Issue 7 (March 2017)

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The FCHS Student Newspaper

March 30, 2017

Reward pgs. 10-14

Academic student profiles pg. 5 Hackneyed Hollywood pg. 9 Tennis team profile pg. 17 Artistic graffiti pg. 21

Volume 99 Issue 7

3400 Lambkin Way Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: (970) 488-8199 Fax: (970) 488-8008

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News

March 30, 2017

Spilled Ink

FCHS Chatter Box AP Art Show

The art department hosted the annual AP studio art show last Wednesday in the LTC. Featuring 10 rising artists in visual art, the show invited the school and community to admire students’ accomplishments in a variety of media. For the first time, a raffle was held allowing patrons to choose their favorite piece and enter to win a print of that work.

Titanic Prom

The theme for Prom this year will be “A Voyage on the Titanic.” Held at the Lincoln Center, the elegant venue will strive to capture the Titanic’s beautiful design as well as provide a romantic tone to the evening. Those attending can expect a low-light, exciting night to look their best and bring their dance moves.

Poetry Night

Inside The Ink

School vandalism

Staff review

News 2-5

A&E 6-9

Student wins volunteer award

Lacrosse profile

In-Depth 10-14

Sports 15-18

Corrections Spilled Ink has no errors to report.

Kids or adults

Perspectives 19-23

Spilled Ink

News

March 30, 2017

How To:

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Send a good email to your teachers 1) Subject: The subject of your email should be a brief explanation of what your email will be about in 1-3 words. For instance if you’re emailing a teacher about the assignment last night, you could label it “homework” or “yesterday’s assignment.” It shouldn’t be wordy.

SAT to take place April 11 for all juniors Dalena Groen Editor-in-Chief Pre-registration, or “pre-bubbling” for the SAT will take place from 7:309:10 a.m. April 3. The SAT will be held in the gymnasiums from 7:3011:35 a.m. on April 11 for all juniors.

The SAT is one of the two national college admissions tests and this is FCHS’ first time hosting the SAT instead of the ACT. “If you are interested in getting into college, you typically have to take one of these tests,” counselor Brett Fedor said. “Most colleges now will accept both tests.”

The school takes care of all registration requirements so there are no mandatory preparations for students, but Fedor recommends taking practice tests in order to improve scores.

Amnesty to raise assault awareness Adelaide Tomsic Perspectives Editor Amnesty International will host a Sexual Assault Awareness and Information forum for students and their families on Monday, April 3 from 5-7 p.m. in the McNeal Auditorium.

“It’s really good for awareness and spreading the message on these things,” sophomore Carina Sakkal said. “There are a lot of misconceptions and it is good to just get the facts and clear information of how you can help or where you can go if you experience something like this.”

The forum will feature guest speakers from SAVA and Crossroads Safehouse with three 15-minute-long breakout sessions about topics such as rape culture, self-defense, and gender. Entry to the event is free and snacks will be provided.

District funds teacher SPIE computer grant Roland Tomsic Staff Writer To reconfigure the design lab, business and marketing teacher Pamela Davidson received a SPIE grant for $7,874 on the morning of March 9, from the Poudre School District Foundation.

“It allows us to have new and innovative and projects for students to work on that we might not be able to do with just a standard school budget,” Davidson said. “So the grants are pretty important for us to implement new programs, and new projects, and more creative types of learning experiences.”

The grant money will add three 75-inch TVs so the students can see better. For web design, the money will be used to purchase video-editing programs and a green screen so students can produce videos to add to their websites. For the game design classes, it will be used to purchase kits to aid in the game design process.

2) Greeting: Just as you would address someone in a letter, greet them with hello or dear. After this, be sure to acknowledge their formal name (Mr. Ms. Mrs. or Miss). You may begin stating your issue in the next paragraph. Politely explain what’s going on and why you needed to email them so that your teacher can fully understand your predicament.

4) Sending: Congratulations! You’re ready to send. Before you do that, reread your message for any typos or mistakes. It’s also important to make sure the issue makes sense. If it doesn’t make sense to you, it’s not ready to send. After reviewing it, you can add a smiley face for flair or just leave it the way it is and click that send button.

3) Outro: Similar to the greeting, you’ll want to formally appreciate that your teacher took the time to read your email. After the body of the message, hit enter and sign off with “sincerely” or “thank you.” Hit enter again, and type your full name as you would on an assignment.

Historic railroad dog unites town Molly Lubbers Sports Editor In front of Old Town Library, children shake the bronze paw of the smiling statue. Even adults stop and admire it, reading the short description on a plaque that accompanies it.

The statue is modeled after Annie The Railroad Dog, whose story is much longer than such a small account, and her effect on Fort Collins even greater.

According to “Annie, The Railroad Dog: ‘A True Story’” by Arlene Ahlbrant, Annie lived on a farm in Timnath as a puppy, but was given away to an abusive blacksmith. In time, she grew up and became pregnant with her own puppies; pregnant and miserable, she was found by railroad men in the blacksmith’s shop.

When they offered to take her as their railroad mascot, the blacksmith was happy to oblige, for he was thinking of getting rid of her anyway.

Soon, she was on the first train ride of her life back to Fort Collins. The men decided to keep her in the Railroad

Depot’s basement, which was built in 1899 in what is now the center of Laporte Ave. Later, she had her puppies, who were given away to three children.

Though she was spayed after that, the men would never regret the decision to save her, pregnant and all. Sometimes referred to as the “section gang” or “gandy dancers,” they had hard work—every day, they would repair tracks the roadmaster assigned them. Coming back to Annie, who always was ready to play with them, let them relax and have fun.

However, it was Chris Demuth who connected with her most. Even after finishing work as a brakeman and retiring, he went to the station every day to visit her; for Demuth, this dog truly was a man’s best friend.

In fact, it was Demuth who named Annie on the day they chose to take her in. He would bring her on field trips around Fort Collins, which was small during the 1940s.

No matter where they went in town, love for Annie followed. They would visit the fire and police station on Walnut street, or go to Silver Grill Café, where the cook saved scraps for her.

When they went to the meat market on Linden Street, she was gifted bones to chew. Those living in the Northern Hotel would pet her as she passed by, and she occasionally was given ice cream by people at the soda fountain.

At age 14 she died. The Section Gang came together again to honor her. They dug her grave while Demuth made a three-foot-tall cement headstone that his daughter, Loretta Demuth, carved a message into with a nail: “From C and S men to Annie our dog 1934-1948.”

She indeed was their dog, but she had also become Fort Collins’ dog, for she was loved by so many.

She was buried near the tracks on Laporte Avenue and Mason Street.

Today, her grave is protected by an iron fence built by the city, and is a historical landmark. Annie is still honored, and her sculpture at Old Town Library has delighted people since 1999.

4 March 30, 2017 Doing the Dirty Work

News

Spilled Ink

Left: Staff members clean up the front door of the building after the graffiti tag at the beginning of the year. Above: Quotations have appeared on the stall doors in the upper-P-hall women’s restroom.

This one was cleaned up by the custodial staff, only to be replaced by another. Photos by Kaitlyn Schmidt and Molly Lubbers

Vandalism proves harmful for property, difficult to clean up Joseph Vasseur Staff Writer From Virginia Woolf’s “The Waves,” to Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” to George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” quotes from famous pieces of literature have been showing up on restroom stalls, written with Sharpie in all upper-case lettering.

“I wish they would keep doing it because I think it’s pretty cool for the school,” senior Addie Brown said. “It’s a positive message.”

Though when compared to other more vulgar graffiti the quotations may seem harmless, this vandalism causes custodians to work extra hours, and violates the district code of conduct.

This art is repetitive and irritating for custodians to clean up, as they have to first spray it with harsh chemicals, then forcefully scrub until it comes off.

The smell is noxious, and the cleaning solution

“Technically, you could get suspended for that.”

-Josh Richey eventually erodes the paint, requiring custodians to repaint and close facilities until the paint dries.

The same custodian has to clean up the writing every time, and it takes tedious extra hours to complete the difficult task of removing it.

“After a while they said just leave it, because it just takes too much time to clean it up,” Night Custodian Jake Sagedraca said.

As well as creating extra work for the custodial staff, writing on school property is against district

rules. “Willful destruction or defacing of District property” is listed as “grounds for suspension/ expulsion of students” in the PSD code of conduct.

“Technically, you could get suspended for that. But I’m not going to suspend somebody for that,” Dean of Students Josh Richey said. “I’m gonna figure out why they were doing it, and figure out a solution to fix it.”

Since the graffiti in this case is not seen as offensive or harmful, Richey doesn’t want to tell the student to stop writing, but simply to find a better place than the restroom to do it.

“It’s kinda like not the place to hang out and write, you know,” Richey said. “It’s a place to use the restroom and go write somewhere else.”

Faculty and staff are currently discussing the possibility of providing a venue for similar expression in the LTC. “There’s plenty of places to be creative,” Richey said. “And that [the restroom] is not the place for it.”

Your Friendly Neighborhood Custodian: Alumna Lisa Hernandez Grad year: 1982 How long have you worked here?

“I’ve been here since October. About six months.”

Do you enjoy your job?

“I do. I love it.”

What do you like best?

“The students and staff. Just the community feeling.”

Do students and staff treat you well?

“Oh, they do. They’re fantastic. I haven’t had a problem once.”

What’s the most difficult part of your job?

“Getting gum out of the carpet. But, yeah, I think that’s really it. Well, actually, trying to juggle event set-ups and getting my work done all at the same time. Basketball takes like an hour out of our job, which is a significant chunk.”

What would you like students to know?

“I would like students to know to respect others through their actions and to always believe in themselves and follow their dream.”

What’s your favorite thing to do in your time off?

“My jigsaw puzzles. I love jigsaw puzzles. Way too much. And bake. I love to bake.”

Do you have any pets?

“I do. I have a dog, Harley. He’s a Shih Tzu, and I have a cat, named Little Girl”

Spilled Ink

News

March 30, 2017

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Brain Trust Fort Collins High School is where excellence is expected and the Science Bowl, History Bowl, and debate team all lived up to that motto. All three of the squads qualified for nationals this year.

Debate has six state qualifiers and two members advancing to nationals. The Science Bowl team won the state championship and are headed to nationals as well. The History Bowl team placed 3rd overall in state, while freshman Henry Cafaro showed why we call ourselves “The Home of the Champions” by winning the History Bee. Below are members of all these squads, including Cafaro, junior Brooke Kron, and senior Daniel Scher.

