor, but he is slowly being replaced by a new group of power-hungry men and politicians. Algren agrees to go to Tokyo, Japan, and shortly after he begins training the troops, Katsumoto and his men are advancing upon Tokyo. Algren is ordered to take the troops into battle with Katsumoto, but they are not yet trained and are quickly defeated. Algren fights for his life and as he is about to be killed, Katsumoto demands that his life be spared and he be brought back to their village so that they
might learn about the enemy. The Samurai codes of honor and warfare show Algren what he feels is wrong and missing in the ways of Western warfare, and he develops a deep love and respect for the Samurai culture and its traditions. Algren spends the winter with the Samurai and is then allowed passage back to Tokyo and reluctantly continues training the soldiers. When Katsumoto comes to a meeting of the emperor’s counsel and refuses to remove his sword, he is thrown into custody. Because of the Samurai codes, he is prepared to kill himself rather than face the shame of defeat, but Algren and the Samurai save him and they return to the village. Algren decides to fight next to the Samurai. The Samurai then prepare for what they know might be their last battle, and Algren goes proudly with them. Cruise gives a realistic , emotional, and quality performance as the scruffy Algren. He’s lost popularity as he’s grown older, particularly since the breakup with Nicole Kidman, but the guy can still act, and if anything, he’s gotten better as he expands his horizons. It’s good to see him in a role where he’s not afraid to cry, or to have very weak and vulnerable moments. This is
by Rachel Tenney
Journals follows Cobain’s path to Nirvana by Vanessa Falgout
bookreview
“If you read, you’ll judge,” warns Kurt Cobain on the cover of his once private, now public journal. Twenty spiral notebooks filled with personal writings, lyrics, and drawings of the late Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, all consolidated into a single 280 page snapshot of the legendary singer. The book, titled Kurt Cobain Journals, chronicles Cobain’s most intimate thoughts spanning from the late 1989s, during Nirvana’s humble beginnings, to 1994, the year of his suicide. The journals have been published at the request of Cobain’s widower, Courtney Love, so they are guaranteed to be completely genuine. Although the journals reveal Cobain’s private thoughts, they do not direct readers toward the ultimate answer as to why the young singer took his life. But when readers delve into the journal, they must free their mind
of any preconceptions and discover t h e essence of Cobain through written w o rd , Kurt Cobain rather Journals than from Kurt Cobain $19.95 stereo Dimensions speakers 288 pages or the camera lense. Though it may seem forbidding to read Cobain’s journals, it is worth taking a glimpse into the private side of his life. Through the journal, fans and even those who do not know much about the legendary Nirvana frontman will uncover an unusual, but enlightening perspective of Kurt Cobain and the twisted world he left behind.
News Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES
EVERYBODY WAS KUNG FU FIGHTING: Tom Cruise gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Nathan Algren in an epic film as a Civil War veteran who fights with Japanese Samurai. The film is rated R and runs 144 minutes.
definitely one of Cruise’s finest performances, even worthy of an Oscar nod. Unfortunately, the previews capitalize on Cruise’s celebrity, but although his character is one of the driving forces of the movie, the story’s magic and beauty lies in Watanabe’s powerful performance and the Samurai culture and codes of honor. The film does a perfect,
movie is the ending. The conclusion is simply unrealistic and essentially caves in to Hollywood expectations. In trying not to disappoint the audience, historical accuracy and realism are compromised. But overall, the movie is refreshing, stunning, shocking, touching and original. A definite must-see, especially for culture and history fans. A
FROM
spectacular job of portraying and preserving the fascinating culture with historical accuracy. The village, the people, the families, the warfare and the values are all illustrated beautifully. The setting of Japanese mountains, rainforest and architecture is also visually stunning, and the battles are heroic and realistic. The only real downfall to this PAGE C1
colors and themes could be exaggerated to the fullest extent, and any person, animal, event or time period could be recreated. The first animated cartoons, beginning with Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo in 1911, were short, choppy, and shown in only a few movie theaters. But with the invention of the television, they spread all across America, and eventually, the world. Felix the Cat, the Flinstones, and the Looney Toons became regular Saturday morning guests in every family home. Children fell in love with talking animals, ACME anvils, slapstick humor, and ridiculous settings. In the late 80s, however, one
simple, new concept was added to the mix that would change television and the cartoon world forever. That concept was pioneered in a new cartoon called The Simpsons, in which the characters were given human qualities and everyday problems. Adults found this new show intriguingly hilarious because it illustrated their own lives and poked fun at society to no end, sometimes being offensive without apology. Hence, the adult cartoon was born. Suddenly, satirical shows such as South Park and Family Guy started sneaking their way into mainstream television as The
Simpsons gained popularity and paved the way. “You have to be pretty well educated to get all the jokes,” said English teacher Ron Clark. “A person must also be familiar with a lot of different subjects. There are references to things that no kid would understand.” Student Austin Archer also agrees that because the shows capitalize on adult themes such as “the status quo, social tension and stress,” it makes for a very funny and appealing show for adults. Children have their Saturday morning and after school cartoons and now adults and teens have their cartoons as well.
