Megan Troutman Greer portfolio

2014 Dorothy Greer Scholarship Portfolio

THIS IS MY STORY Megan Troutman . . . Rocky Mountain High School

APPLICATION FORM 1 CHSPA Scholarships Application Form

Instructions: Enclose this application form as the first page of the folder in which you include your letters of recommendation and samples of work. Please type or print neatly (or recreate this form in your personal portfolio style/design/concept).

I am applying for the: Dorothy Greer Scholarship Name: Megan Troutman Home address: 4423 Gray Fox Rd. City: Fort Collins Zip: 80526 Home phone: (970)282-0585 E-mail: meganlt52@yahoo.com School name: Rocky Mountain High School School address: 1300 West Swallow Rd. City: Fort Collins Zip: 80526 School phone: (970) 488-7023 Principal’s name: Craig Woodall Student Media (name/type/date) served: The Rocky Mountain Highlighter - student run newspaper publication (2012–2014) Years of service on newspaper staff: 2 yearbook: n/a broadcast: n/a website/other: n/a Adviser(s) name(s): Stephen Wahlfeldt Adviser(s) e-mail(s): swahlfel@psdschools.org Which college do you plan to attend: Northern Arizona University What major do you anticipate: Communications / Journalism major “I verify that all the above information is accurate and all of the enclosed work is my original work.”

Student signature: Megan LeRae Troutman Date: 2/12/2014 “To the best of my ability, I certify all of the enclosed student work is the original work of the applicant.”

Adviser signature: Stephen Neal Wahlfeldt Date: 2/12/2014

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ACTION PHOTOS 4

Organizing Issue Brainstorm

Working on InDesign

Updating Bulletin board

Conducting an Interview

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PERSONAL RESUME

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SELF-ANALYTICAL ESSAY 9 W

e were all asked that daunting question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?

I wish I could say that I wanted to be a journalist from day one, but that would be a lie.

For the longest time I never gave that question a serious thought. Maybe I would be an elementary school teacher so I could play games with first graders all day; that way they would not have to do tedious tasks like arithmetic. Or maybe I would be an architect so I could build slides inside of business offices. Sometimes even the strictest business men need to have a little fun; and what’s more fun than a giant pink slide twisting from floor fifty to floor one?

It is obvious I never took this question too seriously.

My freshman year I was confident I wanted to be a meteorologist. Storms have always fascinated me, and I wanted to pursue something that challenged me on an intellectual level (contrary to my elementary ideas). Two years later I contacted the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), a weather research center, so I could make my dream become a reality. As a student hourly, I worked with monitoring the automated production of RAMMB products while assisting with archiving infrared and water vapor imagery associated with tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and East Pacific. While the job description is quite the mouthful, it really consists of looking at storms behind a computer. I quickly came to the realization that I did not want to be a meteorologist in an office building. Even if the building had a giant pink slide, I would not be happy working with Excel all day.

That is when I came up with the idea sophomore year that doing something with music would be fun. Music has always been my passion, and you would not have to sit behind a computer all day. With this dream in mind and after a prestigious application process, I became student director of our high school spirit/marching band. After hours of conducting at football and basketball games, I realized that flailing in front of a band is something I do not want to do for a living. With this eye opening experience I did find out that I wanted to be a leader in some sort of way. Sometimes leaders are born with a mission, but other times leaders are molded from the simplest people to the most influential.

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After meteorology and music, I had a different idea my junior year. I decided that I wanted to work with our high school newspaper, the Rocky Mountain Highlighter; writing has always been therapeutic, so I thought it was a feasible plan. To my dismay, I found out that you had to take Journalism I before you could be on Highlighter.

With my heavy schedule of AP classes and National Honor Society, I did not see how that would be possible. I contacted the newspaper advisor and informed him of my situation. Since staff had been small years prior, I was accepted to the program with no journalism background. It was scary, but I knew it was something I had to do.

Over the summer I met with their past editor and she filled me in on journalism basics. I practiced writing, editing, and learned all about style from scratch. A few weeks before my junior year I got a frantic phone call – they were short an editor, and I suddenly went from an unexperienced reporter to the editor of Limelight, the entertainment section, overnight. This was the first time a student has joined Highlighter as an editor with no journalistic experience. I was honored, but quite frankly a little terrified.

That year I hit the ground running and quickly learned the ropes of what it took to build a newspaper. Something clicked that year and I just knew: journalism was my passion. There’s something about documenting stranger’s stories that I find fascinating.

Maybe it is meeting new people, or hearing them tell stories about their past. Whatever it may be, I was made to follow this newfound passion.

Senior year I became editor-in-chief with my best friend and colleague. Between organizing a newspaper, conducting a band, working at a weather research center, and keeping up with my advanced academics, I guess you could say my year has been hectic; but I have loved every minute of it.

While the question “what do you want to be?” has haunted me for seventeen years, I finally have an answer. I want to be a journalist. Whether that’s writing or broadcasting, I have not yet figured out the details, but at least I have direction with my life.

From being an inexperienced journalist to editor-in-chief, the past two years have been quite the roller-coaster ride. It has been hard, but I do what I love and I love what I do. So without further ado,

This is my story . . .

Sept.

2012

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WRITING

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Overcoming obstacles...Features Story //B1// rmfeatures\\

he bright light shined in the girl’s eyes as she groggily looked at her surroundings.

She was in an ambulance. People were tossing around questions. Her mother’s worried expression flashed before her eyes as blackness consumed her vision.

This was junior Caitlin Montgomery’s first memory after being hit by a car.

“Immediately when I woke up, I just felt pain,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery’s life took an unexpected turn on Sept. 23, 2011, when she was hit while crossing West Swallow Road, by an oncoming eastbound car. Montgomery was launched into the air before crashing into her new life of surgeries, therapy and a long recovery.

“I don’t remember a lot from the accident,” Montgomery said. “I just remember getting up and going to school and then going across the street, but I don’t actually remember getting hit by the car.”

During the week she was in the hospital, doctors concluded that she had suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, skull fracture, tear in her heart and 15 breaks in her face. She also had to get 28 stitches in her head.

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury that occurs when the skull touches brain tissue or when the head violently hits an object. They are similar to concussions, but the aftermath is much worse.

Depending on the situation, it can cause problems with the five senses, communication, cognition (memory, reasoning, and thinking) or behavior/mental health.

“It was kind of like Jell-O,” Montgomery said. “My brain jiggled and [the car] hit my left side, but then when I landed I hit my right side too.

My language processing was on my left, so I have difficulty with that, and on the right side is where you do math, so I have a really hard time with math problems. It also broke behind my ear, so my hearing is not good,” which made it especially hard to jump back into school.

Montgomery continued, “I can hear, but I hear too much. When people hear things, there’s a filter in their brains that says, ‘Oh, you need to listen to this,’ but I just hear everything. I can hear the air conditioning, people talking, footsteps, everything and I can’t hear a difference. It all seems muffled.”

Walking around the bustling hallways, Montgomery wears earplugs to try and block out most of the extra noise. It helps, but working in a classroom environment is still difficult with all of the loud distractions.

Junior Lydia Funke was excited to hear that Montgomery was coming back to school for this year.

“Caitlin is one of my best friends.” Funke said. “That’s good [that she’s back in school]. It’s nice seeing her before school starts and just talking about things.”

The accident happened the day before homecoming, and Montgomery has been out of school since then, recovering from the accident.

“I continue to get better, but it’s been a really long journey,” she said.

“Every Thursday I go to therapy which is in Denver at Children’s [Hospital]. It’s about an hour away and that’s a big drive for me.”

In order to help along the recovery process, she has to follow up with

highlighter

September 14, 2012

Grant’s Rant

Grant Rotman

\\ Seniors

stick together With the Labor Day festivities of Fort Collins’ Tour de Fat and CSU’s victory over CU at the Rocky Mountain Shootout, I can’t help but feel an uneasiness that a year from now these event may not be a part of my life. I may be thousands of miles away.

The ominous cloud of graduation and real life seems to loom over my mind more and more everyday. How does one go about deciding which school to attend, while knowing it will outline what becomes of the rest of your life? It’s like deciding what I will eat for dinner everyday for the rest of my life with the possibility that I might loathe whatever I choose today in twenty years.

The father of Taoism, Lao Tzu, once said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

These words of wisdom are easier said than done when there are so many options for a first step– I’ve never been the best decision maker.

However, with the help of my dad, my first step was handed to me. It was The U.S. News Ultimate College Guide, and “ultimate” was quite the understatement. This gargantuan volume makes my school textbooks look like insignificant pamphlets.

The book seems to have no organized method to find a certain school. So I spend some time flipping through, while here and there finding a college that might hold a future for me. Then I am confronted with another issue; although I like to consider myself a good student, I am not a 4.0 scholar with a young Einstein’s ACT score. I am what you could call a “high school Average Joe,” looking at colleges that range from “hoping to get in,” to “it would take a miracle.”

While reading the college guide’s graphs of acceptance criteria, I realized I’m not completely limited. In fact, I still have too many options, which is truly a curse within a blessing. Now I must look at what majors are offered where, class sizes, campus life, transportation options and the paramount decision of location.

Is CSU a good option for a Fort Collins native? If that is your choice you won’t have to let go of the spoils that we’ve become so accustomed to.

It’s definitely an easier option than leaving your hometown, but new territory could be exactly what you are wishing for in a few years. Personally, missing a Tour de Fat or New West Fest would be tragic, but it’s also the price I have to pay to find myself in a distant place making friends with strangers and experiencing a new life.

The point of this column is not intended to help you decide what your plans might be or a trick to help find that perfect school. Obviously, I’m in no position to advise others, and in all honesty there’s no shortcut, trick or cheat. Its a long and painful journey.

My purpose in writing this is to say you are not alone, and if your anxiety over senior year isn’t extremely high, that’s probably abnormal.

Hopefully you’ll find some comfort in knowing your fellow seniors feel something very similar.

Grant Rotman is a senior and a reporter for the RM Highlighter.

Overcoming b s t a c l e s

Michelle Kennedy

A year after accident, Montgomery returns to school

by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

The bright light shined in the girl’s eyes as she groggily looked at her surroundings.

She was in an ambulance. People were tossing around questions. Her mother’s worried expression flashed before her eyes as blackness consumed her vision.

This was junior Caitlin Montgomery’s first memory after being hit by a car.

“Immediately when I woke up, I just felt pain,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery’s life took an unexpected turn on Sept. 23, 2011, when Attaining accuracy: Junior Caitlin Montgomery conducts part of a science assessment in Matt Nigro’s Earth Systems Science class. This year is Montgomery’s first return to class after being hit by a car last year while crossing the street.

she was hit while crossing West Swallow had suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, skull fracture, tear in her heart and 15 Road, by an oncoming east-bound car. breaks in her face. She also had to get Montgomery was launched into the 28 stitches in her head. air before crashing into her new life of A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a surgeries, therapy and a long recovery. type of brain injury that occurs when “I don’t remember a lot from the the skull touches brain tissue or when accident,” Montgomery said. “I just the head violently remember hits an object. getting up he hardesT parT for me They are similar to and going concussions, but the to school Caitlin Montgomery, junior is knowing that I could have done aftermath is much and then everything. worse. Depending going on the situation, it can cause problems across the street, but I don’t actually with the five senses, communication, remember getting hit by the car.” cognition (memory, reasoning, and During the week she was in the thinking) or behavior/mental health. hospital, doctors concluded that she “It was kind of like Jell-O,” Montgomery said. “My brain jiggled and [the car] hit my left side, but then when I landed I hit my right side too. My language processing was on my left, so I have difficulty with that, and on the right side is where you do math, so I have a really hard time with math problems. It also broke behind my ear, so my hearing is not good,” which made it especially hard to jump back into school.

Montgomery continued, “I can hear, but I hear too much. When people hear things, there’s a filter in their brains that says, ‘Oh, you need to listen to this,’ but I just hear everything. I can hear the air conditioning, people talking, footsteps, everything and I can’t hear a difference. It all seems muffled.”

“

T

,

Michelle Kennedy

//Jump to monTgomery,

on B2

Original Features Page

I chose this piece because it was the first article I had ever written. This particular story meant a lot to me because Caitlin and I were childhood friends.

Sept.

2012

12

Overcoming obstacles...Features Story

It was very emotional interviewing her a year later and hearing the trauma she had to endure.

features//highlighter rm B2 \\ September 14, 2012 New teachers contribute charisma, character Aaron Knobloch Age: 29 ►Aaron Position: Integrated Knobloch services Years of Experience: 1 year Education: BA in English Lit./ Minority Studies from LSU and MA in Teaching/ Speech Education from University of Washington Path to Rocky: I taught in a small high school in southern Louisiana before moving to seattle to do my graduate work.

I worked in an inner-city middle school there before moving to Ft. Collins to teach at Rocky.

Personal Comment: I’ve only been here a short time, but I love Rocky. The students are polite, genuine and smart. The faculty seem to be welcoming, accepting and collaborative.

The fun atmosphere is contagious, and I look forward to an educationally fun and invigorating year.

Kaitlyn Hanson

Jump... three different therapy sessions; physical, speech and occupational. When it comes to speech therapy, Montgomery has no problem speaking. The problem is mainly in her memory.

“I’ve forgotten a lot of things,” Montgomery said. “I’m really trying to get those memories back. I’ve been using a lot of simple words and I can’t remember a lot from math.”

Five months after coming home from one therapy session after another, Montgomery’s heart rate suddenly sped up to an astonishing 250 beats per minute and she was immediately taken to the emergency room.

“You could actually see my heart beating in my chest,” she said. “I felt like I was going to throw up and I was really hot.

When I got there, they gave me an IV and they put this medicine in my body that makes my heart stop and that really hurt. It felt like a ton of bricks just fell on my chest, then it came back and it beat normally again.”

Turns out, Montgomery needed heart surgery, but had not been aware of it for the past five months. A month after going to the emergency room, she went back to the hospital to get the path blocked off that triggered her heart to beat abnormally fast.

“When I was just sitting my heart rate would be around 115 [beats per minute],” Montgomery said. “Normal heart rates are from 70-80. I still run a little high, but that should get better as I keep going, so I will not go up to 250 again.”

After such a traumatic event, Montgomery missed the rest of her sophomore year. Some high school students would be overjoyed to leave their school for a year and live at home all day, but not Montgomery.

“The hardest part for me, is knowing that I could have done everything,” Montgomery said. “Just having that thought in the back of my head saying, ‘oh I could have done this before my accident. I could have been a normal teenager,’ and now I can’t, so that was really hard and frustrating for me. I missed homecoming, I missed everything about sophomore year, and it was hard to not be myself.”

Age: 25 Position: Spanish Years of Experience: I’m brand new!

Education: BA in Spanish from CU Boulder and MA in Education from CSU

Path to Rocky: I’m from Ft. Collins, but I’ve lived in Italy and New Zealand. I’ve also worked in a non-profit legal office.

Personal Comment: I am so excited to spend my time with some Lobos, and I love the students I’ve taught so far.

Lucas Burge

Age: 30 Position: Math Years of Experience: 6 years Education: Undergraduate from CSU, currently attending UNC for MA Path to Rocky: Bennett, Blevins, 2001 Rocky Grad.

Personal Comment: I love Ft. Collins and all the fun outdoor activities, I’m glad to be back teaching at Rocky as an alumnus. ►Kaitlyn Hanson

Ron Wright

►Lucas

Burge Age: 49 Position: Language arts Years of Experience: 7 years Education: San Diego City College and CSU Path to Rocky: After beginning my teaching in Walden, CO we returned to Ft. Collins after 10 years in the Midwest. I have worked part time in PSD as a sub.

Personal Comment: Having taught in several regions and all high schools in PSD, I can say that Rocky is where I should be!

It is truly a learning community—a cooperative vs. competitive school.

Danielle Hardin Age: 27 Position: Sign language interpreter/ tutor Years of Experience: 6 years Education: FRCC Westminster Associate in ASL Interpreting Path to Rocky: Webber didn’t have enough students in their D/HH

program, so I was transferred here.

Personal Comment: I have really enjoyed all the Rocky spirit!

coworkers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive.

I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together this year!

Katarina Schmitt

Age: 33 Position: Vocal music Years of Experience: 12 years Education: BA in Music Education and MA in Choral Conducting from CSU Path to Rocky: I student taught at Rocky and hoped that I would end up teaching here someday. I started at Estes Park Middle/ Senior High, then Berthoud Elementary and Mountain View High School. I spent the last six years at Lesher Middle School.

Personal Comment: I am extraordinarily impressed with the maturity level, kindness and hardworking nature of the students here. I am blessed to have a job that doesn’t feel like work because I adore ►Katarina the students and staff.

Schmitt

Age: 23 Position: Director of Orchestras Years of Experience: 1/2 year Education: BA in Music Education from St. Olaf College Path to Rocky: I was applying for jobs all over the country. Rocky really jumped out at me for many of the same reasons my college did: a topnotch, well-supported music program and a strong sense of community (the Lobo Way) that permeates the culture.

Personal Comment: I love being here.

I had anticipated the first few weeks of school would be difficult, but my students and

Elizabeth Hohweiler

Compiled by Michelle Kennedy

Montgomery//

home from one therapy session after another, Montgomery’s heart rate suddenly sped up to an astonishing 250 beats per minute and she was immediately taken to the emergency room.

“You could actually see my heart beating in my chest,” she said. “I felt like I was going to throw up and I was really hot.

When I got there, they gave me an IV and they put this medicine in my body that makes my heart stop and that really hurt.

It felt like a ton of bricks just fell on my chest, then it came back and it beat normally again.”

Turns out, Montgomery needed heart surgery, but not been really dont want to be had aware of it for Caitlin Montgomery, junior treated any differently, but the past five I want people to hear my story. months. A month after The accident happened the going to the emergency room, day before homecoming, and she went back to the hospital Montgomery has been out of to get the path blocked off school since then, recovering. that triggered her heart to beat “I continue to get better, but abnormally fast. it’s been a really long journey,” “When I was just sitting my she said. “Every Thursday I go heart rate would be around 115 to therapy which is in Denver at [beats per minute],” MontgomChildren’s [Hospital]. It’s about ery said. “Normal heart rates are an hour away and that’s a big from 70-80. I still run a little drive for me.” high, but that should get better In order to help along the reas I keep going, so I will not go covery process, she has to follow up to 250 again.” up with three different therapy After such a traumatic event, sessions: physical, speech and Montgomery missed the rest of occupational. When it comes to her sophomore year. Some high speech therapy, Montgomery has school students would be overno problem speaking. The prob- joyed to leave their school for a lem is mainly in her memory. year and live at home all day, but “I’ve forgotten a lot of not Montgomery. things,” Montgomery said.

“The hardest part for me, is “I’m really trying to get those knowing that I could have done memories back. I’ve been using everything,” Montgomery said. a lot of simple words and I can’t “Just having that thought in the remember a lot from math.” back of my head saying, ‘Oh, Five months after coming I could have done this before

from page B1

Walking around the bustling hallways, Montgomery wears earplugs to try and block out most of the extra noise. It helps, but working in a classroom environment is still difficult with all of the loud distractions.

Junior Lydia Funke was excited to hear that Montgomery was coming back to school for this year.

“Caitlin is one of my best friends,” Funke said. “That’s good [that she’s back in school].

It’s nice seeing her before school starts and just talking about things.”

“

I

Regan Miller/ Highlighter Archives

Emergency scene on Swallow: EMTs load junior Caitlin Montgomery into an ambulance after a traffic accident on Sept.

23, 2011. Montgomery was struck as she crossed the street by an east-bound car that was blinded by the sun. She has returned to school this year after a nearly one year recovery period.

my accident. I could have been a normal teenager,’ and now I can’t, so that was really hard and frustrating for me. I missed homecoming, I missed everything about sophomore year, and it was hard to not be myself.”

Now, Montgomery is taking one class to slowly get back into the swing of things. She goes to first period for Earth Systems Science with Matt Nigro.

“She has difficulties with too much noise going on,” Nigro said. “It’s 29 students and a lot

of noise, so we were very cautious. She has got to be one of the strongest kids I know and has shown a tremendous amount of courage. Caitlin is right with the rest of the class and probably even ahead. I wish every student would be as motivated and courageous.”

Montgomery can now walk, feed herself and function in a school environment, but her life will never be the same.

“Traumatic brain injuries are just really hard for people to

understand,” Montgomery said.

“I really don’t want to be treated differently but I want people to hear my story. TBI’s are huge and I’ll probably be dealing with this for the rest of my life. I will always have struggles that no one else will have. I just want people to have an awareness of what TBI’s are and really make sure people get the help that they need. Thank you so much for all of the support. It really helped my family and me out a lot.”

Original Features Page Jump Now, Montgomery is taking one class to slowly get back into the swing of things. She goes to first period for Earth Systems Science with Matt Nigro.

“She has difficulties with too much noise going on,” Nigro said. “It’s 29 students and a lot of noise, so we were very cautious. She has got to be one of the strongest kids I know and has shown a tremendous amount of courage. Caitlin is right with the rest of the class and probably even ahead. I wish every student would be as motivated and courageous.”

Montgomery can now walk, feed herself and function in a school environment, but her life will never be the same.

“Traumatic brain injuries are just really hard for people to understand,” Montgomery said. “I really don’t want to be treated differently but I want people to hear my story. TBI’s are huge and I’ll probably be dealing with this for the rest of my life. I will always have struggles that no one else will have.

I just want people to have an awareness of what TBI’s are and really make sure people get the help that they need. Thank you so much for all of the support. It really helped my family and me out a lot.”

May 2013

WRITING

13 Alumna dies in small aircraft accident . . . News Story

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the

Senior Pullout Section// Center Section

highlighter Powerful Pitchers//8

rocky mountain May 17, 2013

side show

High School Hijinks:

Care About This:

On May 11, 2013, two car bombs exploded in the city of Reyhanli near the Turkish-Syrian border, killing 46 and wounding nearly 100. Nine individuals, supposedly with ties to the Bashar al-Assad regime, have been arrested.

Reyhanli has functioned as a refugee camp for some of the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and a base for rebels, and Turkey has supported the revolutionary Syrian National Council and in the past.Turkey has unofficially accused the Assad government of being behind the attack, and many believe that Turkey will become even more involved in the Syrian Civil War.

Quote of the Issue:

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

-Principal Tom Lopez on his impending retirement

Lopez Prepares to Retire//3

‘HORRORS’

//Rocky Mountain High School\\

the

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

Summer Calendar//6

Volume 40, No. 9

Foam flies during ‘violent’ struggle for San Juan hallway

by Isaac Effner//reporter

At 6 p.m. on May 10, San Juan Hall was the image of tranquility.

Within the hour, it had become a “war” zone.

Used ammunition sprinkles the hall, wounded soldiers attempt to drag themselves to safety.

Despite the early casualties, the gunfire fails to slow. Violence is abundant. Mercy, however, is not.

It was the scene of the Battle of San Juan Hall, just one part of the larger conflict that had finally erupted after weeks of military build up.

The shaky peace, brokered by The Student Peace Keeping Council (StuCo), had come to an abrupt end.

Various rebel factions, formed in the weeks prior, battled each other for strategically worthless parcels of land from their slipshod, ill-protected bases at equally worthless chokepoints. The utter chaos of war showed in the fluidity of the ever-shifting alliances; any two factions which had momentarily banded together would soon betray each other out of desperation. Guerilla leaders fed on the discord, directing their soldiers to carry out slashand-burn strikes and suicide missions, making only small

gains towards their selfish ends. Treachery and cruelty quickly became the norm.

StuCo, which had time and time again promised to control the conflict, stood aloof.

Those not passive had taken to corruption, abusing their power and aiding the rebel faction of their choosing. Others simply stood idle as wounded child soldiers sought asylum and were granted only passing glances. Warhardened mercenaries recruited for their experience by the rebels were paid in blood money that flowed directly into the pockets of StuCo itself.