Henry Cafaro Freshman Clubs: History Bowl, Science Bowl, and Baseball “I like being good at it but that’s not the whole point of it. The point is competing in it and seeing how good you are compared to other people. It’s just a fun thing to do.”

Daniel Scher Senior Clubs: Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, MHS, Cross Country Brooke Kron Junior Clubs: History Bowl, Amnesty International, Diverse Leaders, NHS, NTHS, Asian Student Society, Debate, and Think Tank “I’m a very competitive student and I really want to be at the top of all my classes, so when I compete I obviously want to place first.”

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“Competing is always challenging.

You’re always trying to do your best and sometimes there’s more of a resistive force.”

Graphic by Nicole Krauss

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A&E

March 30, 2017

Spilled Ink Get Ready:

High school is the host to many important times during a person’s life: getting a license, prepping for college, and for some of us, prom. Though, some students see prom as the quintessential high school event, its importance is lost on others. If going to prom doesn’t speak to you, Fort Collins offers many fun and exciting activities.

Just because you won’t be dancing the night away at prom doesn’t mean you can’t look your best!

Throw on a gown or a tux or even just your favorite outfit. The added level of confidence will make the night even more fun.

Go laser tagging:

In Brief

Laser tag is a great activity to do with your anti-prom squad. Dresses and other formal wear is the best thing to wear while chasing friends around a challenge course. Not only is it a great way to start off the night, but it’s a way to express some pent-up anger.

Eat messy food:

This may require a change of clothing or at least a bib. The tradition of going to dinner with friends before the dance is arguably the best part of the night anyway. So head to your favorite restaurant and pig out while laughing with your friends.

Go to a movie:

McNeal Auditorium holding Tower Dance performance March 31

Whether you choose to change back into your prom clothes or not, attending a late night movie with friends is a great way to cool down and relax while still being entertained.

After Prom:

Joseph Vasseur Staff Writer Tower Dance is holding a performance at the McNeal Auditorium at 6 p.m. on March 31. They will be dancing to songs in a variety of genres, including hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical music. The senior members will be performing alone in a “senior showcase.”

All students, staff, and community members are welcome to attend the free event.

“It means a lot to the kids,” Kim Schutt, adviser of the dance team said, “for the school to show up and support them.”

Food fight:

After you leave the restaurant but before you change back into your gowns, use your leftovers to have a classic food fight. If prom isn’t the appropriate time to have a hard core altercation with snacks, then when is?

Staff Writer National Honor Society will host the annual Easter Carnival on April 15 on the first level of FCHS. “The goal of the carnival is to provide a really fun family environment to get the kids out of the house and interact with each other,” NHS coordinator Laine Preston said.

The event is also a fundraiser for the Larimer County Food Bank with the one $1 entry fee covering an egg hunt, ring toss, obstacle course, musical chairs, bunny hop, egg walk, and face painting. This will be a family event, so young kids and adults are welcome.

University of Northern Colorado to host All State Band student performance Seraphina Discoe Staff Writer Select students will perform in All State Band from March 30 to April 1 in Greeley at the University of Northern Colorado.

“Students that audition to participate in this band are the best in the state,” Band Director David Miles said. “Students really work hard and practice a lot just to have a chance to perform in this band.”

After being accepted, students are mailed pieces to prepare, including a melodic and jazz piece. Up until the performance the students are on their own to learn. The three days leading up to the concert include two days for everyone to practice together.

H ter un ing f o If A sn’t s , relax e the e o ing ld b t. d eal ou igh n w app ome to a d at h ct en e f r pe

Graphic by Grace Hach Information gathered by Dalena Groen

Gender identity, privilege still closely related

NHS Easter Carnival to benefit Larimer County Food Bank Roland Tomsic

o

s e: om al m o Pr d

A fun and safe school-sponsored event, After Prom can be better than the dance. With free food and games in the gyms, it is a good way to connect with the rest of your class without having to show off your moves.

Samantha Ye

In-Depth Editor

The growing need to extend the definitions of “women” to include gender identity—which would incorporate transwomen—has met maddening resistance over the years; the most recent uproar is, surprisingly, due to the comments of feminist author Chimamanda Adichie.

In an interview with the U.K. Channel 4 News on March 10, when asked if a transwoman were any less of a real woman, Adichie replied, “… transwomen are transwomen. I think if you’ve lived in the world as a man with the privileges that the world accords to men and then sort of change gender, it’s difficult for me to accept that then we can equate your experience with the experience of a woman who has lived from the beginning as a woman and who has not been accorded those privileges that men are.”

Between the implication that transwomen cannot be grouped with “real” (AKA cis) women and the generalization of trans experiences, it’s understandable the transgender community reacted with swift backlash against the author.

While Adichie has since acknowledged that “[p]erhaps [she] should have said transwomen are transwomen and cis women are cis women and all are women,” her Facebook clarification post continues to raise questions about privilege.

In her paper, “Reimagining gender through policy development: the

case of a ‘single-sex’ educational organization,” Dr. Beth Cohen notes “unearned privileges are relative and contextual and someone who conforms to gender identity norms as a woman may have more privilege than a man who does not conform.”

In other words, privilege is reserved for those who follow gender roles which align with their assigned sex.

In response to Adichie, actress Laverne Cox tweeted, “I was a very feminine child though I was assigned male at birth. My gender was constantly policed. I was told I acted like a girl and was bullied and shamed for that. My femininity did not make me feel privileged.”

Although certain male privileges are based solely on biological sex, it’s important to note how failing to conform to gender norms can strip some of much of their privilege; not only are more transgender kids coming out at younger ages, the discussion of gender oppression— discrimination based on expressed gender traits—is one of the stronger links between feminism and LGBT rights.

Bex, the protagonist of E.M. Kokie’s “Radical” and a butch lesbian, confronts prejudice related to her appearance throughout the novel.

Even though the story is driven

by Bex’s paranoid need to train for the societal collapse she’s sure is coming, the judgment from people around her continually forces Bex to reevaluate her gender expression.

“People stare,” Bex says. “They look at my face, and then my chest, and they wonder. A kid in the bathroom

asks if I’m a boy or a girl, or some asshole grunts ‘dyke’ when I pass.”

Bex can’t avoid the looks in town, at the shooting range, or even at home from her mother.

Gender norms have been so rigidly built up, it makes us uncomfortable to dismantle them, so instead we tear down those who don’t fit. “[I]t sucks when people get mad.

Like it’s suddenly my problem that they feel uncomfortable or whatever,” Bex says. “They act like I’m doing it on purpose to screw with them.

Or like I’m cheating or something.”

Gender oppression is an issue for most people on the gender spectrum but, thanks to transphobia and misogyny, it runs especially high for women, both trans and cis, who don’t get to enjoy the privileges of being gender conforming or male.

Assuming transwomen all have had complete male privilege makes it that much easier to exclude them from women’s issues, which is exactly what happened in the internet debates surrounding Adichie’s words.

In not wanting to reduce gender into a disingenuous blob of homogenous experiences, Adichie allowed her supporters to divide cis and transwomen on the basis of male privilege, essentially ignoring the complex effects of gender oppression.

Trans and ciswomen don’t have identical experiences, but if we draw a line between them, assessing their gender-based privilege will yield more shared experiences of misogyny than different ones.

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A&E

March 30, 2017

Spilled Ink

Photo by Adelaide Tomsic

Indian food fosters novel culinary experience Adelaide Tomsic

Staff Review

Perspectives Editor Spices and fresh vegetables make foreign cuisine, such as the Indian and Indochinese food sold at Bawarchi Biryanis, located at 1611 S College Ave, intriguing and fun. Experiencing flavors of a different part of the world is a great past time and Fort Collins is home to a rapidly growing set of options for culinary review.

To review Bawarchi Biryanis, we decided to buy two classic dishes sold at most Indian places as a point of reference to compare the restaurant to past experiences. One, the Chicken Tikka Masala, had staff scraping their bowls. Although spicy, the sauce was also creamy, balancing out the flavor for a full-bodied dish which complemented the lightly flavored and oiled jasmine rice. Another classic I bought were Potato Samosas. Although mild in comparison to the other dishes, they still had a bold cardamom flavor. The hot, chewy dough paired well with the cool, creamy, cilantro sauce and even though I am generally not a

Bawarchi Biryanis is located at 1611 South College Ave.

fan of potatoes, these were my favorite item.

To try something new we ordered Vegetable Korma and the 555 Chicken. The staff generally agreed the vegetable dish packed a unique punch of floral and fiery flavor keeping my spice guessing skill sharp.

A slight base of rose water layered with other rich flavors like cinnamon and cumin enhanced the sweet flavor of the carrots and peas. The vegetables were cooked so they were, soft but not mushy. The chicken was cooked until very tender in a bright red spicy cashew sauce. The meat was soft and the flavor was very bold, potentially a bit too bold for most.

Even though we ordered the mildest option, the staff were still sweating from their brows. Editorin-Chief Dalena Groen complained of her stomach feeling spicy after the lunch was finished and writers

Roland Tomsic and Seraphina Discoe chased down the meal with white bread while I opted for antacid tablets. The spice, however, was worth it. Bawarchi Biryanis uses such a unique blend of flavors and takes care in cooking the dishes. With generous portion sizes (enough to share) Bawarchi Biryanis makes an incredibly enjoyable meal well worth your money.

You just may want to save room for a slice of Sara Lee.

3-D art adds new dimension to student’s life Tate Thurgood Guest Writer Many problems in school have a step-bystep procedure to follow, with one correct answer at the end. When freshman Rohit Pandit walks into his art class, however, he finds a place with more emphasis on solving problems with creativity rather than guidelines.

Since his first time taking art in middle school, Pandit has adored the subject. The more he created, the more interested he became, and since then he’s been sure to include art classes in his schedule every year. Currently, he’s enrolled in Jon-Michael Willert’s 3-D design class, where he can work with a variety of three-dimensional art mediums and find creative solutions to visual problems.

This class has been one of Pandit’s favorites so far, since he enjoys 3-D art forms such as pottery and clay. However, there are some challenges in the class; Pandit has found the most difficult so far to be “mostly shaping things correctly.

With other 2-D design classes, I guess, it’s easier to draw.”

