The Lake - April 2016 by The Lake - Standley Lake's News Magazine

the lake

TAKE US TO THE

THE PEOPLE Editors-in-Chief | Nicole Heetland Olivia Koontz

the lake THE FORMALITIES Opinions or expressions made by students in this publication are not expressions of board policy. The district and its employees are immune from any civil action based on any expression made for or published by students. The Lake is an open forum for and by the students, faculty, and community of Standley Lake High School. The Lake is willing to accept and print any appropriate articles submitted by the students of SLHS and reserves the right to edit any of these articles. We will not print letters sent to us without a name and signature. Submit letters to standleylakenewspaper@gmail.com

2 April 2016 | Issue 5

Team Editors | Esteban Arellano Hannah Jensen Emily Leo Christina Rudolph Patty Sokol Website Editors | Emily Leo Gordon Saur Staff Writers | Sara Cooley AJ Ehrhardt Kevin Han Jenna Hines Grace Johnson Hannah Laughlin Meg Metzger-Seymour Ty Milliken Kayla Pray Gordon Saur Sophia Stimpfl Maxin Uhrich Cartoonist | Anna Nelson Adviser | Lynn Schwartz

SOCIAL @thelakenewsmag facebook.com/standleylakenewspaper @thelakenewsmag thelakenewsmag thelakenewsmag.com

ISSUE 5 | CONTENTS

6 10

14 24 31

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hello..........it’s us. *adele voice* Remember when we were in sixth grade, when we felt on top of the world? We were so “old”, so “mature”, and we knew everything then. Years ago, before graduation was the most highly anticipated date of our lives, there was one week-long rite of passage we all wanted more than anything: Outdoor Lab. Entirely immersed in the beautiful nature of the Rocky Mountains, we were wide-eyed and in wonder. Look how far we’ve come. We’re almost adults, which is kind of terrifying (taxes and appointments and what do we do if we hear a noise at night??), but it’s also pretty exciting. As we grow older, we find ourself awakening to the fact of the intricacy of our universe. By being aware of the world we live in, noticing every moment, big and small, we notice tiny, amazing things, like how it’s cool to find people who are so compatible with you. It’s so cool to look at the people you love and think, out of all the billions of people on this earth, you’ve somehow been lucky enough to stumble upon another human who thinks like you, or makes you feel safe, or knows just how to make you laugh, who brightens up your life in any way. We live in a labyrinth, and we may not ever be able to discover what lies in all its edges. In our nation, we may just mean one vote. In our world, we may just be 1 in 7 billion. And in our universe, we might as well be a piece of sand. But our relationships are incredibly complex, every person is vivid. Being alive is so cool. We hope the stories in this issue help you realize how vast and wide the universe is, and how important it is to be fully awake and attentive in our lives.

xoxo, NICOLIVIA

A.K.A. THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF OF THE LAKE P.s. we hope spring break was poppin’ for all of you, but honestly we’re mostly glad to no longer have to listen to people talking about how great their break’s going to be. P.p.s. Go to the mountains and look up at the stars sometime. You’ll get what we’re talking about.

THE RIGHT ANGLE

MIND THE GAP Though there have been advancements in equal rights and opportunities for all Americans, there has been lingering speculation about whether the United States has fully achieved equality. The notion that all men are created equal is one of the core values that makes up the USA’s foundation. However, this statement was far from the truth at the start of the nation’s history, and so it is important to look critically at society today and ask how close we have come to making that idea a reality. One of the most commonly debated social justice questions is that of the wage gap: is it still a problem in today’s society? According to the American Association of University Women, the gender pay gap within a single group is widest between white women and white men, while the earnings of black and Hispanic women are closer to those of males of the same race. The wage gap is expressed as a percentage (e.g., in 2012, women earned 80.9% as much as men aged 16 and over) and is calculated by dividing the median annual earnings of one group of people by the median annual earnings for another counterpart. Controversy has revolved around the claim that calculations for the wage gap aren’t entirely just. Many self-proclaimed feminists would argue that this problem is still extremely prevalent even with the achievements that have been made in this day and age. They might argue that women being in careers with lower pay is a

6 April 2016 | Issue 5

part of the same issue—that women have much more difficulty acquiring high paying, leadership positions which are stereotyped for males. It is quite possible that overt or subconscious bias’ prevent women from entering this area of the work force with as much ease as males.