Only the high body count could surpass the rampant greed, with the dead and dying lining the walls and floors like so much discarded waste. Prisoners were shown no mercy, being taken only so long as they could be used as leverage, and murdered seemingly at

random upon the whim of their callous executioners. Only an hour after it had begun, the battle started winding down. Too few to continue, the ragtag groups of survivors exchanged scattered gunshots, occasionally mustering a half-hearted offensive with what little ammunition they could scrounge from their war-torn surroundings.

By 9 p.m., the fog of war had lifted with no clear winner.

The battle was over, but the war had just begun. If the Battle of San Juan Hall is any indication to how this war will be fought, it will be bloody. It will be brutal. It will not be won easily.

Weekend warriors: Soldiers eagerly await their chance to join the fray in the Nerf War on May 10.

Little do they know that the struggle they are about to enter is not as glorious as they believe.

Alumna dies in small aircraft accident

by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

“Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” –D. Carnegie.

This was alumna Amy Brobst’s senior quote back in 2007.

On April 27, 2013, Brobst and pilot Dale Butler passed away in a small plane crash near Omaha, Neb. Butler was a licensed pilot from Omaha’s Aviation Institute. Brobst loved a good adventure, so it was not surprising that she boarded the three passenger aircraft.

High school friend and track partner, Alana Curtis, was surprised when she heard about the accident.

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

was a plane crash.”

Curtis was not the only friend to be surprised by the news. Brobst’s former art teacher Missy Wolf was stunned.

“I was actually in Omaha myself . . . watching the 10 o’clock news on that Sunday evening when they said her name,” Wolf said.

“With some students you have to reflect and think about, ‘Oh, who is that? Oh did I have that person?’ But I knew right away when they

//Jump to BroBst,

on page 2

Original News/Front Page

This was one of the harder stories I had to write. Writing about alum deaths is always difficult, and there were a lot of tears shed for this remarkable girl.

I chose this piece because it was challenging to write with sensitivity.

oday is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” –D. Carnegie.

This was alumna Amy Brobst’s senior quote back in 2007.

On April 27, 2013, Brobst and pilot Dale Butler passed away in a small plane crash near Omaha, Nebraska. Butler was a licensed pilot from Omaha’s Aviation Institute. Brobst loved a good adventure, so it was not surprising that she boarded the three passenger aircraft.

High school friend and track partner, Alana Curtis, was surprised when she heard about the accident.

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

Curtis was not the only friend to be surprised by the news. Brobst’s former art teacher Missy Wolf was stunned.

“I was actually in Omaha myself . . . watching the ten o’clock news on that Sunday evening when they said her name,” Wolf said. “With some students you have to reflect and think about, ‘oh who is that? Oh did I have that person?’ but I knew right away when they said her name and I broke down.”

Amy Brobst’s fun personality and unique characteristics will be greatly missed. She was a dedicated artist, runner, Highlighter staffer, club member, and enjoyed field hockey.

“She was a funny kid . . . we called her Brobst, everybody called her that, and she just had this dry sense of humor and was always somewhere nearby being snarky and being funny,” Curtis said. “I still have a hard time describing her – she was just Brobst.”

Brobst was a goal-oriented person, and that was evident when she found a job in her field, landscape architecture, right out of college.

“She was really committed and really was lucky in finding her passion and was able to turn a passion into a career,” Curtis said.

After high school graduation, Brobst went to Jacksonville University in Florida for a year, and then returned to Fort Collins to enroll in CSU. She graduated with a major in landscape architecture and received a job offer as manager for Lanoha Nurseries in Omaha.

“Amy definitely had some artistic ability and was very creative,” Wolf said. “An excellent person, great character, always made you smile, so even as a teacher you’d seek her out because she could always brighten your day.”

Brobst was in several of Wolf ’s art classes, and always went out of her way to say hello and make people happy.

“Amy was a staple around here. An art ‘groupie’ so to speak,” Wolf said.

“I would call her Amy, and Duke (art teacher) would call her Brobst and we’d put it together. She was just a happy person.”

Brobst balanced art with her passion for athletics. In 2006, Brobst and Curtis won the state championship in the track sprinting event.

“We won state in 2006. That was awesome. That was one of the best memories I will ever have,” Curtis said. “She was just a good athlete, a good artist, and she put her whole self into the things she enjoyed to do.”

Amy Brobst was an amazing individual who followed her dreams and lived life to the fullest.

“She was very friendly . . . and thoughtful of other people,” Wolf said.

“She will be truly missed.”

Oct. 2013

14 PSD FIRE provides new, fun experience...Sports Story Oct. 16, 2013 A7 S PORTS PSD FIRE provides new, fun experience Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

I have always been uncomfortable writing sports stories. Most sports confuse me, so it is difficult to capture the basics when I barely understand them.

That is why I chose this story – I put a lot more time into producing this article due to the additional research I had to complete about field hockey.

I

t is nearly impossible to join a competitive athletic team without experience in that particular sport.

The field hockey team, known as “FIRE,” makes it possible.

FIRE is a girl’s field hockey program for Poudre School District students interested in learning the sport. It is unique to other teams with it’s no cut policy, meaning anyone who is interested is automatically on the team.

“Our coach is really dedicated to making it no cut,” said junior Helen Robins, who has played for two years now.

The team welcomes girls with years of experience to girls who have never seen a field hockey stick before.

Robins started playing through one of their summer programs, where students can experiment learning basic skills and practice scrimmaging.

“I got interested the summer going into my sophomore year,” Robins said, “so I started going with some of my friends and quickly became excited for the full season.”

After becoming more interested in the sport, Robins invited junior Marisa Motiff to join the team.

“One day Helen was just telling me about it and she was really interested and kind of dragged me into it,” Motiff said. “We ended up checking it out and making a lot of good friends.”

Motiff has also been playing for two years and has enjoyed being part of the team.

“It’s really fun and you don’t have to have any experience,” Motiff said. “A lot of people come with no experience. Some haven’t played athletics at all. So you just kind of pick up at whatever stage you’re at.”

Each year teams vary, but if enough girls are interested in the program, they split up into two different teams, JV and varsity.

“The dynamic of the two teams is different, so JV is more of having fun and varsity they want you to be serious which is nice at times but it’s also a challenge,” Motiff said.

Robins and Motiff are both on the varsity team, practicing two hours every night with two to three games a week during the season. Some games are away in Denver and some are home games

Field hockey team learning how to work together with teammates from district

by Megan TroutmanEditor-in-chief

It is nearly impossible to join a competitive athletic team without experience in that particular sport.

The field hockey team, known as “FIRE,” makes it possible.

FIRE is a girls’ field hockey program for Poudre School District students interested in learning the sport. It is unique to other teams with its no-cut policy, meaning anyone who is interested in playing is automatically on the team.

“Our coach is really dedicated to making it no cut,” said junior Helen Robins, who has played for two years now.

The team welcomes girls with years of experience to girls who have never seen a field hockey stick before.

Robins started playing through one of the ummer programs, where students can experiment learning basic skills and practice scrimmaging.

“I got interested the summer going into my sophomore year,” Robins said, “so I started going with some of my friends and quickly became excited for the full season.”

After becoming more interested in the sport, Robins invited junior Marisa Motiff to join the team.

“One day Helen was just telling me about it, and she was really interested and kind of dragged me into it,” Motiff said. “We ended up checking it out and making a lot of good friends.”

Motiff has also been playing for two years and has enjoyed being part of the team.

“It’s really fun and you don’t have to have any experience,” Motiff said. “A lot of people come with no experience.

Some haven’t played athletics at all. So

you just kind of pick up at whatever stage you’re at.”

Each year teams vary, but if enough girls are interested in the program, they split up into two different teams, junior varsity and varsity.

“The dynamic of the two teams is different, so JV is more of having fun and varsity they want you to be serious which is nice at times, but it’s also a challenge,” Motiff said.

Robins and Motiff are both on the varsity team, practicing two hours every night with two to three games a week during the season. Some games are away in Denver and some are home games in Fort Collins.

FIRE made it to state playoffs back in 2011. Currently, however, FIRE’s varsity team is 1-10-1.

“A lot of the other schools have had feeder programs through middle or elementary school and so the girls on their team could have been playing for seven or eight years, when almost half of our varsity team is on our first season,” Robins said. “We hold our own pretty well against those teams, but it is kind of frustrating to never be winning.”

Being a sport that is not as recognized also has its challenges.

“When the opposing team has more fans than you do, that can kind of be a downer,” Robins said. “But we have some enthusiastic parents, so that’s fun.

And we’re really good about encouraging each other on out on the field, so we kind of make up for it with team spirit.”

Despite the rough season, playing field hockey is a great way to meet new friends and create new experiences.

“It’s been a blast,” Robins said. “I never would’ve expected to fall in love with a sport as much as I’ve fallen in love with this one and this team.”

Madeline Zann

Looking for the pass: Senior Ann Giesenhagen (right) defends against a player from Saint Mary’s High School in an Oct. 5 game. The girls put a valiant effort on Senior Night, but lost the contest.

Lobos in FIRE: Varsity Ann Giesenhagen Erica Giesenhagen Marisa Motiff Helen Robins

Messerli won’t stop running

Softball

Senior David Messerli is finishing up his high school cross country experience. With the season finishing up, it is time to look ahead to the future and reflect on his seasons on the team and to look into the future and see what will come next.

Q: Why

did you start running cross country?

A: I started in middle school and running runs

Question &answer

in the family so I just kept going.

Q: You’re a senior, so what do you want to accomplish this year?

A: I want to place well at state and nationals. I think I’ll make it to nationals, but I did well so it shouldn’t be too hard.

Junior Varsity Kira Miller Emily Nichols Rachel Zawacki Chirra Bestazzi Kaylei Wright Julia Tegethoff

David Messerli

Record: 13-9, final record Stars: Megan Lipe, Stephanie Hurt, Kaela Blumenshine Who’s Next: Season ended at regionals on Saturday as the Lobos went 1-2. Working On: Communication Doing Well: Teamwork Quote: “It’s been a good and bad learning experience. We’ve had iffy moment and strong moments.”

- Megan Lipe, senior

Q: How successful have you been?

A: The team has made it to state 2 out of 4 times, and we should

make it this year. I’m pretty confident. I won my last meet. I placed third at regionals, so hopefully this year I can do better.

Q: What’s the team like this year?

A: It’s a lot of fun. That’s what we’re all about; we like to have fun

and joke around, but we’re also pretty serious about the races.

Q: Do you see yourself as a team leader? What’s that like?

A: Yeah. Everyone really helps benefit the team, but since I’m the senior and the lead runner, I’m kind of the leader.

Q: What is your fastest 5K? A: My fastest 5K is 16:07 and hopefully this year, I can break 16.

Q: Do you plan of running in college?

A: Yes, I have gotten quite a few letters sent to me.

Q: What schools are you interested in going to next year?

A: Colorado State University and Montana State.

Original Sports Page in Fort Collins.

FIRE made it to state playoffs back in 2011. Currently FIRE’s varsity team has lost ten, tied one, and won one game.

“A lot of the other schools have had feeder programs through middle or elementary school and so the girls on their team could have been playing for seven or eight years, when almost half of our varsity team is on our first season,” Robins said. “We hold our own pretty well against those teams, but it is kind of frustrating to never be winning.”

Being a sport that is not as recognized also has its challenges.

“When the opposing team has more fans than you do, that can kind of be a downer,” Robins said. “But we have some enthusiastic parents, so that’s fun. And we’re really good about encouraging each other on out on the field, so we kind of make up for it with team spirit.”

Despite the rough season, playing field hockey is a great way to meet new friends and create new experiences.

“It’s been a blast,” Robins said. “I never would’ve expected to fall in love with a sport as much as I’ve fallen in love with this one and this team.”

Oct. 2013

WRITING

15 Armadillos and more: The five people you’ll meet in a haunted corn maze...Features Column

I

t’s that time again: costumes, trick-or-treaters, piles of candy, and of course, haunted corn mazes.

I’ve only been to three haunted corn mazes in my life. I think it’s safe to say that each time was equally horrifying.

Why I keep going back is beyond me.

Based on my experiences, it’s easy to pinpoint why haunted corn mazes are so popular—you get to see your friends like you’ve never seen them before.

It’s fantastic.

Parading through rows of corn stalks, you get to see how all of your friends handle the creepy tunnels and the chainsaws; and each friend handles it differently.

First off, you’ve got the screamers.

They’re the ones that walk towards the maze and start screaming bloody murder. Then they round that first terrifying corner, only to find a line of people waiting to get into the maze. Always an awkward situation.

Screamers, you know who you are.

Then you have the runners.

They’re the ones that hear corn rustle and they’ve already run a marathon before you can explain that it was the wind.

I always thought running was a good option in the heat of the moment. Then when you turn around and the goblin is chasing you, it becomes a matter of running faster than your friends. Let them get taken out by the monster first.

After the screamers and runners, you have the hiders.

We all know those people who go to haunted corn mazes just to hide behind their significant other. It happens.

There are also those people who go to haunted corn mazes and hide behind corn when the chainsaw guy comes out of nowhere. Like a stock of corn will save you from a chainsaw.

Similar to the hiders, are the armadillos.

Your typical armadillo includes people who get spooked then proceed to curl up on the ground rather than running or screaming or doing something productive. I’ll admit I’ve “armadilloed” before. It makes you feel safe.

Lastly, is the rather humorous response that I like to call, the “I will punch you if you scare me” response.

Pretty self explanatory.

You know when your friends are walking down an eerily quiet path and the brave soul in the front sees a scarecrow around the corner? And you know when it turns out the scarecrow is actually a real boy?

It’s times like that where things get violent.

I suppose this is why most corn mazes make you sign that waiver stating that you can not touch the ghosts, goblins, and or employees of the maze.

So there you have it. Haunted corn mazes in a nutshell. You’ve got the screamers, runners, hiders, armadillos, and fighters.

I’ll be the first to admit that I have successfully fallen into each of these categories during my haunted corn maze experiences.

If you have not been to a haunted corn maze yet in your life, I would highly recommend it. It is so much fun to see how different people react and it will put you in the Halloween mindset.

Then you can tell everyone that your best friend “armadilloed” and punched the clown.

It truly brings out the best in you.

I absolutely love writing columns. From the beginning of the year my style has been random, sarcastic, and funny. This column was one of my favorites. My columns really represent who I am as a person – I love finding humor in life, and my inspiration comes from random things that make me laugh.

B2 Oct. 16, 2013

Passion forward

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

FEATURES

Mushel dances her way to teacher of the year

by Reyna Thompsonreporter

‘‘,,

When talking with Mackenzie Mushel, one can quickly see the passion for dance that led to a Colorado Dance Teacher of the Year Award.

“I grew up dancing,” Mushel said. “I was never very good at sports or other activities, so I did dance as a kid.

I really enjoyed that as a form of self expression.”

Through her teaching, Mushel tries to implement the idea of taking risks through dance.

“What I love about dance is the unique ability to step outside your comfort zone and take a risk,” she said. “It doesn’t matter the level of experience you have in dance, because there is always an opportunity to take a risk.”

While in the classroom, the nine-year teaching veteran’s goal is to make the classroom a safe and welcoming environment for students to reach their best dancing ability.

Jessi Brokop, a junior in Mushel’s beginning dance class, was able to give some insight on her teaching. “She understands all abilities of dance. There are some

Teacher feature

You need to know your students, and get to know them on a level that they want to open up and try new things.

Mackenzie Mushel, dance teacher

students that have a lot of experience with dance, and those who don’t, so she makes it accessible for everyone to learn.”

“My favorite part of teaching dance is helping students to reach their creative potential,” said Mushel, who has been dancing since she learned to walk.

As a child, dance helped shape her mentally as well as physically.

“When I was young, my feet were inverted, and the doctors told me I was either going to be in braces, because I had a hard time walking, or surgery. We didn’t have the money for surgery, so my Mom

Jessi Brokop

A day in dance class: Mackenzie Mushel teaches dance classes for both beginning and advanced dancers. Her enthusiasm and passion have helped her to become the dance teacher of the year.

decided to put me in a dance class,” Mushel said. “It helped me to turn my hips back to the way they should be.”

With a walking disability, Mushel, like any other child, felt self conscious about her body.

Building confidence through dance made her love the art form even more. Additional guidance from a teacher taught her to enjoy taking risks, which only helped her develop more confidence.

Using those ideas and values, Mushel has been able to construct a safe and welcoming environment to learn dance. Like many people, she has overcome challenges to get where she is, and that has helped her become a better educator.

In 2000, Mushel battled

esophageal cancer which is now in remission. “It [the cancer] has definitely contributed to my strength and zest as a person,” Mushel said, who carries over this enthusiasm into the classroom. “I try not to waste a day, and to connect on a deeper level with students.”

Overcoming challenges, along with creating a safe and welcoming environment for dance, ultimately led to Mushel’s award for Colorado Dance Teacher of the Year.

“I am a member of the Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance teaching. COAHPERD is the Colorado division, and every year they have a nomination process,” she explained. “One of my colleagues in Denver nomi-

ti Armadillos and more: The five people Graffi from page B1 you’ll meet in a haunted corn maze

I

t’s that time again: costumes, trick-or-treaters, piles of candy, and of course, haunted corn mazes.

I’ve only been to three haunted corn mazes in my life. I think it’s safe to say that each time was equally horrifying.

Why I keep going back is beyond me.

Based on my experiences, it’s easy to pinpoint why haunted corn mazes are so popular—you get to see your friends like you’ve never seen them before.

It’s fantastic.

Parading through rows of corn stalks, you get to see how all of your friends handle the creepy tunnels and the chainsaws; and each friend handles it differently.

First off, you’ve got the screamers.

They’re the ones that walk towards the maze and start screaming bloody murder. Then they round that first terrifying corner, only to find a line of people waiting to get into the maze. Always an awkward situation. Screamers, you know who you are.

Then you have the runners.

They’re the ones that hear corn rustle and they’ve already run a marathon before you can explain that it was the wind.

I always thought running was a good option in the heat of the

Fishing with Trout Megan Troutman moment. Then when you turn around and the goblin is chasing you, it becomes a matter of running faster than your friends.

Let them get taken out by the monster first.

After the screamers and runners, you have the hiders.

We all know those people who go to haunted corn mazes just to hide behind their significant other.

It happens.

There are also those people who go to haunted corn mazes and hide behind corn when the chainsaw guy comes out of nowhere. Like a stock of corn will save you from a chainsaw.

Similar to the hiders, are the armadillos.

Your typical armadillo includes people who get spooked then proceed to curl up on the ground rather than running or screaming or doing something productive. I’ll admit I’ve “armadilloed” before. It makes you feel safe.

Lastly, is the rather humorous response that I like to call, the “I will punch you if you scare me” response.

Pretty self explanatory.

You know when your friends are walking down an eerily quiet path and the brave soul in the front sees a scarecrow around the corner? And you know when it turns out the scarecrow is actually a real boy?

It’s times like that where things get violent.

I suppose this is why most corn mazes make you sign that waiver stating that you can not touch the ghosts, goblins, and or employees of the maze.

So there you have it. Haunted corn mazes in a nutshell. You’ve got the screamers, runners, hiders, armadillos, and fighters.

I’ll be the first to admit that I have successfully fallen into each of these categories during my haunted corn maze experiences.

If you have not been to a haunted corn maze yet in your life, I would highly recommend it. It is so much fun to see how different people react and it will put you in the Halloween mindset.

Then you can tell everyone that your best friend “armadilloed” and punched the clown.

It truly brings out the best in you.

Megan Troutman is a senior and editor-in-chief of the RM Highlighter.

nated me, which was followed by letters of recommendation by lovely people, and I was notified this summer that I won Colorado Dance Teacher of the Year.”

Ever humble, Mushel was surprised that she was even nominated. “I had always seen the awards, and thought that I didn’t have time for that, I was too busy teaching,” she said.

When asked about the qualities of a good dance teacher, Mushel enthused, “You need to know your students, and get to know them on a level that they want to open up and try new things. You have to have the desire to learn more about dance and never get stale, because they dance world is constantly changing.”

‘‘,,

willing to pay thousands of dollars for graffiti-style pieces.

“Artists started using graffiti quite a while ago, but it was a bit different back then. Not that the reasons why graffiti artists do it haven’t perpetuated (because they certainly have),” Dukart said. “But, in terms of legitimacy of being art, it certainly is. At the same time though, when it comes to public perception and not having an understanding of what those artists were trying to achieve, it often times carries a negative connotation.”

While it may be art, Dukart, who had his fence “tagged” last year, appreciates the Fort Collins Graffiti Hotline.

“It’s a matter of aesthetics,” he said. “I live in old town and have a wooden six-foot fence around my backyard and a couple of summers ago someone came down the alley and tagged it in two areas. First of all it’s private property, and I don’t want it there. If I want graffiti on my fence I’m going to do it because I know how to do that stuff and whatnot. I also know that other neighbors in the alley were tagged the same night, and they didn’t try to clean it up, and they didn’t call the hotline. But then a few months later they got a letter from the city saying ‘you need to clean this up.’”

Art can come in many

Original Features Page

The artist is trying to communicate something about the way they feel, the way they think about the world that they live in.

Jay Dukart, art teacher

forms. However, some of those forms come with consequences.

Creativity does not have specific limits, but laws do.

“As art teachers, and people that know art, any type of art out there is a form of communication,” Dukart said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s photography, if it’s painting, if it’s pottery, if it’s graffiti. The artist is trying to communicate something about the way they feel, the way they think about the world that they live in. That can be very personal, it can be very comical and superficial, it can be political, it can be religious. Anything. But it’s a form of communication when the artist decides to do that, and also to go public with it, they’re wanting to make a statement.”

Nov. 2013

An easy conclusion: My parents have problems...Features Column

T

he Grand Canyon is one of the most well known and beautiful landscapes in the United States.

I have yet to see this majestic National Park, but on Oct. 26, my parents ran Rim to Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The trail goes from the south rim to the north rim and back.

Before you call them crazy, here is a little background about the trail…

After paying the $20 entrance fee to the park, there are two different trails on the south rim. One trail, the South Kaibab, is 41.2 miles roundtrip with steep and rocky conditions. The other trail, the Bright Angel, is 46 miles roundtrip with similar running conditions.

Each route leads to a creaky suspended bridge over the roaring Colorado River.

When I first found out that my parents were running across the Grand Canyon, I immediately thought of writing a column. I chose to include this column because it too reflects my satirical writing style.

B2 Nov. 13, 2013

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

Right to learn

FEATURES

Girl Rising Club fights for education

by Reyna Thompsonreporter ther, Ziauddin Yousafzai, a school owner and activist for education. Yousafzai’s and her father’s influence has spread to Imagine you’re on the bus, going schools in the United States. home from school.

Sara Lea, social studies teacher, is a You sit with your friends; you talk co-sponsor of the Girl Rising Club, a about the day. There seems to be nothgroup that meets every Thursday and ing wrong with this picture, unless you raises awareness about the inequality of happen to live in a part of the world girls’ education. threatened by extremists who do not “Girl Rising was a student initiated believe females should club. This year we are a club of educabe educated. tion and next year we hope to be a club Malala Yousafzai of activism,” Lea said. was on such a bus Yousafzai was the youngest person coming home from school when she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Ever shot at point-blank range in the head humble, she told CNN in an interview, and neck by a member of the Taliban, “I think that it’s really an early age.” At just because she was a girl coming home this point in her life she felt the award from school. On Oct. 9, 2012, the would be premature.

15-year-old almost died. In the “I would feel proud, when I would days following the attack, she work for education, when I would remained unconscious and in have done something, when I would critical condition. be feeling confident to tell people, Miraculously, she survived, ‘Yes! I have built that school; I have which was an accomplishment done that teachers’ training, I in itself. But it’s what she have sent that (many) children did after that is even more to school,’” she said in the astonishing. interview with CNN. “Then, Why was she targeted if I do get the Nobel Peace in the first place? At Prize, I will be saying ‘Yeah, I age 11 to 12, Yousafzai deserve it somehow.’” wrote a blog under a Her work with educationpseudonym about her life al rights has carried her to under Taliban rule, and address the United Nations her views about promoting (U.N.), delivering a powereducation for girls. She evenful speech this past July on her tually became more known, 16th birthday. and rose in prominence, “I am here to speak up for which made her a target for the Taliban.

