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April 24, 2014
Butting Heads: Is graffiti art? pg. 22 Obamacare Explained pg. 3 The Memory Project pg. 9 School Swap pgs. 10-14 FCHS Track and Field pg. 16
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG
Volume 95 Issue 8 3400 Lambkin Way
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: (970) 488-8199
Fax: (970) 488-8008
News
2 April 24, 2014
Ex-con homesick for prison robs bank
Police walk in heels to raise sexual assault awareness
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Captain of South Korean ferry arrested
Lock of Napoleon Bonaparte’s hair stolen from museum Elementary student comes to school with loaded gun
Number of Ebola deaths continues to rise
Indian election candidate pays for 2,100 weddings to win votes
Nick Seaman Run raises cancer awareness Page 4
App Attack: Rating apps for improving sleep Page 7
School swap contrasts FCHS and Eaton High School Page 12-13
News
A&E
In-Depth
Sports
Perspectives
Pages 2-5
Pages 6-9
Pages 10-14
Pages 15-18
Pages 19-23
Corrections Spilled Ink has no corrections to publish this issue.
Awkward Athlete ends relationship with golf Page 17
High prices of media entertainment encourage piracy Page 21
News
Spilled Ink
April 24, 2014
The
3
Affordable CareAct
a.k.a “Obamacare” Goals of the Law
In Brief National Bike to School Day May 7
1.
Create a Patient Bill of Rights Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.
Jason Stroh
Health plans can no longer be terminated without warning, even if a mistake was made on the application.
Staff Writer National Bike and Walk to School Day is on Wednesday, May 7. Organized by ACE Coordinator and avid bicyclist Cathy Hettleman, the FCHS event will be held in front of the tower from 7-9 a.m. Hettleman’s goal in organizing the event is to promote the use of bicycles for transportation at FCHS. “Fort Collins is a bike friendly community,” Hettleman said. “Too often, students turn 16 and get in their cars and drive places for the rest of their lives, and I want to encourage them to put a little effort in, and realize just how fun biking is.” Those who participate will be rewarded with a chance to win prizes, including bicycle accessories and gift certificates.
2.
3.
Staff Writer The Association of Classified Employees (ACE) awards were held yesterday at the Fort Collins Senior Center to recognize outstanding members of the classified staff. “This is our most prestigious award for classified staff,” ACE President Katy Montoya said. “This award is intended for those staff members who go above and beyond the requirements of their job.” Sue Temple, currently a paraprofessional, secretary, and tutor at FCHS, received one of the awards. “Receiving this award is an absolute honor and also a humbling experience. This is my 30th year working for PSD and I can honestly say that I did not see this one coming,” Temple said. “Throughout the years, I have worked in several different buildings in the district and have held a variety of jobs, but most of my time has been here at FCHS. While names and faces have changed from year to year, the joy and satisfaction of seeing students succeed and grow as individuals has kept me walking through these doors every year. I am truly honored to receive this award and very proud to be a Lambkin.”
Force 3.5-6 million people to find new health insurance plans. Increase taxes by 52 billion dollars
Customers receive a rebate if a company does not spend 80 percent of premium dollars on actual care.
Key Stats
Expand Access to Healthcare
Million people signed up using an insurance exchange over the past 6 months.
Insurance exchanges now provide sources for information and options.
8
41 % Percentage of American’s who approve of the Affordable Care Act. Information gathered by Andrew Smalley Sources: Heritage Foundation, whitehouse.gov
Do you have any previous teaching experience? Yeah, I taught here, actually from 2000 to 2006, and then I’ve been kind of in a non-traditional outdoor education field for about 15 years. What brought you back to FCHS? A couple things. One is just I really wanted to get back into the classroom. I was an administrator for several years at the outdoor-ed site that I was at, so my contact with students was pretty limited. I just wanted to have more student interaction. Chris Tholl
Social Studies Teacher
Zach Stetter Staff Writer Students entering their freshman year next fall are required to attend laptop training that will take place April 28-May 5. Those who wish to receive a laptop will have to go to a 30 minute session with their parents or guardians. None of these trainings will take place at FCHS, but rather at surrounding middle schools, which are listed on the PSD school website along with the specific dates. The training will cover the basic care of the laptop, and the students and their parents must read and sign a user agreement in order to receive a laptop, according to psdschools. org. There will also be a one-time $50 fee applied towards accidental damage warranty.
Hurt the economy and eliminate 800,000 jobs over the next decade.
Raise taxes on senior prescription medications
Cancer, diabetes, blood pressure screenings, and other preventive care measures are now covered without additional cost.
Tyler Mathewson
Many, including Republicans in the House who have voted to repeal Obamacare more than 40 times, have argued the bill will:
Insurance companies are now required to justify any rate increases that exceed 10 percent.
Young adults can stay on their parents’ plans until they are 26.
FCHS staff member receives ACE award
Laptop training required for freshmen
Lower costs and improve quality of care
Common Criticisms
What’s your favorite part about teaching? I like the creativity of lesson planning. I like the daily interaction with students, and just getting to know a bunch of different people. Seeing these students grow, and trying to help them accomplish their dreams is really rewarding. What brought you to FCHS? I noticed a big gap in what I thought college students would be capable of and what they were actually capable of, and I thought I could make much more of a difference at the high school level. What’s your favorite part about teaching here?
Amanda Pawelski ELA
I love building relationships with the students in a way that they can connect with the subject in new ways. I like kind of opening the doors of knowledge.
News
4 April 24, 2014
Nick Seaman run benefits cancer fight Amanda Evans Staff Writer On Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the fifth annual Nick Seaman 5K run will be held at FRHS. The race promotes the memory of the late Seaman and the mark he left on his community. According to the Nick5K committee members, the run is a way for the community to have friendly competition to raise money for cancer. It’s also an opportunity for teens to fight cancer. The team is getting the word out and hoping to make a difference. “This means a lot to me,” senior committee member Shannon Tivona explained. “It’s a chance to make a direct difference in the lives in Colorado.” Students in the district will help raise money for cancer and attempt to bring camaraderie between the schools to benefit RamStrength. RamStrength is an organization that supports local cancer survivors by providing financial assistance for basic needs, scholarships, programs and services. They have partnered with the Nick5K to raise awareness of cancer.
Funds raised from the race will go back to the Nick5K and RamStrength. To enter into the race, students pay a fee of $15 and non-students $25. Besides the race, there is a competition for schools to get the biggest turn out. “Sign up and say you represent Collins,” committee sponsor Sandra Cole said. “As a high school we can win.” The school that has the most participants will win the traveling trophy that currently resides at RMHS. The race is held to honor, Seaman, an influential teacher in the Poudre School District who was diagnosed with cancer. Students organized the run five years ago in Seaman’s name to help raise money for the fight against cancer. Seaman lost his battle to the deadly disease on January 11, 2011. In honor of Seaman, students organizing the run are trying to send a message to the community that everyone has a personal story to share with cancer. “I do it because my brother has cancer,” sophomore committee member Caleb Slade said. “It’s like I understand other people who have cancer so they have a chance to branch out.”