While 2-D art like painting or digital design require only an aesthetic vision, 3-D design projects require more practicality and therefore often involve more forethought. For his pieces, Pandit likes to think symmetrically, which helps him to keep projects proportionally

sound without detracting from the visual.

Another issue Pandit must overcome is “artist’s block,” during which he has to work around issues such as a lack of inspiration and difficult project requirements. He says his strategy is to simply do his best and try to work from other angles.

Despite occasional struggles, Pandit has always enjoyed his time in art, partially because of the atmosphere of the class itself.

“I like talking and interacting with people sitting at tables, and just basically creating whatever you want and no one’s going to judge you,” Pandit said.

Though art is often seen as a highly personal endeavor, the open, casual nature of art classes allows Pandit to bond and socialize with peers while working on projects. It’s also a calming way to express himself without feeling awkward about it, and with helpful teachers guiding him along the way, Pandit said his experience in art so far has been a good one.

Art provides Pandit not only with an entertaining pastime, but a creative outlet he can turn to in the middle of an otherwise scripted schedule. He plans to continue taking advanced art classes and eventually AP Studio Art.

Photo by Kaitlyn Schmidt

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A&E

March 30, 2017

Spilled Ink

Artists, art prove important aspects of everyday life Miles Rodriguez Staff Writer Mention of the word art is most commonly associated with pieces of work found in museums and galleries, but art encompasses a broader spectrum.

Art is more than just the visual arts like painting, sculpture, mixed media, and installation art. The spectrum includes the literary arts such as fiction, creative nonfiction, essays and poetry, as well as the performing arts: dance, theater, and film.

This month’s AP Art Show showcased artists who work in a variety of media and inspired conversations about the role of art.

Art is everywhere and is always influencing our lives in one way or another. Everybody has a different experience with it because it functions on so many levels and can’t be defined in a single way.

It’s such a complicated concept because there are as many ways to understand it as there are people.

“I think it [art] is just any form of expression and just anything that makes you feel something,” AP visual artist Olivia Goodwin said. “Everyone has such a specific different style and it’s so interesting to see because it’s like handwriting but for the brain. I think it’s an interesting way for people to share their thoughts and feelings on particular subjects or just thoughts and feelings in general.”

Artists help us make sense of our world and begin to imagine the unimaginable. They’re story-tellers who

allow us to experience and understand the past, present, and future in many ways. The visual, literary, and performing arts all have the power to show us the world through a different lens.

“The main point behind art is understanding,” Tower Dance performer Tyler Borkowski said. “Art is not only made to alleviate the pain of the artist, or to express the thoughts of the artist, but also to help us understand the world around us.”

Every work of art allows the viewer to form a unique relationship both with the person who produced, or is producing, the art, and with those who have also experienced the emotions the creator was transmitting through the piece.

“It [the relationship formed between artist and viewer] is a very intimate thing,” Borkowski said. “People do not give that intimacy enough credit. You have to put a lot of yourself up there.”

Art is part of the universal psyche. It’s a language we can all understand in one way or another because of the cause and effect relationship it has with our emotions and how we perceive the world around us.

“All mediums of art can help us understand a lot about each other,” Borkowski said. “When people say, ‘I’m feeling depressed,’ the people listening don’t really understand what they’re talking about because they can’t understand the exact meaning of it. Maybe they can think of their own experiences with depression, or their own experiences with whatever they’re talking about, but they don’t understand the artist’s experience. In order to truly understand someone else’s experience, it is easier through art.”

CSU Professor dedicates his life to art, teaching others Walker Discoe A&E Editor Professor Phil Risbeck is an acclaimed teacher, graphic designer, and artist. He has dedicated himself to the arts, teaching others, and developing the field of graphic design. His fluid, unique style sets him apart from other professionals, encapsulating theater, film, performance and social issues, and presents them in deceptively simple and engaging ways.

He’s also nice. On the day of our interview, he remembered my name, the name of the newspaper I worked at, and he had already gotten out a few posters for us to look at and discuss.

A long-time teacher, one of Risbeck’s focuses has been teaching others.

“I came to Fort Collins in 1965. I’ve taught here for 52 years, and I began doing posters when I was a college student, and I continued that interest when I came here,” Risbeck said. “I worked my way from a young designer to a middle-aged designer to an older designer, which is what I am today.”

Risbeck has worked primarily in posters for the

This is a small collection of Phil Risbeck’s posters, featured at the Denver Art Museum. Posters/Photo courtesy of Phil Risbeck

majority of his career, though doesn’t limit himself to a specific medium and prefers to experiment with different facets of style and technique.

“I have an interest in typography, mainly,” Risbeck said. “And then I’m interested in a variety of different kinds of imagery, either drawn or photographed, or conceived on the computer, but I still like to do it by hand. And then scan it in.”

But design, for Risbeck, isn’t limited to pretty posters.

“I think [design] is far reaching,”Risbeck said.“You don’t need a college degree to appreciate graphic design, I don’t think. It is art for the people. It goes to people of all levels of education, ages, interests, whether it’s athletics or culture, purchasing orange juice or whatever.”

Graphic design has roots in almost all aspects of culture. From what we see that influences us to act, to what we watch for pleasure or interest, graphic design is a highly versatile medium.

“The world of graphic design is a little like the entire visual world, in terms of painting, pottery, fibers, other areas of media,” Risbeck said. “Some of our students apply their interest in film, or some of our students are very interested in print graphics.”

With graphic design being such a diverse and broad medium, it takes time to become a master. Risbeck’s acclaim as a designer didn’t just appear to him in one day or after one piece.

He had to develop his own style over decades.

“I’ve been a guest several times in China, several times in European countries, South America, sabbatical leaves in Rio de Janeiro, and I’ve met a lot of graphic designers,” Risbeck said. “So, experience really is what helped me become who I am today as a designer. It’s influenced me in ways I couldn’t of figured out if I hadn’t gone out and done it.”

Risbeck is one of those people who has the power to positively influence others. Both his talent as a designer and his character as a person are admirable, and he’s spent his life teaching others his craft.

“It’s important,” he said, “for people to learn about the things they love.”

Spilled Ink

A&E

March 30, 2017

9

Modern Hollywood creates uninspired, boring movies

Joseph Mason Staff Writer Over 40 comic book superhero movies have hit the silver screen since “X-Men” revolutionized the film industry in 2000 with the first modern comic book movie, and 26 of those came out over the past five years. Back in 2008, everyone liked Robert Downey Jr’s new exuberant snark as Iron Man; the genre exuded fun. But the recent proliferation of such movies blatantly displays studios’ gluttonous appetite for more money.

Instead of creating new franchises or developing new properties, movie studios continually juice the life out of their pre-existing intellectual property.

I’ve liked some of the new chapters in these cinematic universes, and some of the others look good too. But I don’t need a new Spiderman. A new Spiderman feels like Halloween— it just looks like people wearing costumes and they don’t look right.

Quality has never really been the hallmark of Hollywood studio films, but the incessant shameless unoriginality of their movies has made them worse.

According to Box Office Mojo, the American film industry raked in an over $11 billion in 2016—it was the richest year ever. But that money came from the third-fewest tickets sold in the past 20 years, against the highest average ticket price in history ($8.43) and the highest number of releases.

Studios care only about the dollar sign though, so they stay with their reboot and superhero strategy.

Of course, this wave of remakes has had its moments: the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy holds up about as well as

one could hope; Gareth Edwards made a decent “Godzilla” film; and fan club meetings for Adam Wingard’s “Blair Witch” continue to get great attendance. (It’s still just me.) But still, this needs to stop.

Universal Studios has started a series of reboots of classic monster movies to make their own universe. They’ve decided to cast Javier Bardem as Frankenstein’s monster, Johnny Depp as the Invisible Man, and Tom Cruise as something called Tyler Colt in a reboot of “The Mummy.” These sound awful. I find myself thinking, “Tom Cruise … is rebooting ‘The Mummy?’” at least once a week.

This sort of gives off Ben-Affleck-as-Batman vibes, which is not a good thing. “Batman v Superman” was one of the most onerous movies I’ve ever sat through. I don’t go to the movies to see Affleck sulk for two hours.

Just once, I want a superhero movie with the theme of “I’m attractive, I’m functionally immortal, and I’m loving this.” But I’ll settle for “Logan” even though its theme is basically the opposite — “I’m badass, but also sad.”

Not only does “Logan” portray post-hotelbathrobe depression better than any movie ever, but it’s also quite possibly the greatest comic book movie of all time. It accomplishes this feat for a few reasons: it didn’t fall for the typical superhero tropes, it’s a mature film, and it has 17 years of build-up behind it.

“Logan” is the endpoint to “X-Men,” which means Hugh Jackman has been playing Wolverine over the span of nine movies. Jackman is the first lifer of the superhero generation.

For two decades, he has been t h i s ornery, semi-human, jacked-up kids’ toy with sideburns.

Growing up with a superhero adds an emotional layer to the final chapter.

Saying goodbye to a childhood standby adds emotion to an emotionless g e n r e .

S o p e r h a p s that is why we deal with all of these cinematic u n i ve r s e s : sometimes, they eventually pay off.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

Jordan Chan Freshman

“Napoleon Dynamite, because it’s funny and makes me laugh.”

Anika Lloewenkamp Sophomore

“Lone survivor, because it shows real-world problems. ”

Karina Gergely Junior

“Grease, because it’s very energetic. ”

Colten Davis Senior

“Forrest Gump, because I like the story” Graphic by Walker Discoe

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In-Depth

March 30, 2017

Spilled Ink

App combats excessive student phone use during class

Editor’s Note

Mackenna Rowe

Samantha Ye

Staff Writer Smartphones allow the capability to look up the weather, pick out an outfit for school, or download a thesaurus to help finish an English report. Over 73 percent of teenagers in the United States have access to smartphones according to http://www.pewinternet. org, indicating their use is inevitable.

The ability to download applications, also known as apps, on a smartphone, can adapt the mobile device to a user’s needs. Today’s technology can make it easy to get information at the tip of a teenager’s fingers, but there are scenarios in which technology is overused.

Recent concerns throughout schools regarding teens’ smartphone usage distracting them from class inspired the new mobile app Pocket Points, which was developed to entice students into putting their phones away during school hours.

Originally created in 2014 with the objective of ending smartphone abuse in college classrooms, today Pocket Points has spread through all grade levels in the attempt to prevent mobile phone usage in classrooms.