Yousafzai’s thirst for educaMalalaYousafzai tion came in part from her fa- Zelig Shaul/Ace Pictures/Zuma Press/MCT

Club feature

Miriam Fields

Learning about education: Junior Kourtney Konn learns about educational opportunities for girls worldwide. Konn is a member of the student-initiated club Girl Rising, which advocates for educational rights for girls.

the right of education of every child,” she said in her speech to the U.N. “Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists, and millions have been injured.

I’m just one of them.”

Admiring Yousafzai’s courage, Lea commented, “I think she’s an amazing girl who knows that education is the key to everyone’s success. I think she gives hope to everyone who isn’t receiving education, and also a persistent attitude to keep fighting for what you believe in.

She’s a powerful kid.”

While Yousafzai is working hard to get her message out, there are still plenty of things to be done. For example, if India sent one percent of its girls to secondary school, its gross domestic product (GDP) would rise by $5.5 billion.

Yousafzai’s first ambition was to become a doctor, but her father’s influence eventually changed her plans. Currently, she wants to be a politician, specifically, prime minister of Pakistan.

It would take strong ambition and work ethic to get to there, but Yousafzai seems to have it in her.

“I think that the Taliban is a group of intimidated men,” said Lea. “All she was carrying was a book, and they were intimidated by a girl having an educated mind.”

In Yousafzai’s U.N. speech, she said, “The extremists are afraid of books and pens, and the power of education frightens them. So let’s pick up our books and pens; they are our most powerful weapons.”

An easy conclusion: My parents have problems

T

he Grand Canyon is one of the most well known and beautiful landscapes in the United States.

I have yet to see this majestic National Park, but on Oct. 26, my parents ran Rim to Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The trail goes from the south rim to the north rim and back.

Before you call them crazy, here is a little background about the trail…

After paying the $20 entrance

fee to the park, there are two different trails on the south rim.

One trail, the South Kaibab, is 41.2 miles roundtrip with steep and rocky conditions. The other trail, the Bright Angel, is 46 miles roundtrip with similar running conditions.

Each route leads to a creaky suspended bridge over the roaring Colorado River.

After crossing the bridge, the trails merge to climb up the north rim, an overwhelmingly steep

Fishing with Trout Megan Troutman

mission. 24 miles later, you stand valiantly on the north rim. Then you turn around and run the same 24 miles back.

Temperatures range from below freezing in the morning, to above 90 in the afternoon.

48 miles. 8000 feet above

sea level. Extreme temperatures.

Nearly 20 hours of running.

Now, you can call them crazy.

I’m not sure exactly what went through their heads when they signed up for this daunting task.

First of all, they paid $20 to run almost two marathons through a desert.

You can buy a lot of things for $20, and not have a heat stroke and pass out from dehydration.

To put things in perspective, with $20 you can buy 40 cans of cat food.

Why you would want to buy 40 cans of cat food, I have no idea, but they are spending valuable cat money on a desert.

Secondly, they had to start running at 2:30 a.m. in order to be out of the canyon before nightfall.

2:30 a.m.

Let’s just let that sink in for a minute. I’m no mathematician, but I’m pretty sure 2:30 a.m. is about 15 hours before normal people should be awake and functioning.

Not only were they awake at 2:30 a.m., but they were up running 48 miles through a giant bowl and back.

More importantly, a mile down the Bright Angel trail was a sign that read “WARNING DO NOT attempt to hike from the canyon rim to the river and back in one day. Each year hikers suffer serious illness or death from exhaustion.”

They ran from one end of the canyon to the other and back. In one day.

After the $20 and waking up before sunrise, I’d call this the

third red flag. Regardless, my parents and their four friends continued through the canyon.

Seven miles in, they approached the rustic bridge across the river.

If the sign was not articulate enough, I’d say the bridge would be a blatantly obvious red flag.

This bridge is suspended across the raging Colorado River and the metal grid makes the water clearly visible below your step.

At this point I would have set off signal flares for a helicopter rescue. Wave the white flag, because there is no way I’m crossing that death trap.

Despite the clear signs, the troops continued across the river.

I’m not sure how they made it to the north rim, but they did.

And believe it or not, they lived to tell the tale.

After standing on the top of the rim for approximately 60 seconds, they turned around to race the clock before nightfall.

I don’t know how they finished or why they started, but they did.

And they’re stupid.

Now they can barely walk up the stairs. It’s sad because I can barely walk up the stairs and I’ve never run a marathon before.

It truly is an amazing accomplishment running Rim to Rim to Rim. After the $20 fee I would have turned around and called it a day.

After all, I’d rather buy 40 cans of cat food.

Megan Troutman is a senior and editor-in-chief of the RM Highlighter.

Original Features Page

16

After crossing the bridge, the trails merge to climb up the north rim, an overwhelmingly steep mission. 24 miles later, you stand valiantly on the north rim. Then you turn around and run the same 24 miles back.

Temperatures range from below freezing in the morning, to above 90 in the afternoon.

48 miles. 8000 feet above sea level. Extreme temperatures. Nearly 20 hours of running.

Now, you can call them crazy.

I’m not sure exactly what went through their heads when they signed up for this daunting task.

First of all, they paid $20 to run almost two marathons through a desert.

You can buy a lot of things for $20, and not have a heat stroke and pass out from dehydration.

To put things in perspective, with $20 you can buy 40 cans of cat food.

Why you would want to buy 40 cans of cat food, I have no idea, but they are spending valuable cat money on a desert.

Secondly, they had to start running at 2:30 a.m. in order to be out of the canyon before nightfall.

2:30 a.m.

Let’s just let that sink in for a minute. I’m no mathematician, but I’m pretty sure 2:30 a.m. is about 15 hours before normal people should be awake and functioning.

Not only were they awake at 2:30 a.m., but they were up running 48 miles through a giant bowl and back.

More importantly, a mile down the Bright Angel trail was a sign that read “WARNING DO NOT attempt to hike from the canyon rim to the river and back in one day. Each year hikers suffer serious illness or death from exhaustion.”

They ran from one end of the canyon to the other and back. In one day.

After the $20 and waking up before sunrise, I’d call this the third red flag. Regardless, my parents and their four friends continued through the canyon.

Seven miles in, they approached the rustic bridge across the river.

If the sign was not articulate enough, I’d say the bridge would be a blatantly obvious red flag.

This bridge is suspended across the raging Colorado River and the metal grid makes the water clearly visible below your step.

At this point I would have set off signal flares for a helicopter rescue. Wave the white flag, because there is no way I’m crossing that death trap.

Despite the clear signs, the troops continued across the river.

I’m not sure how they made it to the north rim, but they did. And believe it or not, they lived to tell the tale.

After standing on the top of the rim for approximately 60 seconds, they turned around to race the clock before nightfall.

I don’t know how they finished or why they started, but they did.

And they’re stupid.

Now they can barely walk up the stairs. It’s sad because I can barely walk up the stairs and I’ve never run a marathon before.

It truly is an amazing accomplishment running Rim to Rim to Rim. After the $20 fee I would have turned around and called it a day.

After all, I’d rather buy 40 cans of cat food.

Jan. 2014

WRITING Pacer problems...Features Column Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

Lights for charity: Lights adorn the Blenkers’ household, where a donation box is located to give to Habitat for Humanity. The Blenkers family received a house from Habitat for Humanity themselves and enjoy giving back to the community.

F

FEATURES

B1

Jan. 29, 2014

PACER problems Fishing with Trout Megan Troutman

In light of giving back

Tia Clark

Blenkers raise money with holiday lights after receiving home from charity organization

by Tia Clarkreporter

Test taking tips

Normally Christmas lights are a few strands of bulbs strung dandily on a tree or a window sill.

It's unusual to see a huge display of complicated lights dancing to Christmas music.

However, the Blenkers’ household is a glimmering masterpiece of trees and reindeer prancing in a yard full of sparkling lights that lead all the way to the roof.

“We’ve been doing the lights since 2008," home owner Darlene Blenkers said. “That first year we did the lights, just to do the lights.”

The Blenkers received their house through Habitat for Humanity seven years ago.

Habitat is an organization that builds homes for families in need. They partner with the homeowners to build the new house.

“We went to the orientation where they told the families if they got the house,” freshman Connor Blenkers said. “They called

Features special

‘‘

the Blenkers and I think my mom started crying.”

Volunteers from the organization helped the Blenkers build their home from the ground up. Three months later they had a completed house.

The lights became a creative way to give thanks to Habitat. Multiple people started wondering about the lights adorning the house, asking whether they were for charity.

“We might as well give it back to Habitat because we’ve got such a beautiful home,” homeowner Hans Blenkers said.

The Blenkers began by standing outside, accepting money from people who would drive by to see the lights. A donation box was placed at the end of the yard with a sign listing a radio station, sure to be seen by any one who wanted to listen to the music accompanying the lights.

Around Christmas time, the Blenkers neighborhood is always flooded with cars and spectators.

“It's amazing to look outside and have people lined up on the sidewalk,” Darlene Blenkers said.

,,

We might as well give it back to Habitat because we’ve got such a beautiful home... that first year, we made $75. This year we made a little over $2500.

Their neighbors will even make room for the guests by parking down the street, but locals are not the only ones that can see the lights. Habitat has even had the Blenkers’ lights displayed on their website and on YouTube.

The Blenkers parents do most of the decorating, setting up the lights and programming them to dance with Christmas songs, but their children help as much as they can.

“I’ve helped put up the lights and take them down,” Connor Blenkers said. “I help with traffic as well.”

Christmas Eve is one of the busiest nights the Blenkers endure throughout the month of December.

They stand outside and greet the audience with hot chocolate, and even Santa joins the fun and hands out stuffed animals to the eager

Hans Blenkers, homeowner

children watching the lights.

On Christmas Eve in 2013 alone, the Blenkers raised $500.

The donations come in checks and bills, and change dug out of the bottom of purses and car consoles. Visitors often want to help out any way they can.

“The first year, we made $75,” Hans Blenkers said.

“This year we made a little over $2500.”

Along with the lights being creative and interesting to look at, the Blenkers have found a way to make them memorable and life changing for future Habitat for Humanity volunteers and the families they serve.

With the help of neighbors and the growing audience, what started out as a small hobby has become a month long affair with lights dancing for charity.

Sometimes I cry when I hear the phrase, “We’re running the PACER today.”

It’s one of the few acronyms that makes me want to crawl in a hole and eat chocolate for the rest of my life.

For those of you who do not know what the PACER is, I truly envy you.

It is not an enjoyable experience, to say the least.

PACER stands for Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run. What?

Basically, you run 20 meters back and forth in synchronization with signal beeps. As time goes on, the beeps get closer together, forcing you to run faster.

This exercise is not fair to the vertically challenged. Their feet have to move twice as fast as the lengthy.

It’s also not fair to the people who are allergic to exercise.

It should be called the RDWCYAEYAIYDR. Rabid Dogs Will Chase You And Eat You Alive If You Don’t Run. Progressive Aerobic my patootie.

The RDWCYAEYAIYDR will get people moving.

Unfortunately it doesn’t have quite the same ring to it. Thus, we are stuck loathing the PACER. When I signed up for aerobics and individual sports, I thought I dodged that bullet. But nope. The PACER is stalking me, I know it.

This year was just as brutal as years prior. To give you a good idea of what I’m talking about, here was my thought process . . .

Lap one. Bring it on.

Lap five. Is it getting hot in here?

No? Just me?

Lap ten. Alright. I feel a sudden lack of air. It’s ok. No big deal.

Lap twenty-five. Oh dear goodness gracious my legs are falling off. I can’t breath. I feel like I’m hiking Mount Everest.

Lap thirty. I’m starting to see spots.

That can’t be healthy. Where am I? Lap thirty-one. That’s it. I’m dead.

It’s all over.

Then I stumbled over to the bleachers with three other dying people, and considered breathing into a paper bag.

I’m beginning to think I’m a tad bit out of shape.

Then there’s that punk that goes all the way to 98 and walks off laughing like it was no big deal.

I hate that guy.

Needless to say, the PACER is not my friend, and never will be. I admire all who have run above a 40. Seriously, put that on the resume because that’s a huge accomplishment.

And to the little man who made it to lap 98? You have full bragging rights.

Megan Troutman is a senior and editor-in-chief of the RM Highlighter.

Original Features Page

I chose this column because it had a big reaction from the student body. Everyone thought it was hilarious and for the rest of the week I would walk through the hallways and hear students quote my column in conversations. It was definitely a confidence booster and will be challenging to top for the next issue.

S

17

ometimes I cry when I hear the phrase, “We’re running the PACER today.”

It’s one of the few acronyms that makes me want to crawl in a hole and eat chocolate for the rest of my life.

For those of you who do not know what the PACER is, I truly envy you. It is not an enjoyable experience, to say the least.

PACER stands for Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run. What?

Basically, you run 20 meters back and forth in synchronization with signal beeps. As time goes on, the beeps get closer together, forcing you to run faster.

This exercise is not fair to the vertically challenged. Their feet have to move twice as fast as the lengthy.

It’s also not fair to the people who are allergic to exercise.

It should be called the RDWCYAEYAIYDR. Rabid Dogs Will Chase You And Eat You Alive If You Don’t Run. Progressive Aerobic my patootie. The RDWCYAEYAIYDR will get people moving.

Unfortunately it doesn’t have quite the same ring to it. Thus, we are stuck loathing the PACER. When I signed up for aerobics and individual sports, I thought I dodged that bullet. But nope.

The PACER is stalking me, I know it.

This year was just as brutal as years prior. To give you a good idea of what I’m talking about, here was my thought process . . .

Lap one. Bring it on.

Lap five. Is it getting hot in here? No? Just me?

Lap ten. Alright. I feel a sudden lack of air. It’s ok.

No big deal.

Lap twenty-five. Oh dear goodness gracious my legs are falling off. I can’t breath. I feel like I’m hiking Mount Everest.

Lap thirty. I’m starting to see spots. That can’t be healthy. Where am I? Lap thirty-one. That’s it. I’m dead. It’s all over.

Then I stumbled over to the bleachers with three other dying people, and considered breathing into a paper bag.

I’m beginning to think I’m a tad bit out of shape.

Then there’s that punk that goes all the way to 98 and walks off laughing like it was no big deal.

I hate that guy.

Needless to say, the PACER is not my friend, and never will be. I admire all who have run above a 40.

Seriously, put that on the resume because that’s a huge accomplishment.

And to the little man who made it to lap 98? You have full bragging rights.

Dec. 2013

18

AP art show...Limelight Story

D

isplay boards sprinkled the commons as each AP Art student stood proudly by their remarkable accomplishments.

After months of preparation and hard work, the annual AP Art show on Dec. 11 turned out to be another huge success for the art department.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience and I’ve been looking forward to the AP Art show since I got into the class,” senior Saskia Becker said.

Becker has been painting for some time now, but became more dedicated at the end of her junior year.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever worked for. I never thought it would be, but it definitely is,” Becker said.

All 25 AP students devoted hours of their time producing art and organizing the event. Everything from music to catering had to be considered when building the art show.

Senior Grant Wray underestimated the stress involved with planning and coordinating for the show.

“We’re all creatively thinking together in the same room but we’re all very different people,” Wray said. “So when we talk about what kind of music we want, what kind of food, all these creative kids come together and it’s hard to balance it so that everyone’s happy with the art show.”

It is typically the behind-the-scenes aspects that students tend to forget. Without a lot of direction, students must come to a consensus on details and anticipate how many visitors they will have.

“This year we were really trying to get a lot of people to come,” Becker said. “We wanted it to be different and really show the public what we all can do.”

Despite the stress that came with organizing the show, it successfully came together in the end.

Senior Addie Hammond was also excited for the show and the wide variety of artists.

“I guess every year is different. Especially with something like art, it’s everyone’s creative minds and what they’re expressing with that,” Hammond said.

Hammond saw the AP Art show her freshman year and knew it was an amazing event. What she did not know, was that in three years she would be presenting her own display board.

“It wasn’t a goal of mine until maybe the second quarter of sophomore year. I had Dukart (art teacher) and he was asking me about AP senior year,” Hammond said. “Then I decided that was my new goal in life. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”

The show was also highly anticipated by Wray who went to the same show as Hammond three years ago. Back then, art was merely an interest and AP Art was a figment of their imaginations.

“This year was completely different . . . I was telling people about my art instead of asking people about art,” said Wray, displaying a collection of photographs.

Each artist brought their own unique talent to the table, and contributed to the tremendous art show.

“This was my high school experience,” Wray said. “We put a lot into this class and we’re not going to forget it.”

This story was for the Limelight, or entertainment section.

It was fun to write because I was able to hear each artist’s background story.

Artists are often articulate when it comes to their inspiration / purpose, so that made for an interesting article.

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

L IMELIGHT

Dec. 18, 2013

B7

Wadjda wins hearts at Lyric Cinema Café

Students showcase dedication, hard work

by Jessi Brokopreporter

MOVIE review

by Megan Troutmaneditor-in-chief

Display boards sprinkled the commons as each AP Art student stood proudly by their remarkable accomplishments.

After months of preparation and hard work, the annual AP Art show on Dec. 11 turned out to be another huge success for the art department.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience and I’ve been looking forward to the AP Art show since I got into the class,” senior Saskia Becker said.

Becker has been painting for some time now, but became more dedicated at the end of her junior year.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever worked for. I never thought it would be, but it definitely is,” Becker said.

All 25 AP students devoted hours of their time producing art and organizing the event.

Everything from music to catering had to be considered when building the art show.

Senior Grant Wray underestimated the stress involved with planning and coordinating for the show.

“We’re all creatively thinking together in the same room but we’re all very different people,” Wray said.

“So when we talk about what kind of music we want, what kind of food, all these creative kids come together and it’s

‘‘

Megan Troutman

Here there be dragons: Senior Courtney Sadar sculpted the great blue dragon which debuted at this years AP Art Show on Dec. 11. The art show featured all twenty five AP Art students and their work from the semester.

hard to balance it so that everyone’s happy with the art show.”

It is typically the behindthe-scenes aspects that students tend to forget. Without a lot of direction, students must come to a consensus on details and anticipate how many visitors they will have.

“This year we were really trying to get a lot of people to come,” Becker said. “We wanted it to be different and really show the public what we all can do.”

Despite the stress that came with organizing the show, it successfully came together in the end.

Senior Addie Hammond was also excited for the show and the wide variety of artists.

“I guess every year is different.

Especially with something like art, it’s everyone’s creative minds and what they’re Saskia Becker expressing with that,”

,,

It’s been a really rewarding experience and I’ve been looking forward to the AP Art Show since I got into the class.

Saskia Becker, senior

Hammond said.

Hammond saw the AP Art show her freshman year and knew it was an amazing event.

What she did not know, was that in three years she would be presenting her own display board.

“It wasn’t a goal of mine until maybe the second quarter of sophomore year. I had Dukart (art teacher) and he was asking me about AP senior year,” Hammond said. “Then I decided that was my new goal in life. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”

The show was also highly anticipated by Wray who went

to the same show as Hammond three years ago. Back then, art was merely an interest and AP Art was a figment of their imaginations.

“This year was completely different . . . I was telling people about my art instead of asking people about art,” said Wray, displaying a collection of photographs.

Each artist brought their own unique talent to the table, and contributed to the tremendous art show.

“This was my high school experience,” Wray said. “We put a lot into this class and we’re not going to forget it.”

The Blow blows back onto music scene

by Mackenzie Bartzenreporter

After releasing their highly anticipated self-entitled album, The Blow, the music group The Blow is finally back on the music scene after almost six full years.

Fortunately, long-time fans who have been (im)patiently waiting for new songs will not be disappointed.

While they may have done considerably little to change up their sound, it does not detract from their pre-existing style, which is still memorable and addictive.

With relaxing yet catchy synth-pop beats and lyrics, The Blow’s new album is perfect to listen to on a long drive or even as calming background music while doing

CD review

Imagine living in a world where women are often ignored and isolated; that is the life of Wadjda, a young girl living in Saudi Arabia.

The well produced film, Wadjda, articulates the harsh Saudi Arabian culture from the lens of Wadjda who is very different than other girls her age.

Wadjda made its debut in Old Town’s beloved Lyric theater, an independent theater for small films that never make the big theater.

Moviegoers feel Wadjda’s pain as she is forced to live in the traditional fabric of society. She is not allowed to dress a certain way, listen to certain music, or go to some places in town.

One of the most difficult rules she has to face is that girls are not allowed to ride bicycles.

Wadjda is mocked by a young boy, Abdullah, because he can race with the other boys. All she wants is to race him, and she would do anything to earn the money for a simple bike.

Although Wadjda has multiple layers to the storyline, the plot is easy to follow. The different stories blend together in a way that is easily understood.

The little girl overcomes struggles by focusing on finding a way to race Abdullah. Her maturity develops throughout the film as she focuses on the positive in life.

The story includes many aspects of the Saudi Arabian culture, including readings from the Koran.

There are also several references to arranged marriages and how real they can be. Wadjda’s mother was on the phone several times during the movie, talking with friends about different arranged marriages that took place around the town.

Unpredictability is one of the strong suits of the film, keeping audience members on the edge of their seats at all times.

This is an educational film depicting the Saudi Arabian culture in a unique blend of stories. A perfect movie for anyone who enjoys learning about different experiences across the world.

homework.

Both the lyrics and the instrumentals are as strong as ever, making allusions to universal experiences of struggling; self-image and not actually liking the person you’re dating, to name a few.

Aiming to evoke a mood reminiscent of early adolescence, The Blow impacts its audience with bittersweet nostalgia subtly and effectively.

The Blow cautiously and gracefully sneaks in slight commentaries about gender issues. While the songs are quite simplistic in structure, this contrasts well with the loaded lyrics, to create an aesthetically pleasing balance.

Despite a long six years devoid of new material, The Blow is back with a vengeance.

Old and new fans alike will both be able to

The Blow album cover enjoy the new album. As for the future, let’s keep our fingers crossed that they do not take another six years for the next album.

Original Limelight Page

Sept.

2012

DESIGN

19

Hidden in plain sight...Inside Limelight B7 I chose this design because of the simple page layout and concept. This page shows that I have a working understanding of page formatting.

rmhighlighter\\limelight

Catchy headline

//B7

September 14, 2012

Hidden in plain sight

Book cover for fast-selling book, Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James.

Popularity of Fifty Shades connected to anonymity of e-reader devices

by Aaron Yu//reporter

Pull out quote to break gray text

Harry Potter was the most popular book series in the UK; until Fifty Shades of Grey. Initially written as a Twilight fan fiction by single mother Erika Mitchell, Fifty Shades of Grey shattered book sale records and became the fastest selling book in the UK. Fifty Shades follows the story of (virgin) college senior Anastasia Steele and her BDSM relationship with older billionaire Christian Grey.

English Teacher Tom Smailes said that Fifty Shades is “First and foremost a love story, with a touch of bondage.”

Though dubbed as “Mommy Porn” by critics for its shoddy, repetitive writing, the book continues to attract throngs of people wanting to read it. The latest literary phenomenon seems to be dry, erotic writing.

“It’s awful writing,” English teacher Larissa Schendel said.

For some unknown reason, Fifty Shades is very popular. It was at first aimed at the female population, then crossed genders once it gained more interest. A factor to this sudden and unprecedented attention may be credited to e-readers such as the Kindle.

Fifty Shades started out as an e-book, an uncommon move for most authors.