History
Toons
FROM PAGE C1
popular. The cartoon that took the most advantage of the adult world was South Park. Airing on Comedy Central, South Park had no real boundaries. The main characters were eight-year-olds and as innocent as a cute bunny, until they spoke. Swearing and cussing became the new fad of the cartoon world and soon South Park had built an empire on it. From people who rape chickens, to a kid who dies in a very graphic way every episode to a talking Christmas poo, South Park has had success in every possible way with many humorous characters and situations. Although The Simpson brought mature cartoons to prime time, many say that the cable cartoons Ren & Stimpy and
Bevis and Butthead were cartoon pioneers. Many say the reason that cartoons are so popular is because it is ethically okay to do anything as long as it’s animated. “It’s okay for a little kid to drink beer in a cartoon, but in real life they would get sued,” said junior Drew Fellers. New adult-oriented cartoons have been sprouting up on nearly every channel lately. Spike TV added a cartoon called Stripperella, while Cartoon Network’s dedicated a part of their late-night programing to more mature cartoons calling it Adult Swim. Adult Swim airs anything and everything, from anime to just plain humorous cartoons. Adult
Swim has been very successful. In fact, because of Adult Swim, a new season of Family Guy will be created. Junior Mike Thompson says that Adult Swim is one of the most popular hour of televesion. “Everyone I know watches Adult Swim,” Thompson said. “They have the funniest shows ever, and also the most random.” All cartoons have grown from the child’s play that was to a more sophisticated, or at least vulgar, adult-oriented world. What were once mindless activities of sitting in front of a TV are now more thoughtprovoking shows that make both adults and teens laugh and think.
c3
friday, dec. 12
Entertainment Editor: Jake Rubin
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Holiday Stocking: A community event by Erik Pinkston
Editor-in-Chief
For the last six years, Rocky’s Holiday Stocking, a seasonal concert featuring bands, orchestras, choir and selected ensembles, has been held at the Lincoln Center. The Stocking, a part of Rocky music tradtion, has been part of the school since it was opened in 1973. “It is one of the largest collaboration efforts of the music staff all year,” said band director Casey Cropp. “Every area is represented,” he said. “There is opportunity for small groups and non-school classes. We give them an opportunity to perform.” Six years ago the Holiday Stocking moved to the Lincoln Center because the audience of the show grew too big for the auditorium. Also, Rocky has had to increase the number of shows at the Lincoln Center to include a matinee and an evening show, due to popular demand. This year both shows are expected to sell out. “I think every year the
holiday
stocking
Cost: $5
by Sarah Rupert
When: Dec. 15 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
E RIK PINKSTON
Where: Lincoln Center audience gets larger,” Cropp said. The community, both inside and outside Rocky, has continued to show support for the program. Groups such as nursing homes and Poudre School District regularly purchase tickets to give to indivduals or donate to their foundation. “I think it is becoming more and more of a staple in the community,” Cropp said. The program is designed to be fun for the audience. The concert, which normally runs around two and a half hours, is in a collagestyle format: When one group is finished preforming another group starts immediately, allowing no time for the audience to applaud until the
’TIS THE SEASON: Students rehearse for the Holiday stocking. Barbra Lueck (right) directs for her final year at Rocky.
very end. “I still miss those moments in the audience,” band director Sandi Dorsey said. The production is still a collaboration which strives to do better then was done before. “We’re always trying to make sure the show runs smoothly,” Cropp said. The Holiday Stocking hasn’t always been in the format it is in now. When the show started it
Winter films draw audiences
tries to find some answers, he movies holiday by Mike Schneider learns that he had secretly done Contributer During the film industry’s busiest holiday, movies are released either to rake in profits or to meet the deadline to rake in award. This holiday season, be prepared for packed theaters showing some of the most advertised movies of the year. It may help moviegoers to be in peak physical condition to fight their way through big lines headed for blockbuster films. ♦One of the big blockbusters of 2003 is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The film will be the third and final from the adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s trilogy. Two hobbits, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) travel to destroy the ring of power in the land of Mordor. Gollum (Andy Serkis) is captured by the two and travels along their side leading them to Mount Doom. The lost king of Gondor, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen),
leads members of the fellowship and his army to dethrone Lord Sauron. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King will be released on Dec. 17 and is rated PG-13. ♦Another film looking to take the box office by storm is Peter Pan. In the movie, the Darling family children are playing in their nursery when they encounter Peter Pan (Jeremy Sumpter). Peter, a strange flying boy, invites the youngsters to fly away with him to Neverland (thankfully not Michael Jackson’s home). An ongoing war brings leads to trouble as the children prepare for a showdown with Captain Hook (Jason Isaacs). Peter Pan is rated PG and comes to theaters on Dec. 25. ♦Ben Affleck hopes for some big money rolling in as he stars in Paycheck, which will be released on Dec. 25. Affleck plays and electrician named Jennings, who has no recollection of the past two years of his life. As he desperately
Where the gifts are during the holidays
work for a man and agreed to a large some of money as long as his memory of the job was erased. While he attempts to claim his paycheck, he learns that he had given the money up for a bag of clues, which end up saving his life. Some holiday movies simply trying to get an Oscar nod. ♦Julia Roberts stars in the upcoming Mona Lisa Smile, which will be released on Dec. 19. Roberts plays Katherine Watson, who accepts a teaching job at Wellesley College, and all girls school. Fresh out of UC Berkley, Watson is a free spirit who attempts to bring something to the students have been yearning for, intellectual freedom. However, the conservative views from the school’s administration clash with Watson’s liberal style of thinking. With movies targeting different goals this holiday season, there will be a plethora to choose from.