Spilled Ink
When: April 26 8:30 a.m. Where: Fossil Ridge High School Why: Raise cancer awareness and honor cancer victim Nick Seaman Cost: $15 for students Students can register online at www.ramstrength.org About: RamStrength Part of the Lubick Foundation Supports local cancer survivors through financial aid, programs and services Has raised over 1 million dollars to support cancer victims in Northern Colorado Other events include a gameday tailgate party before a home football game
‘Day Without Hate’ debuts in ‘Stop and Think Week’ Nick Hawley Staff Writer As a new addition to Stop and Think Week, the first FCHS Day Without Hate (DWOH) is being held tomorrow. The idea was proposed to Emily Steele, Student Council adviser, by student teacher Ellyn Mager. “It was brought up in a FoR club meeting and then we talked with the Peer Counselors to see if it would be alright if we incorporate it with Stop And Think Week,” Steele said. Freshman Zayne Hoyland, who is in both FoR and StuCo, led the way in getting the groups to collaborate on kickstarting the day. “I think it’s important for everyone to show kindness to each other,” Hoyland said. “I know we live in an era where
bullying is a big deal, so I think it’s important for everybody to understand that we don’t need to hate on each other.” To participate in tomorrow’s event, students must wear white clothes to show support for stopping bullying. Supporters can also do random acts of kindness in order to brighten somebody’s day. “Well, I think that it’s easy to do,” Steele said. “Wear a white t-shirt and do something nice for someone. I think that’s something people can do very easily and I think
“I think it’s important for everyone to show kindness to each other.” —Zayne Hoyland
Baccalaureate 2014!!! Who: FCHS seniors, family, friends, and community members
Where: FCHS Gym
Great experience for college and job applications
**Not a school-sponsored event**
2012-2013 All Colorado Award Winning Newspaper
Fort Collins High School Student Newspaper
Be a real world journalist
Come celebrate graduation with your Christian family!
other and I don’t think that’s right at all,” he explained. “And some of the reasons that they don’t like each other just really don’t make sense to me.” Students at Standley Lake High School in Westminster had similar thoughts and created the first DWOH in response to the Virginia tech shootings. In 2007, they asked their classmates to wear white in order to show a commitment and trust in each other to make their school a safer place. Now, 7 years later, FCHS is not only participating, but a statewide Day Without Hate rally featuring the Flobots as musical performers, will be held tomorrow at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. Admission is $6.00, and organizers are expecting over 5,000 students to attend. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the concert begins at 6 p.m.
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What: FCHS Christian Graduation Ceremony When: Thursday, May 22, 6:308:30 p.m.
Free Qdoba will be served
bullying effects everybody at some point, and maybe not necessarily bullying, but being uncomfortable in certain situations or feeling sad or different.” The broad reach of bullying was one reason H o y l a n d decided to support the oncampus DWOH. “I mean I don’t know anybody that’s not been made fun of or bullied so I think that in my perspective I see a lot of people that don’t like each other and are hateful towards each
Chance to express your opinions
Be part of breaking news on social media
Talk to Anne Colwell in P-202 or email us at fchsspilledink@gmail.com
News
Spilled Ink Editor’s Note: Seniors Anna Gilbertson and Josie Natrasevschi, profiled below, received prestigious Colorado scholarships.
April 24, 2014
Boettcher Foundation Anna showed initiative in volunteering by knitting baby hats.
“My advice is to spend a lot of time on the essays. I think that’s what really helped me win.”
September:
Applications distributed by high school counselors
Anna’s involvement in Peer Counselors exhibited her leadership qualities and contributed to her success in winning the Boettcher scholarship.
Anna Gilbertson
The Boettcher Foundation Selection Committee looks for: Superior academic ability
November 1:
Applications must be submitted online
Application Timeline
Late November:
March:
MidDecember:
70 Finalists are interviewed, and 40 winners are announced
Semifinalists are announced
Semifinalists must submit 3 letters of recommendation
Daniels Scholars are selected for demonstrating: Exceptional character
Evidence of leadership
A hardworking nature
Community service and school participation
Strong leadership potential Well-roundedness Compassion and a commitment to giving back
Admirable character Information gathered by Jordan Leone Sources: Daniels Fund and Boettcher Foundation
Daniels Fund November: Semifinalists are notified
SeptemberNovember 15: Applicants must apply online
January:
Application Timeline
February:
March:
Finalists are notified and invited to interview
Finalists interviewed by community leaders
Daniels Scholarship winners are announced
5
“It [winning the Daniels Scholarship] wasn’t a goal. It was kind of like when you’re trying to reach your goal, it’s one of the steps you take to achieve it.”
Josie’s hours spent on her Gold, Silver, and Bronze award projects are part of what made her a Daniels Scholar.
Daniels Scholars must meet high standards of academic achievement.
Josie Natrasevschi
6 April 24, 2014
A&E
Spilled Ink
What does art personally mean to you? Art means putting your best effort into something that you work really hard to do, something that you want to express, like expressing something through clay or a piece of paper. What to you is most appealing about 3D artwork? I guess I like the volume of it, how it stands out and it isn’t just flat on paper. You can touch it. Why do you make art? It is fun to see when it is finished. When you see the finished product, you are proud of yourself. What struggles do you face with art? Making it perfect. I’m a perfectionist, so it has to be just right. What has influenced you in your artwork the most? I would probably say other people’s art. Anything in particular? I like pottery—ceramics and clay work. You said that this is your first year doing 3D art. Have you done art in the past? I did some art classes in junior high. Focusing on his artwork, freshman Jesse Cross adds decorative paint to his ceramic piece. PHOTO BY
Are there any pieces in particular that you’ve struggled with? Not this year.
ZACH STETTER
Q&A by Zach Stetter
Follow passion not society’s opinions
Jason Stroh Columnist
People are born, raised, go to school, fight with their family, eat, sleep, fight more with family, eventually graduate from high school, and leave the home to go off to a college to learn what they will use to get a job—then what? Most would respond with the obvious answer: “Use that degree you got in college to get a steady job in the corporate system, eventually work your way up to the top with your next-level, cutting-edge thinking in the world of science or business, and retire rich and happy to Florida with your family to live, and eventually die on the beach, face-down in a bucket of fried chicken, duh.” But what if the person in question were to receive a degree in an artistic field of study, such as the visual arts or theater?
These people are criticized for being short-sighted, following passion over practicality, being educated in what society sees as “less valuable” than the person who got a college degree to sit behind a desk for the rest of his or her life, whose only interest in life is an escalating conflict with a defunct printer, which will reach the point of bringing it into the middle of a field to bash it with a baseball bat. It is almost assured that when a child walks up to his or her mother or father and announces, “I wanna be an actor!” rather than a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, that the parent will quickly attempt to convince the child that he or she would, in fact, rather study law or science, because success comes before love in many cases. However, according to Forbes, the most stressful jobs are those which require either higher education in law, medicine, or business, or military deployment. Among the least stressful are those artistry jobs, for those who are successful in their practice. While ease of work may be linked to these stress levels, they may also be explained by the fact that, while these artists make far less money on average (between $10,000-$20,000 per year), they are also following their passion in their work, rather than listening to the call of a higher paycheck. So, if you have a passion for something, don’t feel afraid to follow it, educationally or otherwise;
if you want to chase what you love over get you phat stacks, follow it, and don’t to the endless droning call of corporate unless that’s your passion, in which case,
what will give way America… go for it.
GRAPHIC BY ZACH STETTER
Spilled Ink
A&E
April 24, 2014
7
8 9
7 GRAPHIC BY ZACH STETTER
Jamie Tafoya & Jordan Leone Columnists
Editors Note:
Only 15 percent of teenagers get at least 8 ½ hours of sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation, though the recommended number is 9 ¼ hours. When considering academics, sports, extracurricular activities, and a social life, the tendency toward lack of sleep is understandable. Although technology is known to distract from sleep, apps aimed to monitor and improve sleeping patterns help teenagers fall asleep and wake up in the sleep phase that will limit tiredness. Though SleepBot, Sleep Machine, and Sleep Time all have functions that help improve sleeping patterns, SleepBot proved to be the most beneficial and informative.