Only after it became well known was it then printed as a hard copy. A large portion of its popularity may be accredited to the fact that using an e-reader, no one can tell what one is reading. There is no

“

Developed dominant art

It spread

lIke wIldfIre through e-books because people can read it secretly and no one knows what they’re reading.

Larissa Schendel, english teacher

cover for everyone to see, so people could read this book in public without being embarrassed or feeling ashamed.

“It’s not necessarily the phenomenon of the content, it’s the phenomenon that it’s one of the only books that started off as an e-reader,” Schendel said. “The phenomenon is that it has spread like wildfire through e-books because people can read it secretly and no one knows what they’re reading.”

There was no professional marketing for this book when it started out. All its attention began first when it was first written online as a twilight fan fiction. It was in the right place at the right time.

The trend seems to follow the same kind of path as the success of other books such as Twilight, The DaVinci Code, and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. The thing that sets it apart is that Fifty Shades is in fact an erotic novel.

“Pornography in our society is off limits,” Schendel says, “We like to do things that might be taboo at times…. I

don’t know why this one [book] makes it okay.”

Fifty Shades is one of the first, if not the first, pornographically oriented novel to achieve such a following in mainstream media.

“Another reason that it’s so popular is that it’s socially acceptable pornography for middle aged women,” junior Ananda Wimberger said. “They don’t need to feel embarrassed about enjoying it.”

The Fifty Shades series does not seem to be a fad. Such as the fashion of the Twilight stories, there may be spikes in readership. A movie of Fifty Shades has been confirmed, and it is assumed that

New Mexican restaurant option Cafe Rio opens near College Ave., Harmony Road

around the time it is released, the books will fly off the shelves once more.

Regarding the relationship between movies and books, Schendel commented, “I think it will explode again once the movie comes out.”

The Fifty Shades series may be stretched out over time such as Twilight, which has spanned for around four years.

“It follows the twilight trend tremendously,” Smailes said.

It seems no one can explain the viral publicity this book is getting. Smailes believes that “Something is going on that is creating this popularity and no one knows why.”

Detail to pica spacing

by Lauren Binder//sports editor

Subheadline format

A new restaurant called Cafe Rio, located on the corner of Harmony and College Ave. and east of Target, provides your typical quick-bite-to-eat Mexican cuisine.

It has a warm and friendly environment that makes a sit down affair one to enjoy. Music fills the room quiet enough to have a conversation, but loud enough to be able to enjoy while eating.

A stand-out aspect that can only be offered at Cafe Rio is their variety of unique beverages including Horchata. Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made with rice milk, lime, cinnamon and sweetened with sugar.

It could be described as, a straw full of sugar to make the Mexican food go down.

On the subject of food, they make sure to fit the taste buds

//Luaren Binder

Cafe Rio: Customers wait to order meat or vegetarian meals at the grilling station. Decorative lighting hangs from the celing, illuminating the cozy sit-down restaurant.

of every customer they have the choice to have beef, chicken, sweet pork or vegetarian.

The portions, on the other hand could be bigger if they really want hungry high school students to feel satisfied when walking out the door. Students could just head over to Café Mexicali, at a more convenient location, for bigger portions at

the same price.

The hand- made guacamole is definitely commendable, but could be taken down in price if they are only willing to offer more than an ounce cup full.

Overall, Cafe Rio is a good place to go to have a calm lunch with friends, and the Horchata drink is an excellent way to keep you awake for third period.

Cutline effectively describes image

Nov. 2013

20 Rocking at the Stocking...Inside Limelight B7 Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

L IMELIGHT

Nov. 13, 2013

B7

Rocking at the Stocking Effective graphic element

Good use of space with jump and ad

‘‘,,

Annual collage concert returns to the Lincoln Center

by Megan Troutmaneditor-in-chief

The brick walls of the Lincoln Center hold countless memories that will never be forgotten.

Stomp, U2, the Producers, and Hairspray, just to name a few, have all performed on the glimmering stage.

On Dec. 16, it will be the Lobos’ turn to shine once again for the annual Holiday Stocking.

Unlike most concerts, the Stocking encompasses the entire music department, unveiling hidden talents in small ensembles in addition to the large performing groups.

“Stocking is definitely a bonding experience,” senior Alyssa Franklin said. “It’s that middle of the year thing where everyone just gets closer. You see small groups and meet them and find out their hidden talents. It’s really cool.”

Franklin has been involved with the Holiday Stocking for three years now.

As concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra, Franklin feels the pressure going into a big performance.

“So many people come to Stocking . . . who are looking at the orchestra as a repre-

sentation of Rocky and you want to sound good,” Franklin said. “If you ask any person in a leading role, they really want their section to sound good.

Everyone has to be equally prepared and has to work hard.”

Orchestra director Katarina Schmitt has been preparing for the big day for some time now.

“I don’t think of it as being a super high pressure situation, I just think of it as another concert and we’re going to do our very best at any performance,” Schmitt said.

For a performance this big, it quickly becomes a daunting task to organize the event.

“There are so many little details put into Stocking,” Franklin said. “Everyone puts in so much work because if you don’t, then it all falls down.”

With collage concerts, multiple groups perform right after another, so audience members must hold applause until the final note. This way, the concert keeps a steady pulse to engage listeners for the full performance.

However, without pause in between groups, it becomes clear why the organization

Archery

from page B8

not for him.

“The most I’ve done is nearly hit a bird twenty feet from the target,” Rogers said.

Another archer, junior Cheyenne Carroll, practices frequently and has been involved in multiple competitions.

“I just kind of grew up doing archery,” Carroll said.

Carroll has been practicing archery ever since she and her twin brother, Tanner Carroll, were six years old. They were introduced to the sport through their father who enjoys hunting, and occasionally uses archery during his hunts.

In the Cheyenne Field Archers competition, Carroll has placed first or second for the past seven years. She has also won first place in the Coors Shoot competition in Cheyenne for the past three years.

“It’s not too competitive with the girls because the girls don’t really do archery,” Carroll said.

Carroll enjoys archery as a sport, but she also does it to connect with her family.

“Getting to do (archery) with my dad and my brother is pretty cool because we have a bond with that. It’s one thing we can always do together and we always have a fun time doing it.”

Varying column widths to break up gray

Stocking is definitely a bonding experience. It’s that middle of the year thing where everyone just gets closer.

Alyssa Franklin, senior

process must begin early.

“It’s mostly really exciting. I guess the thing that is the most nerve-wracking is just knowing where you need to be and where everyone in your group needs to be at all times,” Schmitt said.

Junior Katherine Walter, a vocalist in the advanced choir known as Rocky Mountain Singers, is also excited for the performance.

“It’s really fun because everyone’s in the Christmas spirit and we’re just all pumped about the holidays,” Walter said.

This year Walter will perform with Singers and hopefully sing with her acapella

Megan Troutman

Elevation: Group members Rachel Morley, Haylie Patrick, and Katherine Walter rehearse for their upcoming performance.

trio, Elevation. “(It’s nerve-wracking) but then I remind myself that I’m just in a big choir and we’re just here to make people smile,” Walter said.

Each year the Lincoln Center sheds light on the unbelievable talent found in the

music department. Every performance is different, packed with new small ensembles and surprises.

“The Holiday Stocking is just so special,” Walter said.

“All the advanced groups are there and it’s just a great way to get into the holiday spirit.”

Cocoa in FoCo

by Megan Troutmaneditor-in-chief

Whether you’re going on a date, hanging out with friends, or just want to dig into some rich cheesecake, the Chocolate Café is the place for you.

Located downtown on the corner of Olive and College, the dessert haven has a knack for drawing in curious pedestrians. The enticing aroma of chocolate rolling into the street is enough to turn more than a few heads.

The café itself has a warm, inviting atmosphere. They created a cozy, at-home ambiance with a hint of elegance. Each table is neatly draped with a white tablecloth, and the subtle decorations complete the mood.

Despite the shortage of employees, there was hardly a wait before gleaming plates of desserts found

FOOD review

their way to the table. Each glass plate not only held a slice of cake, but was decorated with streams of chocolate and various syrups.

Readers of the Coloradoan voted that the Chocolate Café had the best dessert in Fort Collins.

There is no question about that statement; the chocolate cake was certainly delectable. It melted in your mouth and the savory flavors were enough to make you reach for more.

Most items on the menu are desserts including cheesecake, carrot cake, torte, pudding, and pie.

However, they also serve a plethora of soups, salads, and sandwiches, to name a few.

The only complaint found in the restaurant was not in the food, but in the inconvenient location.

Tucked under the Armstrong Hotel, there is only so much you can do with such a small space. It comes off as a homey environment,

Megan Troutman

Fine dining: Local dessert lovers enjoy savory desserts at the Chocolate Café which is hidden under the Armstrong Hotel.

but when night time rolls around and amblers make their way to desserts, the café becomes quickly packed.

There is only room for 15 or 16 tables and most are tables for two.

Several tables hold parties of four or six, but other than that the restaurant is primarily built for couples.

Overall, the Chocolate Café is both a romantic nightspot for couples, a cozy place to catch up with friends and a great place to enjoy some unique desserts.

Package with text wrapping under art

Each year we redesign the paper, so this design was created for the 2013-14 school year. I liked this page because of the effective use of space. There was a lot going onto this page, and it was difficult to fit, but came out nicely in the end.

Dec. 2012

DESIGN

Read up, study hard...Limelight Front B8

rmlimelight\\ //B8// Read up, study hard highlighter

December 14, 2012

Finals week approaches, students begin after school studying

What’s in the Limelight?

Today:

Movie: Stand Up Guys Movie: The Hobbit December 15:

Concert: Two Fresh @ Bluebird Theater December 17:

Rocky: Holiday Stocking @ Lincoln Center December 18: CD: T.I. -- Trouble Man: Heavy is the Need December 19: Movie: Monsters Inc. 3D December 25: Movie: Les Miserables December 30: Concert: The Lumineers @ Ogden Theater

CD: Never Shout Never - INDIGO January 11: Movie: Gangster Squad Movie: Zero Dark Thirty January 18: Movie: The Last Stand January 15: Rocky: Pre-CMEA @ Rocky CD: 2Cellos - In2ition CD: Pink - Still On Fire

by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

The laptops flip open, papers shuffle around, and cumbersome textbooks are being hauled out of backpacks; the after school studying begins. Suddenly cleaning your room sounds more exciting than reading a dry textbook.

Most students prefer to avoid these at home distractions when tackling homework. Instead, they

find other places where more work can be accomplished.

“I get more done [when studying away from home] because I don’t have the distractions of needing to clean my room or the little distractions that are constantly going on in your head,” senior Lily Schulz said.

Schulz prefers to study at the CSU library rather than at home.

Females 9% Study 4.3% feel they get better grades

7.3% study at local coffee shop/cafes

10% feel 10.7%

10.7% get

study at local coffee shop/cafes

distracted while studying

2.7%

7% study .3% study with 6. at librarys

study with a large group

a large group

//Jump to Study,

on B6

away from home

32.3%

get distracted while studying

17.3%

study at librarys

Lauren Binder

Alley Cat: Senior Dani Croteau (right) enjoys a cup of coffee while studying at the Alley Cat with a friend.

Spotlight jazz group serenades Atlanta

by Morgan Miller//reporter

In Fort Collins, Rocky is well known for its amazing music program.

Throughout the years, the bands, orchestras and choirs have all received praise and awards for their excellence.

Senior Dana Brown has been involved in the jazz choirs and has enjoyed every minute of it.

“Having been involved

Megan Troutman

Spotlight: the group performs at the Barnes and Noble holiday fundraiser in preparation for their trip to Atlanta.

with the jazz choirs at Rocky for three years, I know there’s always something

going on and something to look forward to,” Brown said.

This year the jazz choir Spotlight has been selected to perform at the Jazz Education Network Conference in Atlanta in January.

This conference is not just a field trip to another state; it is a huge honor not only to the choir but to the school itself. Only 10 high school groups were selected to perform at this event and six were from official performing arts schools. There were only two vocal jazz

groups that were selected for the event and Spotlight is one of them.

Choir director Paul Falk gathers music for Spotlight to rehearse and perform a 50-minute set at the conference.

“This is quite a lot of music,” Falk said. “So we will be performing some standard literature like

//Jump to Jazz,

on B6

Holiday Stocking concert returns to Lincoln Center

by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

January 22: CD: Destiny’s Child - Love Songs January 23: Concert: Ben Folds Five @ Ogden Theater

Alley Cat are some of the many places Fort Collins has to offer.

Senior Dani Croteau also prefers to study away from home, typically at the Alley Cat or Starbucks.

“They Alley Cat is nice because there are a lot of people there that can help you (with homework),” Croteau said, “and as for Star-

males 20% Study

they get better grades

away from home

“It’s quieter and everybody’s there to study,” Schulz said, “which motivates me to study.”

Libraries are not the only place students can go for a quiet studying environment. Local coffee shops and cafés are also great places to sit down with a drink to study. The Wild Boar, Starry Night, Mugs, Starbucks, and the

For the longest time I was in a design rut -dominant art at the top with a story underneath.

This page got me out of my rut.

rveyed

January 8:

Some prefer studying away from home, avoid distractions

ople su

Concert: Nappy Roots @ Grizzly Rocks

Photo illustration by Megan Troutman

300 pe

January 3:

21

Amanda Kriss

Con Brio: the intermediate audition choir group performs at Barnes and Noble in preparation for the Stocking.

The annual Christmas collage concert is just around the corner on Dec. 17 at the Lincoln Center.

This concert is no ordinary concert. It has 25 various groups performing back to back.

Band director Casey Cropp has been part of the Stocking concert for 28 years as a band student and director and cannot wait for another fun performance. “(I’m) just always excited about how it comes together. It’s always different,” Cropp said. “The order’s always different and the way we do the collage format is always dif-

ferent.”

After years of being part of this tradition, Cropp is retiring at the end of the year. This will be his last year organizing and being part of the program.

“I don’t think of it that way. I think of it as another Stocking concert,” Cropp said.

On the other hand, the new choir director, Elizabeth Hohweiler, will be part of the Stocking this year for the first time.

“It’s exciting. I’ve known about the stocking forever,” Hohweiler said. “I student-

//Jump to Stocking,

on B6

Specifically, this design was my first attempt at cut outs. I enjoyed designing the page and in the end it came together quite nicely.

Dec. 2013

22 Speaking the universal language...Limelight Front B8 Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

Drake Lindstrom

L

LIMELIGHT

B8

Dec. 18, 2013 What’s in the Limelight?

I chose this design because there was a unique balance between dominant art and cutouts, making the page eye catching.

T od a y: Mov ie Relea se- A n ch orm a n 2: T h e Leg en d Con tin u es Dec. 20: Movie Relea se- Wa lkin g w ith Din osa u rs Con cert- On eRep u b lic @ Og d en T h ea ter Dec. 25: Movie Relea se- T h e Secret Lif e of Wa lter Mitty J a n . 1: Movie Relea se- T h e Ra ilw a y Ma n J a n . 3: Movie Relea se- Pa ra n orm a l A ctivity: T h e Ma rked On es J a n . 7: Con cert - Da id Cook @ Blu eb ird T h ea ter J a n . 13: CD Relea se - K id Cu d iSa tellite F lig h t: T h e J ou rn ey to Moth er Moon J a n . 14: Rocky - Pre- CMEA Con cert @ RMH S 7: 00p m

As for this layout, I had trouble wrapping text around the drummer. Looking back I wish I had spent more time with the text wrap.

Other than that this page turned out well.

J a n . 15: Com ed y - Wa n d a Sykes @ Bou ld er T h ea ter J a n . 17: Movie Relea se- T h e N u t J ob J a n . 19: Con cert - Pin k @ P ep si Cen ter J a n . 21: CD Relea se - Y ou n g th e Gia n t- Min d Over Ma tter J a n . 22: Con cert - J u stin T im b erla ke @ P ep si Cen ter J a n . 23: Con cert - La d y A n teb ellu m , K ip Moore, a n d K a cey Mu s g ra ves @ Pep si Cen ter

Speaking the Universal Language Fine tuning: Left to right, guitarists Will Brauch, Keaton Nalezny, and Jared Janzen jam together on the rocks.

Coming from sister bands, the musicians often play gigs together.

Local bands branch out to community

by Drake Lindstromreporter

as a team.

By having each member of The diversity of artists in Fort Collins the group add their own style, Savage ranges from dubstep, to death metal to Cabbage maintains an atmosphere and alternative and bluegrass bands, and even a sound like no other. Savage Cabbage themdipping into the relatively underground selves do not know what genre they fit into. genre of ska.

“We’ve talked about this a lot . . . it’s high One of the bands energy, a little grunge,” Nalezny said. gaining popularFalling largely into the category of ity in Fort Collins is alternative rock, Savage Cabbage also has the “power-trio” of influence from 90’s bands like Pearl Jam, and Savage Cabbage. Made up of juniors Collin oddly enough, U2.

Orr (guitar) and Keaton Nalezny (bass/lead A second band rising in Fort Collin vocalist), as well as senior Nathan Sonnenis Blue Taboo. While the band has been burg (drums), Savage Cabbage has only been together for almost four years, the current together for a little under a year. line-up has only been together for less than a “I first learned when I was about six, but year, featuring juniors Will Brauch (guitar), I really started to get into it in about 6th or Jared Janzen (guitar), Kyle Petty (bass), and 7th grade,” Orr said.

Julian Ferarra (drums).

Savage Cabbage The band takes its unique originally came tosound from the cornucopia gether just as Sonnenof different influences the burg and Orr jamming band members have. Petty together, but when listens to metal, whereas BrNalezny joined the I just want to play auch and Ferarra are inspired group, things started to by acoustic rock like Radiomusic to live and live fall into place. head, and Janzen listens to to play music.

Within the first few classic rock and bluegrass. weeks they had written Will Brauch, “It’s a throw-up of differand started to perfect ent styles... when you listen junior their first six songs, to it, you might have a really featured in their EP specific idea of what you that dropped in the think it is... in our heads its summer of 2013. In the ten months since a lot of different things,” Janzen said. their creation, the band has released an EP, With this diversity, Blue Taboo is given two singles and has played at multiple live a completely unique sound. The music shows throughout Fort Collins, including they write is influenced by all of their difthe CSU battle of the bands. ferent particular tastes as well as by their In the CSU battle of the bands, Savdifferent expertises and experiences. age Cabbage was by far the youngest of the “We think the exact opposite with contestants, with most of their competitors music. I don’t ever think about notes or being college students or graduates, and Sav- theory. I just feel everything and Will is a age Cabbage still placed in the top three. genius with theory,” Janzen said.

“From spending so much time together, I While most dream of making it big and guess we just got lucky,” touring the world, which is no doubt in the Orr said. back of both of these bands’ minds, for now Their chemistry they keep their dream simple. on and off the stage “I just want to play music to live,” Brhas allowed them to auch said, “and live to play music.” be successful in writing music, and working together

Limelight special

‘‘,,

J a n . 26: Con cert - 3 Doors Dow n @ P a ra m ou n t T h ea ter J a n . 28: CD Relea se - Of Mice & Men - Restorin g F orce

Drake Lindstrom

Keeping the beat: Senior Nathan Sonnenburg plays with Savage Cabbage on the rocks.

Other group members include juniors Collin Orr and Keaton Nalezny.

Musicians never ‘rest’ in hotbed of Fort Collins

by Aaron YuCenter editor

Pretty Lights and Tickle Me Pink are two examples from a plethora of bands and artists who hail from Fort Collins.

For whatever reason, the city seems to attract and emit endless waves of music in the form of bands, solo musicians and electronic artists. “[Fort Collins] is so well known for being a music town and there are so many musicians here,” owner of local music venue, Hodi’s Half Note, Daniel Mladenik said. “It doesn’t take much to meet a few other people and start a band.”

Fort Collins has multiple venues that extend from coffee shops such as the Alley Cat to actual theaters such as the Aggie. A typical night on the town more often than not involves some sort of live musical entertainment. Open Mic nights are a very common event which essentially allow anyone who feels brave to get up in front of a crowd and sing.

Hodi’s Half Note is one example of a myriad of places that individuals or groups can perform onstage to provide entertainment for others. Local singers, bands and the like can show up, grab a gig and play their hearts out for a crowd listening intently below. The audience isn’t shown just one kind of music, all genres are welcome and often seen on the stage.

“There’s no ‘typical’ genre at Hodi’s,” Mladenik said. “We do anything and everything. From comedy, to hip hop, to jam bands, metal, punk rock, country, funk, electronic and the list goes on. We try and have a very wide variety.”

Though there are many musical venues in Fort Collins, a common trait seen among the legions is a love for music from both the hosts and the performers.

“I would say the majority do it because it’s what they love and its what they are most passionate about,” he said. “Nothing makes them happier than being on that stage entertaining the people that love what they do.”

April 2013

DESIGN

23 The music man graduates with seniors...Limelight 10

rmlimelight\\ highlighter

This issue was rough for staff because we were low on budget.

Ads were not coming in so we had to cut down on pages, making the usual B8, page 10.

I chose this design because it was an honor to put together a big send off for our retiring band director, whom I had the utmost respect for.

adu

April 28: Concert: Senses Fail at Marquis Theater Concert: James Blake at Ogden Theatre Concert: Joe King at Fox Theatre

May 2: Movie: Iron Man 3 May 3: Album: Armin van Buuren - Intense Concert: Flobots at Aggie Theatre Concert: Katachafire at Fox Theatre May 5: Concert: Bo Burnham at the Boulder Theatre May 6: Album: Noah and the Whale - Heart of Nowhere Album: Lady Antebellum - Golden

May 8: Concert: Zac Brown Band at Red Rocks May 10: Concert: Kathy Griffin at the Buell Theatre Movie: The Great Gatsby Movie: Tyler Perry Presents Peeples

M s w an it

ate

April 27: Concert: The Disco Biscuits, Shpongle & RJD2 at Red Rocks Concert: Anthony Jeselnik at DU

May 7: Album: Goo Goo Dolls Magnetic Album: Natalies Maines - Mother Album: Havoc - 13 Concert: Paramore at Fillmore Auditorium Yngwie Malmsteen at the Summit Music Hall

Design wise, it was different because for the first time I layered text with art. It was a challenge I welcomed.

Mus ic gr

April 26: Movie: The Big Wedding Movie: Pain and Gain Movie: Mud Movie: At Any Price

April 30: Album: The Airborne Toxic Event - Such Hot Blood Album: Os Mutantes Fool Metal Jack Album: Kenney Chesney - Life on a Rock

//10//

The

What’s in the Limelight?

April 29: Album: Amelia Lily - Be a Fighter Album: Bo Bruce Before I Sleep Album: Rudimental Home Concert: The Gaslight Anthem at Ogden Theatre

April 24, 2013

h se

nior

s

Photo Illustration by Megan Troutman

After 26 years, band director Cropp puts down the baton strong connection with the band program, continuing to visit Retiring band director Casey Cropp and the bands.

Cropp, though no con man, has “I try and visit often to left a legacy in the music departremember how great it was to ment as the school’s “Music Man” be around all these people and for 26 years. to be a part of it again for a little Back in 1987, Cropp became while,” Waltz said. “I miss the the fourth band director at the band family connection and the school and has been security of being exceeding expectaaround people tions ever since. who understand He took directing you . . . You Caroline Miller, a band to a whole really can’t find senior new level, formanything like it ing relationships anywhere else; with students and not even in colstaff members in the lege.”

Mr. Cropp for program. Cropp also As a 1975 taught in Haxtun, everything he has Rocky graduate Colo., for two years, himself, Cropp done for me. as well as Blevins has impacted so Junior High School many individuals five years prior to coming to and helped prepare each for colRocky. lege and for what life has to offer. “(I’ll miss) making great music “I feel like the program taught with outstanding, talented, dedime to strive to make myself better cated, and creative students like as a person and as a musician,” the ones I get to work with this Waltz said. year,” Cropp said. “I’ll also miss Senior and student director the chance to continue to develop Caroline Miller chose to pursue a the incredible relationships I music degree in college based on have enjoyed with so many of the her band experience. In the fall, students who have played in she will atthe bands.” tend Alum Alyssa Waltz has maintained a

by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

“

I wIll

never be able to repay

Florida State University for a BM in Bassoon Performance.