“THERE IS STILL PREJUDICE IN OUR SOCIETY AND INEQUALITY IN OUR SOCIETY. THE WAGE GAP STILL EXISTS, AND IT’S NOT GOING TO STOP EXISTING,” -ANNA COOLEY ‘18 “There is still prejudice in our society and inequality in our society. The wage gap still exists, and it’s not going to stop existing,” Anna Cooley ‘18 said. And while the wage gap is often categorized as a feminist issue, a huge part of the problem stems not only from sexism, but also from racism. If women are paid less than men, then people of color—and especially women of color—are discriminated against to an even higher degree. While white women were paid 78% of white men’s earnings in 2013, African American women were paid only 64%, and Hispanic women a measly 54%. Chesle Parson ‘17 talked about his experience with this issue. “I think the wage gap still exists because of classism, to me that’s basically the new form of

HOW FAR HAS EQUALITY COME? racism,” Parson said. “I have African American parents, so I know what it’s like seeing your mom coming home with small checks after she’s been working all day long, everyday, worried how the bills will be paid.” On the opposite side of the issue lie people who believe that the United States has continued to take measures ensuring equal pay and opportunity for all groups and minorities. While everyone seems to agree that the wage gap was an issue at one time, the question is whether or not that problem has been resolved. “I think there was definitely a time where there was a wage gap between men and women, just because that’s how it was in society at the time,” Michael Kerr ‘16 said. “I think that we have started to stray away from [this discrimination] and that the obstacles that women have to overcome, like the wage gap, are not a problem anymore because of this.” A common statistic used when arguing for the wage gap is that women are paid 78 cents to every dollar a man earns. However, regarding the workforce, people argue that society has advanced to the point in which, everyone—no matter their background or characteristics—are assessed on who they are as an individual and whether they have the correct qualifications. In this day and age, there are laws that work to prevent discrimination, but it is nearly impossible to prove their effectiveness. | Sara Cooley | Ty Milliken | Patty Sokol

THE FINAL STRETCH THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS YEAR’S GRADUATING CLASS

The rumors have been spreading around the school about the number of seniors who are ineligible to graduate. So here’s the truth: Out of 278 seniors, there are currently 65 students who are not on track to graduate. That means only 76.6% of seniors are graduating—the lowest number in the past 5 years at Standley. “It’s horrifying,” counselor Ms. Lisa Perry said. “As a counselor, we do everything we can to try to make sure that people know what the graduation requirements are. I mean even starting with our eighth graders, we were telling them what the graduation requirements are.” Though the requirements for graduating seem difficult, graduating is straightforward if the effort is made. “I feel like everyone can pass if they put forth good effort and if they’re working with the teacher—there’s no reason that anybody should [fail a class],” Ms. Perry said.

The graduation rates for the past 5 years have been fairly high, the lowest being 85.1% (20122013). Last year was the highest graduation rate from the past 5 years, at 87.1%. “I don’t know why our number [of students not on track to graduate] is a lot higher than it has been in the past,” Hailee Frazier ‘16 said. “I can’t really think of anything that sets us apart from any other graduating class.” Battling it out at the homecoming assemblies with challenges and class chants, classes have always been competing. But graduation rates never seemed to be much of a competition. “It could be a cautionary tale and a warning to other students that if you mess around and don’t take things seriously that you will be in danger of not graduating,” counselor Ms. Laura Oliver said. Failing a class doesn’t mean you can’t still get the credit for the class. Credit recovery is highly

encouraged for students who have failed a class because it gives them an extra chance to make up for lost time.

OUT OF 278 SENIORS THERE ARE CURRENTLY 65 STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT ON TRACK TO GRADUATE.