SleepBot
Really in-depth analysis of sleep patterns Offers advice for staying awake or falling asleep “Smart alarm” wakes users in lightest phase of sleep If users desire to track sleep, the phone must remain on the bed
Sleep Time
Sleep Machine
Allows users to play sounds to help them fall asleep
Users can set screen to dim after a certain amount of time
Phase of sleep in which a user wishes to be awakened can be chosen
Free version doesn’t provide many features
Doesn’t provide as much information about users’ sleeping patterns Drains phone battery
Upgrade ad pops up constantly Very limited options for alarm sounds
Movie leaves lasting impression Gretchen Adams Columnist
“You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me?” Without a doubt, somebody, probably a middle-aged man, has come up to you, scrunched up his face, and said this. If you’re like me, you probably thought it was from “The Godfather.” That is, until I watched “Taxi Driver.” Next time my tipsy uncle asks me if I’m talkin’ to him, the only thing
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG
I’ll be able to think of is Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) mugging for the mirror. Honestly, this movie may be the only thing on my mind any time I get into a cab or see a political commercial for quite some time. Something made it stick. It wasn’t that it was disturbing; I expected disturbing. Martin Scorsese in his unchecked early days, directing a movie about the underbelly of New York City plus Robert De Niro—I knew I wasn’t getting “My Little Pony.” But the underhanded, subtle way it was disturbing surprised me. To understand what I’m talking about, you should know a little bit more about the plot. It’s about a taxi driver (no shocker there) and Vietnam War veteran who slowly goes crazy while attempting to save a teenage prostitute he hardly knows. That’s it. I mean, stuff happens at the end. But for the most part he writes in his journal and tries
to ignore the depraved individuals who wander into the back of his cab. I didn’t exactly enjoy it. I certainly didn’t hate it. It wasn’t “Wolf of Wall Street” disgusting or “Raging Bull” violent. But for some reason, this movie was firmly stuck in my head for weeks after I watched it. Part of the reason it stuck was definitely Robert De Niro. Honestly, I have never seen him give a bad or even mediocre performance, and I have seen “Meet the Fockers” twice. Instead of playing Bickle as the typical off-the-handle, war-torn psychopath, he renders the role calmly; cold but not calculating, insane but not crazy. De Niro’s masterful portrayal wouldn’t be possible without Scorsese’s directing. He resists the obvious temptation
to do the “Rambo” thing and use Bickle’s experiences in the Vietnam War as justification for his actions. At the same time, we aren’t without sympathy for him. We see the rough realities of New York at night juxtaposed against soft jazz and pretty lights, and understand where he’s coming from. It’s also impossible not to have sympathy for Iris (Jodie Foster), the teenage prostitute he tries to help. This was Foster’s breakout role, and it’s evident why: she somehow manages to be pitiful and weirdly sexy at the same time, showing remarkable depth for her age (she was only 14 at the time). All in all, I wouldn’t say I liked this movie. It’s not the kind of thing one likes. But, I was definitely fascinated. If you’re the kind of person who’s willing to let a movie confuse and disturb you slightly, then I’m talkin’ to you: “Taxi Driver” is worth seeing.
8
A&E
April 24, 2014
Spilled Ink
Fri. April 25 Tri-M meeting, and board elections for next year, 7 a.m. in the orchestra room.
Fri.-Sat. April 25-26 Jazz Festival at UNC, Time TBA
Thurs.-Sat. May 1-3 Tower Theater Presents “Almost Maine,” 7 p.m. in McNeal Auditorium
Mon. May 5 Jazz Band and A Cappella Perform at Lambkin Award night, 6:30 p.m. in McNeal Auditorium
ABOVE: Reacting to Perspectives Editor Elizabeth Bridgwater’s slam poetry performance, audience members are packed into the cozy coffee shop, The Bean Cycle, for a night filled with poetry. LEFT: Raising her arm for effect, Bridgwater recites her poem written for the slam competition. PHOTOS BY SARAH BALES
Poetry experience unique, enjoyable
Tues. May 6 Chamber Concert, 7 p.m. in the Large Rehearsal Room
Thurs. May 8 Senior Recital, 7 p.m. in the Large Rehearsal Room
Thurs. May 15 Graduation music practice, 7:30 a.m. in McNeal Auditorium
Mon. May 19 End of the Year Concert with Concert Orchestra, Symphonietta, Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Cansone, Signori, and Anima, 7 p.m. in McNeal Auditorium
Elizabeth Bridgwater Perspectives Editor
As I sat with my knees pressed to a table and the smell of poet-hungry people around me, something changed me. In front of a microphone, I saw people dissect their chests to reveal their hearts and crack open their skulls to expose their brains. Pain, love, hopes, regrets—they all came profusely pouring out of the poets performing. And surrounded by those words I soaked up so zealously, I realized just how small we are compared to everything else around us, and yet how important every person can be. The first Friday of every month, The Bean Cycle at 144 North College Avenue crams people of all types, from an ancient woman in a wheelchair to a colorful punk couple, into their hip cafe-book store venue for slam poetry. At 7:30 p.m., jittery novices such as me, clutching notebooks, and experienced gurus file into line for sign-up. I was the 12th poet to write down my name in Expo marker, and that specific night, they decided to cut off the number of performers at 14, so I and my idealistic hopes for my performance barely made it in. Having successfully secured my position, I squeezed among audience members
with my companions to reach the small protrusion along the wall where we sat. Despite having entered the competition by the fate of mere minutes and being packed shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around me, I was bouncing in place with energy, and it wasn’t just from the ambrosial, caffeinated iced chai tea I purchased. It was from the thrill of standing up to bare my thoughts to people willing to listen, and the spice of competition. Competition is stoked by five judges chosen from the audience, who can give the poet a number anywhere from one to 10. The highest and the lowest numbers are cut, because, as the eccentric, tiedyed-t-shirt-wearing host “Booger” put it, he guesses you have an enemy out there, and you probably have a friend as well. The remaining three numbers are added up to make the poet’s score, with a possible high score of 30. All poets perform in the first round, six move on to the second, and three fight to the last word in the final round, barring ties. The highest-scoring winner receives the jangling, crumpled-currency winnings people toss into the donations jar passed around during the show. At 8 p.m., the poets were called up to draw a number from a bucket, which decided when they would perform. I drew number 11, giving me time to wonder over the skill—and occasional lack of skill—I found in the competition. Despite having never spoken to the people standing in front of the attentive audience, some speaking in soft mouse-voices, others powerfully exclaiming their messages, I
Slam Poetry at The Bean Cycle Tues. May 20 Honor’s Concert with Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, A Cappella and Canta Bella, 7 p.m. in McNeal Auditorium
Where: The Bean Cycle, 144 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524 When: The first Friday of every month, at 8 p.m. Performance slots are limited; participants should arrive early to sign up. Who: Anyone who loves poetry!
Visit www.spilledinkfchs.blogspot.com to watch a video of Bridgwater’s slam performance.
learned to love many of them. No matter that I don’t know many of their names or would fail to recognize them on the street, for especially as the competition wore on and the poets became more refined, I was tangled in their beautiful words, cavorting with the meanings and suppressing tears. I made it through only the first round, but after the performances ended I was spinning and exclaiming my happiness to the scuffled wooden floors of The Bean Cycle and the rough Old Town streets, excited enough that my twelve-year old sister felt the need to brew me Sleepy Time tea. For every first Friday of the month I’m available from now until I leave for college, The Bean Cycle is where I will be. For this was no stereotypical dimly-lit slam session with poets bemoaning their lost loves in clichés, but my new-found version of church: a place to atone for my sins, receive messages larger than myself, and connect with the powerful things of the universe.
Performing her poetry, Bridgwater enjoyed the unique experience of reading her written work aloud.
Spilled Ink
The
A&E
April 24, 2014
9
Project
Students create portraits for orphans in Cambodia Evan Bode Staff Writer Millions of children around the world are living in orphanages with no belongings of their own. As they grow to become adults, often nothing remains to represent memories from their childhood. When volunteering at a Guatemalan orphanage in 2003, Ben Schumaker recognized this problem and came up with a solution. He founded The Memory Project, a non-profit organization that connects art students with disadvantaged children in third world countries. For the past eight years, the FCHS Advanced Drawing students have participated in this initiative under the direction of art teacher Allison Alter. Each student is assigned a child to draw based on a photograph, this year from Cambodia. Then, once the portraits are finished, they are delivered to the children. “We send them to these kids, and a lot of times it’s their only earthly possession,” Alter said. “I think just knowing that somebody from somewhere else in the world took such a great amount of time and care to create something for them is such a powerful gesture.” Not only does the project potentially
impact the children who receive the portraits, it can also influence the artists who drew them. Those who participate often find that spending time drawing the pictures of the children creates a meaningful bond. “I really felt connected with them, because it’s basically like being face to face with the orphans,” Advanced Drawing student Eric Combs said. During the project, students spent time learning about the history and culture of Cambodia to better relate to their subjects and become educated about another part of the world. “I think it really opens up their mind to kind of thinking more globally and not just that we’re doing a drawing because it’s a project and you turn it in for a grade, but it’s something that’s going to impact somebody else’s life,” Alter said. This result is documented through video footage after the portraits are delivered to Cambodia, so that the artists can see the reactions of the children. “My favorite part was getting to watch the video at the end,” Advanced Drawing student Rachel Thornes said. “You get to see the reactions of the kids, and see them with your portrait and it’s pretty cute to see their little smiling faces.”
