2270 Highway 133
Carbondale , Co 81623
November, 2013
Volume 7 Issue 2
The Rampage
Photo by Sue Rollyson During the RFHS community meeting on October 18, sixty-three students and staff members shaved their heads in support of Ivone Muñoz’s battle with cancer. In total, the community has raised close to $4,000 to help with Muñoz’s medical bills.
- Caitlin O’Gorman Eyebrows were raised and blades were sharpened when 63 courageous students and staff members at RFHS shaved their heads on October 18 in support of Ivone Muñoz, who has been teaching at Carbondale Schools for 21 years. She was diagnosed with cancer last year, which led to the removal of one of her kidneys before the tumor metastasized to her lungs. Muñoz started this year with hope, but she had to take a leave of absence due to chemotherapy treatment. The Carbondale community began to fundraise in order to lessen her overwhelming medical expenses. Students and staff members alike were distressed by Muñoz’s absense in the halls. Wendy Boland, RFHS math teacher, decided to show her support by shaving her own head in solidarity. “I wanted to shave my head so [she is] not the only bald person in the school,” Boland explained. Boland said that she doesn’t feel different without hair, and she did it in order to raise money for Muñoz. “I met Ms. Muñoz when she was teaching ELL math four years ago. I was impressed with how she advocates for her students,” Boland said. The mastermind behind the fundraiser was Drew Ad-
Shaving heads, saving lives RFHS goes bald in attempt to fundraise money for teacher
ams, RFHS Principal, who also participated in the assembly. “Ms. Muñoz is a great motivator and an inspiration,” Adams said. “Mrs. Boland wanted to know when she was coming back because she wanted to shave her head. After that, I thought it would be a great idea to make it schoolwide, for students and staff members to fundraise to get their heads shaved.” On the day of the fundraiser the atmosphere at RFHS became infectious, more and more people went in front of the school to show their support by having their hair
shaved off. “Having 63 students and staff members shave their heads exceeded my expectations,” Adams stated. Another teacher who shaved his head was Matthew Wells, RFHS social studies teacher. He explained his reasons for taking part in the fundraiser, “shaving your hair is a cool thing, and it shows Ivone that we care about her,” he said. RFHS sophomore, Chloe Brand decided to shave her head in the spur of the moment. “Lots of people were doing it, and it’s a good thing,” she said, “my grandma had cancer, and her hair never grew back. I wanted to do it for her. When they were talking about Ms. Muñoz, I wanted to do it because she’s a good person. What’s not having thick long hair for two years?” Brand added. “It was kind of exciting and scary at the same time, but it feels good that I don’t have my long hair anymore.” Several professional hairdressers volunteered to participate in the fundraiser. The Rampage thanks Debbie Thompson, Kacy DiMarco, Jade Bath, Dominique Needham, Joy Rosenberg, and Monica Muniz for donating their time and expertise. Also, thanks to the less experienced hairdressers, Adam Carballeira and Lindsay Hentschel. Everyone’s support is graciously appreciated.
Feature The fanatic Featherstones: -James Long
The Featherstones are one of many well-known families in the Roaring Fork Valley. They are always breaking bones and cracking skulls. It isn’t unusual to spot one of the boys at school in a cast or a brace. The family of six live in Carbondale.The Featherstones are one of many well-known families around the Roaring Fork Valley. They are always breaking bones and cracking skulls, and it isn’t unusual to spot one of the boys at school in a cast or a brace. Parents, Jeff and Charmian have four sons: Steele, Finn, Reed and Knoll. All the boys except Knoll attend RFHS. They are an outgoing group of people that want to enjoy life. “Our parents don’t really care what we do
when it comes to sports and activities,” Finn remarked, “as long as it’s not too ridiculous.” That is what he believes is different about his family. Steele also commented on what makes his family unique: “We are a very welcoming family. We aren’t shy and like to help people,” he shared. The trademark Featherstone enthusiasm seems to come at a cost, however; the boys keep injuring themselves. The older Featherstone boys have already broken almost thirty bones between the two of them. Finn, RFHS sophomore, has personally broken seventeen bones, the most in the family. He’s broken his back not once, but twice! In addition, he’s had two surgeries. His accidents are often related to snowboarding or others sports.