Pocket Points is being used in select schools throughout 42 states. In Colorado, the application is available in schools in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Henderson, and Fort Collins. In February, FCHS introduced Pocket Points to the student community.

The app gives students rewards for staying off their phones during class. When students open the app on campus during school hours and lock their phones, they start gaining points.

“It’s simple,” junior Isabel Abbajay said. “You open your app, lock your phone, and get awesome rewards.”

These points cannot be earned if students choose to use their phone for any other use. Once points have been earned by staying off smartphones during school, they can be redeemed at local and online businesses for student discounts.

“I think that the advantage to Pocket Points is that students do like to earn prizes,” Student Resource Officer Trevor Smotherman said. “If it can motivate students to stay off their phone, then, yes, students should give the app a try.”

In-Depth Editor

“Only 12 more points until a free late pass...”

Smotherman also explained that he still believes phones should be an available resource for students to use. He suggested Pocket Points may work for some, but not for everyone.

Although publicity may be growing for the Pocket Points app, teenagers’ smartphone usage is still a debated topic. Many students are on their phones during class and this leads to a growing concern in the community.

Pocket Points gives an incentive to use the app, but whether it will eliminate unsanctioned cell phone use is unknown.

“I think that it rewards students who stay off their phones,” science teacher Angela Morris, who is using the app with her classes, said. “Teenagers have an addiction, though, so if they don’t stay of

Photo by Dalena Groen their phones, I don’t think Pocket Points will keep those addicted off their phones.”

Some evidence that the app has yet to resolve all campus concerns related to technological distractions has been observed by students since the building rollout of the program.

“I still see many kids on their phones and many of the kids who still use the app aren’t usually on their phone during class anyway,” freshman Ben Tollison said. “My brother has the app, and many of his rewards go unused.”

As more local businesses and teachers begin offering rewards through Pocket Points, administration will get a truer test of the ability of the app to dial down smartphone usage in classes.

A gold star on a completed homework assignment. A warm feeling of satisfaction after an act of altruism. A granola bar for getting through a four-hour test.

Rewards come in many forms and are given out for many reasons. As this month’s In-Depth theme, we explore just a few of the places rewards show up in our school and the impact they leave.

Page 10 discusses the recent introduction of Pocket Points, the app designed to combat the distracting allure of smartphones with physical offerings of store discounts and extra credit. With more shops and more teachers joining the app, the incentive to stay off your phone is only rising.

Not all rewards have to be as tangible as a coupon.

Tower Theater—profiled on the centerfold—put in weeks of intense work year-round to produce theater shows for the public. Their payoff: a mix of praises, a sense of accomplishment, and of course, a well-done show.

Some rewards can be more of a happy byproduct than a final goal.

On page 11, we profile a student who has received an award from the Colorado Democratic Party in recognition of her volunteer work.

When it comes to schoolwork, however, students might need rewards as encouragement to complete their tasks. Page 14 covers how teens develop personal reward systems to motivate themselves for school and how you can become more productive by properly taking advantage of your brain’s reward pathway.

Whatever purpose rewards serve—whether incentivizing better behavior or acknowledging good work— their impact can be seen around the school in positive ways.

Out of ten points, what rating would you give Pocket Points and why?

Riley Makloski Freshman

“A six because it’s a good idea to keep kids off their phones, but the execution isn’t great.”

Paige Elliott Sophomore

“Eight. It has a lot of benefits, but there are things that could be improved.”

Lindsey Odstrcil Junior

“Nine. It’s a good app to keep you off your phone, but there’s still temptation.”

Daniel Banks Senior

“7.5. It’s a cool idea, but there’s nothing on there I really like to use.”

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In-Depth

Life of the Party

March 30, 2017

An active volunteer for the Larimer County Democratic Party, Taryn Sebba works on campaigns for local, state, and national political candidates and attends campaign rallies where she has met a variety of Democratic Party leaders such as Martin O’Malley, Donna Brazile, and even Barack Obama.

Photos courtesy of Taryn Sebba

Student volunteer receives award for political leadership, involvement Brooke Pippin Staff Writer Staying engaged in current politics takes work. Forming a well-educated opinion requires constantly watching and reading news and going to a variety of sources to stay up to date. Being involved brings about another level of effort, including late nights making posters, busy days filled with answering calls, and becoming articulate in speaking about politics so spreading awareness becomes easier.

This is sophomore Taryn Sebba’s reality, and for her work, she was recognized by the Democratic National Committee. On March 11, the Colorado Democratic party had its 84th annual party and dinner at the Denver Marriott City Center, and there, Sebba was awarded the Murphy Roberts Young Volunteers reward.

She has been volunteering with various campaigns since sixth grade and has happily dedicated a huge amount of her life to political causes; she barely has free time. She doesn’t regret her schedule because she wholeheartedly believes in making a difference, especially involving the younger generations.

“I stay involved because the future is ours,” Sebba said. “We are the ones who will be affected by laws that are made.”

The Murphy Roberts award is given to youth who are noticeably politically aware and involved. It is named after Murphy Roberts, who died as a teenager after being diagnosed with diabetes. Roberts became politically involved when he discovered stem cell research was not a part of his political candidate’s plan.

Recipients of the award must show that they are active, young, and leaders.

They also must be nominated by someone in the political community.

Sebba was nominated by Jennifer Williams, the current vice chair of the CDP, for her continuous work with the party.

“Taryn was the youngest precinct captain in the state for Hillary Clinton.

Her enthusiasm is absolutely contagious.”

Williams wrote in her nomination for Sebba.

While Sebba said she was incredibly excited to receive the award, she would have continued with her work whether she was nominated or not. She has a passion for politics, and the work itself makes her happy. Her favorite experiences

11

include going to rallies and meeting former president Barack Obama.

“We saw how wonderful Obama was and realized we had to get involved,” Sebba said. “It was amazing to meet him and shake his hand. We would take calls and help campaign. I saw that grassroots efforts pay off.”

Sebba began volunteering at around 11 years old, with a City Council campaign for Linda Blake. She threw all her energy into the project, but the candidate lost. She was crushed but then moved on to volunteering with the Obama administration. This led to her meeting other people in the political community and always finding a new cause to be passionate about.

She doesn’t intend to stop any time soon.

Among many plans for volunteering with different candidates, she wants to stay on her current path.

“Long-term, I want to continue to make a difference for various causes in the coming years,” Sebba said. “I want to be a voice for the community.”

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March 30, 2017

In-Depth

R E R W E O T T HEA T

o t s n i o s j w ts ho n e rs d tu ate s f the o y m d o for b r e e s r ,p e Div pare pre

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ort p p er. u s oth an ity,” n mu aid. m s , o c ent one of res e. k p c e s Bla lways venu s sen a ill e a s is n th he K in s e e t go nnale losen ng o n, “S e ma f o A of c ndi s tio th ’ t I “ l pe roduc on “[title x. e e v d o 9 as le y p r 7-2 k B ior ain xt sen cert an va s ne pril 2 such Blac imate t e A l r’ A c s r it heate be show in th ore in earsa ito t l d h bu r T wil ler a m r re onth ace gE m t s Towe ters,” smal ke pl ides fo n gin n a e d a prov and t that ng o n ns but t a m o n i o n n M n M a , k x e o , e r M wo king ry er stage ]” oft ck Bo ences st sp w e r o i u a m r a di f T ge. show e Bl aud we j we , wo ‘M o er at in aly. e e de sta w Th for s “ h k s w o s t t u c t h m e e a a n B ligh stude le b that f e, ce , bec long st tog aid. “T e ano ople.” ya a a p c s s e d d irc ni ju er let M ss the a c er, an is so and perio owev ow],’ Jone comp ther p hestra ore ” h , h o c h , bef en, r in h ot the a or d in f s f us r id. ee ing op dle ac toge meth nessa of o title o our o ld be ve thr , and volve ary s e d n u ‘[ to ng h in ou so M y tai ha rJo rew ef cur ater ll talk t bei ated rElino munit pare it, th ins’ w r just ast, c were ical, “ ents s c s e a e e u e pp eve e ple Th “We of ju e cr senio com o pr tud e t ,” rse o b e Po u’d n een th 0 peo ring m se s piec s ’v t r d e e e e t g e o w 0 u p lp w th or Y ve al n h ag Bet ost 2 er’s s of t ntegr but f it min ause y’she a di toge wardi he st to i lm at , , bec rybod er is come it re , as t room es an lives e art p. it, a The any eve Theat who find ocess living ecom ly. p wer .” M ater r h t o lea ts ny s pr m a per b fami . To pins the ities with the a n e i p Caw M t s d ro r a Mc aid stu how. in th hing f on p come dition s Po nside iden miliar take afr t to ed,” fa co eir a s olved anyt st, ink tes be h au earsal in of th less fficult scar e are t, bu inv omes l fore ssma ts wit reh i l .” se di be eop try rth it bec agica nd cla star efore ested bmit tho be p d u e r f o a b w s a m ory, ers can on’t ot o re an o w r thos inte bs sho eks m t r D l . s . o y s “ e o f a Ever jo perf we ose “A p th it’s ding rming ngs , o . s r s , d u o h i w a d n e f o t r a fe cen and nes o ly ope y s get ou d be rew in per nceive d A n, the-s l o d y i e n o t n a ed o g c e be ind- ons, ed s e usu eryb is once ay ev terest a c ing a o v t h s r i g e t n c e e a m i v n h es b It en’t ha st si ich is id. ns lica sele ee hic r e a u l a j app pare uditio can s t, w etim id. h o s m sa wh “Peop at it’s ge, w nes ng, pre “The a body bes nd so o cti a J h n t t s e ” y , a r a e ir h n eve the scary Jones as b tart notio g on trut to volved e n so ing i s h n h s i c ts, e s dan m t ition et ligh s, try etim ng,” ast ents ine o l c g d r , f d t e som forti the stud their and far In a can t, se stum e n o iqu c, the i s e c t s com After ed, ing em , en f mu Un lso unc moriz the ghs o arsal stud anag props a o n . e m ty an an i me ing throu f reh ing.” in c ws, , i l c d sho in by learn run- pe o block ctor soun pub es ti m ific or n do d a ty rm dire and or uni spec syste ich t o r e f e n o h h a o h t e p y r t l w g e fl p e w t fo fr f sho led “ ad o ere to ust fe er o rise s the ins,” lemen j p t a h l e a e c p t a nd w a u c “Ins o ou o, yo char you such y P new ers, a ic y d r ar ag a ing e rm tell at to r you and hav r “M ded perfo e m ce. h h ad the o t udien g w ateve do, uch ateve t m a shin n h h a for A w uld w y fini ance ett do reshm id. added the o r p w f o a musical t s t rm s jus dom ant,” aw are for pon perfo udent demands e C U w Mc t . t s t fre ie y las ow, p.m more than var ns. you man rsals 3-5 .m. the h a s just actors; Tru ehea from r 3-6 p ser. of a ience motio ng R lly e ievi clo students work l, o per l a ” pic schoo gets those ex h re nting, y t t o lights, sound, props, w k r f b e o s u da drew afte he sh etime h we til o “It is costumes, stage design, An . “I as t “Som ke tec re un n d i n and setup backstage. e l e a , h said t e r eks we’re ’ve b en junio an hile i e w en w sev , ng rkm we Ma like amazi , wh and nce rning l i o e ce six e s fe m ‘Oh an an e , r s I m e e e a h ik w r f o r ns w th t l I wish ut a s to in u j pe me b it’s god, ave,’ rth that have ting et t my ld le all wo aid. jus p g r . ” u s s ’ o c s of n it kee t t e the Jone se e y e it,” Becau rs th r, b e u ho geth the nd to learn spe dents along stu get n d to a