For more information on The Memory Project visit www.memoryproject.org
Posing with their portraits, Cambodian students now possess a memory from their childhood to cherish forever. The FCHS students who created the pieces featured in these photos are, clockwise from the bottom left: senior Anna Gilbertson, , senior Anthony Ybarra, senior Eric Combs, junior Caleb Martin, senior Rachel Thornes and senior Drew Petty. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEN SCHUMAKER
Bowties Sweetheart neckline
Big, chunky, jewelry Mermaid Style
Three-piece suits are popular
Closed-toe shoes, for functionality
Sequins from head to foot PHOTOS BY JOEY FREEMAN with permission from Cira Ltd.
Classic colors: Black, gray/slate, white
Dresses
Suits
PHOTO COURTESY Sources: Christen Lindemenn, Assistant Manager at Cira Ltd., menswarehouse.com, mytuxedocatalog.com Information gathered by Joey Freeman. MITCHELL KHOURI
10 April 24, 2014
In-Depth Jami
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Spilled Ink
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New school features specialized curriculum Amanda Evans Staff Writer Walking through the front doors, I felt a blast of cool air press my hair against my head. A steady quiet was interrupted by a security board beeping. A woman with a warm smile sat behind a tall desk with a questioning look on her face. The STEM School and Academy in Highlands Ranch, is a new and small school. With sixth-grade through eleventh-grade with one senior, their student population comes to slightly under 700 students. A tiny school allowed for me to stand out. The receptionist handed me a school map and the schedule of Heather Haney, the girl I was shadowing, and had me wait. A flash of embarrassment came over me when I found out Haney didn’t start school until 8 and I had an hour to wait. To pass the time, I went around and took pictures. Entering the hallway, I instantly felt tall. Being used to FCHS, with high ceilings and wide hallways, it was different being in a hallway where I could touch both walls at the same time and by rising to the tips of my toes, could graze the ceiling with my fingertips. Few students roamed the halls, all of them looking as if they questioned my presence. It was like that all day. With a camera around my neck and a notebook in my hand, I had some ask if I were a reporter for a news station. When it was finally 8, Haney and I went to her first class, Multimedia II. I didn’t know what I had been expecting but it certainly wasn’t it. A lab of 16 computers was actually large for the class of roughly
10. The task of the class was to write a script and film it. Since the idea of prom was ringing through the school, Haney’s group decided to write a tragic prom story. Each class lasted 55 minutes and at the end of the period, I was waiting for the bell. To my surprise, they don’t have a bell system, and students waited for the teacher to dismiss them. Students then had five minutes to move through the halls and get to their next location. The school had one-way hallways that were confusing and crowded. All 700 Students moved like a current; occasionally, there was a student that went against the current. After first period, we proceeded to Spanish class, with 11 people, 3 of whom had been in the previous class, followed by Chemistry with some of the same people. Then I realized the reason for seeing the same people over and over again was that the school is so small. After chemistry, Haney led me to a small conference room in the office. There sat two other girls and a teacher; three people comprised the entire class. Finally, it was lunch time. A short 20 minutes is allowed for students to sit and eat before resuming class. Haney took me on a tour around the new wing of the building while I tried to scarf down a bagel. After lunch we went to English, which was structured more like a finance class, and we ended the day with an Algebra II class. I noticed in these two classes, that even though I have the same classes, they were indeed, very different. Coming back to FCHS I felt at home again. The open hallways with tall ceilings, is a big contrast from life at the STEM school and Academy.
M School and Academy
STEM School and Academy in Highlands Ranch maintains a curriculum focused around science, technology, engineering, and math. Staff writer Amanda Evans shadowed a student at the school for a day. PHOTOS BY AMANDA EVANS
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In-Depth
April 24, 2014
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Silver Creek High School in Longmont was ranked in the top five percent the nation’s high schools in a 2012 survey. Staff writer Jason Stroh spent a day at the high school as part of the school swap. PHOTOS BY JASON STROH
Nationally ranked school exhibits focus on leadership Jason Stroh Staff Writer It’s 7:15 a.m.; the bell rings, students swarm into classrooms, the bell rings once again, class begins. This could be the morning for almost any high school across the country, a simple morning ritual followed daily. In this particular case, the school is Silver Creek High, located in Longmont, boasting a strong record, being placed in the top 5 percent of high schools in the US by US News & World Report’s Best High Schools. Silver Creek atmospherically feels very modern, yet similar to FCHS with friendly staff, a slightly dazed-butupbeat student body, clean hallways, walkways lined with memorabilia of previous classes, cases filled with trophies and awards, and a feeling of constant motion. The feeling in the
hallways is that of interconnectedness. “We focus on leadership and inclusion here, the students really try to look out for each other,” Student Body President Doug Palmer said. “We just try to go above and beyond what is expected of us, which is why we recently adopted Rachel’s Challenge as a school.” Similarly to FCHS, Silver Creek welcomed Rachel’s Challenge into its halls, both schools hanging their pledges to the organization on the walls to display their pride in the idea that it represents. “A respectful culture is what it is,” SCHS history teacher Justelle Grandsaert
explained. “We encourage students to be involved as much as possible, and if they can’t find a club or cause that they like, then we encourage them to be a leader and create one.” Leadership is a valued idea at SCHS, the school itself playing host to the Silver Creek Leadership A c a d e my. The SCLA is a formal classroom setting for teaching interested students to be leaders in the modern world during all four years of their high school career, the enrollment in which accounts for about one-fourth of the
“We try to find what students don’t get enough of in high school, like real world experience, and give it to them.” — Karrie Adams
school’s total student population. The program’s five focuses are teamwork, creative and critical thinking, ethics, vision, communication, and respect. “We try to find what students don’t get enough of in high school, like real world experience, and give it to them,” SCLA Coordinator Karrie Adams said. “We feel that it’s what really distinguishes us from other public high schools.” Silver Creek High School and Fort Collins High School are both nonspecialized public high schools, and, aside from SCHS’ Leadership Academy and alternating block schedule (eight classes, four per day, constantly alternating), they are incredibly similar in style and form. “It’s a high school,” senior Marisa Yost said. “We grow up together, we learn together, we spend four years here, and we love it just as much as we want to move past it—it’s the high school experience.”
LEFT: Students at Silver Creek eat lunch in the main cafeteria on Friday, April 11. RIGHT: Holding up a copy of the student newspaper, the Talon Tribune, which he edits, senior Charles Sigwarth acted as Stroh’s host for the day.
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In-Depth
12 April 24, 2014
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EHS junior Lydia Bradley shadowed an FCHS student for a day, taking notes on the differences in education in a larger school setting. PHOTOS BY LYDIA BRADLEY
Editor’s Note: The following story was written by Eaton High School junior Lydia Bradley who shadowed Staff Writer Amanda Evans on Wednesday, April 16.