“If Mr. Cropp had never been my teacher, I would have never gained the self-confidence I have now . . . and I would never have been exposed to the music that has become my life’s core and pursuit. Without Mr. Cropp, I would probably be attending a different college, with a major I felt half-hearted about, and my career over the next several decades would most likely be something I viewed as work instead of a privilege,” Miller said.

“I will never be able to repay Mr. Cropp for everything he has done for me.”

Not only did Cropp change students’ lives, but he improved multiple aspects of the music program with fellow staff members.

Some examples would be developing a theory and music history curriculum, redirecting the focus to concert band rather than competitive marching band, and expanding chamber music opportunities.

These aspects of the music program have truly shaped what it is today.

“The one

aspect that I am most proud of... would be helping to form the block schedule,” Cropp said. “We are very fortunate to be one of the only schools to use the block schedule that has strong programs in the choir, orchestra, and band.”

With the block schedule, there are three separate concert bands.

First period is Winds (the top group with mostly junior and seniors), second period Summit Winds (the middle group with mostly sophomores), and third period Symphonic (the beginning band with mostly freshman).

These three groups come together

//Jump to Cropp,

on 9

►Casey Cropp, directing Winds

May 12-13: Concert: Prince at the Ogden Theatre May 14: Album: Demi Lovato DEMI Album: The Dillenger Escape Plan - One of Us Is the Killer May 16: Concert: Imagine Dragons at Red Rocks Concert: Hanzel und Gretyl at Marquis Theatre

Lauren Binder

Nov. 2013

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

L

LIMELIGHT

B8

Nov. 13, 2013 What’s in the Limelight?

24 May the odds be ever in your favor...Limelight B8

R E V E

May the odds be

in your favor

No v . 1 5 : Con c e rt - G ri ev es @ Aggi e T he a t r e C o nc e rt - Ja r r en B e nt o n f t . R it z and Sno w T h a P ro duc t @ H od i’ s Hal f - No t e M o v i e R e lea s eW o l f O f Wa ll St re e t No v . 1 6 : Con c e rt - 3 O H ! 3 @ Summi t M u s ic Hal l No v . 1 9 : A lb u m R e l e ase - Ch r is B ro wn: X Al bum R elea s eD aught ry : B a p t i ze d C o nc e rt - A ugus t B urns R ed @ Summi t Mu s ic Hal l No v . 2 0 : Con c e rt - M i c h a el B ubl e @ P ep s i C e nt e r No v . 2 1 : Con c e rt - Jo hn Le ge nd @ E llie C aul k i n’ s O p er a Ho use No v . 2 2 : Con c e rt - Ho p s in a n d Y e l awo l f @ A ggi e T he at r e M o v i e R e lea s eT he Hunger G ame s : Ca t ch i ng Fi re No v . 2 3 : Con c e rt - G ro u n d a t i o n @ O g d en T he at re No v . 2 4 : Con c e rt - Lupe Fi asc o @ Og d en T he at re No v . 2 5 : A lb u m R e l e ase - N or a h Jo ne s and B illy Jo e Arms t r on g : Fo re v e rl y

Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire ignites fans

by Miriam FieldsFeatures editor

The premiere of the first Hunger Games movie was a huge success, raking $155 million in ticket sales.

Due to the strong start in film adaptations of the series, many readers may be wondering if the second film will be as successful and why the series has become so incredibly popular.

“It kind of speaks to our world,” said Georgiana Jones, a language arts teacher.

“You know this idea of reality television, and yet people that are living that reality. That’s where she (author Suzanne Collins) got her idea - switching back and forth between watching young soldiers, and at the same time, watching a reality show and trying to make a correlation. They’re kind of alike.”

Jones teaches the Hunger Games series to freshmen and enjoys reading the novels herself. Many of the other teachers in her department feel similarly about the books. This includes Colleen Maline, an English teacher who has just finished the second book, Catching Fire, with her freshman class. She also believes that the books bring up interesting topics for discussion.

“I think that Suzanne Collins’s characters are relatable,” Maline said. “The adrenaline of the book itself is sort of unprecedented by any of these other series that have come out. I just don’t think any of them have matched what she’s able to draw forth, as far as excitement goes.”

Due to the popularity of the novels, all three are currently being taught in English and media analysis classes. Teaching modern texts is not something that is normally in the

Al bum R elea s eO ne D i re ct ion : M i dni ght Mem o ri e s

‘‘

,,

Bo’s with bows: local archers take aim

by Jessi Brokopreporter

No v . 2 9 : Con c e rt - D J F ig u r e and C ri zz ly @ O gde n T h ea t r e D e c . 2 : C on cer t Jay - Z @ Pep s i C e nt e r D e c . 6 : C om ed y Sho w- Ji m m y Fal l o n @ Bu ell T he at re D e c . 9 : Al b u m R e l e ase - Ch ild i s h G amb in o: B e c aus e o f t h e I nt e rne t D e c . 1 3 : M ov ie R e l e ase - T h e Ho bbi t : T h e D e s o l at i on of Smaug

syllabus for most classes. Classic novels take Benny Jones, who recently read the second up a majority of the material taught, however, book in Maline’s English class.

“It’s a well known series, and it kind of tells teachers are beginning to take other views on how you can go into Katniss’s mind, and how the matter. she reacts and thinks in certain situations,” “I think there’s a shift in thinking about Benny Jones said. reading and teaching reading lately,” Because of the extreme popularity of the Maline said. “I think a lot of teachers series, many are predicting that the upcomare recognizing that the first step in ing movie will be another huge success for getting students to enjoy reading Lionsgate, the film company which produced is to have them read something they like before they can appreci- the first motion picture.

Benny Jones believes that, “it will be bigger ate more literary types of novels.

You’ve got to get them interested in (than the first movie) because of how good the reading before you can get them first one was, and all of the people that went to the movies and saw it, and then told all interested in literature.” their friends about it. It grew from there.”

Because of this shift in thinkWhen Catching Fire is released ing, there have been many on Nov. 22, many students and benefits to the English departstaff members are planning to ment’s goal of helping see it. It will be difficult to students learn useful predict the success of the skills. film, but based on the “I think the amount of students reason why they’re planning to important enough attend, it [to teach] is that kids will be aren’t reading anymore, for huge. the most part,” Jones said.

“There’s nothing wrong with the classics, but most students are not interested in classics. I have a lot of ninth graders that come in and say they have never read a book all the way through, ever. So I need something that is going to pull them in and keep them interested, and this type of book does that.”

The appeal of the series is also apparent Courtesy Murray Close/MCT to students like Ready to run: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) assesses her situation in the aresophomore na. The new Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire, will be released on Nov. 22.

Jessi Brokop

Ready to fire: Junior Mikaela Andrews practices shooting after school.

On junior Mikaela Andrews’s thirteenth birthday, she found something that would become part of her life for a long time.

A bow and a set of arrows.

The ancient weaponry captured her attention and she immediately fell in love with the exciting sport of archery.

Although Andrews had little influence from The Hunger Games, she did read the first two books of the series.

“I thought Katniss was just the coolest person,” said Andrews, excited to share her passion with a popular character.

Archery is one of the most difficult sports to perform. In order

Getting to do (archery) with my dad and my brother is pretty cool . . . it’s one thing we can always do together.

to succeed, a delicate balance of trust is required between the archer and the bow.

Not only is the ancient sport difficult, it is also expensive.

Lessons are upwards of $20 each, and the bow averages $300.

In order to maintain her skill level, Andrews keeps up with the sport as much as she can.

“I practice pretty often, every couple weeks or so,” Andrews

Cheyenne Carroll, junior

said.

Junior Devin Rogers has supported Andrews in her journey.

“She’s actually really good and that’s cool,” Rogers said. “I’m proud of her for doing well at this and I’m glad that she has found something she enjoys.”

Rogers has attempted the sport, but quickly realized it was

,

Jump to Archery on B7

Between the transparent mocking jay in the background and the cutout of Katniss, this page was difficult and time consuming to put together.

Nevertheless, I was the first editor to complete their section front by deadline. I came in and worked after school, at lunch, and before school.

I selected this page for the portfolio because it was a popular page with the student body due to the recent Hunger Games craze.

DESIGN

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by Branson Hoog

The Freshmen

Marching// from page B8

and both spend a lot of time working on the choreography and organizing the music to make the whole performance nothing but perfection.

“Before Rocky went to the 4 by 4 block, we used to have a competitive marching band that would compete with other bands around the state,” Schlup said.

“When we went to the block, we decided that the outside of school commitments needed to be kept to a minimum so stu-

dents could be athletes, in clubs and still excel in academics.”

The music program has built on itself since the year it opened in 1973. The musicians are devoted to what they do and thrive off the love for music that is withheld inside of them.

Although this one event is so much work, the band students still enjoy it.

“Marching Band does take a lot of time, but the final product is well worth it,” junior Adam Trousil said.

Even Schlup used to be in the Marching Band.

“I actually am one of those people that liked to march,” Schlup said. “I participated in drum and bugle corps when I was in college and I worked with the director of bands at UNC to bring the marching band back to UNC.” The excitement of the whole marching show put together is a lot to handle for everyone involved, but the students have fun participating in it.

This year the Marching Band will most likely outdo themselves as they seem to do every year, despite the weather.

Fall Show// from page B7

rize all of them,” Spolianski said.

The world of theatre is something that is not recognized as a challenge as much as it should be.

“It isn’t stressful only because we have a lot of confidence in Ben and a lot of confidence in the rest of the cast and I think it’s going to be great,” assistant director Stephen Sorenson said. “The show must go on.”

Rehearsals are a lot of work for the actors but are also full of laughter and inside jokes.

“There are times at rehearsals when we get kind of off track because we just get giggling about things and we end up with some little inside jokes that are kind of fun,” Schendel said. “Actors are just really quirky people sometimes and getting to work with a really small group of them for the fall show and getting close for a short period of time is a really cool thing.”

The show has been worked on hard and has a lot of hype to it.

The mysterious and ghostly production will be a great accent for this year’s Halloween weekend.

25

Sept.

2013

26

Games and Entertainment...Limelight B6 B6 Sept. 18, 2013

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

L IMELIGHT

Games and Entertainment Sudoku Challenge The objective of the puzzle is to complete the 9x9 grid so that every column, row, and 3x3 grid within the 9x9 grid contains the digits 1 through 9 exactly once. Each puzzle can be solved with pure logic, so guessing should not be necessary.

Difficulty Level: Medium

(Puzzle solution posted on bulletin board outside of room 528)

This school year, sudoku came back. Since this game is easier to design around, it made the rest of the games page cleaner. I also added gray boxes to break away from black and white, as seen in the 2012 issue.

Top Ten

Ways to restart your government: 10. Make sure it’s plugged in.

9. Replace Congress with an actual elephant and donkey.

8. Do a hard reset.

7. Cover it with bread.

6. Pull out the

cartridge and blow on it.

5. Hotbox the House of Representatives.

4. Replace Boehner with an actual Oompa Loompa.

3. Get Michelle

Bachman to do some witchcraft.

2. Google it.

1. Make Donald Chen the President.

Aaron Yu, Drake Lindstorm, Noah Fogelberg, Madeline Zann

Movies: The good, the bad, the ugly

by Adam Trousilcontributor Recently released: Gravity- Breathtaking.

One of the best movies I have ever seen. This film sure does capture the astonishing views of our small planet from space. With its incredibly realistic setting, you feel suspended in zero G. This movie has an amazing cast, plot, and special effects. I think this is Sandra Bullock’s best acting ever, and one of George Clooney’s best performances. Previews for this movie set such high expectations, and the flim lived up to each and every one of them. If you want a movie that will leave you stunned and speechless, this is the movie for you. Definitely an A++ Second run: Wolverine- This movie was fun to watch. It moved back and forth between its suspense and action sequences. Wolverine is a pretty

Adam’s pic picks

awesome dude, and he really peaked in his acting in this film. As an in-depth look into Wolverine, you can see his past struggles in every shot. Hugh Jackman stepped up and showed off his incredible acting skills. Enjoyable to watch, but not a great story. As a mediocre film, you might forget what happened a week later, but check it out second run. B is a solid grade.

Most anticipated: Captain Phillips- Releasing on October 11th, this drama looks very suspenseful. Scary in the fact that this could actually happen; terrifying because it actually did. It is a realistic film about a cargo ship that is taken over by pirates. As the crew hides throughout the ship, the pirates threaten to kill the captain, played by Tom Hanks. I would hope this movie booms in the box office. I’m totally going to go see it. I’ll give it a hopeful A. Adam Trousil is a senior movie buff who works at the local AMC theater.

Jasin Boland/Courtesy of SMPSP/MCT

Captain Phillips: Mahat Ali (left), Tom Hanks (middle) and Faysal Ahmed (far left) star in Columbia Pictures, Captain Phillips. The action packed film will be released on Oct. 11 to anxious movie-goers.

Nov. 2013

PHOTOGRAPHY Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

27

L IMELIGHT

Nov. 13, 2013

B7

Rocking at the Stocking

‘‘,,

Annual collage concert returns to the Lincoln Center

by Megan Troutmaneditor-in-chief

The brick walls of the Lincoln Center hold countless memories that will never be forgotten.

Stomp, U2, the Producers, and Hairspray, just to name a few, have all performed on the glimmering stage.

On Dec. 16, it will be the Lobos’ turn to shine once again for the annual Holiday Stocking.

Unlike most concerts, the Stocking encompasses the entire music department, unveiling hidden talents in small ensembles in addition to the large performing groups.

“Stocking is definitely a bonding experience,” senior Alyssa Franklin said. “It’s that middle of the year thing where everyone just gets closer. You see small groups and meet them and find out their hidden talents. It’s really cool.”

Franklin has been involved with the Holiday Stocking for three years now.

As concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra, Franklin feels the pressure going into a big performance.

“So many people come to Stocking . . . who are looking at the orchestra as a repre-

sentation of Rocky and you want to sound good,” Franklin said. “If you ask any person in a leading role, they really want their section to sound good.

Everyone has to be equally prepared and has to work hard.”

Orchestra director Katarina Schmitt has been preparing for the big day for some time now.

“I don’t think of it as being a super high pressure situation, I just think of it as another concert and we’re going to do our very best at any performance,” Schmitt said.

For a performance this big, it quickly becomes a daunting task to organize the event.

“There are so many little details put into Stocking,” Franklin said. “Everyone puts in so much work because if you don’t, then it all falls down.”

With collage concerts, multiple groups perform right after another, so audience members must hold applause until the final note. This way, the concert keeps a steady pulse to engage listeners for the full performance.

However, without pause in between groups, it becomes clear why the organization

Stocking is definitely a bonding experience. It’s that middle of the year thing where everyone just gets closer.

Alyssa Franklin, senior

process must begin early.

“It’s mostly really exciting. I guess the thing that is the most nerve-wracking is just knowing where you need to be and where everyone in your group needs to be at all times,” Schmitt said.

Junior Katherine Walter, a vocalist in the advanced choir known as Rocky Mountain Singers, is also excited for the performance.

“It’s really fun because everyone’s in the Christmas spirit and we’re just all pumped about the holidays,” Walter said.

This year Walter will perform with Singers and hopefully sing with her acapella

Megan Troutman

Elevation: Group members Rachel Morley, Haylie Patrick, and Katherine Walter rehearse for their upcoming performance.

trio, Elevation. “(It’s nerve-wracking) but then I remind myself that I’m just in a big choir and we’re just here to make people smile,” Walter said.

Each year the Lincoln Center sheds light on the unbelievable talent found in the

music department. Every performance is different, packed with new small ensembles and surprises.

“The Holiday Stocking is just so special,” Walter said.

“All the advanced groups are there and it’s just a great way to get into the holiday spirit.”

Cocoa in FoCo

Archery

from page B8

by Megan Troutmaneditor-in-chief

not for him.

“The most I’ve done is nearly hit a bird twenty feet from the target,” Rogers said.

Another archer, junior Cheyenne Carroll, practices frequently and has been involved in multiple competitions.

“I just kind of grew up doing archery,” Carroll said.

Carroll has been practicing archery ever since she and her twin brother, Tanner Carroll, were six years old. They were introduced to the sport through their father who enjoys hunting, and occasionally uses archery during his hunts.

In the Cheyenne Field Archers competition, Carroll has placed first or second for the past seven years. She has also won first place in the Coors Shoot competition in Cheyenne for the past three years.

“It’s not too competitive with the girls because the girls don’t really do archery,” Carroll said.

Carroll enjoys archery as a sport, but she also does it to connect with her family.

“Getting to do (archery) with my dad and my brother is pretty cool because we have a bond with that. It’s one thing we can always do together and we always have a fun time doing it.”

Whether you’re going on a date, hanging out with friends, or just want to dig into some rich cheesecake, the Chocolate Café is the place for you.

Located downtown on the corner of Olive and College, the dessert haven has a knack for drawing in curious pedestrians. The enticing aroma of chocolate rolling into the street is enough to turn more than a few heads.

The café itself has a warm, inviting atmosphere. They created a cozy, at-home ambiance with a hint of elegance. Each table is neatly draped with a white tablecloth, and the subtle decorations complete the mood.

Despite the shortage of employees, there was hardly a wait before gleaming plates of desserts found

FOOD review

their way to the table. Each glass plate not only held a slice of cake, but was decorated with streams of chocolate and various syrups.

Readers of the Coloradoan voted that the Chocolate Café had the best dessert in Fort Collins.

There is no question about that statement; the chocolate cake was certainly delectable. It melted in your mouth and the savory flavors were enough to make you reach for more.

Most items on the menu are desserts including cheesecake, carrot cake, torte, pudding, and pie.

However, they also serve a plethora of soups, salads, and sandwiches, to name a few.

The only complaint found in the restaurant was not in the food, but in the inconvenient location.

Tucked under the Armstrong Hotel, there is only so much you can do with such a small space. It comes off as a homey environment,

Megan Troutman

Fine dining: Local dessert lovers enjoy savory desserts at the Chocolate Café which is hidden under the Armstrong Hotel.

but when night time rolls around and amblers make their way to desserts, the café becomes quickly packed.

There is only room for 15 or 16 tables and most are tables for two.

Several tables hold parties of four or six, but other than that the restaurant is primarily built for couples.

Overall, the Chocolate Café is both a romantic nightspot for couples, a cozy place to catch up with friends and a great place to enjoy some unique desserts.

Original Limelight Page

This acapella trio was rehearsing for the Stocking concert, a holiday concert for the community. It was really fun to take pictures of them singing by the piano. I specifically chose this picture because the angle captured the piano, music, and concentrated musicians.

28

Nov. 2012

rmsports\\ highlighter

EDsclusive

Ed Kennedy

\\

Student traditions

It’s the last time.

Senior year is chalk full of lasts. Last homecoming, last holidays at home with your family, last prom, the last year. But for athletes, there are a few more lasts. Lasts that trigger a more emotional kind of pain.

It builds up after all the hard work, the dedication, the passion. The endless off-season workouts, camps and sacrifice.

There will come a time during your senior year, as an athlete, that you will experience your last game, match, or tournament. You will play for the last time with your friends and teammates that you have been playing with for your whole life.

The end of a sports career is not like the rest of senior year.

We’re teenagers and we love becoming more independent and we love that change. Sports don’t work that way, you only become more passionate. Sports are something you do outside of school, away from home, because you love them.

It takes a very special person to be able to kneel down and strap on those shoes or cleats after a hard day at school, and go out and work so hard to be able to compete. To go above and beyond what is expected of a normal high school student.

School gets out at 2:50, as an athlete you limp in your front door past six.

Your senior year, it is the pinnacle of your high school career.

It’s your time to shine on the field or on the court.

You become the leader, the one that the underclassmen look to set the standard. It becomes time to leave your legacy.

Suddenly, it’s Senior night. A tradition you’ve seen time and time again, but now it’s about you. Once you get there it’s so surreal, like a dream. Now all of the cliches are true, all of the “it goes by too fast” and “seriously work hard and enjoy every moment” become your own words.

You walk away from the court or field for the last team, tears in your eyes. Looking around, you absorb the feeling for the last time as you kneel and let the lights shut off around you.

It’s this moment where a new chapter starts in the lives of most athletes; while for others this is the beginning of new athletic achievements at the next level.

It is, for all athletes, the first taste of grieving they will experience on the long emotional roller coaster that is senior year.

As the first seasons of high school sports come to a close, the class of 2013 is reminded that this is the end, so you better buckle up.

Ed Kennedy is a senior reporter for the RM Highlighter and an offensive lineman on the football team.

November 9, 2012

//A8//

Peel wins school’s first state all-around title

by Lauren Binder//sports editor

Keri Peel stared down state gymnastic giant Clair Hammen from Loveland, and did not blink.

The next thing Peel knew, she was on the top step of the podium on Nov. 2 at Thornton High School as the state 5A allaround title winner.

“It was pretty amazing. There were a bunch of newspaper photographers and all my family and all my friends were there so it just felt really cool,” Peel said Peel totaled 38.925 in the all-around to top teammate Lauren Glover’s 38.75.

(Glover attends Fossil Ridge but competes for Lobos because the Saber Cats do not have a team.) Hammen, the defending state all-around champion, was third at 38.375.

A year ago, Hammen won the allaround medal by sweeping all four events: vault, uneven bars, floor exercise and beam.

This year, no single gymnast dominated the individual events. Peel secured her all-around victory by winning the uneven bars (9.85), placing second on the beam (9.725), and fifth on floor (9.65) and vault (9.7).

“Going into that meet, we had high scores as a toMegan Troutman tal team, like the previous score was a 180 and we beat that by a full two points, which is a lot, so our team did Fantastic Gymnastics : Senior Keri Peel prereally well, and I’m really proud of them,” pares herself for the beam (top right) in which Peel said. she placed second at the all around state meet.

Glover’s all-around score came on the Peel performs her double bar routine (top left) strength of second place finishes in the vault (9.775) and the floor (9.8), a fourth the Lobos to a fifth place finish as a team on the uneven bars (9.65) and a fifth on the at 182.45. State power Broomfield High beam (9.55).

School won the team title with a 186.85 The effort by Peel and Glover pushed total.

Broadcast efforts send Lobos

’Round

Makin’ the calls: Kevin Westhuis (left) and Kevin Gamble (right) live announce and broadcast at the game against Collins. This new live stream started a year ago as a way to “give back” to the community.

the World

Lauren Binder

Rocky parents put teams on Internet

by Lauren Binder//sports editor

Somewhere across the country, a distant relative of a football player sits in front of the computer screen to watch their nephew play—bringing them that much closer to being able to sit in the stands.

This is something that they were not able to do two years ago, before Rocky parent of 2011 graduate Kyle Westhuis, Kevin Westhuis, decided to start live broadcasting of football, soccer, girls’ and boys’ basketball and baseball games for the Fort Collins community.

Kevin gives up his time and equipment to give back to the community and broadcast all four high school football games and other events dur-

//sports special//

ing the year, for free.

He claims that if money were involved, that average cost per game would be about $300. Kevin has broadcasted what he estimates about 150 games in the last two years, so the money would be adding up to about $45,000. That money would be funded that sponsors, that Kevin confesses, he would get if he had the ambition.

“People always ask me why I do this,” Kevin said. “My answer is always the question, ‘Why do you go to the games?’ and the answer is because it’s kind of fun; I enjoy doing it and I enjoy giving back.”

The broadcasting is part of the country-wide broadcast website highschoolcube.com. Kevin receives volunteer help from David Haase and Kevin Gamble, parents of seniors

Jake Haase and Grant Gamble.

“I love working with youth. I was a coach for several years so this is kind of a natural progression from my coaching days now that my kids are all grown up,” Kevin Gamble said. “I like giving back to the community. I think that volunteering is very important.