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In-Depth

March 30, 2017

13

Grade: Junior Number of shows done: Four Roles played: Props and pit orchestra Favorite show: “‘All in the Timing,’ just because Grade: Sophomore it was a whole bunch of eclectic Number of shows done: Seven stories, and it was really weird Roles played: because they did it ten years Lights and sound ago, and my sister was a Representative character: sophomore then, and she Robertson Ay worked on props in (in “Mary Poppins”) ‘All in the Timing.”’

Dream job: Show for the future: Big cat veterinarianStudent photos by Molly Lubbers “The Addams Family” Favorite Genre: Fantasy, Party theme: Space or non-fiction fantasy

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Allis

On March 2-4, Tower Theater successfully performed their spring musical, “Mary Poppins.” Two of their three shows were sold out. Photos by Dalena Groen

ison l l o T

Grade: Freshman Number of shows done: Three Roles played: Set and actor Favorite show: “Mary Poppins” Show for the future: “I think it would be cool to do ‘Newsies,’ because it’s really upbeat and energetic, and a ton of fun.”

Representative character: Graphic by Kaitlyn Schmidt Hamilton (in “Hamilton”) Hidden talent: “I can sew pretty well.”

Dream job: Oceanographer Genre: “Fun? That’s not a genre though. I don’t know; I guess musicals.”

Party theme: Hawaiian

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In-Depth

March 30, 2017

Spilled Ink

Motivating the Mind

Dos and Don’ts of

Graphics by Samantha Ye, Tradimus, KAM workshops Sidebar information gathered

by Samantha Ye Sources: TIME Magazine, Harvard Business Review, The Guardian, Open Colleges

Self-Motivation

Do Reward yourself

For those projects you have no inner desire to complete, small rewards like a five-minute break or a tasty snack can reenergize you after a long period of work. They don’t have to be incentives so much as pick-me-ups.

Don’t Be pessimistic

A Harvard study showed students with negative outlooks were the most likely to procrastinate, while happy students were more committed, productive, and creative about their work.

Do Celebrate your progress Progress, no matter how minute, is one of the most effective motivators according to Harvard professor Teresa Amabile.

Keeping track of what you’ve done boosts your mood and increases enthusiasm.

Don’t Multitask

The stimulation from multitasking triggers the brain’s dopaminedriven reward system, but don’t let those good feelings suck you in.

While multitasking feels productive, it puts the brain under greater stress, leaving you unfocused and inefficient.

Do Re,move distractions

The more easily you can access the things you’d rather be doing, the less likely you’ll stay focused on what you should be doing.

Rather than trust yourself to resist temptations, lock the distractions away and move to a different room.

Don’t Think too much

If you spend all your time worrying about a project, you may never even start it. Simply beginning the task reduces stress related to it.

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Students often catch Sp ille the I’ll-do-itdI nk later virus, and many Sta ff times “later” turns to “never.” This is due to a lack of motivation. Motivation, simply put, is the drive that pushes someone to do something, particularly something that is less than enjoyable but offers a tangible future reward or opens up opportunities later on.

High school students are driven by incentives such as the desire to please parents, pass required classes to get a high school diploma, or earn good enough grades to get into college or make a livable income after graduating. T o combat challenges like freshman anxiety or senioritis, which can make such longterm goals seem distant, students use a variety of reward systems and techniques to make it easier to stay motivated.

Finding motivation to work toward goals that are still months or years away can be difficult, especially for adolescents.

“At this time, your frontal lobe is disconnected,” psychology teacher Elaine Holmes explained. “So teenagers are all about immediate gratification.”

Because of this, students find it difficult to work toward long-term goals. This can become easier once the future starts to feel closer.

“You’re building up to something,” senior Thomas Loehr said. “I’m absolutely more motivated now than I was my first three years of high school.”

For others, the excitement of a clearer future can make high school feel less important.

“A lot of these young people have been accepted to college, they are picking their dorm rooms, they know where they are going,” Holmes said.

si

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looking past this, it is extremely tough to stay in the now.”

Homework in particular can seem like pointless busy work, especially when students aren’t finding the subject enjoyable.

“Any big paper or project that I have zero interest in is always incredibly rough,” senior Connor Babcock wrote in an email.

High school students often have commitments other than academics, which can make

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straight, I’ll reward m y s e l f with a piece of candy,” sophomore Maddie Walker said.

In addition to snacks, many students listen to music while they work.

“I wish I had found out about high energy electronic music earlier,” Babcock wrote.

“That would have helped.”

Such rewards can be classified as extrinsic motivation, meaning they come from an outside source or are tangible. In addition to music or treats, pressure from a parent or the approval of others would be examples of this.

The other type of motivation is intrinsic, which comes from within, such as the true desire to succeed, enjoyment in classes, or drive toward future personal goals. Once attained, this type of motivation is more effective and enjoyable, according to the American Psychological Association.

“When you get that sense of deep fulfillment when you finish a project, it’s very empowering, particularly for a young person,” Holmes said.

“When you get that sense of accomplishment, that is a deep, fulfilling, long-lasting gratification.”

“I’m absolutely more motivated now than I was my first three years of high school.”

— Thomas Loehr prioritization of school work difficult.

“I think it has a lot to do with outside variables whether it’s ‘Oh, my boyfriend broke up with me,’ or ‘I’m having family issues,’ or ‘How am I going to eat tonight?’”Loehr explained.

To make assignments more interesting, students set checkpoints to take breaks or create incentives to look forward to along the way.

“If I work on a subject for an hour

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Sports

March 30, 2017

15

How to work out before prom

I f you are going t o voyage on the Titanic at this y e a r ’s prom, you need to be fit and ready.

You can prepare by running around to get a dress or suit, but the exercises featured on this page can also help you get prom ready.

Boutonniere High heel Curls prep rises

Start flat on your feet, and raise your body onto your toes.

Hold this position for 10 seconds. You can then repeat for however many reps you would like.

Tie Squats

Begin with a weight in both hands and hold your arms out in a T. Move one arm across your body to your chest as though you are adjusting a boutonniere. Extend your arm back to the T position, then repeat with the opposite arm doing however many reps you would like.

With your collar popped and your tie untied around the back of your neck, Squat down and begin to tie your tie. As you are in the process of tying it, return to your standing position. You can untie your tie and repeat if you would like.

Dress Dress extensions shoe jogs

With a weight of your choice, start with your arm extended over your head. Lower your arm behind your head.

Then raise it back up to the extended position.

This will simulate zipping up a prom dress.

Tie your dress shoes reasonably tightly. Then jog in place for two minutes, rest for one minute, and repeat until your shoes don’t feel stiff and the leather softens.

This workout will raise your cardiovascular endurance and break in your dress shoes making them prom-ready.

Information and photos gathered by Roland Tomsic; Graphic by Emma Harrison

Whole grain bread boosts health, provides fiber Ingredients 1 cup whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 packet or 2 ¼ teaspoons dry active yeast 1 ¾ cups slightly warm water 2 cups add- ins of your choice (I chose raisins, pecans, almonds, oats and quinoa.)

3 ¼ cups high gluten flour or 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour and 1/2 cup wheat gluten

Adelaide Tomsic Perspectives Editor Incorporating whole grains rather than refined grains into your diet can have positive health effects because of the increased fiber and protein. Both fiber and protein are digested slowly so you will feel full for longer when eating whole grains. Fiber can also control blood sugar by regulating the digestion rate of food and it adds bulk to stools, preventing constipation.

“Whole grains are really great but you have to be careful with store-bought breads because they may just add molasses or some other brown substance to trick you,” CSU nutrition masters student Briana Rodgers said.

When making your own bread, you can ensure you are using 100 percent whole grains. This homemade recipe incorporates whole wheat flour and any other whole grains you may want.

Steps Combine water and yeast in a mixer and let sit for approximately 10 minutes. Meanwhile, put all other ingredients together and stir thoroughly.

Add dry ingredients ½ cup at a time in mixer, incorporating with the bread hook attachment. Knead for five minutes.

Photo by Molly Lubbers Graphic by Kaitlyn Schmidt

Let rise for one hour in a lightly greased bowl, covered by a tea towel.

Then, shape dough and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

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March 30, 2017

Sports

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Super fan families cheer on student athletes, support them emotionally philosophy also serves as a way of life.

“We try to be honest and encourage Staff Writer the girls to understand why it may not You are lining up for the free throw have been a good day,” Deanna Dern shot, for the winning point. A stadium said. “Sometimes the other team or full of people chants your name. It’s athlete was just better than they were just like in all your childhood dreams, that day. Once we process, we try to except there’s one problem. When you get them thinking about next steps.” scan the crowd, your family isn’t there.

Like the Derns, the Conlons Family support can be an important are another hypercompetitive motivator for athletes. This is no more family. The five Conlon siblings apparent than in super-fan families, and their parents are engaged in who are always looking to inspire competitive skiing and running. each other when it comes to sports, The father and mother have as well as in their lives on the sideline. been to most of the Conlon races, The Derns and Conlons are both taking pictures, showing school families heavily involved in a variety of spirit, and cheering loudly. When the sports, but no matter whether they’re race is over, the family has a ritual kicking a soccer ball or on the court, of getting ice cream or some other they’re always there for each other. treat to celebrate the kid’s hard work.