Crowded school ha overwhelm small to Lydia Bradley
Guest Writer I recently spent the whole day at a different school in a different town surrounded by people I have never met nor even thought about talking to. This officially was the challenge of a lifetime since I am from Eaton High School. On April 16, I spent the entire day at FCHS shadowing Spilled Ink Staff Writer Amanda Evans. FCHS’s student body is roughly 1,500 students compared to Eaton’s average student body of 500. As we pulled into the parking lot, my nerves began to set in; I was a small town kid in a school three times the size of my own. As I walked in the door and looked around, my eyes automatically fell to the long hallway that is called the “spine.” Evans came to my rescue
as she tried to help me underst where all the classes were and names of the hallways. I ended walking around in a complete daz I tried to understand this foreign pl Our day began in Pre-AP Litera and Composition and we slowly mo on to various classes like Spanish 2 Algebra 2. The class size was extrem different compared to a normal c size at EHS. An average class siz FCHS is around 30 students compa to EHS’s average class of 20 stude Since the class sizes are so differ it is clear that the curriculum teachers at FCHS have had to ada was able to have a conversation w language arts teacher Laurie Rice, w has taught at FCHS for nine years. said that the great thing about the AP Lit class is that students are m prepared for the ACT because t
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April 24, 2014
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Relaxed atmosphere of quaint town evokes unexpected appreciation Gretchen Adams Staff Writer I thought I knew what to expect from Eaton High School: small town, small school, small-minded people; as far as I was concerned, I was headed back to the boondocks of Georgia where I grew up. It didn’t take me long to be surprised. A kind stranger with a skateboard gave me directions to the front office (and then took the time to redirect me when he saw me again in the wrong place), and when I walked in I was greeted by Avery Jones, an enthusiastic senior wearing a smile and a cute outfit. Our first class of the day was Spanish 3, a departure for me, a French 3 student. Jones led me outside to a little trailer, or “module,” as she called it. Aleena Griffin, their teacher, told me to get up and introduce myself, and I managed a “me llamo Gretchen.” Over the course of the class, it became apparent that Eaton’s atmosphere is much more casual than any school I’ve ever been to. Griffin played Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” on the guitar, and she had a conversation with her class about Zumba and social media. “A lot of that is because I’m a senior,” Jones said of the relaxed atmosphere. “Some of the sophomore and junior classes are more structured.” Next came something called Advising, which Jones described as “40 minutes where we do nothing,” but seemed to me like a kind of guided-study period. However, that day, there was a senior meeting about graduation (which the students have a large role in planning), so I didn’t get to see a “normal” Advising period. On our way to Jones’s personal training class, I noticed that Eaton’s small hallways buzzed with a unique kind of life. Unlike the echoes of our spine, their chatter sounded friendlier somehow. They’re still high school kids, of course, but there was definitely a lack of insults and profanity. Freshman Darius Duran summed it up perfectly. “It’s just a friendly community,” he explained. “There’s not that much hate, although you’re gonna get that at every high school. It’s the small feel of it—everybody knows everybody and everybody’s friends.”
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In-Depth
are “reading more and being pushed more which does help with the test.” After spending the day with Evans, FCHS is a truly different experience. I met people that I may have never hung out with simply because they are not in my “social group.” As we toured the school, I began to realize I am from a school that is completely isolated from the rest of the world and from everything else that seems to happen in Northern Colorado. It became clear that even though both schools are totally different from each other, they are actually very similar in the end. I enjoyed spending the day being a shadow at a school that honestly scared me. I have made some amazing friends here and I am glad that I took on this challenge to learn something new about a school that isn’t so far away from home.
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Coming from a freshman, one of the most typically ostracized groups at any high school, that’s pretty significant. Even as an outsider, I could feel the love. However, Eaton has more advantages than just their open atmosphere; the school is also strong in athletics. Jones showed me, with pride, all the sports trophies in their display case. Their wrestling, baseball, and girls’ basketball teams have placed in state tournaments this year. Eaton Counselor Marcy Sanger wanted to make sure I wasn’t just focused on athletics, though. ““We’re not just sports,” Sanger said. “We have so much more to offer than just the athletics, but I think the athletics is probably what people focus on. But we’re so much more than that.” They also have many different clubs; Jones spent their thirty-five minute lunch period trying to divide her time between three meetings and the lunch line. The short lunch time was pretty much the only complaint I heard from students. Student’s needs are very important at Eaton, and it colors their academics. Their program supports concurrent enrollment with UNC and Aims Community College, and they have a separate vocational program built into the high school. Another way Eaton offers a rich educational environment, even with a limited selection of Advanced Placement and honors classes, is through their enrichment program, which is mandatory for all students. Each teacher picks a subject (everything from piñata-making to wedding-planning), and then students sign up for a teacher’s class depending on their interests. All these classes have to fit into a very limited space. The main building, erected in 1928, is very small. But it’s pretty in a way. The cream-tiled walls and scuffed wooden floors have a sort of rustic charm to them. Much like walking through the old Fort Collins High School, the sense that so many other students have walked these same halls is comforting. At the end of the day, as I bade my escort and her school goodbye, I realized how much my perceptions of Eaton had changed. I didn’t see it as a small school, or a “hick school”—I saw it as a kind place that had welcomed me unconditionally.
Staff writer Gretchen Adams attended EHS for a full day to observe classes and compare them to her typical day. PHOTOS BY GRETCHEN ADAMS
14 April 24, 2014 Liberty
In-Depth Ridgeview Total Enrollment:
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Where Are They Now?
Sports
Sports Editor Standing by the pool, helping the boys swim team prepare for their next meet, assistant coach Shane Price reflected on his time at FCHS. Price, a 2010 graduate, spent his high school years swimming for a club in town as well as FCHS. After graduation, Price decided to stop swimming competitively, and shift his focus to school. “I’m currently going to CSU,” he said. “And I got an internship at Semantic Arts (a consulting company) in Old Town.” Price works as a software developer, which he plans to continue doing once he earns his major in computer science. Though he has quit swimming and begun working towards a career, Price
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Shane Price Class of 2010
Graduate stays active in swimming, plans future in software development Caleb Schwindt
April 24, 2014
has maintained his interest in the sport. “I enjoy coaching,” he said. “So I think I’ll continue doing that in the future.”
“If you have to spend your years at college forcing yourself to do every assignment, you’ll have a miserable time.” — Shane Price Outside of the swimming pool, Price was able to learn important lessons which have helped him in college. “I learned how to stay calm. Especially with the amount of schoolwork, it’s easy to get stressed
ABOVE: Preparing to lunge backward, Price gets ready to swim during his senior year. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANE PRICE BELOW: Walking along the pool edge, Price instructs swimmers at practice. PHOTO BY SARAH BALES out or paranoid,” he explained. “But in high school, I had some teachers who explained that there’s no reason to be anxious or overstressed. When stuff gets hard, it’s good to stay calm.” After high school, Price picked up other valuable tips. “If you’re going to college, don’t force a subject or area that wouldn’t be good for you,” he said. “Find what you don’t actually mind doing, because if you have to spend your years at college forcing yourself to do every assignment, you’ll have a miserable time.” Being successful in college and in life requires passion, something which has kept Price busy with athletics after graduating high school. While he doesn’t currently play any sports competitively, Price finds ways to stay active. Whether those involve coaching the swimming team or playing intramural sports at CSU, he prioritizes enjoying what he does in life.
BIO BLAST Shane Price Price swam for three years at FCHS before graduating in 2010. He is currently an assistant coach for the boys swim team. A senior at CSU, Price is earning his major in computer science. He is working towards a job at Semantic Arts, a consulting company where he is an intern helping to develop software.
Chicago Bulls represent pinnacle of team perfection
Tyler Mathewson & Caleb Schwindt Columnists Any team during any given year is considered to be great if they have a good regular season, stellar playoff run, and a star-studded line up. The 1996 Chicago Bulls had it all, which is why we are calling them the greatest professional sports team ever. As far as the wins, the Bulls had them covered. They had an astounding 72-10 regular season record, which is still the best mark in NBA history. And they didn’t just win against lousy teams. On their way to winning
the NBA Championship, the Bulls beat the Magic and Sonics, who each had 60 or more wins that year. Wins get you to the championship, but a team’s ability to win championships is what makes them truly great, and the Bulls had no trouble doing so. They won the 1996 Finals 4 games to 2 to get the Larry O’Brien trophy back to Chicago. That wasn’t the only year this Bulls team had championship success. They took home six championships in a span that stretched from 1991-1998. No other NBA team has ever accomplished that feat. Winning championships was made a little easier with the lineup the Bulls were able to put on the court every night. In 1996, they had two all-stars: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Jordan was the outright MVP and leader in almost every offensive statistical category that year, and nearly every year he ever suited up in a Bulls uniform. Dennis Rodman also was the leading rebounder in the league, and Toni Kukoc received the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Not only was the player personnel astonishing, but it helped to have one of the best coaches of all time. Phil Jackson, who won 11 NBA Championships in his coaching career, coached the Bulls from 19891998. In that span, he guided them to become the greatest team the world of sports has ever seen. All of this formulated into a championshipcaliber team that nearly led the NBA in both offense and defense, finishing No. 1 in points (105.2) and No. 3 in points allowed (92.9) with an average margin of victory of 12.2 points per game. Jordan led the team with 30.4 points per game, with a .495 shooting percentage on the season. Having the greatest player in the history of the NBA certainly helped the Bulls achieve greatness, but there were many more factors contributing to their success. Regular season numbers, championships, and statistics all back it up; the 1996 Bulls were the best team to ever step on the court or field.