“Afro Man”
by Courtney Mohr
“At School”
by Randall Stone
was very traditional. But the format changed with hopes to include more areas of the music department. “It evolved out of the old format into something new,” Cropp said. The change allowed numerous groups to participate in the program, allowing a greater showcase of talent. “Probably the hardest thing is deciding,” Dorsey said.
topten This month’s topic: Why Michael Jackson should be employed at Rocky. 10. If teaching doesn’t work out, he could always join the Clergy. 9. He’s a shoo-in for Child Psychology. 8. He has an extensive teaching background: “ABC is easy as 1-2-3.” 7. His face could be used to mold in sculpting class. 6. He would add ethnic diversity to Rocky...kind of... 5. No balconies for him to dangle babies off of. 4. If Lopez doesn’t like him, he can always tell him to “Beat It.” 3. Change Rocky’s mascot to Bubbles the monkey. 2. He can teach the dance team the moonwalk . 1. He can give students lots of lovin’ (especially the sophomores). Compiled by Erik Pinkston, Jake Rubin and Steve Turney
Art Editor
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season shopping seems to be on the top of everyone’s to do lists. Some of the best places to shop this season are: Best Buy: Best buy is one of the best places to purchase all your electronic needs. From TVs to digital cameras to washing machines, Best Buy has it all. The DVDs are reasonably priced same as the CDs. Best Buy also has all the new video game systems out today, they also have an extensive selection of games as well as computer games and software. There is also everything to fill your computer needs, whether you need a desktop or just a monitor, they have it. Bed Bath and Beyond: You can buy anything for your home decor at Bed Bath and Beyond. They have things for the kitchen, such as pots, pans, and dishes. They also have everything you would need to decorate your bathroom. Bed sheets and blankets too. That's just a few of the things they have at Bed Bath and Beyond. The prices are fairly reasonable. Home Depot: For that dad, grandpa, or brother in your life there is always Home Depot. Everything you need to fix up your house or build something, they have it. They have every tool imaginable. They have very kind of faucet, carpet, kitchen cabinets, or paint. The prices range to either fairly cheap or really expensive. Barnes and Noble: The best things to buy at Barnes and Noble are books. They have thousands of books to choose from you are bound to find something perfect for that special someone on your shopping list. They also have a very large children’s book section. The prices of books run either very cheap or fairly inexpensive. They have CDs as well but normally their CDs are rather pricey.
Please Recycle This Newspaper
c4
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Page Editor: Jake Rubin
comingsoon movies Dec. 12 •Love Don’t Cost a Thing •Somthing’s Gotta Give •Stuck on You Dec. 17 •Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Dec. 19 •Mona Lisa Smile Dec. 25 •Peter Pan •Cheaper by the Dozen •Paycheck •Cold Mountain
music Dec. 16 •Joe - And Then... •Santana - Ceremony Dec. 23 •Juvenile - Juve the Great •B2K - You Got Served Jan. 11 •Melissa Etheridge Lucky •The Crystal Method Legion of Boom •Ani Difranco - Educated Guess •TLC - Now & Forever
video Dec. 16 •Seabiscut •Freaky Friday •The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Dec. 21 •Jeepers Creepers 2 •The Medallion •Alex and Emma Oct. 28 •American Wedding •S.W.A.T. •The Order
soundoff STAYIN’ ALIVE! Friday, December 12
Locally owned record stores suffer but survive
THE FINEST OF INDIE MUSIC SHOPS: Customers shop at the Finest CD’s-Tapes-LP’sDVD’s. The locallyowned store is one of few successful music stores remaining in the country.
by Kyle Herman
Features Editor
With the new emphasis on purchasing CDs rather than pirating them, many discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Target have been lowering prices on CDs and making them cheaper than ever. The problem with this is that many independently owned CD shops are losing business. Such has been the case for the Finest. The store is a privately owned local business devoted to selling CDs, tapes, and vinyls. Becuase they are not a chain store, they cannot afford to buy as much in bulk and charge less for CDs like many other stores. Even with these small troubles, the Finest has been able to stay in business for 25 years now, and does not plan on quitting. Store employee Mark Cheatham attributes the Finest’s success to the stores kind employees. “We try to be friendly and help out the customers as much as we can,” said Cheatham. “We offer lots of customer
service and knowledge and we been slowly getting better. help the customer find what “People are starting to they are looking for.” download a little less, and that Another reason for the Finest’s is helping our sales,” said success is their Cheatham. wide selection. However, “We sell the store has profitable used not been Finest CD’s-Tapes-LP’s-DVD’s discs, which are floating on 1103 W. Elizabeth the best deal cloud 9. and we also sell “We had ABCD’s less new CDs to lay off 157 N. College Ave. because that s o m e seems to be employee’s Rock ‘N’ Robin what people are because of 804 S College Ave downloading,” our sales,” said Cheatham. s a i d Kazaa and Cheatham. other downloading programs Although times have been were also causing somewhat of getting better for The Finest, the a problem with The Finest’s future may not look to bright. sales, but ever since Kazaa has Many students who buy CDs been fighting back, sales have are only concerned about price
indiestores
by Vanessa Falgout
News Editor
and for any new CD, the price is better at Wal-Mart. “It’s all about the cash money,” said sophomore Karyn Ries. “Anything you can get for less you are going to. It’s the cheap way. What do you expect from a teenager?” Unfortunately, that is the truth about CDs these days. For now, anyone who is not pirating CDs is buying them as cheap as possible. Unless someone is into the used CD feature at The Finest, they may have to fight to stay alive. But for now they seem okay. “It looks as if our sales are bottoming out, so the future is looking good. Our sales indicate that we will make up for our losses,” Cheatham.said.