The three Dern daughters have The family has completed many runs all been involved in track, volleyball, together over the years, including the and basketball. During their time Fort Collins Thanksgiving and Fourth of at Collins, each found motivation July Fun Runs. The three brothers and in her sisters’ achievements. two sisters agree, their parents have “I got into every sport I played been there for all of them throughout because my sisters played them,” senior Emma Dern, who is currently the years, cheering for anything. In in track and volleyball, said. “My addition to the parents giving support, parents support me by coming the children also give their parents to all my games and meets. I can encouragement during races they run.

“When our parents do a half always count on them to be there.” marathon, or a marathon, we always The reassurance of parents and go to the ends and the beginnings to siblings sweetens a win, and softens cheer them on, ” freshman Kevin Conlon, a loss or a bad day. The Dern parents, who participates in track and field, said.

Deanna and Dee Martin, have always These super-fan families have tried to boost the girls’ confidence over constantly supported each other, in the the years, and teach them that winning good and bad, no matter the situation. isn’t everything. Their competitive

Seraphina Discoe

Spence’s Statistics

Games Played: 26

Ground Balls: 28

Total Goals: 7

Top: Freshman Kevin Conlon’s family has heavily influenced his running career. Above: Similarly, senior Emma Dern’s family has been involved with FCHS sports throughout all three daughters’ careers. Photos courtesy of Kevin Conlon, Emma Dern, and Molly Lubbers. Graphic by Grace Hach.

Shot Percentage: .467

Faceoff Percentage: .527

Photos by Molly Lubbers; Source: maxpreps.com

Lacrosse player gains perseverance, leadership Joseph Vasseur Staff Writer Starting as a 3rd grader, senior Joe Spence decided to try lacrosse because he saw his older cousin playing. Over the years lacrosse has fostered Spence as a person and helped him become a good example for younger players.

Spence has faced numerous challenges throughout his lacrosse career and they have formed his character and personality into what it is today.

The obstacles constantly thrown at Spence, like when he lacerated his kidney one day while playing, taught him to persevere and formed him as a better person “I got slashed in the right side while taking the ball up the field,” Spence said. “I was in the hospital for a week and missed two weeks of school after that.”

This knocked him off course, but Spence kept persevering and continued to get better.

The lacerated kidney wasn’t the only hardship Spence faced. Through all of his early years, someone was always taking the starting position over him. Even then Spence was constantly trying to

overcome that, and this year he did. Spence is now a varsity starter at the faceoff/midfield position, a prime example of the payoff of hard work.

As well as being beneficial on the field, Spence says lacrosse has benefits off the turf.

“The sport keeps me organized during the school year,” Spence said. “It kind of helps keep me on track.”

Lacrosse, like any other high school sport, follows CHSAA requirements for grades, and without grades that meet the standard, Spence can’t play in games. This constant push taught him to time manage, a skill that will help him as an adult.

The continuous motivation that lacrosse gives Spence to do better in everything he does is what made him the mature student athlete he is today, and his coaches have taken note of that.

“Lacrosse has helped Joe develop as a leader, and a role model for younger players,” head coach Alex Smith said.

Lacrosse has taught Spence skills that constantly form his character and personality.

“Without Lacrosse,” Spence said, “I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.”

Spilled Ink

Sports

March 30, 2017

17

SUCCESS IN THE SHADOW

Tennis team works toward future goals Brooke Pippin Staff Writer Balls soar across the tennis court, almost too quick for the eye to follow. Sometimes they almost skim the net, center of the scene. The girls run from one end to the other, fighting and diving to reach the target on time. Some courts have one girl against another while others are doubles teams, but either way, the girls need to be quick strategists to win. The girls tennis team could be considered underdogs, o f t e n overshadowed b y more popular sports, but they play just as hard.

Tennis players sometimes complain that they feel disregarded by the student body, as people don’t show up to matches.

“We never really get any fans to come watch tennis matches,” sophomore Delsie Johnson said. “I think it would motivate us to do even better.”

Coach Joann Johnson said she thinks tennis is often overlooked compared to sports like basketball and football, but she has plans to change that this coming season. She wants to encourage students to come to matches and promote the team.

In addition, the team has plenty of other goals for this season. The coach said she would like to finish the season with a better record than last year,

preferably in the top four in the Front Range conference. Both Delsie Johnson and the coach want to qualify multiple players for state. The coach cites the amount of experience as the strong suit of the team, which may help them achieve their plans.

“We have nine returning varsity players and several returning JV players who have improved,” she said.

Tennis isn’t limited to one way to play, and there is a hidden dynamic. A girl could take the court alone, playing one on one, or there could be a team of two.

“In singles, you don’t have a teammate, so it’s lonely and you have to develop a tough mental attitude,” Coach Johnson said.

When playing doubles, there is a partner to share the responsibility, but the girls need to learn to work with each other.

Teammates often develop cues to let the other know where to go and who is going to get the ball.

The team has time to bond and learn each other’s styles through the many practices. Tennis meets five to six times a week for practice, and varsity has an advantage of having known each other for longer.

The girls also get to know each other on a personal level through scheduled bonding

“We have a great group of student athletes.”

—Joann Johnson

How can I cheer at matches?

activities.

Team dinners are organized and the You can cheer only when the older varsity girls are game or point has ended. encouraged to invite the younger girls to do things, However, when the ball is in play, in and out of school. refrain from making noise as it It’s clear that Coach can distract the players.

Johnson loves her team, no matter the strategy Source: www.tennis.isport. or whether they meet the planned goals or not. com “I think we have a great group of student athletes,” she said. “They have their priorities set. School comes first and they are committed when they are here.”

How is Tennis Scored?

Every match is made of two or three sets, and winning a set constitutes winning six games.

Games are scored by starting at “love,” another word for zero. The first point scored is equivalent to 15, then it is 30, then 40. After 40 points, then the player that gets the next point wins.

If the players are tied 40-40, or 40-all, then to win, a player must get two points in a row.

Source: www.popsugar.com

The girls tennis varsity team gathers for practice on Monday, Mar. 20 for their match the next day.

Photo by Molly Lubbers; Information gathered by Molly Lubbers.

Spilled Ink Sports 18 March 30, 2017 Over-nostalgic, clichéd flicks rarely dazzle

Joseph Mason

Managing Editor

I hate “The Sandlot.” I don’t like movies that lie. And more importantly I just don’t like bad movies.

The movie is narrated by a grown up Scotty Smalls (director David M. Evans), and for two hours he tells his fantastically distorted childhood memories. The story takes place in the summer of 1962 and it follows Smalls as he adapts to a new town. He eventually stumbles upon eight kids (including the horn-rimmed Coke-bottle-glasses-wearing Squints who demonstrates exploitive behavioral habits throughout the film) who need a ninth payer for their baseball game. Predictably, Smalls becomes their ninth man but the twist is— get this—he doesn’t know how to play baseball. And to make things even crazier, everyone in the group was initially sour with his presence. But one of the guys, Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), the best player on the team, encourages him to stay and be a part of the gang.

Then we begin to see Scotty grow, becoming more sociable and confident with his companions; it is a story that we all know the ending to.

In the end, we see Benny playing for the Dodgers in a ridiculous turn of events—Benny wasn’t that good and you can’t make it to the big leagues just because you’re nice. “The Sandlot” is a silly waste of time and the only thing it does is deliver a fleeting glimpse of what it feels like to suck at something you love. And I feel for the people who love this movie

because it must be weird to love something that sucks.

“The Sandlot” is divisive in its crappiness.

Some people are infatuated with its corniness while other (correct) people are less enthralled with its hackneyed and ill-executed plot.

One treatment for bad plot syndrome is to have as little plot as possible. Richard Linklater is the king of this and his newest film “Everybody Wants Some!!” is his latest example.

Linklater described the film as “a spiritual sequel” to his 1993 hit “Dazed and Confused.” The movie takes place four years after “Dazed and Confused,” and the characters are in college this time, not high school. It’s 1980 and these baseball players are philosophizing just as much as any other Linklater characters.

The ballplayers are all citizens in a republic of horniness.

They both embody and upend the

Film

stereotypes of being shallow and sexually entitled jocks. And they’re also as conceited as the standard gossip girl: endlessly grooming their hair and admiring the curve-hugging tightness of their pants before heading out to a club. And they go to a lot of clubs and bars, and it’s impossible not to have a good time going with them. You can try to be condemnatory or critical but the camaraderie is too strong. The premise is right there in the title, and everybody gets at least some of what they want. But the watcher gets all of what he or she wants—the watcher gets a good movie.

The same can’t be said for “Major League,” a 1989 hit that spawned two sequels, each somehow worse than the original. I really want “Major League” to be good.

Wesley Snipes is one of my favorite actors and 80s Charlie Sheen is the best and only entertaining version of Sheen. But this movie doesn’t work as a sports movie and it hardly works as a comedy.

It’s about the Cleveland Indians in a year when the team is composed of a slew of misfit ballplayers: there’s the ex-convict flamethrowing pitcher who wears bold-framed glasses Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn (Sheen), the speed demon who wasn’t even invited to training camp Willie Mays Hayes (Snipes), and the voodoo worshipping power hitter who has trouble with the curve Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert), as well as a hand-full of veterans.

The would-be twist on this story is that the owner wants the team to lose so it can be moved from Cleveland to Miami. Naturally, the team starts winning and it all culminates in a final Big Game. We’ve all seen these vignettes before.

Like “The Sandlot,” it’s a bad movie made in an attempt to be fun. And it is fun for the first half-hour or so, and then it starts a poorly written side-plot about a failed romance and the movie falls apart.

Literally don’t even talk to me if you like “Major League” or “The Sandlot” because they both suck and if you can’t see that you need a pair of either Ricky Vaughn’s or Squints’s glasses.

Session Double The movie earned at least 200 percent return on investment.

Triple The movie was nominated for an Academy Award.

Did this Movie Hit a Homerun?

Single Someone dies (or there are dead people) or cries.

Homerun It was an objectively good movie.

“Major League” Flyout: “Major League” hits the ball to deep center field with an RoI of 452 percent but it is unable to fulfill any of the other requirements for a homerun.

“The Sandlot” Double: The Babe Ruth apparition and a 463 percent RoI lands “The Sandlot” on second base.