Pushing boundaries and breaking bones for as long as they can remember
Photo by Cameron Doherty Steele, Finn and Reed commute to school everyday in an RV. The Featherstones (and RV) have become a fixture in the Carbondale community.
Steele, RFHS junior, can account for his own share of the fractures: a total of twelve. He’s broken a few fingers and his arm multiple times due to sports-related accidents. The rest of the family
has had their fair share of injuries. Reed, RFHS freshman, was lucky that a past bike crash was not more severe. The bicycle handle which punctured his leg missed a major artery by only a quarter of
Rams dish up lasting Thanksgiving traditions
-Grace Brown
As Fall comes to an end, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and RFHS is getting prepared. Every year since 2008, the Student Council (StuCo) at RFHS has put on a potluck for the students. This lunch is usually the Friday before Thanksgiving Break. The tradition was started by Mr. Colia, former RFHS principal, and put into action by Lindsay Hentschel, former RFHS teacher and StuCo representative. “Mr. Colia loves food and had a vision of the whole school coming together around a shared meal,” Hentschel said. Since RFHS is located in such a small, close-knit town, it’s remarkable to see everyone come together to enjoy a meal. For this lunch, each class is assigned
2 Rampage November 2013
an inch. Knoll, the youngest son, broke his leg and managed an eight mile hike the next day. Charmian, the mother, has also injured herself many times. She has punctured her lung,
broken her leg, torn a shoulder muscle and had more than 50 stitches. The father, Jeff, is the safe one who has managed so far to avoid any serious accidents. The Featherstones are known around town for more than just being accident-prone. Many community members have seen the Featherstone RV and might be surprised to know that Finn is the driver, not Steele. Steele has not yet received his license. “It’s just the only car I have right now. I would buy my own car, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet,” Finn explained. Being a member of the Featherstone family would certainly be unusual and exciting, albeit a bit risky. The Roaring Fork Valley may likely bear witness to more of the Featherstones.
a different dish: Seniors bring dessert, juniors and sophomores bring side dishes, and freshmen provide the drinks. In the past, the potluck has had a great turnout, due in part to strong communication between parents and staff volunteers. However, none of it could be possible without the organization of the StuCo committee. Every year, about 15 students in StuCo volunteer to set up, serve, and clean up for the potluck. This year’s committee includes Kristin Page, Zack Ritchie, Kyle Bruna, Zamira Fuentes, Izzi Mata, Julissa Murrillo, Maddy Miller, Leelah Ahumada, Erik Carrillo, Kayla Derby, Lorenzo Andrade, Aldo Pinela, Bella Bailey, Nao- Photo by Cameron Doherty mi Pulver, Riley Marshall, Student Council's Thanksgiving committee meets with StuCo adviser, Kelsie Maeve O’Donnell, Will Mas- Goodman, to organize the potluck and can food drive. These events will be ters, Nikki Ferry, and Emily held on November 22, the Friday before Thanksgiving break. Adams. Of course, fun is always a factor at those who otherwise may not have a Thanksgiving dinRFHS events. “If only we could all sit ner, which is yet another way that this potluck brings at one big table,” Barbara Mason, RFHS Carbondale together. In addition, Riley Marshall and Zack Ritchie, seniors Assistant Principal, said. This potluck reminds the school of the diversity and dif- and StuCo members at RFHS, have organized a Thanksferent cultures among us as we are intro- giving food drive for LiftUP. Students will compete duced to a variety of Thanksgiving foods between classes to bring in the highest amount of cans from different families. Many teachers and possible. The winners will be awarded a party, coutesy parents step up to prepare enough turkey of StuCo. Thanksgiving is a time where everyone takes a moand side dishes for the lunch. Volunteers from the community help out to ensure ment to appreciate what they have and devote their time and effort to helping the less fortunate. The small town there is plenty of food and festivities. To express gratitude and humility, of Carbondale has a lot to be thankful for, no matter how RFHS donates all of the uneaten food to they celebrate.