Winning championships was made a little easier with the lineup the Bulls were able to put on the court every night.
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Sports
Track & Field Breaking Down
The Track
Spilled Ink A wide range of events take place at a track & field meet, most on different surfaces. Here is a breakdown of what happens on each surface. Up next: Liberty Bell Invitational, April 25
Both sprints and long distance events occur on the track. Events in sprints include: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m medley relay, 4x100 relay, 4x200 relay, and the 4x400 relay. Longer distance events include: 800m, 1600m, 4x800 relay, and the 3200m race. Hurdles also occur on the track and include: girls 100m high hurdles, boys 110m high-hurdles, and the 300 intermediate-hurdles.
In shot put, athletes will take a small ball (for men this usually weighs 12lbs, and for women this is 8.8lbs) and lunge it across the field in order to gain the maximum distance.
Shot Put
Discus
In discus, athletes take a disc (for men this will weigh 1.75kg, for women 1kg) and throw it across the field in order to gain the maximum distance.
Triple Jump
The triple-jump requires athletes to master a combination of well-timed jumping and strength as they make three quick jumps before the final dive in to the sand pit.
Long Jump The long jump requires athletes to run quickly and then leap into a sand pit to increase their jump length against other athletes.
Pole Vault
In the pole vault, athletes will use a long, highly-flexible pole in order to help them jump over a stable bar. Athletes in this event compete for the highest jump.
Information gathered by Joey Freeman Sources: lambkinrunners.com and livestrong.com PHOTOS BY CALEB SCHWINDT GRAPHICS BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG
Sports
Spilled Ink
April 24, 2014
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Golf outing justifies hatred, leaves bitter impressions of sport
Joey Freeman Columnist
TOP LEFT: Taking a hack, Joey directs the club in hopes of hitting the ball. BOTTOM LEFT: Finishing her swing, Joey fails to realize she did not hit the ball. RIGHT: Maintaining her focus on the hole, Joey lines up a putt. PHOTOS BY CALEB SCHWINDT
I’d like to preface what I have to say with this: I gave you a chance, I really did. I don’t know what it is, but even though I tried to make this work, the thought of you just kind of makes me sick. Quite possibly it could be the fact you just allow p e o p l e to walk around, not even carrying their own b a g s , and act impressed w h e n they take so much effort to hit the ball. Golf, I just don’t think this is working out. I used to have respect for you—I begrudgingly admitted to you that you were a sport, even though you knew I didn’t want to. While our relationship is failing miserably, you
and I both know that it might be time to cut the cord on this little “thing.” This entire relationship has just baffled me. You make me feel so uncomfortable all the time; I had the feeling that it was necessary for me to change everything I am just to fit in with you and your little followers. Being with you, I felt like Indiana Jones trying to steal the gold idol in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and that for some reason your little cronies on the golf course would attack me like the booby traps (that’s what I said) and I would never get out alive. Kind of silly, considering that the most talking you ever let me do was to ask for a medium-sized bucket of balls, which in retrospect was way too big. Throughout our time together, I have never felt that you had any sort of respect for me. For example, I had a difficult time carrying the golf clubs, which caused me personal humiliation when I had to carry them alone (talk about chivalry). Individually, golf clubs don’t weigh that much, but of course you had to put them in a bag so ridiculously shaped that they were insanely awkward to carry. So, thanks for not even helping me. Maybe I should have just hired somebody to carry them for me like everyone else. But none of this kept my nerves away as our relationship progressed. The entire time I just kept repeating the phrase “this isn’t natural,” because it
I’m just a girl, standing in front of a golf club, asking it to hit the ball.
really wasn’t, at least not for me. Every day I basically would channel my inner “Notting Hill”: I’m just a girl, standing in front of a golf club, asking it to hit the ball. This just isn’t right for me, and it’s not just because of how sexist I thought you were initially (“Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden”—Really?), which ended up being untrue, it’s because we just don’t meld well. You confuse my entire being, in the worst of ways. My legs move on their own accord, my elbows refuse to bend, and my hands just don’t know what to do. We weren’t even together that long—it was maybe thirty minutes—but even that was long enough. None of this was enjoyable for me (I can hardly see how it would’ve been for you). I would just yell that I just couldn’t do this anymore, and I would literally laugh at myself for being with you. And so, I find myself in another tennis type of situation (Yes, I know I forgot to tell you about him), and I have to end it with this sport we call golf. It isn’t you; it’s me. I think you should just find someone out there who can appreciate how good you are, but I’m sorry, because it just isn’t me. We’re over.
18 April 24, 2014
Sports
Spilled Ink
Athletes of the Month How long have you been playing soccer? Since I was 4. What position do you play and why? Center-back. I just like defense more, because I like to tackle people. Why did you start playing soccer? My mom and dad just put me in the sport when I was little and since then I’ve just loved it. Do you have an inspiration in the sport? I don’t know. I don’t necessarily have an inspiration. I’m just inspired by the sport in itself. Do you have any pre-game rituals? I just listen to my music and for soccer we jump rope before [a game]. Do you wear anything for good luck on game day? I don’t. What has been the best moment in soccer so far? Probably last year in the quarter finals— just, like, the motivation we had to win (even though we didn’t) and the girls I’ve been playing with for most of my high school career.
Delaney Smotherman
Junior
Soccer Photo BY CALEB SCHWINDT
How long have you been swimming? 8 years. Do you have any pre-meet rituals? Not really, but I usually eat a big lunch. When did you start swimming? Why? I started in 3rd grade because it sounded like something different. What event are you best at? 100 backstroke. When you feel like you aren’t doing as well as you could be in a meet, what do you do to pump yourself up? I usually just get something to eat and drink, and warm up again and try and do better. Who inspires you in your sport? Peyton Manning just because he’s getting old and he still has it. Do you have any good luck things that you wear on the day of a meet? I usually just wear the same gray Collins shirt. What’s the best moment that you’ve experienced while in swimming? It’s hard to pick one, but conference meet is always fun.
Interviews by Joey Freeman
Matt Struckhoff
Junior
Swimming Photo BY SARAH BALES
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Perspectives
April 24, 2014
19
Staff Ed Motivation for participation in activities should favor passions
It’s a heartening thing to observe a smile-inducing person zealously doing the thing he or she loves. Moments such as watching a violinist lovingly batter her strings with a bow, seeing a swimmer flex his muscles to spring from the starting block, or noticing the agility of a science bowl member as she speedily rings in for a question force us to consider the fact that we as individuals must join activities because we find passion in them, not for the purpose of padding an application. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Although there’s no official survey to judge the level of passion in a student’s membership, it’s not difficult to pick out one of those members, a lackadaisical student. The most obvious symptom: the one not doing anything. They work less than others, hinder the productivity of the group, and give up their time only for—big whoop—perhaps a brief common lunch or after-school meeting. This participation is a mere façade, as no real effort or dedication can be found in these members. The real kick to the extracurricular-pride-gut is that they still have the activity neatly listed on their college application or résumé. In this bitingly competitive world of postsecondary schooling, it’s understandable as to why a person would attempt to add as many appealing aspects to his or her application as possible; it’s daunting to imagine rival applicants and critical college admissions officers. But by listing these activities on an application, these people are essentially lying. And on an application, college admissions officers will not see past those black and white symbols to the true story. Although this injustice will never be rooted out by admissions, the worst damage students are inflicting is to themselves. Amid the tiny faces of a yearbook photo and surrounded by people in the same t-shirt, they come off as a dead-eyed member radiating boredom. If only they had found something they loved, they could have been one of those members with a splitting smile and arms around close companions. We should strive for happy smiles and happy experiences in the limited time we have for high school. And to do so, everyone needs to look between the lines of our applications and make sure that we are doing things we have passion for and are not solely motivated to create a glitzy, and yet fraud-filled, college application.