quicktakes
Jan. 10 •Uptown Girls •Out of Time
concerts Dec. 12 •Edwin McCain: Soiled Dove Dec. 13 •Bleeding Through: Gothic Dec. 16 •Something Corporate w/ RX Bandits, Mae, Days Away: Ogden Dec. 18 •Jason Mraz: Boulder Theater Dec. 19 •Rancid w/ Tiger Army, F-Minus: Ogden Dec. 20 •Sevendust: Ogden Jan. 19 •Macy Gray and David Bowie: Filmore
PINK TRY THIS
NICK LACHEY SOULO
THE USED MAYBE MEMORIES
BLINK-182 BLINK-182
BRITNEY SPEARS IN THE ZONE
Don’t be fooled with the “punkesque” CD jacket, Pink may have the inner rage to create a “punk” song, but she still clings to her pop roots. The album sounds very similar to the latest No Doubt material with a heavy 80s influence except with manly and raspy vocals. Try This is a tremendous change for Pink, but has some loose ends. Standout track: “Humble Neighborhoods” Rating: B-
Is Nick Lachey better without the rest of 98 Degrees? Judging from Soulo, the answer is no. Amongst all the emerging boy band turned solo artists, Lachey fails to provide his own unique sound and comes short of revealing any sense of “soul” within his debut. Overall, Soulo will define Lachey as just another failed solo artist. Standout track: “You’re the only Place” Rating: C-
Amongst the plethora of the new “special release” DVD & CDs that the record industry is shoving down everyone’s throats, Maybe Memories , is worthwhile for the Used fans. Though the unreleased tracks aren’t the best quality, it gives fans a glimpse or rather listen, of their beginnings. The CD also features a few live tracks. Standout track: “Zero Mechanism” Rating: B
Despite their unfortunate first single, “Feeling This,” the other tracks are an improvement from their previous albums. However, the band continues to struggle with an identity crisis. The band claims their new album is “darker” and more serious than previous albums. There is slight evidence of this, but they still fail to delve into real “punk” music lyrics. Standout track: “Violence” Rating: B
In the Zone is definitely an experimental album for Spears. It is commendable for the risk of experimenting with different styles, but is condemnable for being too schizophrenic. The album lacks fluidity and Spears continues to fall short from showing any vocal talent. Overall, the CD is a refreshing, energetic effort from Spears, but could use a lot of polishing. Standout track: “Breathe on Me” Rating: B-
rockysports Sports Editor: Steve Turney
Steve Turney
Sports Editor
Sometimes they can be a catalyst during a certain team’s athletic event, and sometimes
they can be down right annoying. But the truth of the matter is that these people are the true reason why many high school
Home of the Lobos; right? There’s no greater feeling for me personally than to walk into a packed gymnasium with close to a thousand fans made up of your family members and friends doing nothing but cheering their hearts out. I get this feeling before every home basketball game. I can remember when I was a freshman, and I was given the opportunity to suit up as a member of the varsity team. I remember before every home game they would either have someone sing the national anthem or have the band play it. At the end of the anthem, instead of the hearing the singer sing “home of the brave,” you would hear the students yell home of the “LOBOS!” Standing there and being able to witness and feel the electricity, excitement, and the adrenaline pumping through the gym made me feel that if I got the opportunity to play, I felt that I could go out there and perform above average. Sadly, in the last few years, I have noticed that the fans no longer yell home of the “LOBOS!” at the end of the anthem. I do not know why this once thought-of tradition became extinct so suddenly, but I would love for it to be reintroduced this year and for many years to come. I don’t know if the fans were told not to yell “LOBOS!” at the end of the anthem because it was considered disrespectful or if people might have felt awkward changing the words of the anthem after September 11th, 2001. All I know is that I do not think yelling “LOBOS!” is disrespectful at all towards our country. I’m not saying that’s the reason why people stopped yelling “LOBOS!” during the anthem, but if it was, people need to quit acting so offended and grow up. If anything, it is a way to show pride and school spirit for Rocky and our athletics. And the last time I checked, I thought it was a good thing to show pride for your school and your friends. All in all, I think that this is a lost tradition at Rocky and should most definitely be reintroduced this year at all home basketball games and any other sporting events in the future. After all, this is the home of the “LOBOS!” Steve Turney is a senior and the Sports Editor for the Highlighter.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Rocky fans pumped for sports
by Steve Turney
Fistfight in a Phonebooth
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section
GRAPHIC BY JAKE RUBIN
athletes love playing sports for their school. They are the superfans, the loudest and most rowdy group of fans at each game. “It’s what we do,” senior superfan Nick Lake said. “We just go out and support the team. There’s no reason not to.” For the better part of the football season, you would have seen three of Rocky’s superfans in the senior parking lot at 5:30 p.m. tailgating . These fans were seniors Randy Gonzalez, Mike Beecher, and Lake. The superfans and some of their friends had a couple rituals they liked to do before and during every football game. “Tailgating was good,” Beecher said. “Also, when the opposing teams showed up, we would throw out an occasional ‘DAAAAA’ at the bus.” Even though they seemed to be the fans that you would hear throughout the entire game, the superfans welcomed any
newcomers who wanted to show the same enthusiasm for the team as they were had. “The more the merrier. Bring them all,” Gonzalez said. However, the winter sports season will shrink the group of superfans from three to two. Gonzalez is a member of the boys’ basketball team and will not be able to cheer for the team with the same kind of attitude that he had during football. “I’m relying on these guys for basketball,” Gonzalez said. “I’m going to have to try and concentrate pretty hard. Hopefully, I don’t laugh or giggle out there.” The superfans know the absence of Gonzalez is a killer blow to their game plan, but they know some familiar faces that have been at other sports events that will gladly try to fill Gonzalez’ shoes. “Junior Nathaniel Janes is coming up big for us, as well as Pat Dawson,” Beecher said. They leave no doubt that they consider themselves superfans, Jump to Superfan, page d2