I think that it is all about finding what you love and are passionate about and this just happens to be my sweet spot.”

Kevin Gamble has had hands- on experience in the

//Jump to cast,

on A7

Original Sports Page

I distinctly remember taking these gymnastics pictures. This was my first time taking gymnastics, and I was scared of getting too close. Eventually I walked close enough to touch the bars, and I snapped this picture. That was an exciting moment. Highlight of the year.

Dec. 2012

PHOTOGRAPHY

rmlimelight\\ //B8// Read up, study hard highlighter

December 14, 2012

Finals week approaches, students begin after school studying

What’s in the Limelight?

Today:

Movie: Stand Up Guys Movie: The Hobbit December 15:

Concert: Two Fresh @ Bluebird Theater December 17:

Rocky: Holiday Stocking @ Lincoln Center

Photo illustration by Megan Troutman

Some prefer studying away from home, avoid distractions

December 18: CD: T.I. -- Trouble Man: Heavy is the Need

by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

The laptops flip open, papers shuffle around, and cumbersome textbooks are being hauled out of backpacks; the after school studying begins. Suddenly cleaning your room sounds more exciting than reading a dry textbook.

Most students prefer to avoid these at home distractions when tackling homework. Instead, they

December 19: Movie: Monsters Inc. 3D December 25: Movie: Les Miserables

find other places where more work can be accomplished.

“I get more done [when studying away from home] because I don’t have the distractions of needing to clean my room or the little distractions that are constantly going on in your head,” senior Lily Schulz said.

Schulz prefers to study at the CSU library rather than at home.

Females 9% Study 4.3% feel away from

December 30: Concert: The Lumineers @ Ogden Theater

they get better grades

7.3% study

January 3:

home

10.7%

10.7% get

study at local coffee shop/cafes

distracted while studying

2.7%

study with a large group

a large group

CD: Never Shout Never - INDIGO

//Jump to Study,

on B6

away from home

32.3%

get distracted while studying

17.3%

study at librarys

Lauren Binder

Alley Cat: Senior Dani Croteau (right) enjoys a cup of coffee while studying at the Alley Cat with a friend.

rveyed

study .3% study with 6.7% at librarys

January 8:

Alley Cat are some of the many places Fort Collins has to offer.

Senior Dani Croteau also prefers to study away from home, typically at the Alley Cat or Starbucks.

“They Alley Cat is nice because there are a lot of people there that can help you (with homework),” Croteau said, “and as for Star-

males 20% Study

feel they get better grades

ople su

at local coffee shop/cafes

Concert: Nappy Roots @ Grizzly Rocks

10%

“It’s quieter and everybody’s there to study,” Schulz said, “which motivates me to study.”

Libraries are not the only place students can go for a quiet studying environment. Local coffee shops and cafés are also great places to sit down with a drink to study. The Wild Boar, Starry Night, Mugs, Starbucks, and the

300 pe

This picture was taken at one of my favorite holiday performances -- the Barnes and Noble fundraiser. Rocky music groups perform in the book store to spread the holiday cheer, and I was lucky enough to get up close and take some pictures. I chose this picture because it captured each singer’s expression.

29

Spotlight jazz group serenades Atlanta

January 11: Movie: Gangster Squad Movie: Zero Dark Thirty

by Morgan Miller//reporter

In Fort Collins, Rocky is well known for its amazing music program.

Throughout the years, the bands, orchestras and choirs have all received praise and awards for their excellence.

Senior Dana Brown has been involved in the jazz choirs and has enjoyed every minute of it.

“Having been involved

January 18: Movie: The Last Stand January 15: Rocky: Pre-CMEA @ Rocky CD: 2Cellos - In2ition CD: Pink - Still On Fire

Megan Troutman

Spotlight: the group performs at the Barnes and Noble holiday fundraiser in preparation for their trip to Atlanta.

with the jazz choirs at Rocky for three years, I know there’s always something

going on and something to look forward to,” Brown said.

This year the jazz choir Spotlight has been selected to perform at the Jazz Education Network Conference in Atlanta in January.

This conference is not just a field trip to another state; it is a huge honor not only to the choir but to the school itself. Only 10 high school groups were selected to perform at this event and six were from official performing arts schools. There were only two vocal jazz

groups that were selected for the event and Spotlight is one of them.

Choir director Paul Falk gathers music for Spotlight to rehearse and perform a 50-minute set at the conference.

“This is quite a lot of music,” Falk said. “So we will be performing some standard literature like

//Jump to Jazz,

on B6

Holiday Stocking concert returns to Lincoln Center

by Megan Troutman//limelight editor

January 22: CD: Destiny’s Child - Love Songs January 23: Concert: Ben Folds Five @ Ogden Theater

Amanda Kriss

Con Brio: the intermediate audition choir group performs at Barnes and Noble in preparation for the Stocking.

The annual Christmas collage concert is just around the corner on Dec. 17 at the Lincoln Center.

This concert is no ordinary concert. It has 25 various groups performing back to back.

Band director Casey Cropp has been part of the Stocking concert for 28 years as a band student and director and cannot wait for another fun performance. “(I’m) just always excited about how it comes together. It’s always different,” Cropp said. “The order’s always different and the way we do the collage format is always dif-

ferent.”

After years of being part of this tradition, Cropp is retiring at the end of the year. This will be his last year organizing and being part of the program.

“I don’t think of it that way. I think of it as another Stocking concert,” Cropp said.

On the other hand, the new choir director, Elizabeth Hohweiler, will be part of the Stocking this year for the first time.

“It’s exciting. I’ve known about the stocking forever,” Hohweiler said. “I student-

//Jump to Stocking,

on B6

Original Limelight Page

30

Dec. 2012

th Ham on the side

sports//highlighter

A6\\ December 14, 2012

Out with a tear

“

rm

Junior Williams sits out rest of seasons, torn ACL

by Cammie Palomino//reporter

An 800-pound club, three sport, year round athlete forced to take a seat on the bench.

And the bench, is where junior Dan Williams, will stay.

He took the risk of playing three sports as an offensive and defensive lineman, a wrestler, and shot put and discus thrower.

Which ended in a torn ACL at the football game on Oct. 11 against Horizon.

There will be six months of hard work and visual learning before he is able to get back in the jist of things. “(At first) I wasn’t sure if I tore it or not. I hyper extended my knee and it felt like something popped or broke or something,” Williams said. “I wasn’t too worried about it. When I stood up and tried to put weight back on my foot, my leg just buckled under me so I kinda figured something was bad and hopped off on one foot.”

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the four major knee ligaments. It prevents excessive motion of the knee joint and is crucial for knee stability.

Williams was playing special teams for one of the last plays of the game when the tear occurred. “(Doctor Rocci) Trumper (orthopedic surgeon) and Kate (Vardiman) took me into the locker and had me lay down on the floor. Trumper checked my legs, said that it felt really loose, and that it was probably my ACL.” This injury will take him out of wrestling and track in which he

Sugery blues: Junior Dan Williams sits on the exercise bike in the weight room (top).

Williams injured his ACL in the late football season and now has to sit out the rest of the year. He had surgery that involved both knees (right) and is working on the healing process.

Cammie Palomino

Health//

from page A8 normal person could just be maintaining their normal lifestyle, in comparison to a high level athlete that’s 6-foot-2, it would be around 4,000-plus calories just to maintain.“ Dyer, a Kinesiology major, also stresses the importance of timely calorie consumption.

“The post- calories are really important, following that 45 minute rule that within 45 minutes of the activity you have to replace those carbohydrates as quickly as possible,” Dyer said. “If you don’t, you’re really just kind of burning ‘empty’ calories; burning calories that you really don’t have.”

Off the court, mat, or field, athletes are having to worry about calories and keeping their bodies in prime condition. On the court though, their bodies and minds are working against them through fatigue and stress; and it takes its toll

physically, mentally and socially.

“It (sports) has definitely been tough on my body,” Schiller said.

“I don’t have much cartilage left in my ankles, and the time commitment involves a lot of stress. But it’s always worth it.”

“My body during the middle of the season is starting to get trashed and kind of wants to stop, but that’s where all the hard pre-season work comes in,” Reger said. “As an athlete you also miss out on hanging out with friends after school and sometimes weekends, and all of your spare time goes to homework and sleep.”

With all of the sacrifice and bodily harm it takes to be an athlete, why do so many people continue to live the athletic lifestyle?

“I like the atmosphere; it’s so competitive and requires mental toughness,” Reger said. “But what I really love is all of the sweat and hard work that is put into being the best you can be.”

Megan Troutman

Girls Swimming//

Record: 2nd Place on Dec. 4 Stars: Adele Waites Ahead: Dec. 15, Invite

Swim with fins: Junior Andie Kinney swims the butterfly stroke at the City Meet held on Dec. 4. The girls placed second at their last meet on Dec. 6.

Working on: Team Unity Talk: “If we try our hardest we could be really good.” -junior Andie Kinney

Kate Vardiman, Athletic trainer

Any time thAt you Are removed

from A seAson, and not being able to participate in your sport, especially now (for Dan) it’s his love, and he is not allowed to participate in his love

was predicted to be one of the top contenders in both sports.

“I am very upset,” Williams said. “I was hoping for a really good season this year. I guess I just have to work hard this summer and off season, and come back next year. It’s the only thing I can do.”

Rehab will be most extensive part of the process. Exercises include ankle pumps, heel slides, half-squats, ankle circles, quadriceps setting, straight leg raising and more. The stationary bike is also one of the major exercises in order to get the knee moving but at the appropriate speed.

“I hope rehab goes really well, I want to get back in the weight room fast,” Williams said. “I want to recover quickly for lifting, summer wrestling, football workouts, and all that stuff. So far I’ve just been keeping it straight. I’ve been doing a lot of cycling to get motion going and swelling down.

I try not to do too much on it, don’t stress anything.”

Vardiman being a high school athletic trainer, knows about ACL tears, especially a non-contact.

She knows that the process is long but it is the right thing to do. She wants the rehab to be smart and slowly progress him back into his sports in the upcoming months.

“His athleticism won’t be whatsoever due to his ACL,” Vardiman said. “There could be a potential that he could tear it again but no different than if he’d never torn it before, as long as he rehabs it correctly. It’s only when they’re silly and return really early and as long as he keeps musculature in the normal balance that he needs to be, he is not in any increase risk. As far as sports participation, he should not be limited in anything, once he is completely recovered it would probably take a good year before he could be back at his level.

“I feel like an old man,” Williams said. “I can’t run or do much. I’ve learned to just have a better form when doing different things so I don’t leave my knees vulnerable.”

Vardiman thinks that the hardest part about anyone who has had an ACL surgery is the patience part of the experience.

“He’ll learn patience,” Vardiman said. “Any time that you are removed from a season and not being able to participate in your sport, especially now (for Dan), it is wrestling season, it’s his love, and he is not allowed to participate in his love. He is going to learn patience and learn a different aspect of life.”

Lobo Baseball coach Bullock gives reasons for why he was not hired as Rockies manager Q:

► On Nov. 7, the Colorado Rockies hired Regis High School baseball coach Walt Weiss as their new manager. Rocky baseball coach Scott Bullock (right) answers questions on why he was passed over for that job.

So, are you planning any visit to the Rockies spring training facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, to check up on how Weiss is doing? Maybe give him a few tips?

A:

I think that would be fun when we (the Lobo baseball team) go down there to Arizona for our (spring) trip to go see the Rockies. Yes, I am planning on definitely doing that.

Q:

Seriously, because you know Weiss as a coaching colleague and/or rival, what do you think about his hiring as the Rockies new manager?

Q:

So, I hear that you are or were good friends—or at least coaching friends—with new Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss. Now that he has been hired as manager of a major league team, does he still talk with you, still know your name?

A:

Yeah, I bet he still knows my name... I would imagine. We were going to coach on a team together this summer that was going to go to Oklahoma for the Sun Belt Games. Are we the best of friends? No. But are we acquaintances, does he probably still know my name? Yeah, probably.

Q:

A year ago, you both had similar coaching positions—Rocky baseball coach for you and Regis High School baseball coach for Walt Weiss. Looking at both of your resumes, you have four state 5A baseball championships to your credit and Weiss has, what, none?

Why didn’t the Rockies hire you as their new manager?

A:

Well, he (Weiss) doesn’t have any state championships, but he has probably, what, 12 years of major league baseball experience as a player and then more in the front office? So,

A:

Highlighter Archives

he’s probably a little bit more qualified for that level than I am. But I’ll take my chances against him coaching high school baseball.

Q:

Weiss will probably make at least million dollars as the Rockies manager this coming season. Not really sure, but is that a pretty good pay raise from being a high school coach?

A:

Actually, I think in order to be successful with the Colorado Rockies you need to be the type of player that Walt Weiss was as a player. He got the most out of his abilities--a very hardnosed player. I think he will be perfect for that organization because they don’t have a lot of talent in the organization right now, so they are going to have to get the most out of what they have, and that’s what Walt did as a player.

Q:

How do you think the club will do under his leadership?

A:

I think he’s doing OK. Yes, that would be a nice pay raise... at least compared to the Poudre School’s coaching stipend.

They still need to find some pitching. They do. But I know I’ll be rooting for him.

As soon as Weiss was hired as the Rockies manager, did you march into the Rocky athletic director’s office and demand a pay raise?

There’s a baseball field in Timnath named after Weiss. Is there a “Scott Bullock Field” somewhere in the future?

Q: A:

Yup, I did. (Athletic Director Wayne) Moddelmog and I had a long conversation about that... and I will make the same amount I did last year.

Q: A:

Obsolutely not. Actually, the PE softball field that is set up on French Field everyday--to play PE softball. I call that Scott Bullock Field.

-Michelle Kennedy

Original Sports Page

Now this picture has quite the story. This was my first time taking swimming, and I was not sure what I was doing. Apparently, in order to get good shots, you have to crouch at the end of the lane. So I found the pool, found our star athlete, and crouched. Little did I know, when swimmers get to the end of the lane they flip around, which tends to form a mini tsunami of water. Long story short, I snapped this picture right before the wave hit me. I walked away nearly as wet as the swimmers themselves.

Sep. 2013

PHOTOGRAPHY Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

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S PORTS

New coach, new year Teacher Nigro in as new coach as softball team looks for fresh start

by Reyna Thomsponreporter

A new season of any sport brings excitement, but when new coaches are in the program, it brings fresh faces in addition to new ideas and values.

After many years of the same coaches at the helm, Matt Nigro, chemistry teacher, took the head softball coaching position. Having coached softball extensively in the past, school officials believed it made sense for him to take the job.

“I started coaching in 1988 at Fort Collins High School as an assistant varsity and junior varsity (JV) coach, and also as an assistant varsity coach for baseball at Loveland High School,” said Nigro, who has taught science at Rocky for the past decade. “In 1995, I started the softball program at Loveland High School, and worked there for six years.”

When asked about his long term goals for the season, Nigro said, “During the season, and in every game, the goal is to compete. If we’re in every game, and we’re fighting and persevering, that’s what I really want.”

Even more than the final score, Nigro hopes to foster a culture in which every player battles until the final pitch.

“If we’re fighting and persevering in every game, the wins and losses will take care of themselves,” he said. “But I would like to make some postseason play as a team goal.”

To make postseason play, the whole team needs to be on board.

“I want to build a program,” Nigro said. “That goes all the way from C to varsity and is competitive, and challenges for a win every game. My goal is for Rocky to be known as the softball school, and really build a tradition.”

Sports are a lot like life, with challenges and triumphs. For many of those challenges, Nigro relies on his experience as an educator.

“In high school you have seniors way down to

Megan Troutman

Winding up: Senior pitcher Esther Romero fires a pitch against Northglenn High School in a game on Aug. 30.

Romero helped the team to a 13-8 victory.

freshman, so getting them to work together and pull their talents out is a challenge,” Nigro said. “Being a coach involves a lot of teaching, and being a teacher involves a lot of coaching.”

Softball Record: 6-3 Stars: Kalea Blumenshine and Simchah Baker Who’s Next: Poudre,Thursday, Sept. 19, at 4:15 p.m. Working On: Communication and Trust Quote: “The season so far is a work of progress.”- Melanie Stajduhar, sophomore

Sept. 18, 2013

Marco

from page A8

Alex Gonzales agreed: “If you put as much time and as much money as our family has into baseball, you kind of expect a big outcome.”

At Rocky, Gonzales lettered all four years and was part of the 5A State Championship winning teams from 2007 to 2010.

Among other accomplishments, he was the winning pitcher in all four state championship games during his high school career. “(Playing at Rocky) definitely helped me. To play with...guys that are going places and getting drafted and how they handle themselves is probably the greatest thing I took away from that experience,” the elder Gonzales said.

“You mature really quick when you’re in those positions. We all matured so fast on that team and I think that probably helped me the most.”

This past summer after signing with the Cardinals, Gonzales played in Rookie League with the Gulf Coast League Cardinals for 4 games before moving up to the Palm Beach Cardinals Class AAdvanced League. There, he has given up only three runs in 16.2 innings, sporting an impressive 1.92 ERA. He appeared in eight total minor league games, facing major league players Casey Kotchman and Desmond Jennings, who were on rehab assignment at the time, which was probably the most glamorous part of the minor leagues.

“It’s a daily grind. When I was in High A, I got moved up with just under a month left (in the season) and was literally living out

Boys’ soccer

Serve it up: Se-

 nior Jason Krebec serves in a Aug. 29 match against Broomfield High School.

Krebec, the No. 2 singles player helped the Lobos to a 4-3 team victory with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Broomfield’s Adam Clarke.

Heading out: Senior boys’ soccer Chris Hawkins tried to control the ball with his head in game against Highlands Ranch High School on Sept.

7. The team won the French Field contest, 3-2.

Record: 3-0 Stars: Seth Bolander, Sander Malmquist, John Brown Who’s Next: Fossil Ridge, Sept. 19, 6 p.m.

Working On: Working the ball outside. Quote: “This year’s team looks really good.

We have players to score goals, as well as a strong defense. I’m confident that we will make it far into the playoffs this year.” -Carl Erickson, senior Owen Erickson

Kayla Brokop

Boys’ tennis Record: 2-1 Stars: Jason Krebec, Drew Guyor, Jason McCrary Who’s Next: Loveland (9/19), Fort Collins (9/23) Working On: Mental toughness and preparedness Quote: “This year’s tennis team I think has a lot of promise. We’ve got some young players and also a lot of seniors, and I think this team can go far and hopefully we can make a run at state and maybe a conference title.

It’s a great team all around.” – Neville Hyllegard, junior

Volleyball Record: 0-3 Stars: Morgan Weatherwax, Ashton Mares Who’s Next: at Fairview, Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. Working On: Team Melding (new coach and new team) Quote: “Our team motto is ‘Players win games but teams win championships.’” - Emily Jensen, senior

A7

of my suitcase,” Gonzales said.

Not to mention that in Rookie League there aren’t any overnight stays, making for some long bus rides.

It’s lucky that Gonzales, as a “hitting pitcher” was drafted into a National League team where the Designated Hitter (DH) rule doesn’t exist, though it is used at the lower levels of the minor leagues.

“I think that the National League is really pure, that it’s how baseball should be played.

Everybody on the field should take their turn at bat,” Gonzales said. “We treat our pitchers like athletes.”

Gonzales went on to say that he’d never had any experience with the American League and how that system worked, but definitely prefers pitchers having to bat.

On Sept. 16, Gonzales headed to instructional league in Jupiter, Florida, where he will be surrounded by coaches from the Cardinals’ Double and Triple A teams, as well as other players.

“I’m just really looking forward to the challenge...I’m excited to see how I match up against guys and see how I can do. I’m taking it one minute at a time,” Gonzales said.

Professional scouts expect Gonzales to rise quickly through the minor leagues to become an impact player in the majors.

Currently, he is the eighth-ranked player in the Cardinals’ organization. “(Marco’s) very deserving of everything he has gotten to this point,” Bullock said, “including a $2 million signing bonus.”

Cross country Stars: Bryan Hird, Kace Doner, David Messerli What’s Next: Meet at Fort Collins High School Working On: Overall placing and speed Quote: “It’s time to nut up or shut up.” -David Messerli, senior

Field hockey Record: 0-2 Stars: Helen Robins, Marisa Motif Who’s Next: Palmer High School Working On: Unity among the four schools, Defense Quote: “We are coming together as a team and getting ready to be competitive.” - Helen Robins, junior

FREE GAME

Bring this ad into any of our Centers for 1 free game Laser tag coming soon!

Original Sports Page

Softball was probably my favorite sport to shoot. It was such a nice day, and I enjoyed running from side to side to capture the right angle. Finally I got this action shot, with the perfect profile. I chose this picture for the portfolio because it was the best action photo from the shoot.

32

Dec. 2013

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

S

SPORTS

A8

Dec. 18, 2013 Drake’s Drizzle

Eric Bakke / Denver Broncos team photographer/special to the RM Highlighter

Drake Lindstrom

Richie’s bullying not Incognito

Johnny Manziel took the prize for the biggest punk in college football and it looks like we have a winner for the biggest punk in the pros: Richie Incognito.

Incognito has recently been indefinitely suspended from the Miami Dolphins due to an investigation revealing that he bullied members of the team including fellow lineman Jonathan Martin as well as members of the staff.

Really? This is a 30 year old man and he’s still bullying. Bullying is usually tied in with insecurities, at six-foot three-inches and 319 pounds, you could say he might or might not have reasons to be self-conscious.

Beyond Incognito’s feigned masculinity, the fact that bullying even happens in professional locker room is remarkably immature.

Football is a team sport. This isn’t golf or swimming where the blame or credit all goes to one person; this is a team, and there are certain rules when there is a full team. One of those rules is you don’t get to treat your teammates with disrespect.

Now I understand there are certain amounts of “initiation” when it comes to new kids, there is always a certain amount of teasing that goes on in and out of the locker room. But that teasing should always be accompanied by a feeling of acceptance. It should be made clear that after you endure the absurd torture your team puts you through, you’re a part of that team and in good times and bad, you can always count on them to have your back.

The fact of the matter is you should treat everyone on your team like a brother out there. Regardless of whether you run out onto the field, hustle onto the court or skate onto the ice; those teammates are all you have out there. They go out with you and fight for every play and they have your back when everything gets out of control. The fact that someone can take something as sacred as that bond and trample it by bullying them is sickening.

Forming a team is a difficult thing to do and when you add the ups and downs of a season, there is a certain amount of respect that is to be expected. Yes, teams talk smack and argue at times, but you are still a team, a family.

The case of Incognito and any other case of locker room bullying, is utterly mind-blowing. If you bully someone in your locker room to the point that they leave, I have absolutely no respect for you and you do not deserve to wear the jersey of your team. When you pull that jersey on, you stop representing yourself and start representing something much larger.

A team is a family. Treat them like one.

Drake Lindstrom is a junior and a reporter for the RM Highlighter

Mile High cheer: The cheer team performs their routine with the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders at the Broncos game against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 12.

LOBO CHEER

Cheer team starts to find success

Dedication is choice, not responsibility

by Marissa Bonertzreporter

by Reyna Thompsonreporter

From the Elitches Spirit Fest to the Denver Broncos Spirit Competition, the cheer team has won competition after competition.

“They also won districts, which was a huge accomplishment since it was the first time districts was held for our league, so we beat out Fossil Ridge to win that one…they’ve won all of their divisions but they’ve also won grand champions at all of these competitions,” cheer coach Rebekah Welte said.

The girls won the Elitches Spirit Fest and have received season passes for a year. They also won the district competition; sweeping Fossil Ridge, making them district champions.

The most unique competition they won was one held by the Denver Broncos cheerleaders. They had the opportunity to cheer at the Denver Broncos pre-game on Dec. 12. The girls performed their own routine as Brittany well as a routine with the Denver Hyland Broncos cheerleaders.