If only they had found something they loved, they could have been one of those members with a splitting smile and arms around close companions.
graphic by hannah mechtenberg
Painful secrets provide positive perspective Elizabeth Bridgwater Perspectives Editor Inside of me is a reservoir of pain. I’m not sure how much of it I really own any right to, because you see, it isn’t as much my pain as it is others’. I am filled with these crashing waves, the compressed secrets of others all beating against my being, my chest and ribs and limbs all hearty cement walls to hold them in. In my reservoir, just like in a realistic one, not all contents were added at once. The last two years or so, I have gained such an accumulation of tiny troubles and pains, that if they were water I could power a massive turbine of hydropower, providing enough energy to send everyone I know to a happier place. I am not bitter about any of things I have learned, and these waves have yet to permanently destroy anything inside of me, for I have become accustomed to the little pricks and poky things of the world. I would be lying to myself if I didn’t accept that there will always be a sour spot on the beautiful painting, a flaw in someone’s life. But what I have found is that this allows me to look upon the good
things in life with a stronger sense of appreciation. So many people have suffered something that I feel as if I were to spin around with a rag soaked in J.K. Rowling’s truth-inducing Veritaserum, secrets would start popping out of people like stray popcorn from a machine. The art of secret-keeping— one which I commit to faithfully, as if each secret is a bit of someone’s property which I am guarding— has taught me a more important lesson: I should not fear the pain in the world. However idealistic this may be, with everyone possessing so many individual problems, it has only expanded my options to make connections with others, and above all, it has the ability to provide perspective. Despite the sadness in the world, all of the little bits of life that do not contain a soiled aspect only become brighter. No longer am I the naive girl entering high school without a clue to the invisible whirlwind of secrets around me, but someone who has evolved into a protected data reserve. And from this, I have learned a vital lesson of loving the good in life. So my message to you is this: Do not fear the pain in the world, for in the end, it only makes the light things happier, more colorful, more treasured.
I am filled with these crashing waves, the compressed secrets of others all beating against my being...
“Secrets are things we give to others to keep for us.” — Elbert Hubbard
graphics by hannah mechtenberg
Perspectives
Sexual assault jokes remind victims of previous trauma
Gretchen Adams Staff Writer
TRIGGER WARNING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT. This phrase comes before articles, videos, and even some art dealing with sexual assault, as a way to warn survivors that what they’re about to see might be upsetting. However, unfortunately, life doesn’t come with a trigger warning, and for some sexual assault survivors, the fear of something that could send them back to the time of their assault is constant. For example, I was at a little gettogether with a friend one time. It was a birthday party. It was supposed to be fun. For a time, it was; we jumped out and surprised our friend, played some games, rubbed frosting on each other’s faces. Later, we were all sitting around, just talking and telling jokes. And somebody told the wrong joke. It doesn’t bear repeating. My friend barely managed to walk outside. I soon followed to find her crumpled against a wall, sobbing and almost unable to speak. Granted, she’d recently been having a hard time with some other things too, but I never imagined one seemingly little incident could do this to her. When she could talk again, the first thing she said was, “It happens all the time.” According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
(RAINN), most sexual assault survivors experience something called Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS). If left untreated, RTS can develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, several types of Anxiety Disorders, and result in the appearance of psychosomatic symptoms—unexplainable physical manifestations of psychological trauma. The flashbacks and episodes related to all these conditions can be triggered by physical, environmental, and emotional reminders of the attack, which for some survivors, can be pretty much anything related to sexual assault. Now, is a joke really worth all that? These people have already been through an unimaginable hell. Why shouldn’t we, as their fellow humans, and by default, allies, be working to make the world safer for them in any way we can? I understand that it’s hard to be constantly vigilant; I’m not perfect, by any means. I’m also a big believer in the occasional off-color joke. Anyone who knows me knows that. But to tell a joke, or make a remark that you know has the potential to upset someone so deeply is just not OK. It’s never OK, because you never know. Assuming that 20.9 percent of the general population (both female and male) are survivors of completed or attempted sexual assault, according to RAINN, and 88 percent of survivors are under the age of 18, approximately 301 survivors attend FCHS. You probably know one. But you probably don’t know who he or she is. So be sensitive. Stay aware. Because this isn’t a joke.
Interview with a
The fear of something that could send them back to the time of their assault is constant.
P e
c o u n
r
e l o r
Katie Ronen Senior
Spilled Ink
out of every
6
American
women
has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape
1 33
in American men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
Victims
4x
of
Sexual
assault are:
26x
more likely to abuse drugs
more likely to contemplate suicide
13x
more likely to suffer from depression
3x
GRAPHICS BY ZACH STETTER Information gathered by Elizabeth Bridgwater Source: the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.
Are people too insensitive about sexual assault?
s
e
1
more likely to abuse alcohol
20 April 24, 2014
I think it is too common that people are insensitive about the way they use the words commonly associated with sexual assault. Using the negative connotation out of context makes the seriousness of sexual assault seem not so severe.
Why do you How do you think think people we can change feel a need to how casually joke about this people treat issue? sexual assault? I think because of the It is so important to be harsh reality it is hard informed and to actually for people. It’s easier know the facts about to joke about it than sexual assault. The more to talk about it. you know, the less often sexual assault and the negative connotation included will occur. Interview by Joey Freeman
Perspectives
Spilled Ink
April 24, 2014
21
Excessive prices for visual, audio media encourage theft
The Facts of:
ONLINE PIRACY
$12
Staff Writer
Billion, the amount piracy costs the U.S. economy annually, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
The combined estimated amount RIAA and other lobbying agencies spent to enforce piracy laws in 2011 in millions.
5.9
Jason Stroh
$305
Million, the number of times Game of Thrones, the internet’s most pirated show, was downloaded illegally last season.
153.9%
25.9%
70%
46%
Percentage of American’s ages 18-29 who have pirated movies, TV shows or music illegally.
Percentage of American adults who have pirated movies, TV shows or music illegally.
Percentage increase in bandwith devoted to piracy from 2010 to 2012.
graphics by hannah mechtenberg
of all internet traffic in 2012 was related to piracy.
Information gathered by Andrew Smalley Sources: RIAA, University of North Carolina, variety.com
Think about how exciting it is to find a dollar…
While star athletes are showered in millions of dollars…
Let’s say you want to watch the new “Game of Thrones” episodes, but you don’t have a subscription for HBO because you watch only one of their shows and you don’t want to pay $15 a month for the service. So, instead, you get onto your computer and find some site buried deep in the internet where you can download the new episodes for free. You then promptly download the episode, and proceed to view it. Congratulations! You can now be charged with criminal liability, receiving an absolutely free 5 years in jail, accompanied by an up to $250,000 fine. Media can be astoundingly expensive, be it visual or auditory, and services like iTunes, Google, and even your nearby electronics store can charge seemingly extortionist-level prices for it, causing many to tap less legal routes to obtain it. Now, be aware, I am not endorsing online piracy; rather, I am explaining the reasons it is
Congratulations! You can now be charged with criminal liability... an attractive idea for those who don’t have extra money to spend on movies they will watch once. Coming back to the example of “Game of Thrones,” in order to view the series, one must not only pay for television service, which many households do not have, but also pay the extra fee associated with HBO ($15 per month). If one does not pay this price, a person has two options: the first, wait for the DVD to come out and buy it months after the original air date for $50-80, and the second, to illegally view it for free via the internet. When this cost is compared to the low enforcement of piracy laws, which is roughly 15,000 cases of enforcement per year out of an estimated 41 billion illegal downloads annually, meaning a roughly 0.0000003 per cent enforcement rate, it becomes clear just how appealing piracy is. Now we can see why piracy is so commonplace. With the high prices of these easily available things, it is estimated that roughly 45 percent of Americans casually pirate media, according to Daily Tech. So, this leaves media corporations at an impasse. Either lobby for stricter enforcement for punishments, or make it worth it to actually buy the music or video or lower prices to affordable levels.