Out of bounds: Fans losing control at games by Joey Murphey
Asst. Sports Editor
When good fans go bad. That could be a new television series based on the dumb things rowdy fans do at athletic events. Some fans lose a sense of reality when it comes to supporting their favorite teams. It is normal for teams to have rowdy fans, but some fans become out of control and put themself and everyone around them at risk. It is easy to draw a line between a normal and an outof-control fan. “Being intelligent or being stupid (draws the line between a normal and out-of-control fan),” said football coach Tom Smailes. “Often times what we think of at the last second we think of being really witty, but it winds up being really stupid.” Rowdy fans are a major part of athletics in high school as
long as they do not become out events. This doesn’t go of control. Fans not only support unnoticed because Rocky has their teams, but they can even won many sportsmanship contribute to the team’s success. awards over the years. Rocky For any player, has been awarded it is a great every year with the I think we are experience to C H S A A really spirited. have spirited sportsmanship When you fans cheering award ever since it take a look at them on. It is started. the banners in not only “I think we are the gym, there exciting for the really spirited,” has to be players but it is Smailes said. something exciting for “When you take a going on that students to yell look at the banners is good for us and cheer in in the gym, there to win those such an has to be type of energetic something going awards. atmosphere. on that is good for -Tom Smailes, football coach However, it is us to win those unfortunate type of awards.” when someone Out-of-control ruins this atmosphere by acting fan occurrences seldom happen completely out of line. at Rocky athletic events. Rocky students have been However, they do happen, and known for their exceptional it doesn’t take much for intense sportsmanship at athletic fans to be agitated and act
irrationally. At a high school in Louisiana, a mascot was beaten by rival football fans. In Kentucky, a fan at a high school basketball game was upset about a coach being ejected. The man grabbed the referee and hit him in the face. At another high school basketball game in Kentucky, a fan assaulted and struck a referee in the temple simply because he didn’t agree with the call that was made. The fans are not the only people who can get out of hand at an athletic event. A few years ago there was a soccer game massive brawl between Poudre and Collins that led to two players getting ejected from the contest. An article in the Coloradoan said “a close game between boys soccer teams from Poudre and Fort Collins Jump to Control, page d4
Childhood athletes, friends share memorable honors by Steve Turney
Sports Editor
Three girls who have grown up together, played sports together, and have remained friends nearly their entire lives got an unheard opportunity to sign letters of intent to go participate in collegiate athletics together. “It was good to make everything official,” senior Sara Hunter said. “And it gives you something to look forward to for next year. It was pretty exciting.”
Hunter has been playing volleyball and basketball at Rocky for all four years and has been the starting point guard since she was a freshman, along with being all-conference multiple times in both sports. Senior Julia Kloppe has participated in softball and track and field throughout her career at Rocky. Just like Hunter, she has been a four-year starter for the softball team excluding an injury-plagued junior year in which she had shoulder surgery. But she topped off her softball
STEVE T URNEY
career by being named Colorado Player of the Year for softball this year, and she will once again compete in track in the spring. “It was cool. It was really
FINISHING TOUCH: Senior Julia Kloppe signs a letter of intent to play softball at CSU as parents Gerard and Vicki look on. Kloppe, Sara Hunter, and Amanda Lawler each signed.
special signing with them just because we have done sports together for so long, so that was really special getting to do it Jump to Letters, page d4
d2: sports
friday, dec. 12
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Sports Editor: Steve Turney
Rasslin’ around Wrestlers start season near the top by Joey Murphey
Asst. Sports Editor
MELISSA TREE
I’M BAAAACK: New tennis Bobbe Vasos-Bennett speaks at a team meeting. Bennett is a former Rocky tennis player and is taking on coaching.
New tennis coach ready to get started by Joey Murphey
Asst. Sports Editor
A former Rocky tennis player is coming back for more. Bobbe Vasos-Bennett won’t be a player but is c o m i n g back as the new head coach for both boys’ and girls’ tennis. VASOS-BENNETT “ I ’ m excited because I went to school there (at Rocky) and I played there,” said VasosBennett. “I’m really excited to come back and hopefully turn the program around.” Bennett is replacing former coach Gary Wilson who was asked to resign after being a part of the program for six years. After playing at Rocky, Vasos-Bennett was offered a scholarship and played at Western Michigan. She then transferred back and played at Colorado State for the remainder of her eligibility. “She’s definitely different than our last coach because she is out to have a lot of fun and be competitive at the same time,” said senior Brenna Loury. “She’s really friendly and she smiles a lot and it’s a nice difference.” Vasos-Bennett not only has
I’m excited because I went to school there and I played there. I’m really excited to come back and hopefully turn the program around. - Bobbe Vasos-Bennett, tennis coach
a substantial amount of playing experience but has coaching experience as well. She coached boys’ tennis at Collins High School for the last two years and coached girls’ tennis at Windsor High School last year. “I hope to teach the players tennis,” Vasos-Bennett said. “I want to help them be more competitive.” Vasos-Bennett wants to work with the boys and girls and give them a foundation. She wants the athletes to grow as tennis players and always improve. “I don’t want anybody to stay in the same place,” said Vasos-Bennett. “I want to see real improvement through the years.” Vasos-Bennett is very intent on turning the program back in the right direction, and hopefully qualifying more players for state in the years to come. Vasos-Bennett will begin that journey this spring with the girls’ team.