News
3 Rampage November 2013
CRES and Rams united through love of reading
-Anakaren Jurado
my life. I’m benefiting them. I love little kids!” she said. Kiya Knight, RFHS senior, agreed with Erika. “I think it’s nice helping little kids. It gives me a sense of leadership and makes me Because elementary students look up to older students as role models, feel proud and useful,” she Matthew Wells, social studies teachexplained. er at RFHS, does something differWells’ Reach class agrees ent with his Reach students: once a that helping the CRES stumonth, they go to Crystal River Eldents benefits both the chilementary School (CRES) and read to dren and the high school stuthe younger students. dents. “I like the idea of being RFHS students walk to CRES and a role model, setting an examhelp them during Reach before comple. Plus, helping others help ing back just in time for their second betters who I am as a person,” class. Wells explained how RFHS Knight shared. students benefit from their experiLedezma agreed with ence of helping younger students. Knight. “They really admire “My students can have that image us and they are really cute. that they are older sisters or brothThey really want our help ers,” he said. and they like when we read to RFHS students are excited to read them,” she said. to and support the youngsters. SuWells is pleased his Reach leima Ledezma, RFHS freshman, class is making such a big described how she feels being a menPhoto by Cameron Doherty difference in the community. tor. “When helping little kids, it feels Sophomore Fiona Laird reads to kindergarteners at Crystal River Elementary School. He is looking forward to supgood because you know you are doAs a member of Mr. Wells’ Reach class, she positively influences the young students porting CRES once a month ing something right. Whoever you to find the fun in reading. throughout the year. Knight are helping must also feel good,” she shares his enthusiasm. explained. “It’s a nice thing to do once a month. It gives both of us (the kids In addition to reading to the CRES students, the Reach class also helps and teenagers) something to look forward to,” she said. each student understand their lessons. In Wells’ class, there are several Ledezma agreed. “I am looking forward to helping out this semesstudents who are bilingual in Spanish and English, and those specific stuter more because I’m always glad to help little kids,” she said. dents support the Spanish-speaking classes at CRES. Wells’ Reach class is more than ready to help out the community Erika Arias, RFHS senior, is bilingual and admits loving the experithis year. ence. “It feels as if I’m impacting their lives just by taking one day out of
Links Crew lends a helping hand to new freshmen -Jacqueline Jacquez At the beginning of the year, the upcoming freshman class entered the halls of RFHS with an eager and enthusiastic rush for Ram spirit. With the support of the Link Leaders class run by Leslie Keery, RFHS art teacher, and Adam Carballeira, RFHS English teacher, the freshmen students have felt very supported in their first quarter of high school, which ended October 25. Although the teachers and students were welcoming, tackling high school can be nerve racking for many ninth graders. RFHS freshman Jensen Platero seems to be an exception. “My sister and brother already had explained things, so I had a pretty good idea of what it was like,” said Platero. “Some challenges I’ve had in my classes are keeping up
with the work during class, study guides and tests … I can understand [my classes], but we’re moving fast which makes it hard to keep up.” RFHS freshmen don’t have to do it all on their own, however. The purpose of the Link Leaders program is to pair older students with incoming freshmen, to help the ninth graders feel comfortable and understand what’s going on in school. Older students in RFHS can become Link Leaders by either applying or getting requested by teachers. Currently, the Leaders are mostly juniors, but in February, any interested sophomores or juniors can apply. Drew Adams, RFHS Principal, encouraged Carballeira and Keery to make the Link Leaders program possible to help the freshmen students feel comfortable at their new
school. Carballeira explained why RFHS adopted the Link program. “Mr. Adams was a Links sponsor and knew how effective it was. I also saw a need for freshmen to succeed and to show improvements,” said Carballeira. One of the student Link leaders shared her own thoughts on the program. Kendra Quezada, RFHS junior, explained her motivation for becoming a school leader. “What made me enter the program was that I wanted to help freshmen have an easier time than I did,” she said. “Some tactics that I do to help freshmen are asking if they ever need help and checking up on them every once in a while.” According to Carballeira, the freshmen have had a promising beginning. “They have a great start, but we need to see data to see results,” he said.
Rampage Staff Editor in Chief Rosa Maun
Managing Editor William Masters
Photographer Cameron Doherty
Editorial Staff Roy Benge Kristen Joiner Finn Featherstone Jessica Hardin Lesley Platero
Journalists Grace Brown Daisy Contreras
Anakaren Hernandez
Photo by Sue Rollyson Junior Link Leaders Kendra Quezada and Mario Alverde share with incoming freshmen what they should expect during their first year at RFHS. The Links Leaders program supports ninth grade students as they jump into their high school education.