“It’s the final push,” Ms. Perry said. “It takes time for teachers to get [final grades], and to get us [counselors] that information. We have to plan all of graduation, the seating and everything.” With graduation quickly approaching, it’s important that seniors recognize only 76.6% of their class are on track to walk across that stage on May 19th. Luckily, it’s not a done deal, yet. Recovery is possible. Credit recovery is crucial, and time is ticking. | Hannah Laughlin | Kayla Pray | Sophia Stimpfl

ACT on it

We at The Lake present for your fond usage our top five tips for testing. Have fun, enjoy, and make sure not to soak through the test with your tears—it’s probably illegal. | Sara Cooley | Kevin Han | Kayla Pray

READ THE QUESTIONS FIRST

On reading based tests, knowing what you need to look for before reading will help you focus more on the material you are reading. It will also save you time from having to go back and re-read what you just read while looking for the answers.

ELIMINATE THREE ANSWERS There can only be one right answer, so three of them have something that is very wrong about them. Even one word can make a difference, so be on the lookout!

HAVE AN ESSAY PLAN Be sure to have a clear plan for your essay before you begin writing. Really breakdown the question before you come up with your answer, but keep in mind, organization of your time is key. For example, if the test is 55 minutes, give yourself roughly 10 minutes to plan, 40 minutes to write, and around 5 minutes to go back through and make sure your writing sounds good.

REVIEW... BUT DON’T OVER THINK You should always go back and review your answers on any test if you have time, but make sure to not over think any of your answers. If you’re stuck between two answers, trust yourself and go with your gut, you might be surprised by your own intuition!

KEEP CALM AND TEST ON If you already believe you’re going to fail before the test even begins, you’re setting yourself up for exactly that! Believe in yourself and keep calm during the test, even if there’s an answer you don’t know or time is winding down and you're still furiously scribbling out that essay.

THE RIGHT ANGLE

THAN A JOB Math and computer teacher takes teaching further Math and Computer teacher Mr. John Satter’s room is an oasis for many kids. A spot tucked away for students to take a break from the hectic high school life. Satter acquired degrees in multiple fields of study in college, including a degree in zoology. However, this is not the degree Satter chose to pursue. “You know why I am not writing brass plaques for zoos or feeding animals that kind of stuff?” Satter said. “It’s because I think I can have a greater impact here and I think this was a more important job. Whenever I stop thinking that, I’ll go do something else, because that’s how reality works, right?” To see him around the school is a rare occurrence. You won’t see him in the math office, only in his room. He eats there, works there, and spends almost all his time there, usually with his array of students. “What I’m doing is giving up a relationship with my administrators and with my peers so that I can build a

relationship with my students,” Satter said. It’s not that he’s lazy to the point he doesn’t want to leave his room, it’s that he cares so much about his students—he wants to spend all the time he can get with them.

from 5-20 years ago also keep in touch with him. It’s not uncommon for him to receive an email, letter, or phone call from students thanking him. To many people he’s a teacher, but to his students, to his friends, he’s more than just a teacher—he’s a mentor, a caregiver, and an inspiration. | AJ Ernhardt

The students want to spend time with him, too. During lunch, he has around 50 kids and his planning periods can get up to 40. Students

MARVEL V DC

If you’ve been paying attention to anything lately you’d notice that superhero movies are on the rise, with every possible combination—including Avenger vs Avenger combat. Marvel and DC are at it again in the lifelong battle for WORLD DOMINATION.. Who will come out on top?

| Sara Cooley | Grace Johnson

Best TV Show: Which show would you binge-watch?

J E SS I C A JONES

Gotham

Marvel’s Jessica Jones debuted on Netflix to rave reviews—and it’s no wonder as the show addresses serious issues with a very relatable and empathetic narrator.

Jim Gordon is the main character in Gotham. He and his partner Harvey Bullock try and contain Gotham’s criminals, yet seem to fall into the crime themselves.

8 April 2016 | Issue 5

Best Team: The dashing heros or the bloody villains?

The Avengers have gained a huge following in the past few years, with two blockbuster hits and a third to come that feature the whole team as well as many movies featuring the individual characters.