1.....2.....3. The wrestling team is heading into the season ready to pin their competition. “We’re going to win state,” said senior Brad Reingardt. “Flat out, we’re the best team in the state if we want it.” After finishing sixth in state last year, the team is ready for more. They are confident that they have a strong group of wrestlers despite graduating two state champion seniors. “We’ve got a good nucleus of guys coming back from last year,” said head coach Ken Taylor. “We’re going to have to pick up the pace and get after it.” The team has been preparing for the season for a while, some players traveled to two different camps this summer, one in Reno, Nevada, and the other in Mexico, Missouri. Wrestlers that did not have football commitments took part in preseason practices before the
KELLY REINGARDT
MATBURNS: Senior Michael Brinkerhoff wrestles and pins his opponent down in Rocky’s first duel of the year. The Lobos are off to a strong start this season.
actual season started in the first week of November. The Lobos are 6-0 in duel matches this season and won the Weld Central duel tourney. According to Taylor, in order for the team to have a successful season, they need to work hard in practice, get in good physical shape, get into their right weight class, spend time perfecting their technique, and work on being mentally tough. “We’ve been working hard on everything,” said senior Richard Smith. “I hope that we can get our act together and do better in duel meets.”
The five wrestlers who are returning from wrestling at state last year are seniors Reingardt, Smith, Matt Fechser, junior Daniel Intlekofer, and sophomore Neal Brinkerhoff. The team also has many strong wrestlers coming back this year that were on junior varsity last year. Junior varsity won the regional tournament only adding to the team’s potential. “Going into the season we will be ranked fourth or fifth so it’s a reachable goal (to win state),” Reingardt said. “All we need to do is step up and wrestle.”
Swim team takes their marks by Steve Turney
AND THEY’RE OFF: Senior Whitney Christensen dives to begin her portion of a relay. The team has another meet tomorrow at EPIC.
Sports Editor
The girls’ swim team has decided that they are heading into the season with plenty of capable and good swimmers, but most of all, they are remaining optimistic about everything. “We’re pretty new, but we’re pretty strong, “ senior Joedy Hulings said. “We have a lot of girls new to Rocky this year, but we have both swim the 50-meter freestyle and Trimble swims the experience, too,” she added. After a sub-par season last 100-meter backstroke. Although swimming is a year, the swim team looks at this season as an opportunity to go difficult sport to really do a lot out and give it their all, but most of team activities, the team still sets goals for themselves. of all to have fun. “Our goals every year are just Seniors Ashley Connell, Whitney Christensen, Laurel to go out and try to get personal Thomasarrigo and Hulings will best times at each meet,” be a big part of the team’s Hulings said. “We definitely success, along with juniors Ava want to match last year, by qualifying all of our relays to Carey and Kelly Trimble. Hulings swims the 500-meter state.” The team has many young freestyle while Carey swims the 100-meter butterfly and the 200- swimmers with great attitudes meter individual medley. and talent, such as junior Ashley Christensen and Thomasarrigo Frederickson, and will look to FROM PAGE D1
RACHEL TENNEY
those swimmers to help make this year ’s team better than mediocre. “I think at the end of the season, we will be really strong,” Connell said. “We have a lot of potential, we just need to work up to that.” The team ended up losing to Thompson Valley High School in their first meet of the season, but did better than they had expected. The team is looking forward to their next competition, which is the Colorado Invite, which will go on all day tomorrow at EPIC.
Superfan
but the group doesn’t just do what they do for themselves, they do it for their love of sports and Rocky. “Most of our views are universal,” Lake said. “You know, we all share the same beliefs, and overall it’s just a good time.” As you can see, the group is not trying to leave a legacy of superfans at Rocky. They simply choose to do the things they do because they are extremely enthusiastic and don’t have much else to do. “It’s just a good time, you know,” Beecher said. “It starts at 7 o’clock most of the time so there’s no reason not to go. You go hang out with your
friends; you get to yell at opposing teams. And you get to occasionally see a victory from our squadrons.” The group has been noticed mostly at football games so far this year, but plans on attending most of the boys’ basketball games. “The opposing team will not be able to make free throws, I will tell you that right now,” Beecher said. The superfans enter the winter sports season with fresh new ideas about ways they can “legally” alter opposing teams performances. As well as plan on being the noisiest, and most annoying fans opponents have ever heard.
d3
friday, dec. 12
Sports Editor: Steve Turney
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Soccer hibernates inside OD’s by Joey Murphey
Asst. Sports Editor
Indoor galore! Many soccer players are migrating indoors now that the unfriendly weather of winter is creeping in. “When it gets really snowy, it’s hard to play soccer outside,” said sophomore Corey Cullen. “Indoor is a lot of fun and you can keep your touch up and skills up for outdoor.” Indoor soccer is played on a field much like a hockey rink. There is no out of bounds and the game is played continuously with no stoppage. Many of the same rules of outdoor soccer apply to indoor. Each team has five field players and one goalie. The goals are dramatically smaller than outdoor goals. The ball cannot be kicked into the netted area above the goal and there is no slide tackling. “Indoor soccer is a great
JOEY MURPHEY
TAKING A BREATHER: Members of an OD’s indoor soccer team strategize during a break in the game. OD’s is a host to many teams in an indoor league.
time,” said junior Dustin Grote. “It’s a good way to keep in shape for outdoor soccer.” Indoor soccer’s speed of play is considerably faster due to playing on astro-turf and on a smaller size field. Many
outdoor players take advantage of indoor because it eases the transition into the next outdoor season. It keeps the players in shape, helps them maintain their touch on the ball, and is just a fun activity on the off-
season. Fort Collins’ local indoor soccer facility is OD’s Sports Crossing. Indoor soccer is not just for avid soccer players. Many kids who have never played soccer take part and have a great time. There are a variety of different teams at OD’s. There are leagues from U6 (under six age group) to Coed Masters (over 30 age group). Many kids like to play in leagues where both boys and girls play together. “I’m on a coed team right now, and it’s a lot of fun,” said Cullen. “You can pimp it up with the ladies (encourage female interaction).” Games are usually played at night during the week. “Late night games are awesome because then you get to go party afterwards,” said Grote. “Only on a Friday night, otherwise we go to school the next day.”