“Everybody Wants Some!!”

Strikeout: Nobody cries or dies, it only has a 34 percent RoI, and it has no Oscar presence. “Everybody Wants Some!!” strikes out looking.

Spilled Ink

Perspectives

March 30, 2017

19

Butting Heads Parental encouragement teaches positive work ethic Thien Le Guest Writer Everyone has encountered the feeling of being trapped, angry, and frustrated at being forced to partake in something against one’s will. Many teens have felt fury toward their parents because the right to decide was taken away. The truth remains, however, that

Cross Country.

to the reality of life: not everything is enjoyable and effortless.

Though parents evidently know better and should push their kids into extracurricular activities, they certainly should also present their justification to their sons or daughters. “Parents should be transparent with their children about why they are promoting specialty classes,” psychologist Craig Pohlman argues. “Adolescents can appreciate the rationale, especially when it comes via a give-and-take dialogue as opposed to a parent-dominated lecture.” After all, each parent only wants the best for his or her son or daughter and being upfront with reasoning will express that love.

While adolescents may object to parental control over extracurricular activities, the firmness of one’s parents will greatly

the advantages of parents’ choosing activities for their children clearly prevail over the disadvantages and prove that parents should push them.

Foremost, many adolescents are truly unable to realize and understand long-term benefits of activities. They tend to be impulsive regarding decisions and pursuits primarily because they lack longterm vision. According to neurologist a d v a n t a g e Frances Jensen, “Because the him or her more. brain is built on experience, and Skills gained it takes the first two and a half and character decades of life to sort of ‘scaffold built are truly the brain,’ it’s a carpe diem point.” imperative to In other words, Jensen suggests the d e v e l o p i n g imperative “base” of the brain is and grooming being constructed in adolescence. better adults.

Furthermore, adolescents are experiencing a particular portion of life in which every undertaking benefits later life. In that sense, a parent’s choice to pressure a child is clearly justified.

Additionally, the demand for an adolescent to follow through on an activity he or she dislikes develops one’s Parental encouragement develops work ethic. work ethic by requiring that he or she persist in anything Parents are justified in he or she resolves to do, their choice. free of volition or not.

Without such an ability to Kids may not realize persevere despite one’s the long-term benefits of preferences, teenagers activities. would be unaccustomed

Graphics by Kaitlyn Schmidt and Roland Tomsic

Excessively stern parenting psychologically damaging Will Brown

didn’t have my aunt as an example, I Guest Writer still think a controlling environment is an unhealthy way to parent.

Take it from the professionals.

I remember a vacation I took with my aunt and her family a few summers ago. According to “Parental Control in the We found ourselves in a large historical Etiology of Anxiety,” psychological house with a piano in one room. control of a child can lead to shyness, The problem occurred when my anxiety, or even depression in a child.

Of course parents should be in aunt Tina wanted her son Anthony to play for the whole family. He charge of their kids, and make sure they calmly refused saying he was too shy. are staying out of trouble, getting good At that moment, my aunt proceeded grades, that sort of stuff. But making life to yell at him for five minutes straight decisions for them isn’t good for anyone.

“I think that parents always have talking about how he must play. She was so stern and intense that my cousin their kids best interest in mind,” started to cry. He was always kind of sophomore Milan Khosla said. “They soft, but when the pressure came to want to push their kids and they want suddenly perform in front of the entire to see them reach their full potential. family, he just couldn’t take it. Even But that is not always as easy as it after that, my aunt still made him play. feels. It can be really hard for a kid to In my personal experience, parents do, to live up to those expectations.” choosing their kids’ academics or activities for them results in a far too controlling environment. Even if I

Overly enviro controlling p nment s caus arental family e a stressful life.

Parent s shou on the ld have influ ir child ence but sh ouldn’t ren’s lives, res extracu rricula trict their r decis ions.

A more r e la x ed gives c hildren parental sty le am free ou ore open an d tlook.

Debate?

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March 30, 2017

Perspectives

Spilled Ink

Reflection inspires self-improvement, future development

Seraphina Discoe Staff Writer If we trip, say something rude, or forget to pack a lunch for school, it can all come back at us in one way or another. When it does, we figure out our mistakes and make mental notes for the future.

When finishing a paper, we’re sometimes asked to reflect on what we have just written.

This may seem tedious, but that’s only because we don’t consider the purpose behind it.

Reflection occurs within the classroom environment as well as our everyday lives. Because it can help us improve academically and personally, we should continue to reflect with purpose.

Reflecting on work enhances its meaning. Reflecting on experiences encourages insight and complex learning. We foster our own growth when we control our learning, so some thoughtful review is best done alone.

Two methods are effective for self-reflection and for academic reflection. One, the Cornell notes are a systematic format with a large margin for notes on the right, and on the left, space for questions to ask yourself later on. However, there is a reflection/ summary at the end that allows a student to check comprehension, cast light on what has just been written, and still ask more questions if necessary.

The 10-24-7 method of looking over notes after ten minutes, 24 hours and one week strengthens memory, and lets students reflect while reviewing, according to ed.ted.com. The AVID program at FCHS employs this method, applying and reapplying the reflective technique throughout the year to improve retention of information.

Thoughtful consideration is not only useful in academic life but also for helping achieve personal goals.

Self-reflection helps us to develop skills and review their effectiveness, rather than just carry on doing things as we have always done them. It is

about questioning, in a positive way, what we do and why we do it and then deciding whether there is a better, or more efficient, way of doing it in the future.

I imagine a conversation with myself from 4th grade. I am young and ignorant, and just figuring out how the world operates. My younger self begins to complain about the amount of homework piling up on her plate. I snicker a bit, and realize that at that time, coloring in the lines was hard!

I say to my younger self, “Every homework assignment you are given will seem hard at the time. Just be patient and turn your homework in. You’ll be helping your future self out.”

But talking to yourself isn’t the only way to go.

Writing letters to your future self is also effective.

Writing a letter is a way to let you reflect on what you think, believe, or do. Teachers across the U.S. have done this project in primary school and then given students the letter at high school graduation. Doing this can improve self-reflection skills and personal growth.

We should all continue to reflect upon our lives. It gives us many benefits such as personal growth and learning from mistakes and can guide us into a more pleasant future.

What advice would you give your former self?

Rose Pearson Freshman

Adriana Vargas

Jessa Salvador

Avery Troop

Junior

Senior

“Don’t overthink things.”

“Stay strong.”

“Commit.”

Sophomore

“Be a better influence on yourself.”

Foreign exchange student reflects on differences in education Editor’s note: Traveling to a different country and being immersed in a different culture is a great way to learn and develop. According to theatlantic.com, experiencing news smells, sights and languages creates new synapses, improving cognitive flexibility and depth. Many students, such as German exchange student freshman Cara Marmann, choose to participate in foreign exchange programs to learn and improve their understanding of another part of the planet. In the following interview, Marmann describes her experience in America.

Cara Marmann

Q&A with a foreign exchange student

Freshman

Why did you come to America?

Because I wanted to have new experiences and you learn a language when you speak it all day because you don’t have an opportunity to speak another language.

What is school like in Germany?

In Germany, we have 15 classes during the week and we cannot choose them and it’s harder, especially the week before a vacation, because every teacher writes a test.

What do you like best about German school?

My school started at 7:45 and it ended at one. Usually the school day is shorter and I like that more.

What is your least favorite part of German school?

In Germany, you have one group of people and you have every class with one group of people and you get very close and sometimes it is too much.

Here you have new people in every class.

What is he biggest difference between American and German school?

Here at school everybody is on their phone and in Germany we are not allowed to use our phone at all. Also, in Germany, we don’t have sports after school; we have orders and private clubs and we don’t have dances so school is more serious than fun.

Is school better or worse here?

It’s different. Like I said, we have no choice with our classes and we have a lot of classes, much more than here. We don’t have each class every day.

Here the relationship with the teachers is different. Here it is more relaxed.

So, which do you prefer?

Here. I like that you have a choice of what you can take.

Spilled Ink

Perspectives

March 30, 2017

21

Graffiti deserves artistic respect, legal acceptance Using street art, creators have the chance to boldly put their work out there and give themselves a voice.

“You know you’re not supposed to be doing it, and so you’re getting away with it at the same time as spreading this message,” art teacher Allison Alter explained.

“Someone walking down the street can see it without having to be in a

a public place. It can be easier for artists to take on political and social issues in the form of public street art because they can hide behind anonymity and not have to worry about being scrutinized or prosecuted for their opinions.

“Art for art’s sake is what I advocate for for a living,” Alter said. “Art doesn’t have to support anything

comes different perspectives. You have to look at both sides of the coin and know that not all graffiti will be something you can agree with.”

Many artists find their roots in street art and being outlaws in the artistic world, but now make a living by working with galleries and building owners to show their Miles Rodriguez art and even do installation pieces.

Staff Writer “I love that there has become, in the last several Sitting on the fence years, more acceptance between being a pure act of the fact that graffiti of vandalism and a unique is an art form and that form of artistic expression, people are opening up it’s understandable why spaces for graffiti artists the topic of graffiti is to utilize that space as often discussed in vague a giant canvas,” Alter comments, or is avoided. said. “I really appreciate In the eyes of the law, that. It’s moving us in the graffiti finds itself in the right direction for people territory of being a crime to look at it as a form punishable by jail time, of art and not a form of monetary fines, or even vandalism, because graffiti both. However, graffiti is art is entirely different an art form that should from graffiti vandalism.” not be disregarded solely It’s not necessarily that because of its illegality. public places or laws Just like any other art should be changed to form, it has the ability to accommodate graffiti evoke emotions and create artists; it’s just that our conversation throughout society isn’t quite ready the whole community to accept that public using elements such as spaces can be used as color, lines, shape, space, canvases for some to texture, and value. One of express themselves, even the only major differences Recent literary graffiti on stalls of the P-Hall women’s restroom has sparked if asking for permission from more socially discussion about creating a public space for creative expression, yet some see it as was not involved. The accepted forms of art is disrespectful to school property. Photo by Kaitlyn Schmidt public is quick to label that graffiti breaks the graffitists as vandals and law to express emotions not artists because they’re and protest beliefs. seeing only the fact that Art is about the freedom of expression and giving ourselves gallery or some museum. You get or have one specific stance on a it’s deviant behavior, and that’s not a platform to share parts of us we to share it [the art] with everybody.” topic. It can just be an expression. fair to these people who are taking Often, making a statement is Just as valuable, though, especially risks to change the world, influence, often struggle to convey in other ways, and graffiti does just that while the motivation behind a new piece nowadays, is where people take a and inspire others through their also taking it to a whole new level. of art making an appearance in political perspective. With that also art in places where all can see it.