Hype for the new Suicide Squad movie could give this dynamic set of heroes a run for their money. Stay out of their way—eleven villains are better than one. With Joker as a fun addition to the team, be ready to the expect the unexpected.

Best female character: The Joker’s lover or an assassin in leather?

Originating from the Joker’s mental-hospital stay, Harley Quinn is the perfect combination of crazy and clever. Her crazy obsessive personality, along with the help of Joker, her partner in crime, adds a fun twist on her story.

Black Widow, trained in an all-girls Russian home, can obviously hold her own in a fight. Her painful history could never stop her from having her team’s back or being an important part of the Avengers. She’s a force to be reckoned with, so be wary of this leather clad chick.

THE

LIFE of

KANYE We took 3 tweets from Kanye’s iconic twitter feed and broke them down to help people get an inside look at the life of Kanye.

uber101

Uber is a transportation network company that is driving taxis out of business. Customers can use the mobile app to request a transport from their destination to another destination of their choice. Uber is in 396 cities and it’s currently trying to expand to other cities nationwide.

If you’re a first time Uber user, here are some tips for your first ride. Don't order an Uber ‘till you're ready Drivers are allowed to wait up to five minutes for passengers, but try not to make them wait at all. Remember that this is their job, and not just a courtesy to you.

To Tip or Not to Tip

Kanye released his seventh album The Life Of Pablo. Kanye has released a lot of interesting music in his lifetime and has never won an Album of the Year Grammy, but this album could be the album that takes Kanye to his God-hood and a win for the Album of Life. But hey, it's just an album.

Although Uber's website states, "There's no need to tip!" because 20% of the metered fare is automatically added and paid to the driver, many drivers say that's not the case. While tips are always voluntary, it’s always nice to reward good service. To do so, you'll need to pay the driver in cash (15 to 20 percent is fair based on the total fare). Drivers notice and appreciate it.

Verify TO STAY SAFE The Uber app provides riders with their driver’s first name, photo, license plate number, and a picture of the vehicle and their driver’s rating. This information is intended to prevent riders from getting in a car with a fake driver.

Use these 3 tips to help make your Uber safer for you. Kanye knows he’s rich. He doesn’t hide it. He wants the world to know that he can fill 10 swimming pools with dollar bills (but now he’s 53 million in debt, so can he really?). But he also wants the world to know that he cares about his family and wants to use his riches to take care of them (and also buy furs, something us non-wealthy can’t do).

After every trip you take, you can anonymously rate your driver based on your experience. This can help other Uber riders determine just how safe their driver is. When you pay for your Uber, everything is done automatically from your credit card. You don’t have to worry about change or someone taking your card. When you get picked up you can tell your friends and family your ETA- when you will be home- so if you don’t trust your driver your family and friends can send for help. | Hannah Jensen | Hannah Laughlin | Ty Milliken | Kayla Pray | Patty Sokol

Kanye used the popular phrase “I don’t understand it bruh” in his Lifetime Achievement speech at the VMA’s. This started a revolution with the word “bruh,” which Kanye now thinks should be a word available for both genders by changing “bruh” too “brah.” | Hannah Jensen | Ty Milliken | Kayla Pray

THE RIGHT ANGLE

Spring Sports :

BY THE NUMBERS

PEOPLE TO WATCH THIS TRACK SEASON

TYLER WILLIAMS-

EMMA ABERNETHY-

Tyler Williams ‘19 ran a 53.73 in the 400 M dash finishing 1st at the Ralston Valley Invite

Emma Abernethy ‘17 had a time of 5:48.03 in the 1600 meter run, placing her in 2nd at the meet

3. TREVOR SMITH-

Trevor Smith ‘17 ran 2:07.52 in the 800 meter run which placed him in 2nd place at the first invite of the season

3rd JEFFCO

PLACE IN4A

10 April 2016 | Issue 5

PLAYERS ON THE VARSITY TEAM

Take out the

Anthony Kaiser ‘16 swam a

01:01.36

trash

in his first 100 m free oF the season

Athletes need clean waters to compete in the games A sports column:

BY MAXIN UHRICH While the summer Olympic games make a return in a few months, the host city, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is facing multiple problems leading to the games. Brazil is battling a pollution problem in the Guanabara Bay and it’s affecting the games coming up in the summer. Why did Rio win the bid when their city is facing problems?