Girls’ hoops team off to strong start by Steve Turney
Sports Editor
The girls’ basketball team is heading into the season this year with a different mentality than from years past: size doesn’t matter. With only one player on the team being over 6-foot, the team knows they will need to find different ways to win games this year due to their lack of size. “We’re very short this year, and we’re young beyond that,” head coach Terri Keyworth said about her not-so-gigantic team. “But our three seniors bring such a fundamental basis of basketball to us, and that really helps us.” The seniors Keyworth is talking about are Sara Hunter, Courtney Mohr, and Ashleigh Morton. Mohr is the only player on the team that is 6-foot in height, and Hunter is the next tallest player standing at a towering 5-foot-6. “Our strength is our athleticism,” Keyworth said. “And everyone is working hard.
So this is going to be a fun year to coach for me because they’re getting after it, and they have an excellent balance between having fun and working hard.” The team is coming off an 185 season (9-2 conference) last year in which they tied for the best record in the conference with Longmont. The Lobos made it to the state quarterfinals last year before their season was ended by a very good Monarch team, 46-49. However, the Lobos got revenge on Tuesday beating Monarch 75-61 improving their record to 2-0. With the Lobos lacking size this year, Mohr knows she will be a key component to the team’s success. “I’m like the tallest player,” Mohr said. “But I’m comfortable with it. I’m basically the only post (inside player), but it doesn’t change our offense much because we never have many posts at Rocky.” The team will also rely on Hunter who has been a starter
OUT OF MY WAY: Senior Courtney Mohr makes a move under the basket against a Legacy defender in the Lobos first game of the year at home. The Lobos are lacking in size this year with only one player being above 6-foot, but the team looks to make up for the lack of size with smart play, athleticism, and playing together as a team. ERIK PINKSTON
for varsity since she was a freshman. Fellow senior Morton has been on either varsity or JV since she was a freshman and is another go-to player for the Lobos. “We use our speed and athleticism to our advantage,” Hunter said. “It just puts everyone in position to make up for that lost height. We should do well in conference and compete for the top with Collins.”
As the team continues with the start of their season, which are mainly non-conference games, they will look to their three seniors to lead by example and get off on the right foot. “As seniors, everyone steps into that leadership role,” Hunter said of the pressure on the seniors. “But we all bring something different to the team. So I think that we have a good combination, and we’re all excited.”
Boys’ basketball full of new faces, attitudes by Joey Murphey
Asst. Sports Editor
The boys’ basketball team is dribbling into the start of their season. “I think we have a chance to do really well this year,” said senior Steve Goodell. “We have some good leadership and a lot depends on if we can play well as a team.” Playing well as a team should not be a problem because the team has been preparing ever since the spring of last year. Open gym started in the spring and continued through summer, fall, and all the way until tryouts started in early November. They played in several tournaments, competed in a summer league, and attended a team camp this summer.
“We as coaches got really excited (this summer) and we were looking forward to getting all these guys together,” said head coach Jamie Menefee. “Now we have them so we’re ready to rock.” The team (2-0) is optimistic after graduating eight seniors last season. Only two players, Goodell and junior Jared Lindsey, are returning who have had significant time at the varsity level. “I’m excited to see how the younger guys step in and how those seniors (who played on varsity last year) are going to be as leaders,” said Menefee. “I am cautious because I know we’re going to be younger than what we were last year but very excited and optimistic.” According to Menefee, some
of the players that will contribute a lot to the team are seniors Goodell and Steve Turney, and Lindsey. Senior Randy Gonzalez is new to the team and has really shown emotional leadership that excites the coaches. “Only one team is really happy at the end of the season, and only one team wins their last game,” said Menefee. “We would love to be that team.” The team is going to play in several preseason games before the actual season starts. These games are important because they count on the team’s overall record which determines where they will be seeded in state playoffs. These games also allow the team to prepare themselves for conference games in January. “It’s a fun game,” said
Lindsey. “It’ll be a fun season.” The team’s next game will be home against Monarch on December 17, 7 p.m.
sportsbriefs Fall all-conference performers Boys Cross Country First team: Wil Buchanan, jr., Aaron Braun, jr. Runner of the year: Wil Buchanan, jr.
Girls Cross Country First team: Danielle Parry, so., Ellie Rastall, fr. Second team: McKynzie Maher, fr., Alyse Fawcett, fr.
Field Hockey All-Colorado: Ashley Allen Honorable mention: Jaime Schilling, sr., Liz Simpson
Football Front Range League, First team: (Offense) Todd Filkowski, sr., OL, Jared Lindsey, jr., TE, (Defense) Zach Miller, sr., LB, Jake Brown, jr., LB Honorable mention: (Offense) Brian Eggers, jr., WR, Jared Haughton, so., QB (Defense) Travis Bundy, so., LB
Golf First team: Pat Dawson, so.
Gymnastics All-around: Haleigh Schofield, jr. Balance beam: Haleigh Schofield, jr. Floor exercise: Haleigh Schofield, jr.
Boys Soccer First team: Jason Frei, sr., Jason Aragon, sr. Second team: Nick Ewing, sr., Eddie Feeley, sr., Randy Albertz, jr.