“They will get to practice twice leading up to that game for two hours with the Denver Broncos cheerleaders. They will get to do a routine with the Denver Broncos

Sports special

,

Fifteen hours.

When looking at this number, one might think of the amount of time they’d spend at their part time job for the week. When in reality, it is the number of hours devoted to cheerleading in a seven-day span when sports are in full swing.

This level of commitment doesn’t leave room for much else. So where’s the appeal?

To the cheerleaders, their time could not be spent doing anything better.

Three-year varsity senior Brittany Hyland said, “I have no problem with being so devoted to cheer because it is what I love. I would be practicing twenty-four/seven if I could.”

Practices are usually two hours on weekdays, with an additional three hour practice on Saturdays. If you are with a group of people for 15-plus hours a week, there is a good chance you will end up end up getting close with them.

“We tell each other everything, and some of us get along better than others. But at the end of the day, we are all friends and we talk at school or practice daily,” Hyland said.

Establishing a bond with the team is essential, considering all the time spent together.

Along with most other sports, team chemistry is vital. Without it, there would be no cohesiveness to

,

Jump to DeDication on A7

Jump to Win on A7

Coming back strong

Determination brings Williams back, team stronger

by Miriam FieldsFeatures Editor

Highlighter archives

Hard work pays off: Senior Dan Williams dedicated lots of time to rehab last year. A year later, Williams has finished his final season of football and is about to start his final season of wrestling.

Dan Williams is not used to having to sit out.

So having to miss the rest of football season and the entirety of the wrestling season after tearing his ACL in early Nov. of last year was very difficult for him.

Fortunately, he has returned to wrestling this year after a successful surgery and extensive rehabilitation. After playing football this year, he is ready to continue with his second sport of the year, and has also been named one of the wrestling captains.

“It definitely made me be more precautious,” said Williams.

Williams’ coaches have been very supportive. They visited him after his surgery and reached out to him during his physical therapy.

“As far as most athletes that

I’ve had, he came back off of the ACL very well. Getting out into football this year, he wasn’t tentative at all,” said Kate Vardiman, Rocky athletic trainer. “He doesn’t notice that he tore his ACL in the first place.”

Williams’s wrestling coach, Ken Taylor, has been one of his main support systems.

For Taylor, a fast and successful recovery means that he has regained one of the most devoted and skillful member of the team. Taylor sees many promising qualities in Williams, and has seen him grow as a person.

“I think adversity for a very competitive person can help them come out and even be better than they were before,” said Taylor. “Danny is really highly motivated, and so... having to watch from the outside looking in was tough on him. I think sitting out last

Original Sports Page

Megan Troutman

Not in our house: Senior Luis Perez shows his skills on the season opener. The team ended up earning first place in the meet.

year served as a motivator for what he’s doing this year.”

Though it can be very difficult to come back from an injury, Taylor realizes that Williams has handled this situation very well.

“It’s hard to come back from injuries,” Taylor said.

“These guys heal pretty quickly, but it takes a lot of rehab.

Psychologically, it can be difficult because it takes a while

,

Jump to Wrestling on A7

Wrestling is an interesting sport.

It is not the most pleasant thing to watch, especially when you have to sit on the edge of the mat in order to take pictures. I chose this particular picture because it shows how dedicated I am to the newspaper. I did not like watching or taking pictures of this sport, but I stayed the entire time until I got this action shot of the star varsity wrestler taking down his opponent.

Dec. 2013

PHOTOGRAPHY

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

This was an emotional moment for everyone in the crowd. Sisters of a Rocky alum suffering from cancer sang the National Anthem before the basketball fundraiser. I was directing the spirit band, and was in the perfect position to capture the touching moment.

33

FEATURES

Dec. 18, 2013

B3

Community support

Mackenzie Bartzen Courtesy of Blair Berg

Foreign classroom: Teacher Blair Berg has a new classroom in Kuwait after he made the decision to teach internationally. He has enjoyed the new experience thoroughly, and highly encourages others to get out of their comfort zones and travel internationally.

Blair Berg teaching in Kuwait school Former social studies teacher Blair Berg, who is now teaching in Kuwait, tells of his experiences.

Q: What is something that you took from your teaching experience at Rocky that you are applying to your teaching experience in Kuwait?

A: I learned a lot teaching at Rocky. I was fortunate to have worked there with great teachers, administrators and students. I would say that the most important piece I took with me from Rocky was how to build good relationships with my students.

Question & answer

Q: What have you learned from teaching in a third world country that could benefit you if/when you come back to teach in the US? A: If I do decide to come back to the US, I will have hopefully learned how to teach different perspectives of people around the world. I want to have a first hand experience in the things I teach. I want to be able to help my students understand a subject with real situations from real people. Not just from pictures in a textbook.

Q: What are some struggles students have in Kuwait compared to some struggles Rocky students may have?

A: High school students are the same no matter where you are in the world. The struggles that my students have are identical to what Rocky students are going through. How to deal with the workload, how they should breakup with their girlfriends/ boyfriends, what they are going to do this weekend, etc.

Q: What do students there

do when they are not in school compared to American students?

A: Students here do not have as much access to things like American students do. But the majority of students will

go to the beach, go shopping in malls (there are hundreds of malls in this tiny country), go out to dinner, etc.... Most of them do not have cars, so they are limited in where they can go, unlike their American counterparts.

Q: When did you realize you wanted to teach in a place different than the US? A: Growing up overseas my whole life sort of sparked the desire to live internationally. I always knew that I would be back abroad one way or another. It was just a matter of time. So far, it has been a great experience. I would highly encourage anyone to take the time and travel. Get away from your comforts and do something new.

Q: What does your school/ classroom look like?

A: You can see the picture of my classroom above.

Q: What was the hardest thing to get used to once you started your foreign teaching experience?

A: I would say that the most difficult thing would be getting used to a new school. There are new faces, new people, new things to do, etc...It is very exciting, but can also be hard because you have to start everything over from scratch.

Building new relationships with people, moving into a new place, new languages, etc...

Megan Troutman

Family Support: Sisters Shelby Schilling and Corby Weaver, sisters of alumnus Collins Ferris, and Schilling’s daughter, Seatynn Schilling (Ferris’s niece), sing the national anthem at the fundraiser on Nov. 3. The fundraiser included basketball games, a silent auction, and performances by the spirit band.

Fundraiser helps alum fight cancer

by Emily Andersoneditor-in-chief

Those that have experienced cancer, whether directly or through a loved one, can attest to its steep financial burden.

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, more than 1 million people are foregoing cancer care due to financial reasons. They may not have supportive family to help pay the cost, their insurance may not cover treatment, or they may not even have insurance at all.

On Nov. 3, this stress was slightly alleviated for Collins Ferris, Rocky alumnus. Ferris, who suffers from an extremely rare form of cancer (a combination of lymphoma and leukemia), needed a second bone marrow transplant that his insurance would not cover.

“I did the first bone marrow transplant. Usually they look to family members, to just try to get it matched as closely as they can,” Corbey Weaver, Ferris’s sister said. “They actually said that Collins and I matched better than identical twins. So we were all thinking that that would be the key, but unfortunately it was

actually too similar that his body still thought that it was his own cells, and just kept creating his own cells instead of using mine.”

Ferris became sick again, and further treatment was necessary.

“The only steps they know how to take to solve this cancer is to do the radiation and chemotherapy, to kill off all of his cells, then put in all new cells. So it was all stem cell. Wonderful people donated the cord blood from birth. It’s amazing that people donated that, and that they found enough. It’s incredible,” Weaver said. “However, his wife’s insurance policy would not cover this.”

In response to this, several family friends, including Wayne Moddelmog, assistant principal, put together a basketball tournament and silent auction, held at Rocky, to fund his treatment.

“Family friends took it upon themselves to put it all together.

My reaction was just really humbled,” Ferris said. “It was incredible how they were able and willing to take the time and the effort to do this for me and my wife.”

Put together a month before the event, the fundraiser was ini-

tially supposed to be a basketball game with Collins’s friends and other alumni basketball players. However, as more and more people wanted to help and participate, the event grew. Twentytwo six-foot tables held items to be auctioned, the players played three games, and the spirit band played as well.

“We just started putting it all together, and thought it’s not a basketball game without the band, so I asked Mr. Schlupp and Mr. Sherman, and they had me go in and talk to the kids,” Robin Pettinger, the Music Department Secretary, said. “I asked if we could pull this together. Of course the kids wanted to. So, it just came about.”

Because of the second transplant, Collins’s health has improved greatly and he may be able to return home soon.

“In general it’s mind-blowing how expensive something like this is, but I think the fundraiser turned out perfectly,” Ferris said.

“I just want to give a special thanks to Mr. Moddelmog for hosting the event and the pep band for making it so special, and anyone else who donated their time.”

Q: Why do you think schools in Kuwait aren’t as funded as schools in the US? A: This is a question I ask myself a lot. This country has access to almost an infinite amount of money, yet there is no investment back into infrastructure, education, or the people. I feel that they are not as funded as schools back home because money goes into personal fortunes instead of public needs.

Cammie Palomino

Original Features Page

34

Dec. 2013

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

The AP Art show is a huge event each year at Rocky. Every art student’s dream is to make it to the AP Art show. I was lucky enough to interview my best friend, an amazing artist, and told part of her story. This blue dragon acted as the focal point of the show.

L IMELIGHT

Dec. 18, 2013

B7

Wadjda wins hearts at Lyric Cinema Café

Students showcase dedication, hard work

by Jessi Brokopreporter

MOVIE review

by Megan Troutmaneditor-in-chief

Display boards sprinkled the commons as each AP Art student stood proudly by their remarkable accomplishments.

After months of preparation and hard work, the annual AP Art show on Dec. 11 turned out to be another huge success for the art department.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience and I’ve been looking forward to the AP Art show since I got into the class,” senior Saskia Becker said.

Becker has been painting for some time now, but became more dedicated at the end of her junior year.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever worked for. I never thought it would be, but it definitely is,” Becker said.

All 25 AP students devoted hours of their time producing art and organizing the event.

Everything from music to catering had to be considered when building the art show.

Senior Grant Wray underestimated the stress involved with planning and coordinating for the show.

“We’re all creatively thinking together in the same room but we’re all very different people,” Wray said.

“So when we talk about what kind of music we want, what kind of food, all these creative kids come together and it’s

‘‘ ,,

Megan Troutman

Here there be dragons: Senior Courtney Sadar sculpted the great blue dragon which debuted at this years AP Art Show on Dec. 11. The art show featured all twenty five AP Art students and their work from the semester.

hard to balance it so that everyone’s happy with the art show.”

It is typically the behindthe-scenes aspects that students tend to forget. Without a lot of direction, students must come to a consensus on details and anticipate how many visitors they will have.

“This year we were really trying to get a lot of people to come,” Becker said. “We wanted it to be different and really show the public what we all can do.”

Despite the stress that came with organizing the show, it successfully came together in the end.

Senior Addie Hammond was also excited for the show and the wide variety of artists.

“I guess every year is different.

Especially with something like art, it’s everyone’s creative minds and what they’re Saskia Becker expressing with that,”

It’s been a really rewarding experience and I’ve been looking forward to the AP Art Show since I got into the class.

Saskia Becker, senior

Hammond said.

Hammond saw the AP Art show her freshman year and knew it was an amazing event.

What she did not know, was that in three years she would be presenting her own display board.

“It wasn’t a goal of mine until maybe the second quarter of sophomore year. I had Dukart (art teacher) and he was asking me about AP senior year,” Hammond said. “Then I decided that was my new goal in life. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”

The show was also highly anticipated by Wray who went

to the same show as Hammond three years ago. Back then, art was merely an interest and AP Art was a figment of their imaginations.

“This year was completely different . . . I was telling people about my art instead of asking people about art,” said Wray, displaying a collection of photographs.

Each artist brought their own unique talent to the table, and contributed to the tremendous art show.

“This was my high school experience,” Wray said. “We put a lot into this class and we’re not going to forget it.”

The Blow blows back onto music scene

by Mackenzie Bartzenreporter

After releasing their highly anticipated self-entitled album, The Blow, the music group The Blow is finally back on the music scene after almost six full years.

Fortunately, long-time fans who have been (im)patiently waiting for new songs will not be disappointed.

While they may have done considerably little to change up their sound, it does not detract from their pre-existing style, which is still memorable and addictive.

With relaxing yet catchy synth-pop beats and lyrics, The Blow’s new album is perfect to listen to on a long drive or even as calming background music while doing

CD review

Imagine living in a world where women are often ignored and isolated; that is the life of Wadjda, a young girl living in Saudi Arabia.

The well produced film, Wadjda, articulates the harsh Saudi Arabian culture from the lens of Wadjda who is very different than other girls her age.

Wadjda made its debut in Old Town’s beloved Lyric theater, an independent theater for small films that never make the big theater.

Moviegoers feel Wadjda’s pain as she is forced to live in the traditional fabric of society. She is not allowed to dress a certain way, listen to certain music, or go to some places in town.

One of the most difficult rules she has to face is that girls are not allowed to ride bicycles.

Wadjda is mocked by a young boy, Abdullah, because he can race with the other boys. All she wants is to race him, and she would do anything to earn the money for a simple bike.

Although Wadjda has multiple layers to the storyline, the plot is easy to follow. The different stories blend together in a way that is easily understood.

The little girl overcomes struggles by focusing on finding a way to race Abdullah. Her maturity develops throughout the film as she focuses on the positive in life.

The story includes many aspects of the Saudi Arabian culture, including readings from the Koran.

There are also several references to arranged marriages and how real they can be. Wadjda’s mother was on the phone several times during the movie, talking with friends about different arranged marriages that took place around the town.

Unpredictability is one of the strong suits of the film, keeping audience members on the edge of their seats at all times.

This is an educational film depicting the Saudi Arabian culture in a unique blend of stories. A perfect movie for anyone who enjoys learning about different experiences across the world.

homework.

Both the lyrics and the instrumentals are as strong as ever, making allusions to universal experiences of struggling; self-image and not actually liking the person you’re dating, to name a few.

Aiming to evoke a mood reminiscent of early adolescence, The Blow impacts its audience with bittersweet nostalgia subtly and effectively.

The Blow cautiously and gracefully sneaks in slight commentaries about gender issues. While the songs are quite simplistic in structure, this contrasts well with the loaded lyrics, to create an aesthetically pleasing balance.

Despite a long six years devoid of new material, The Blow is back with a vengeance.

Old and new fans alike will both be able to

The Blow album cover enjoy the new album. As for the future, let’s keep our fingers crossed that they do not take another six years for the next album.

Original Limelight Page

Sept.

2013

35 MULTI-MEDIA/OPEN Marching to a Muddy Tune...Photoshop Blurred Image What’s in the Limelight?

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

L

Sept 19: School- Concert: Prima, Singers, Sympohny @ 7:00

LIMELIGHT

B8

Sept. 18, 2013

Concert- Furthr @ Red Rocks Sept 20: Mo v i e R el e a s ePrisoners Sept 24: Concert- Dizzy Wright @ Hodi’s Halfnote C D R e l e a s eJason Derulo: Tattoos C D R e l e a s eD r a k e: N o t h i n g was the Same C D R e l e a s eC h er : C l o s er t o the Truth

Marching to a Muddy Tune

Sept 27: Mo v i e R el e a s eCloudy with a Chance of Me a t b a l l s 2 Mo v i e R el e a s eDon Jon

New band director rises to the challenge However, the benefits are not limited to teaching more advanced musicians.

“Sixth graders are so . . . needy,” he said.

Kenyon Scheurman’s vision is 20/20 with “High school students aren’t nearly as needy.” his contacts in. His vision for the Rocky MuScheurman was introduced to music at an sic Department, however, is much less literal. early age by his mother, both an elementary “My vision is really just to fit in with school music teacher and what’s already haphis piano instructor. His pening, because there older brother and sister are amazing things were both involved in happening,” Scheurband, and though they man said. did not pursue music New to the music through their careers, department, ScheurMusic is just my pasScheurman continues to man moved after follow it every day. sion. It’s always going teaching at Boltz Mid“Music is just my pasdle School for six years. to be a part of my life, sion,” he said. “It’s always Scheurman is excited and this is my chance going to be a part of my to be at the high school to make it my life. life, and this is my chance level with students who to make it my life.” have already learned Kenyan Scheurman, Rocky’s music departthe basics. band director ment has a prestigious “I’m most looking history, fueled by both inforward to working novative staff and devoted with high school musistudents. The music cians and the level they’re at,” Scheurman program was honored with a Grammy that said. “Taking a kid who’s never seen or held signature schools award in the 2010-2011 a clarinet before and comparing them to a school year–one of the highest honors a high student that’s already in their fourth year of school music department can receive. music is different.”

by Aaron Yucenter editor

‘‘,,

Currently, the band section is working on a jazz ensemble alongside its usual activities.

Scheurman is looking forward to working with the jazz band, and the students involved are equally enthusiastic.

“I’m really excited to be working with the jazz group,” he said. “We’ve got a jazz band that’s underway and we’re hoping to expand.”

Selyne Tibbits-Pagan, a member of the jazz band, professes that Scheurman is very easy to work with.

“Scheurman’s cool,” Tibbits-Pagan said.

“He’s pretty laid back; he’s gonna do good things in the music department.”

Following music from the start, Scheurman is looking forward to a long and fulfilling career in the Rocky music department.

The highlights of the job light the path ahead of him, leaving only enjoyment in its wake.

“There’s nothing that I’m dreading,” he said. “I think I know what I’m getting myself into. If I was dreading it, I shouldn’t have been here in the first place.”

Certainly, his students aren’t dreading it either.

“If Scheurman wasn’t here, I would cry.

I would not come to school,” Tibbits-Pagan said. “I would drop out.”

Rocky’s own Mess Team, a Civil War re-enactment group, is starting to make their own history.

Run by social studies teacher Kurt Knierim, the group has received many exciting opportunities recently, including being extras on the set of an upcoming movie, which started filming on September 7.

After Knierim was originally contacted, he

suggested Lobo Mess to the producers.

“I contacted the producer and the director, and they invited us to be a part of it,” Knierim said.

Mess has been around for a whopping 11 years, started by Knierim after he raised money to get a second uniform and took a student with him as part of his adult group. Since then, Mess’s popularity has skyrocketed, and the group has over 20 members.

“I thought this would

be a great thing for students to get involved in”, Knierim said.

In the movie The Soul of Silas, which is due to premiere sometime next year, the troops are going to be filmed and will be multiplied to give the appearance of a full-sized military force.

“We did the same thing over and over again,” Knierim said, “we marched, and we shot our guns with blanks and did some green screen work.”

Editing actors on a

Oct 1: Mo v i e R el e a s eFright Night 2: New Blood Oct 4: Mo v i e R el e a s eGravity Oct 8: S c h o o l - C o nc er t : S u m m i t , Sin, CB, Cap, C o n c e r t O r c h e stra C D R e l e a s eMi l e y C y r u s : B a n g er z Concert- Thirty S ec o n d s t o Ma r s @ F i l l m n o r e A uditorium Oct 10: S c h o o l - C o nc er t : W i n d s , Chambers, Singer s , P r i m a @ 7 : 0 0

Mess shoots into fame

by Mackenzie Bartzen reporter

Sept 30: C D R e l e a s eJustin Timberl a k e: T h e 2 0 / 2 0 E x p er i e n c e P a r t 2 of 2

Oct 11: Mo v i e R el e a s eMa c h et e K i l l s

Courtosy of Kurt Knierim

Ready to fire: Lobo Mess re-enacts a 19th century battle while rehearsing for the film Soul of Silas (above). Mess is preparing to make their film debut sometime next year.

green screen saves time so they don’t have to refilm the troops in different settings, and instead copies the footage into multiple battle scenes.

The future looks bright

for the re-enactment group, and who knows what the future may hold?

For now, it looks like Mess’s movie involvement could lead to even bigger and better things.

Oc t 1 4 : C D R e l e a s eP ea r l J a m : L i g h tning Bolt Oct 15: Concert- John F o g e r t y @ F i l lmore Auditorium

My original goal was to take this image in Photoshop and blur the bottom to represent the muddy football field.

After working the picture for some time, it seemed like it was not blurring at all. I finally realized that I was using the wrong tool... awkward. Anyway, I would have liked the blurry field to drop down through more of the story, but I think it turned out quite nicely.

36

Dec. 2012

AP art show...Photoshop Cutouts It was definitely challenging cutting out these images. The girl on the right was difficult because I had to go in and erase black background from her intricate piece.

rmhighlighter\\limelight

//B7

AP art show displays artists unique talents

by Morgan Miller//reporter

Endless brush strokes, snapping photos, and sculpting clay are only a few ways the AP art students express their passion for art.

There are more ways to produce art than painting, photography, and sculpting, but sometimes they are not as recognizable.

At the AP art show on Dec. 11, the artwork was shown off to the public, displaying how hard the students worked on their projects.

Senior Seth Painter is one of many students in this semester’s AP Art class.

Painter is known for his unique ability to do graffiti art and digital painting.

“Right now for the graffiti art I’m just working on the word ‘AP art,’ and for digital painting, I’ve been working on a picture of Fin and Jake from the show Adventure Time,” Painter said.

Before the semester ends all students in the class are required to have 30 pieces finished. Painter has roughly 17 finished.

Senior Ashley Plunkett is another AP Art student with diverse work. Plunkett is the only art student in the class that specializes in 3D design. She also put several pieces on display at the

►Jessamyn Lane

art show.

“I do a wide variety of 3-Dimensional art including work with pipe cleaners, copper wire, mica and Sculpey among other things,” Plunkett said.

She makes sculptures out of household things that most people would never think of as traditional pieces of art.

“I might have a career in art in the future with my work, but it’s mostly a hobby,” Plunkett said.

So far Plunkett has about 30 pieces she would consider finished.

Although photography is a widely known art, AP art student Jessamyn

►Seth Painter

Lane focuses mostly on pictures. She does digital and traditional black and white photography.

“Yes I do see it as a possible career later on,” Lane said.

She also has 17 pieces done and must finish the other thirteen by the end of the semester.

The AP art show was a success with multiple artists put on display for the community to experience art at its finest.

►Ashley Plunkett

One Direction steals hearts, Take Me Home New album’s toe-tapping beats, love songs

by Cammie Palomino//reporter

One Direction is about to capture the hearts of millions of girls, again.

The British boy band consists of Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Zayn Malik.

The singers originally auditioned alone on the 2010 season of the British X Factor but did not make it as soloists. Then they were put together as a band and one year later became the worldwide hit, One Direction.

They came out with their first album Up All Night including hit songs “What Makes You Beautiful” and “One Thing”. They became the first British band to debut at number one in America with a debut album.

Due to the success of their previous album, the new album Take Me Home was expected to be as big, if not bigger, than Up All Night. The new album has similar songs that are already top hits. It has a variety of upbeat love songs and toe-tapping melodies. The band sold 540,000 albums in its first week, coming in third in

//CD review//

I chose this page to show what I am capable of with cutouts in Photoshop.

Although her picture was difficult to cut out, with a lot of concentration I was able to make it work.

December 14, 2012

2012 for highest album debut in its first week.

Their first hit of Take Me Home is “Live While We Are Young”. The song talks about fun times and is very catchy. It became the fastest selling pre-order single in history. It also topped the sales chart in over 40 countries.

The second hit of their new album is “Little Things” written originally by artists Fiona Bevan and Ed Sheeran. All five members sing about how even though a girl may have her insecurities, they will love her for who she is.

The album also has original songs written by the band members themselves. “Last First Kiss” and “Back For You” were co written by the whole group. “Last First Kiss” is all about how they want to be a girls last and first kiss. “Back for You” is a song that lets a girl know that no matter what may happen, they will always be there waiting for her. The song has a relaxing beat.

“Summer Love” was only written by Malik, Payne, Tomlinson, and Styles. “Summer Love” talks about a simple summer romance that is about to be over. It is paired drums, guitars, and voices to a somewhat slow beat.