Teachers are left to scramble for the leftovers…
Teachers deserve more money, and maybe athletes should be paid by the catch…
Perspectives
Spilled Ink
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ZACH STETTER
22 April 24, 2014
photo
Spray-painted illegalities not a form of artwork Amanda Evans Staff Writer When I was growing up, I lived in an area plastered with graffiti. Almost as if a dog had marked his territory, the graffiti covered everything. The sides of buildings showed spots where it was unmistakably stained, and even though the owners had tried covering it up it was still noticeable, still recognizable. Driving down the streets, a driver looked at a road sign that had been covered by black letters, prohibiting drivers from seeing what was instructed. Some signs showed marks from where original paint started to fade from the constant scrubbing to remove the spray paint. It was a horrible. Yet like the scent of a dog, it was never really gone. As a child, I saw no reason for it. I saw it as destructive. Growing up more, and moving here, I noticed and learned more about art and what the world saw art as, and graffiti wasn’t that. Graffiti is, in fact, illegal. According to courts.state.co.us, if caught in the act of vandalizing, the culprit can get a class 3 misdemeanor at the very least. If the damages from the graffiti reach $15,000, the culprit can receive a felony charge. That’s a ton of money and
horrible mark on a permanent record. With $15,000 you could buy roughly 1,785 cans of spray paint which could be used in personal art in a personal space on a canvas. Does wasting that money on a fine seem reasonable just to mark on a building? Do the culprits not comprehend their “handy work” is just going to be masked? Graffiti is pointless and in most situations, unwanted, and it isn’t art. Don’t waste your money on something illegal. I understand the whole leaving your mark thing, and people have their own tag, or signature, but we are all here and have to share the same city, same buildings, same road signs; tagging them is disrespectful. If we can’t respect each other’s property, how can we respect each other? There is a time and a place for art. Having art thrown around is senseless and devaluing. We should have the ability to appreciate art. If art is unmethodically placed around town everywhere, it deflates the value of true art on a canvas. The side of a building isn’t an open canvas, and it’s not your property. That sign or that building or that railroad car belongs to someone else who probably doesn’t want to spend hard-earned money covering graffiti.
Talking points:
Unique stylized graffiti brilliant inspiring artwork Zach Stetter Staff Writer Every artist is armed with the tools of his trade. A painter has his brushes and oils, a writer his pen and pad; some are equipped only with their wits and a can of spray paint. In most cities, pieces of art by local artists cover the sides of buildings and railcars. They depict anything from groupings of letters to beautiful pictures. To say graffiti isn’t art ignores the many different styles and notable artists who travel and show off their work. Graffiti can be found in an array of styles. According to weburbanist. com, the simplest is tag graffiti, which is also the kind most often thought of. It consists of a signature or messy and simple symbol on a wall. However, artistically speaking, the most impressive are the wildstyle and “piece.” Wildstyle, a complicated and stylized form made popular in New York, usually incorporates spikes, arrows, and curves. “Piece,” short for masterpiece, often depicts a scene or an idea. These styles create brilliant works of art, illuminating walls, drawing forth a sense of awe and wonder. Just as other traditional art forms
have well-known artists, so does Graffiti. One of the most well-known is Banksy. A British artist noted in “Time” magazine as one of the most influential people of 2011, he is known for his stencil work, traveling to areas of political tension and making statements with his artwork. The most notable example was at the Berlin wall during a time when masses of people were calling for it to be torn down. Banksy presented several of his works on that wall, one of a small girl being carried over the wall by a bunch of balloons, while another showed a man sitting in his armchair, looking out a painted window to the other side of the wall. His work has become so respected that his “Kissing Coppers” sold for $575,000 at an auction on Feb. 19, according to independent.co.uk. Arguing graffiti isn’t art because it is illegal disregards the fact that art has been oppressed in the past. In Nazi Germany, officials gathered and destroyed works they considered “degenerate.” Many were by appreciated artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Like other forms of art, Graffiti boasts its own styles and artists. Illegality doesn’t make it not art. It is a part of the artistic world, and deserves to be recognized as such.
Talking points:
Graffiti is destructive, illegal, and inconvenient.
Well-known artists possess distinctive styles who travel to display their work.
If we can’t respect other people’s property, we can’t respect each other.
Even though graffiti is illegal, other forms of highly-respected art have been oppressed in the past.
Spilled Ink
Perspectives
April 24, 2014
23
Vaccinations necessitate exemptions for personal beliefs Many vaccines can cause anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can result in Kate Rayner Fried
severe injury or death.
Guest Writer
The commonplace of vaccines in our society is obvious: supermarkets advertise their flu shot specials and from doctors’ offices to drug stores, people get vaccinated with convenience. Many parents and students don’t even consider another option when it comes to vaccination, but among parents with school-aged children in the U.S. about 12 percent are opposed to compulsory vaccination. No matter one’s personal beliefs about vaccinations, students should not be forced to have vaccines in order to attend school. All 50 states require certain vaccines to be administered to children in public schools. Poudre School District requires specific dosages of DTaP, Polio, Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella (or chickenpox) vaccines for school-aged kids. For students who wish to opt out of mandatory vaccines, the process of proving their belief is inconvenient: only 18 states, including Colorado, allow philosophical (as well as religious and medical) exemptions, which in Colorado entails an exemption signed by a parent, legal guardian, or emancipated minor. Furthermore since opting out of some or all of the recommended vaccines does not pose a significant health problem to others, it should be respected as a private, personal health decision. According to the Center of Disease control, only 5.6 percent of students were exempted from vaccinations in Colorado. Vaccine advocates argue that mandatory vaccines help protect children’s health by limiting the spread of viruses, but the chance of such a small number of unvaccinated children spreading viruses to a larger proportion of
Rubella, Influenza, and Toxoplasmosis vaccines during the first trimester of pregnancy have been linked to
The Adenovirus vaccine causes serious, potentially
lifethreatening
schizophrenia.
side effects in 1 out of 600 people.
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG vaccinated children is small if the vaccines are effective. In some cases being vaccinated can actually be a risk factor in contracting viruses because the vaccine is a weakened or dead form of the virus. Moreover, if the concern is really over the health of students, bigger factors in reducing disease outbreaks—like access to clean water, sanitation, good nutrition, vitamins and autoimmune supplements—are not required by law in the same way vaccines are. In addition many parents feel that some vaccines are simply unnecessary and not worth the risk. Life-altering or fatal reactions to vaccines are welldocumented and can vary from swelling to paralysis to social withdrawal. Many parents report the first onset
of autism symptoms immediately following a dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine. For some parents the potential benefit of vaccinations does not outweigh the risk of facing these consequences. Whether or not you think vaccinations are safe and effective, and whether or not your family has decided to vaccinate, parents should never be forced by law to do something that they believe is unsafe for their children. Ultimately telling parents that they must vaccinate their children in order to send them to public school violates parents’ and students’ moral right to individual freedoms. Mandatory vaccinations infringe on the right of all people to take control of their own health and make decisions that align with their personal beliefs.
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Staff Writers Gretchen Adams Evan Bode Thany Dykson Amanda Evans Tyler Mathewson Nicholas Hawley Lauren Sluss Zach Stetter Jason Stroh
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Spilled Ink is published nine times yearly by the newspaper staff of Fort Collins High School, 3400 Lambkin Way, Fort Collins, Colo. 80525, (970) 4888199. Member of the Colorado High School Press Association, American Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Recipient of the Quill and Scroll, George H. Gallup Award in 1996 and 1997, and awarded First Place with Special Merit in 2001 by the National Schola -stic Press Association. Columns are the opinions of writers only. Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Spilled Ink staff. Nothing in Spilled Ink should be considered the opinion of Fort Collins High School or Poudre School District (PSD). School-sponsored publications written by students are encouraged to freely and creatively express their views subject to the limitations of PSD Board Policies and state law (PR--la0431, Colorado Revised Statutes 22-1-120) Spilled Ink reserves the right to edit letters to the editor and to deny publication to any letter. Letters may be published on Spilled Ink’s website. Letters must be signed, and are limited to 300 words.
24 April 24, 2014 The Backside
Spilled Ink
If you could teleport anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Lexi Serrano
Gage Duncan
Freshman
Senior
Probably Paris, because I have always wanted to go there to see the Eiffel Tower.
I would teleport to South Africa because the culture is rich.
Bryson Mosal
Devyn Barnard
Freshman
Sophomore
Probably Greece, because it sounds fun.
To Paris because teleporting, I assume, is free.
Rebecca Pease
Kyler Sigsbee
Sophomore
Junior
I would teleport to the 1940s during World War II because it is my favorite time period.
Alex Colwell
Junior
My bed, so I could nap.
Noah Jones Senior
I would go to France to see the Arc de Triomphe.
I would teleport home because I want to be home.
PHOTO BY ANDREW SMALLEY INFORMATION GATHERED BY EVAN BODE
Spilled Ink is a three year All-Colorado Newspaper 2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013