Softball First team: Julia Kloppe, sr., Amanda MacIntyre, sr., Danny Murphy, sr. Second team: Alex Nordic, jr., Mo Coker, jr., Jamie Winsor, fr. Player of the year: Danny Murphy, sr.
Volleyball First team: Sara Hunter, sr., Esther Johnson, sr., Amanda Lawler, sr. Second team: Carly Worthington, sr. Honorable mention: Kate Hampson, so. Player of the year: Sara Hunter, sr.
d4 eventcoverage
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Page Editor: Steve Turney
Friday, December 12
slopesinfo
Copper Mountain - 2,433 lift-served acres. Summit County’s largest ski and snowboard resort. Unique geographic features, providing naturally separated terrain for beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers and snowboarders. Winter Park - Leads with the most snow annually compared to any other major Colorado resort, with 365 inches. On average has 106 days of sunshine, or 70%. 134 designated trails on 2,886 acres, and 22 chairlifts. Breckenridge - 146 trails with four interconnected mountains. Known for its timberline bowls. Has the new six passenger chairlift. Breckenridge offers snowmobiling, ice skating, dog sledding and much more. Keystone - Home to the largest mountain night skiing experience in North America. Has the largest snow making operation in the United States, 851 acres and assuring the best possible conditions no matter what time of year. Beaver Creek - Known as the site for the would-be 1976 Olympics. Held many of the World Ski Championships. More of an expert course. Arapahoe Basin - Very unique, alpine circle on the Continental Divide. For advanced skiers, open bowls above the timberline make an exciting gathering place. Also provides plenty of relaxed runs for intermediate, and beginners. Steamboat - Somewhat expensive. Usually gets more than 335 inches of snow per year, creating some of the best champagne powder skiing in the world. New eight passenger gondolas transporting skiers to different mountain tops. Vail - Holds very high prestige with the world famous black bowls with over 5,500 acres of skiing terrain. Has premier ski and snowboard schools with 800 instructors, and provides a huge variety for all levels. New express quad chairlifts. Snowy Range - Basically beginner mountain that consists of mostly intermediate, and beginner trails. Off of highway 287 to Cheyenne. Known for its relaxed runs and cheap prices. Eldora - 43 trails with a variety of terrain. Has challenging steeps and newly improved glade terrain on the Corona side and curising down well groomed slopes on the front side. Usually no I-70 traffic hassle.
As the cold Colorado winter begins, we’ve noticed that more and more teenagers have been heading to the slopes. We thought we’d give you some information and review some of the most popular ski and snowboard resorts in Colorado.
Copper is my favorite because it has a phat terrain park and long slopes. - Junior Chelsea Bridge, on Copper Mtn.
SARAH RUPERT
SHREDDIN’ THE SLOPES: Above, an overview of the Copper Mountain Ski Resort from a chairlift as skiers and snowboarders chill out and have a good time. A snowboarder grinds (left) on a rail at Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain is one of the best and most popular resorts in Colorado.
When I went, there wasn’t a lot of snow, but the snowboard park was absolutely amazing. - Senior Josh Berger, on Breckenridge
It wasn’t my most favorite resort because the runs were really short and boring, but there was practically no on there, so I got a lot of runs in.
It’s the best resort ever because the people are extremely nice, and it gets the most snow.
- Junior Brittani Gooden, on Eldora
- Senior Bryan Cynkar, on Winter Park
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Letters
with them. It was cool to have that much support. It wasn’t what I was expecting.” Senior Amanda Lawler has also been known around Rocky for being one of the school’s top female athletes. Lawler competed in volleyball, basketball and track throughout her time at Rocky, but only participated in volleyball and track for all four years. “It was great. It was so cool that everyone came out and supported us. I’ve played with Julia and Sara for a long time, so it was only fitting that I signed with them.” Hunter is going to CSU to play basketball, and as far as she
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knows, she will definitely see time on the court next year as long as she is healthy, and can’t wait for the exciting in-town opportunity. “I really like the coaches and I think it would be cool to play in front of a home crowd,” Hunter said. “Unless I get hurt, I am not going to redshirt, but I still have a lot of work to do.” Kloppe is also headed to CSU but she is going there to play softball for the Rams. Kloppe also expects playing time in her freshman year as either a third or first baseman, or a designated hitter. Overall, she thinks CSU will be a great fit. “My main goal was to find a
Control really good program that I fit into,” Kloppe said. “I’ll definitely bat next year, but my shoulder is only 95 percent right now, so the coaches aren’t sure yet what they will do.” Lawler is headed to Texas A&M for track. Lawler was a member of the 2002 girls’ state championship track team at Rocky. “It’ll be hard to leave friends and family,” Lawler said. “But I’m also really excited to get out and experience something new and different.” The sky is the limit for these gifted athletes as they now enter a new, different, yet exciting chapter of their life.
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high schools crumbled into a mid-field brawl Tuesday in front of about 600 fans at Boltz Junior High School.” Coaches are equally likely to become out-of-control, as well. At a high school baseball game in California, an assistant coach was dismissed from his position after he bit an umpire’s finger and threw a punch at him. A lot of the time, rowdiness of fans depends on the teams that are playing each other. Fans are more likely to be rowdy at a rival game. “Loveland (High school) is the school that we traditionally have the most problems with,”
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said athletic director Wayne Moddelmog. “But that’s getting better because of the effort that both schools have made over the years to try to correct that. We have our instances with Fort Collins (high school), as well.” The administration is always doing their part to keep a positive environment at all athletic events by having an administrator present. “Come, have fun, support your teammates and classmates,” Moddelmog said. “Just remember that it needs to be positive and respectful. And, if you do that, we’re going to let you be as loud as you want to be. That’s awesome.”