Vandalism Fast Facts 42% of all juvenile crimes are vandalism related.

Vox Magazine states that graffiti, at least the form we know today, started in Philadelphia.

Laws banning graffiti are often local, except federal laws regarding railroad vandalism.

Denver spent $1.8 million on graffiti removal in 2008.

Tagging is a way that artists claim their work without using their real name. They often write random words.

A graffiti artist’s sketchbook is called a black book or a piece.

Photo by Molly Lubbers Information gathered by Brooke Pippin; Sources: PBS.org, Denverpost.com

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March 30, 2017

Perspectives

Spilled Ink

Adolescents challenged by conflicting expectations Kaitlyn Schmidt News Editor

Being a teenager is definitely strange. It’s awkward, hormones run rampant, and everyone seems to be on the path to self-discovery.

I hate when people say, “Act your age,” because at this point, it’s a little muddled. We are told to take time to be kids, hang out with friends, and make mistakes because now is the time to do so. But if our grades You’re too young begin to slip and we miss an activity, we are scolded and told it is unacceptable. to have that type of We’re told the first day of high school, if we responsibility. don’t want to show up to school then don’t bother. However, the second this happens, we are punished. I, for one, am beyond confused. What do you want from me?

At our age, we have many expectations put on us. We’re expected to act like adults but we are treated like children. It’s as Bill Murray tweeted: “We ask 18-year-olds to make huge decisions about their career and financial future, when a month ago they had to ask to go to the bathroom.” The school setting should teach us about life, not just study skills and how to follow rules. But there seems to be little communication about what people want from us.

If someone expects something of us, we should be told. I know some teachers who are fantastic at making expectations and limitations clear in the classroom. Once the expectations are set though, we need to be free to make our own decisions. In some classes, it isn’t a requirement to ask to use the bathroom because the teacher genuinely trusts us. We do better in the classes where we’re given the same trust and privileges as adults than in strict class settings with seating charts and restricted use of restrooms, and we learn more about negotiating life choices.

In addition, we focus on required classes in order to graduate; then we enter a whole new world of life without the necessary skills to survive. So much pressure is put on us as to be straight-A students with

extracurricular activities and a rigorous schedule to appeal to colleges, but we aren’t prepared to function in the adult world by the time we graduate.

High schools need to take on some responsibilities that once fell to parents. With more parents working, things like managing This is when taxes and applying for a job need to be your choices start required curriculum, not electives. In nearly half of the households with two working to matter... parents, both the mom and dad work full time according to Pew Research Center. Not all parents managing full-time jobs possess the time to give a lesson on budgeting. And they might not have the hours needed to teach children how to clean, cook, and take care of ourselves in other, seemingly minor ways, like making appointments and maintaining a healthy diet.

One big argument in schools is that we are taught things we won’t necessarily GET A JOB! use later on like certain math or English. I usually ask myself something to the effect of, “Unless someone wants to pursue a career as a mathematician, why is knowing the distance of the top of a building to a ball on the ground important?” I know I won’t use it in my future, and it’s not teaching me how to excel as an adult. Don’t get me wrong, math is an important thing to know if you’re figuring out how much money you should spend at the grocery store but, that’s just basic math we learned in 3rd grade.

We should be using our time in high school to also gain understanding of what we need to be productive members of society. In order to do this, we need communication between teachers, other adults, and even students.

Once the expectations are made clear, they will be so much easier to achieve.

Have fun while you are young.

You will have to be able to do this on your own someday.

Don’t grow up too fast!

Photo by Adelaide Tomsic

Mr. FCHS a discriminatory representation of school culture It’s just a joke.

These words are often used to defend or justify offensive events and actions. They also have described Mr. FCHS, an event in which senior boys compete in a pageant.

Rather than recognize its sexist, homophobic, and transphobic qualities, people write it off as harmless, deflecting with the idea that it’s all a “joke.” While perhaps it is intended to be funny, it makes many students uncomfortable in the way it is handled.

Rather than breaking gender stereotypes or being progressive, this show’s humor is often based upon mockery. Because the event contradicts social norms, it is seen as funny. But men possessing stereotypically feminine qualities are becoming more accepted in society; students should reflect this and be tolerant as well. Some contestants have dressed up in feminine clothing; this isn’t inherently mean, as clothes shouldn’t be gender-specific. The problem lies in that fact that it is meant to be funny, and comes across as making fun of transgender women and those who are nonbinary or non-gender conforming. The LGBTQ community isn’t

abnormal, and their identities should be respected.

In addition to transphobia, homophobia is sometimes reflected in performances. Contestants have acted flamboyantly, mimicking stereotypes of gay men, and

to mock normalizes homophobia and transphobia. This can lead to students bullying LGBTQ students because it is taught that they can be ridiculed without repercussions at FCHS. It also can create internalized intolerance towards these students.

Clearly, this activity is harmful, yet the winner of this offensive contest is labeled “Mr. FCHS,” suggesting he represents the student body and our values. In the past through the pageant, FCHS has endorsed discrimination and celebrated the wrong messages. Making fun of marginalized people shouldn’t be a source of pride.

This event is detrimental to the culture of the school.

FCHS should be safe and welcoming, and Mr. FCHS shouldn’t gain his title from mockery but from qualities that center around kindness. Admittedly, this newspaper went to press before this year’s show, and we hope that this editorial is made unnecessary due to a radical change in content. However, if this is not the case and the audience and contestants continue to be disrespectful, Mr. FCHS shouldn’t remain an event our school puts on.

STAFF ED. insinuating that in turn, gay men aren’t taken seriously and should be laughed at. Acting effeminate is also often punctuated with faked romances between contestants; in the past, duets of love songs have been performed.

If done seriously, this wouldn’t be a problem, but it is usually used to make fun of same-sex relationships.

Consequently, the excuse of Mr. FCHS being “just a joke,” is ignorant—the fact that it is intended to be a joke is what makes it so offensive. Turning gay or bisexual men and transgender people into caricatures for the audience

Spilled Ink

Perspectives

March 30, 2017

23

Embracing unique, friendly mascot promotes community

Grace Hach Graphic Artist School spirit represents a shared tie between students with diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and ideologies. FCHS’s ideals and principles are clearly outlined in the Pillars of Excellence, reflecting the school’s

history, stretching back more than a century. Collins proudly proclaims itself, “The Home of the Champions” and “Where Excellence is Expected.”

However, this pride, acceptance and excellence is not evident in the frightening depiction of the cartoon animal that stands as the school’s mascot. The cuddly nature of the Lambkin should be taken as the joking play on a mascot it is, rather than made to look fierce, something it clearly is not.

One of the most distinguishing features of our school is the mascot, Clyde the Lambkin. However, we haven’t always been proudly represented by a Lambkin, also known as a particularly small lamb.

Formerly the Fort Collins Beet Diggers, or

sometimes the Farmers, the student body held a vote to determine a new school mascot. The class of 1917 voted consistently for, presumably, the least threatening animal they could think of. Following this, FCHS officially became the Lambkins.

The current snarling face of Clyde wasn’t the original Lambkin. Previously the mascot was Leroy the Prancing Lamb. This iteration of the Lambkin was representative of Fort Collins’ status as a sheep and wool producing hub. He then remained the school mascot from 1917 to 1981.

That year, Leroy became Clyde, as designed by art teacher Rick Takahashi, drawing inspiration from the silhouette of a lamb, and the face of a snarling gorilla.

Prancing

Fetal

Lambkin doesn’t necessarily mean an unborn lamb, yet that seems to be a popular interpretation. While unconventional, its elfin ears, smiling face, and tiny hooves are both adorable and offbeat.

This lambkin calls to mind Leroy, while dialing the cuteness factor up significantly with a joyful jump and fluffy hindquarters.

The sneering gorilla puts a frankly ludicrous façade on one of the sweetestlooking animals there is. I propose we accept the cute and cuddly nature of the Lambkin, and instead of donning a tough guise, embrace the clear irony and humor of the fearsome baby lamb.

Instead of an attempt to conform to the status quo of scary mascots, a proud display of an original and funny mascot promotes a genuine sense of community.

Instead of the panthers, the mustangs, or the rhinos charging onto the playing field, we as a school have something unlike anything else in the country, and we should have genuine pride in our historical background and comical uniqueness.

Bambi

Reminiscent of a certain Disney fawn, this design showcases the distinct gangliness of the baby lamb, complete with splayed hooves and an upright tail.

Graphics by Grace Hach

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2016-2017 3400 Lambkin Way, Ft. Collins, CO 80525

Editors Dalena Groen...Editor in Chief Maya Bode... Managing editor Joseph Mason... Managing editor Kaitlyn Schmidt... News editor Walker Discoe... A&E Editor Samantha Ye... In-Depth Editor Molly Lubbers...Sports Editor Adelaide Tomsic... Perspectives Editor

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Staff Writers

Seraphina Discoe Thany Dykson Brooke Pippin Mackenna Rowe Miles Rodriguez Roland Tomsic Joseph Vasseur Tate Thurgood

Photographers Annie Nay

Graphic Artists Grace Hach

Adviser Anne Colwell

Editorial Policy

Spilled Ink is published nine times yearly by the newspaper staff of Fort Collins High School, 3400 Lambkin Way, Fort Collins, Colo. 80525, (970) 488-8199. 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 Scholastic 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

March 30, 2017

The Backside

Spilled Ink

How do you reward yourself?

Anna Leon

Ethan Crook

Senior

Freshman

“I like to go shopping.”

Lizeth De La Luz

“I reward myself by improving my self worth.”

Cameron Dimas

Sam Piotraschke

Freshman

Senior

Junior

“I like to hang out with my friends.”

“I take myself out to breakfast.”

Cianna Seese

Nathan Cano

“I like to relax and unwind with my friends.”

Tiare Sullivan Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

“I just like to think about what I’ve done and feel proud.”

“I give myself ‘me’ time.”

“I like to eat and relax by watching movies.”

Spilled Ink is a five-year All-Colorado Newspaper 2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

2014-2015

2015-2016