Call of Duty Black Ops II exceeds expectations

by Ed Kennedy//reporter

Treyarch upped the ante this time around with a new and improved version of the popular Call of Duty series, Call of Duty Black Ops II. The highly anticipated game is the 9th installment in the Call of Duty saga, and the sequel to 7th game, Call of Duty Black Ops. This game, under the weight of heavy pressure and high expectations, seemed to surpass the achievement of the first Black Ops, which fell short and disappointed die hard fans as it followed the highly touted Modern Warfare 2, one of the highest selling games of all time.

Black Ops II breaks through with a captivating campaign, which jumps back and forth in time through memories and flashbacks from 2025 to 1985, tracing hidden memories of the main character’s father.

The campaign touts new futuristic concepts and gameplay features such as remote control surveillance “spiders” and interactive harrier flight missions.

The new installment also provides three new maps for the popular Nazi Zombies, providing different scenes and scenarios for all of your zombie killing needs.

The popular online multiplayer mode, how-

//game review//

MCT

Video Game: Call of Duty Black Ops II screenshot. This is the 9th installment in the Call of Duty saga that exceeded expectations

ever, is the most anticipated feature.

Treyarch does not disappoint here either, providing an easier and modified version of the purchasing feature from the first Black Ops. Wager matches such as One in the Chamber, Sharpshooter, Gun Game, and Sticks and Stones are back as well, but are to be played only for fun with no wager ability due to the modified purchasing feature.

There are high expectations for the Call of Duty saga due to its incredible success and popularity.

Black Ops II meets and in some ways exceeds those expectations.

One Direction album cover for Take Me Home

The band will be busy in the next year with their worldwide tour, book, and 3D movie to be done in the future. The band also held a competition in thirty-eight countries where they gave away tickets for a concert and an opportunity to meet the band the next day.

If listeners enjoyed Up All Night, they are bound to love Take Me Home.

Dec. 2013

37 MULTI-MEDIA/OPEN Speaking the universal language...Photoshop Cutouts

Similarly to the AP art photo on the previous page, the drummer was also difficult to cutout. I chose this example because it was equal if not more challenging than the previous picture. After cutting out this image in Photoshop, I did not save it as a transparency, so I spent a lot more time adjusting the text wrap before realizing my mistake. Now I will always remember to save as a transparency.

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

Drake Lindstrom

L

LIMELIGHT

B8

Dec. 18, 2013 What’s in the Limelight?

T o d a y : Mo vie R e l e a se - A n c h o rm a n 2: T h e Le g e n d Co n tin ues D e c . 20: Movie R e l e a se - Wa lki n g w i t h D i n osa u rs

Co n c e rt - O n eRep u b l i c @ Ogd en Theater D e c . 25: Movie R e l e a se - T h e S e c re t Li f e of Wa l t e r Mi t t y J a n . 1: Mo vie R e l e a se - T h e R a i l w a y Ma n J a n . 3: Mo vie R e l e a se - Para n o rm a l A c tivi t y : T h e Ma rked On e s J a n . 7: Co n cert - D a i d Co o k @ B l u e b i rd T h ea ter J a n . 13: CD Rel e a se - Ki d C u d iS a t e l l i t e F l i gh t: T h e J o u rn e y to Mo t h e r Mo on J a n . 14: R o cky - Pre - CME A Co n c e rt @ RM HS 7: 00p m J a n . 15: Comed y - Wa n d a S ykes @ B o u l d e r T h ea ter J a n . 17: Movie R e l e a se - T h e Nu t Job J a n . 19: Con cert - Pi n k @ Pe p si Ce n t e r J a n . 21: CD Rel e a se - Yo un g t h e Gi a n t - M in d Ove r Ma t t er J a n . 22: Con cert - J u st i n T i m b erl a k e @ Pe p si Ce n t e r J a n . 23: Con cert - La d y A n t eb ell u m , Ki p Moore, a n d Ka c e y M u s g ra ve s @ Pep si Ce n t e r

Speaking the Universal Language Fine tuning: Left to right, guitarists Will Brauch, Keaton Nalezny, and Jared Janzen jam together on the rocks.

Coming from sister bands, the musicians often play gigs together.

Local bands branch out to community

by Drake Lindstromreporter

as a team.

By having each member of The diversity of artists in Fort Collins the group add their own style, Savage ranges from dubstep, to death metal to Cabbage maintains an atmosphere and alternative and bluegrass bands, and even a sound like no other. Savage Cabbage themdipping into the relatively underground selves do not know what genre they fit into. genre of ska.

“We’ve talked about this a lot . . . it’s high One of the bands energy, a little grunge,” Nalezny said. gaining popularFalling largely into the category of ity in Fort Collins is alternative rock, Savage Cabbage also has the “power-trio” of influence from 90’s bands like Pearl Jam, and Savage Cabbage. Made up of juniors Collin oddly enough, U2.

Orr (guitar) and Keaton Nalezny (bass/lead A second band rising in Fort Collin vocalist), as well as senior Nathan Sonnenis Blue Taboo. While the band has been burg (drums), Savage Cabbage has only been together for almost four years, the current together for a little under a year. line-up has only been together for less than a “I first learned when I was about six, but year, featuring juniors Will Brauch (guitar), I really started to get into it in about 6th or Jared Janzen (guitar), Kyle Petty (bass), and 7th grade,” Orr said.

Julian Ferarra (drums).

Savage Cabbage The band takes its unique originally came tosound from the cornucopia gether just as Sonnenof different influences the burg and Orr jamming band members have. Petty together, but when listens to metal, whereas BrNalezny joined the I just want to play auch and Ferarra are inspired group, things started to by acoustic rock like Radiomusic to live and live fall into place. head, and Janzen listens to to play music.

Within the first few classic rock and bluegrass. weeks they had written Will Brauch, “It’s a throw-up of differand started to perfect ent styles... when you listen junior their first six songs, to it, you might have a really featured in their EP specific idea of what you that dropped in the think it is... in our heads its summer of 2013. In the ten months since a lot of different things,” Janzen said. their creation, the band has released an EP, With this diversity, Blue Taboo is given two singles and has played at multiple live a completely unique sound. The music shows throughout Fort Collins, including they write is influenced by all of their difthe CSU battle of the bands. ferent particular tastes as well as by their In the CSU battle of the bands, Savdifferent expertises and experiences. age Cabbage was by far the youngest of the “We think the exact opposite with contestants, with most of their competitors music. I don’t ever think about notes or being college students or graduates, and Sav- theory. I just feel everything and Will is a age Cabbage still placed in the top three. genius with theory,” Janzen said.

“From spending so much time together, I While most dream of making it big and guess we just got lucky,” touring the world, which is no doubt in the Orr said. back of both of these bands’ minds, for now Their chemistry they keep their dream simple. on and off the stage “I just want to play music to live,” Brhas allowed them to auch said, “and live to play music.” be successful in writing music, and working together

Limelight special

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J a n . 26: Con cert - 3 D o o rs Down @ Pa ra m o u n t Theater J a n . 28: CD Rel e a se - Of M ice & Me n - R e storin g F o rc e

Drake Lindstrom

Keeping the beat: Senior Nathan Sonnenburg plays with Savage Cabbage on the rocks.

Other group members include juniors Collin Orr and Keaton Nalezny.

Musicians never ‘rest’ in hotbed of Fort Collins

by Aaron YuCenter editor

Pretty Lights and Tickle Me Pink are two examples from a plethora of bands and artists who hail from Fort Collins.

For whatever reason, the city seems to attract and emit endless waves of music in the form of bands, solo musicians and electronic artists. “[Fort Collins] is so well known for being a music town and there are so many musicians here,” owner of local music venue, Hodi’s Half Note, Daniel Mladenik said. “It doesn’t take much to meet a few other people and start a band.”

Fort Collins has multiple venues that extend from coffee shops such as the Alley Cat to actual theaters such as the Aggie. A typical night on the town more often than not involves some sort of live musical entertainment. Open Mic nights are a very common event which essentially allow anyone who feels brave to get up in front of a crowd and sing.

Hodi’s Half Note is one example of a myriad of places that individuals or groups can perform onstage to provide entertainment for others. Local singers, bands and the like can show up, grab a gig and play their hearts out for a crowd listening intently below. The audience isn’t shown just one kind of music, all genres are welcome and often seen on the stage.

“There’s no ‘typical’ genre at Hodi’s,” Mladenik said. “We do anything and everything. From comedy, to hip hop, to jam bands, metal, punk rock, country, funk, electronic and the list goes on. We try and have a very wide variety.”

Though there are many musical venues in Fort Collins, a common trait seen among the legions is a love for music from both the hosts and the performers.

“I would say the majority do it because it’s what they love and its what they are most passionate about,” he said. “Nothing makes them happier than being on that stage entertaining the people that love what they do.”

Jan. 2014

One act to awe...Photoshop Stage Lights

38

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

L act to awe One

LIMELIGHT

B8

Jan. 29, 2014 What’s in the Limelight?

Tod a y : Comed y - A ziz Ans a r i @ Pik e s Pe ak Center Ja n. 31: Mo vie R elea s e- T hat A wk wa r d Moment Movie R ele ase L a b or D a y Concer t- Co dy Simp s on @ M arq uis Thea te r Comed y - Co lin Mochr ie & Brad Sher wood @ Para mount Th e at e r Feb . 1: Scho o lSa d ies Ha wkins d a nce @ 7:30p . m.

Feb . 3: CD Re lea s e- K a ty B Feb . 7: Mo vie R elea s e- T he Monuments M e n Feb . 8: R oc kyCha mb er Fe st iva l a ll d a y Feb . 10: Co ncer t- 2 Chainz a nd Pus ha T @ Og d en The ate r Feb . 11: Co ncer t- Sting and Pa ul Simon @ Pep s i Cente r Feb . 14: M o vie R elea s e- Endle ss L ove R ock y - On e Ac t s @ 7p . m.

Feb . 15: One A cts @ 7p .m.

Feb . 17: CD R elea s e- Ed Sheer a n Feb . 18: R o c kyPr e-Fes tival Concer t, Summit a nd Winds @ 7p .m.

Feb . 19: Co nc e rt - Pr etty R e c kle ss @ The Sum mit Mus ic Ha ll Feb . 20: R o c kySin Ca p , CB, Echoes , L B @ 7p .m.

Feb . 21: M o vie R elea s e- 3 Days to K ill Feb . 25: CD Re lea s e - The Fray

Three student directors, four shows, one night, endless fun

Seeing the production play out isn’t only fun for the director or audience, it’s rewarding for cast members as well.

Students are people with whom we can con“It’s really cool, because as a cast member fide; they’re the people we go to before adults, you get to see other people’s reactions to your mostly because we can relate to them. performance. You know every punch line Hoping that peer-to-peer interaction will is coming but it is cool to have people spark the creative process, Winter One Acts (a to laugh at you, or with you I guess,” compilation of 20- to 30-minute plays on Feb. Winkelman said.

14 and 15) will have student directors, instead Having a of faculty. sense of humor Both advantages and is important disadvantages come with in all aspects student leadership. One of theater. advantage would be a But to have cohesive unit of students a sense of who can relate to each I wanted to make my humor with other. own style of directing peers, you “Having a student have to estabdirector is definitely less . . . for such a short lish a bond intimidating and stressperiod of time, we of friendship ful,” cast member and feel very close. first. sophomore Katie Winkel“I’m really man said. “They’re more Jacob Munro, close with laid back and generally senior my cast more open to hearing new right now, ideas.” we’ve One new idea can hung out a couple times and transform the whole act, and cast members we’re all good friends. I feel often contribute to the creative process. like I don’t have to threaten “I think student directing is a wonderful them to work, which makes opportunity to allow peers to interact and also it a good experience for serve in a leadership role,” said Larissa Schendel, everybody,” Munro said. facilitator of the One Acts and drama teacher.

In four short words, “As a director there is a lot that goes into the Winkelman summed job and I don’t think the students/actors always up the excitement surknow the work that it takes to direct a show. rounding one acts: “It’s This is definitely an eye-opening experience for gonna be rad.” all of them.”

Four-year veteran of One Acts, Jacob Munro, is excited for the opportunity to direct his own cast.

“I wanted to make my own style of directing and get close with the cast. Even now after being with each other for such a short period of time, we feel very close,” Munro said.

Each student director has a different way of directing, but they all share one common trait.

“Student directors work more with trial and error than adult directors,” Winkelman said. “They (adults) have a set plan, while students use more of an experimental process.”

Audience members going to see the show would see it through a different lens than directors who have every movement memorized. For a director, seeing a production come together in front of an audience is a gratifying experience that someone on the outside might not HMS Barnacle: Junior Devin Rogever know. ers (playing Henry Melvin Sydney “It’s beautiful,” Munro Barnacle) fences junior Julia Johnsaid. “The week before, son (Dunsinane) in the one act, “HMS Barnacle.” Director Jacob however, it’s so chaotic Munro has Rogers casually drink and it seems like no one from a cup in the opening scene. knows what they’re doing.”

Reyna Thompson

by Reyna Thompsonreporter

‘‘,,

One Acts

►Where: Mini theater ►When: Feb. 1415 @ 7 p.m. ►Tickets: $5 for all

While these cutouts were fun to make in Photoshop, the stage lights were even more exciting.

I took an ordinary line of stage lights and drained the color to make a silhouette. After the original silhouette, I layered another black light to make the effect that it was lighting up the stage.

Dec. 2013

39 MULTI-MEDIA/OPEN AP art show...Photoshop Splatter Paint Font

Rocky Mountain HIGHLIGHTER

L IMELIGHT

Dec. 18, 2013

B7

Wadjda wins hearts at Lyric Cinema Café

Students showcase dedication, hard work

by Jessi Brokopreporter

MOVIE review

by Megan Troutmaneditor-in-chief

Display boards sprinkled the commons as each AP Art student stood proudly by their remarkable accomplishments.

After months of preparation and hard work, the annual AP Art show on Dec. 11 turned out to be another huge success for the art department.

“It’s been a really rewarding experience and I’ve been looking forward to the AP Art show since I got into the class,” senior Saskia Becker said.

Becker has been painting for some time now, but became more dedicated at the end of her junior year.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever worked for. I never thought it would be, but it definitely is,” Becker said.

All 25 AP students devoted hours of their time producing art and organizing the event.

Everything from music to catering had to be considered when building the art show.

Senior Grant Wray underestimated the stress involved with planning and coordinating for the show.

“We’re all creatively thinking together in the same room but we’re all very different people,” Wray said.

“So when we talk about what kind of music we want, what kind of food, all these creative kids come together and it’s

‘‘

Megan Troutman

Here there be dragons: Senior Courtney Sadar sculpted the great blue dragon which debuted at this years AP Art Show on Dec. 11. The art show featured all twenty five AP Art students and their work from the semester.

hard to balance it so that everyone’s happy with the art show.”

It is typically the behindthe-scenes aspects that students tend to forget. Without a lot of direction, students must come to a consensus on details and anticipate how many visitors they will have.

“This year we were really trying to get a lot of people to come,” Becker said. “We wanted it to be different and really show the public what we all can do.”

Despite the stress that came with organizing the show, it successfully came together in the end.

Senior Addie Hammond was also excited for the show and the wide variety of artists.

“I guess every year is different.

Especially with something like art, it’s everyone’s creative minds and what they’re Saskia Becker expressing with that,”

,,

It’s been a really rewarding experience and I’ve been looking forward to the AP Art Show since I got into the class.

Saskia Becker, senior

Hammond said.

Hammond saw the AP Art show her freshman year and knew it was an amazing event.

What she did not know, was that in three years she would be presenting her own display board.

“It wasn’t a goal of mine until maybe the second quarter of sophomore year. I had Dukart (art teacher) and he was asking me about AP senior year,” Hammond said. “Then I decided that was my new goal in life. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”

The show was also highly anticipated by Wray who went

to the same show as Hammond three years ago. Back then, art was merely an interest and AP Art was a figment of their imaginations.

“This year was completely different . . . I was telling people about my art instead of asking people about art,” said Wray, displaying a collection of photographs.

Each artist brought their own unique talent to the table, and contributed to the tremendous art show.

“This was my high school experience,” Wray said. “We put a lot into this class and we’re not going to forget it.”

The Blow blows back onto music scene

by Mackenzie Bartzenreporter

After releasing their highly anticipated self-entitled album, The Blow, the music group The Blow is finally back on the music scene after almost six full years.

Fortunately, long-time fans who have been (im)patiently waiting for new songs will not be disappointed.

While they may have done considerably little to change up their sound, it does not detract from their pre-existing style, which is still memorable and addictive.

With relaxing yet catchy synth-pop beats and lyrics, The Blow’s new album is perfect to listen to on a long drive or even as calming background music while doing

CD review

Imagine living in a world where women are often ignored and isolated; that is the life of Wadjda, a young girl living in Saudi Arabia.

The well produced film, Wadjda, articulates the harsh Saudi Arabian culture from the lens of Wadjda who is very different than other girls her age.

Wadjda made its debut in Old Town’s beloved Lyric theater, an independent theater for small films that never make the big theater.

Moviegoers feel Wadjda’s pain as she is forced to live in the traditional fabric of society. She is not allowed to dress a certain way, listen to certain music, or go to some places in town.

One of the most difficult rules she has to face is that girls are not allowed to ride bicycles.

Wadjda is mocked by a young boy, Abdullah, because he can race with the other boys. All she wants is to race him, and she would do anything to earn the money for a simple bike.

Although Wadjda has multiple layers to the storyline, the plot is easy to follow. The different stories blend together in a way that is easily understood.

The little girl overcomes struggles by focusing on finding a way to race Abdullah. Her maturity develops throughout the film as she focuses on the positive in life.

The story includes many aspects of the Saudi Arabian culture, including readings from the Koran.

There are also several references to arranged marriages and how real they can be. Wadjda’s mother was on the phone several times during the movie, talking with friends about different arranged marriages that took place around the town.

Unpredictability is one of the strong suits of the film, keeping audience members on the edge of their seats at all times.

This is an educational film depicting the Saudi Arabian culture in a unique blend of stories. A perfect movie for anyone who enjoys learning about different experiences across the world.

homework.

Both the lyrics and the instrumentals are as strong as ever, making allusions to universal experiences of struggling; self-image and not actually liking the person you’re dating, to name a few.

Aiming to evoke a mood reminiscent of early adolescence, The Blow impacts its audience with bittersweet nostalgia subtly and effectively.

The Blow cautiously and gracefully sneaks in slight commentaries about gender issues. While the songs are quite simplistic in structure, this contrasts well with the loaded lyrics, to create an aesthetically pleasing balance.

Despite a long six years devoid of new material, The Blow is back with a vengeance.

Old and new fans alike will both be able to

The Blow album cover enjoy the new album. As for the future, let’s keep our fingers crossed that they do not take another six years for the next album.

This was a challenge in Photoshop.

I found this splatter paint font and cut out each letter to place on the page. It took a long time, but it was worth it in the end. I chose this example to contribute to the variety of things I have done with Photoshop.

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May 2013

AP art show...Photoshop Cutouts

rmlimelight\\ highlighter

I wanted to take a design that people would be familiar with in order to create a catchy headline. So I took the Great Gatsby DVD cover, cut out the title, then inserted my own headline, “The Great Gatsby Book to Film.” It was fun to cutout and place various things in Photoshop. I had never done a headline like this before, so it was fun to experiment with.

May 17, 2013

//6//

Summer Calendar Concerts

Movie releases ► Mike Wazowski from Monsters University

MCT

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

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

Graylock/ Abaca Press/MCT

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

Book to Film Classic tales recently transformed into movies connect to classroom

by Lauren Binder//Sports editor

The novels that we read in class (or rather, that most of us read) are timeless stories that continue to show us the power of writing.

Along with that comes the power of visual story telling and re-making of these classic novels in the movies that we watch. Probably one of the most anticipated movies of the year is based on the epic novel Tom Smailes, The Great Gatsby. This English teacher movie was first created in 1971 and then again in 2000. The question arises as to why society continues to keep making movies on these novels and translate them into modern times.

“You know that the real story is this, people are captivated by what they are going to do with this, the cast alone is creating a buzz,” english teacher Tom Smailes said. “You know, is DiCaprio really going to fit in this role?

People want to know, but if they really want to know they are going to have to know Gatsby well to criticize it.”

With such detailed character development in the book itself there are many complicating, yet confusing attributes to all of these characters. Readers, in a way, create their own version of Gatsby in their imagination.

“

“There is something in those texts that gets us at a very basic level. So with something like Of Mice and Men, it is the basic human struggle and the basic want for the American Dream,” english teacher Larissa Schendel said. “I mean, with The Great Gatsby I think that it’s all these different things, like there is jealousy, there is the love affair, there is the struggle for the American Dream, the struggle to rise above. I think that all of the different things that have made the novel successful to begin with that continues to attract those newer audiences.”

As a mostly visual and technological generation, we often find the most enjoyment in visuals that are pleasing to the eye instead of opening a book without pictures. Is the written word becoming less and less practiced, and has society become dependent on the movies instead of the books to teach them these stories?

“Do I think that film as text has been growing for a long time and do I think that fewer and fewer of people read? Yes... studies will all show you that,” Smailes said. “It became contradictory because film can help readers. For example, people that watched The Help were captivated by the story, and knew that the book was going to give more detail if they went to

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

Courtesy of Warren Bros. Pictures/MCT

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

the book.”

Reading seems to be more and more underappreciated as film slowly steps into the limelight. But which medium is giving us more information? Are we more likely to learn more from seeing it on a screen or reading it on paper.

“I don’t know if it is going to limit or reduce the amount of reading. Sometimes it can stimulate it,” Smailes said. “My issue is that with the creative license aspect of it, it doesn’t do what the written text is intended to do. We need to look at both as two separate texts” Schedel points out that the cinematography appeals to audiences today.

Director Baz Luhrmann is known for cinematography that is very choppy and all over the place.

“It needs to be very quick with the transitions and it keeps the attention of this younger generation who has to have very short bursts of information otherwise you just lose their attention,” Larissa Schendel said.

Movies can be a great tool in the classroom and make room for a greater understanding of themes and morals that you would have a harder time finding in the novel versions.

“I will always teach the novel and then I will teach the film. Like showing parts

of the film in order to help shape specific ideas,” Schendel said. “For example, To Kill a Mockingbird, you know, is an old movie, but it is a beautiful movie. I don’t ever show the whole thing but I think that it is really important to be able to visualize some of things that are in the book in order to understand them.”

As teachers, they are trying to promote more reading tha having students rely on film.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with looking at both if you are mature enough to look at both and treat both as a separate text then it has value but it depends on the clientele,” Smailes said.

With a fine line between books and film, both are huge literary tools that expand imagination and learning. With both, you will be able to gain something out of them, but the question is, which is better?

“Good writers create a very good imagery, and every reader is going to have a different image of a character or a setting,” Smailes said. “So if they start falling into what the film version is they lose that creative imagery that we have.”

“I think that it doesn’t matter how well the movie is made, you will lose something by not reading the book,” Schendel said.

20122013

JOURNALISM AWARDS 41

Journalism awards...2012-2013 School Year

Newspaper awards while member of the leadership team: NSPA, All-American Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist CHSPA All-Colorado First place in CHSPA Best of Show Journalism Day Personal journalism awards: Honorable mention in features write off (Boston Journalism Convention) CHSPA Best of Colorado breaking sports coverage Staff leadership: Limelight editor

Breaking sports coverage

20132014

Journalism awards...2013-2014 School Year

42

Highlighter staff holding our awards at JEA/NSPA Fall Convention in Boston, MA

Newspaper awards while member of the leadership team: Honorable mention in CHSPA Best of Show Journalism Day Personal journalism awards: Honorable mention in JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention features write off Staff leadership: Editor-in-chief Limelight editor

2014

Tha n you k yo r ti u fo me r !

Dorothy Greer Scholarship Portfolio