Carballeira is supports the program. He wants the best for everyone at RFHS, which begins with freshmen in the school.
“The main idea of the project is to make people feel good. It revolves around nice leaders,” explained Carballeira.
Jacqueline Jacquez Jake Kelley James Long Caitlin O’Gorman Jake Rusby Lucy Stevens Tavia Teitler
Sports
4 Rampage November 2013
Roaring Fork gears up for winter sports -Jake Kelley
As the snow begins to fall, RFHS students prepare for winter sports, some of which include basketball, hockey, and skiing and snowboarding. This season, RFHS has high hopes for its basketball players. “We have a pretty good varsity team,” Edgar Reyna, RFHS sophomore, declared. Most of the team members practice in the off-season by shooting baskets or playing against each other. With a solid 20-4 record last season, the team has the daunting task ahead of them to improve. This year’s team still has time to mature before the season begins in December. The hockey season is starting up with a group of players whose eyes are set on a winning season. “I think we’re going to make playoffs this year,” Ian Rothman, RFHS junior, stated. Without a team in Carbondale, most of the hockey players play for Grizzly Hockey in Glenwood Springs. Even though the bulk of the roster is made up of Glenwood Springs High School students, a group of RFHS students has committed to training with them. Rothman has a training regimen that he sticks to. “I have a goal in my garage, and I just get a bucket of pucks and go out and shoot,” he said. Most of the players have similar training workouts in order to be ready and focused for hockey season.
Photo courtesy of Ian Rothman An experienced hockey player, RFHS junior Ian Rothman has high hopes for this year’s season which began at the end of October. Rothman is one of many RFHS students currently preparing to participate in upcoming winter sports.
In addition to hockey, other popular winter sports are just around the corner. Both skiers and snowboarders are already preparing for this year’s ski season. Many students are counting down to opening day on Thanksgiving. “I’m really excited for this season. I think it’s gonna be a good one,” avid skier Sean Smollen, RFHS freshman, exclaimed.
Nordic skiing slides its
way into RFHS -Tavia Teitler
Nordic skiing is a tradition that has been celebrated around the world for centuries, and social studies teacher Matthew Wells is working to provide an opportunity for RFHS students to experience this noble winter sport. Originating in Scandinavia as a way to get around during the winter, nordic skiing, or cross-country skiing as some know it, has turned into a recreational and competitive sport. Nordic skiing is already prominent in the Roaring Fork Valley with a Nordic team through Aspen Valley Ski Club (AVSC) and several annual races throughout the winter. Now RFHS
students will have the opportunity to be a part of this tradition. Because Nordic skiing has been a part of Wells’ life since he was young, he wants to share his love and knowledge of the sport with his students. This winter, Wells hopes to start a club that will provide students with the chance to either learn how to Nordic ski for the first time or improve their skills and abilities. He intends to start by taking participants up to Spring Gulch once a week and teaching them the basics of the sport. Wells claimed that his goal for the club is to “expose students to a different kind of winter sport and make it available to people who have never had the chance to try it.” He also hopes that the club will be good for students who are interested in being active and staying fit but don’t have another way
In the off-season, only the advanced or competitive skiers and snowboarders participate in dryland training, which can be as simple as completing squats at home or as skilled as practicing aerials on a trampoline. Whether they will be playing on a court, skating on ice, or heading down a mountain, RFHS athletes are excited for whatever winter throws at them this season.
to exercise during the winter. A good low-impact workout, Nordic skiing hardly costs anything, especially if you do it just for fun. It is also aerobically difficult and a great way to get outdoors during the winter. Wells’ passion for the sport is evident. “My favorite part is the peace,” Wells said. The Nordic team this year, Wells clarified, will be focused on, “Just getting kids out and getting them psyched.” However, it is possible that in the years to come, the team will be able to partake in races and competitions. Wells is gathering as much help as he can find. He hopes to include RFHS science teacher Hadley Hentschel, student teacher Peter Richmond, former Nordic coach Justin Silcox, “and anyone else who wants to help.” Students interested in being a part of this new winter club should contact Matt Wells (mattwells@rfschools.com). He and others are ready to share their love of this sport with anyone who is willing and ready for an adventure. Photo on left by Cameron Doherty