28 SHOTS

TAKEN THROUGH GAMES

GIRLS ON THE TEAM THIS YEAR

When you think of polluted waters, you think of plastic bottles. The Guanabara Bay polluted waters consist of mattresses, cars, washing machines, trees, tables, televisions, and couches, even animal carcasses. The polluted and horrific waters aren’t a new issue, but the prospect of Olympic swimmers and sailors taking to Rio de Janeiro’s contaminated waters have placed the problem in the spotlight. The Olympics are an international event and a big deal, it’s an ongoing international tradition reaching back to 1896. it would be best to have it hosted in a developed country to avoid these sorts of problems. One of the more heavily impacted events could be Olympic sailing. Sailors who qualify for the games could potentially receive diseases by competing in the Guanabara Bay. 326 sailors participated in a study to see if they would get sick in the Bay and 29 experienced traveler’s diarrhea, a stomach illness also known as gastroenteritis, that is often caused by local bacteria. With those numbers, 7.1% became sick from being in the water—a statistic which was said to be surprisingly low. Why are we sending the best sailors around the world to compete in those waters, it’s not just the athletes that shouldn’t be in the Bay, no one should be in the Bay. The Olympics could have been hosted in Chicago or even in Madrid. Instead, the second world country hosts and they battle with pollution problems. Future Olympic host cities will hopefully not be in less developed countries and will be located in a place where it’s clean.

Spring has

Sprung par-tea with the plants We’re always walking around, mug in hand, steam climbing from the liquid within: The infamous tea fiends of B135. From our green thumbs and steeping splendor, we’re here with a bunch of rambles about how to not kill the little green guys we love called plants, and how to brew up blissful beverages called tea.

teas to try:

keep them alive: roasted rice and lemongrass Otherwise known as the mystery tea from my pantry in an unlabelled jar, this one is comprised of lemongrass, rice pods, and black tea that come together for an earthy taste. This blend is perfect for anyone with a knack for the savory. Touch it up with a dollop of honey to add in a sweet note.

jasmine hibiscus This little mixture features tropical and floral flavors. The combination of hibiscus and a hint of dried pineapple create a fruity taste, with the jasmine toning down the sweetness. If you hate tea because it’s too bitter, this blend is for you.

planting • Make sure to read up on the plant type you are caring for to ensure proper nurturing • Provide a plentiful amount of sunlight • Purchase a soil with enough nutrients and moisture • Choose a suitable potting container with enough space for the green little guy—or plant in ground (gardening) • Water immediately after planting so it can get comfy in its new home

Propagation (Succulents) The fact is, these fellas grow too, even if they don’t need much. • Pluck or cut the leaves gently from farther down the stem • Let the ends of the leaves dry out • Behead the healthy growth from the stem and let dry out as well • After all ends are well callused over, replant in potters • Water slightly

Healthy Growth With enough sunlight, water, and healthy soil, any little dude will prosper. They are very similar to humans: if they’re hungry, they may not cry out, but they will definitely wilt and droop into a tired state.

black tea spice

Harvesting

We love black tea; and we love this blend. It’s kept simple with regular-old black tea leaves, but a single cinnamon stick brings a zest to the generally tart tea. This blend is for the most adamant of tea drinkers―or for someone who is looking to make the switch from coffee to tea.

If you’ve dared to plant foods like zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, or any other piquant produce, here are the tips for you. • Like with potted plants, maintain the soil • Water accordingly • When the time comes, pull from the dirt or pluck from the vine Carrots: best from mid-June—November Cucumbers: best from mid-June—mid-October Tomatoes: best from mid-June—November Onions: best from mid-June--November | Emily Leo | Meg Metzger-Seymour

12 April 2016 | Issue 5

fashion Forecast As the sun starts to show a little more and the temperature starts to rise, spring is the time to break out those almost-summer clothes we’ve been dying to wear since mid-September. Here are the top 3 essentials:

females: 1.

caridgans

Cardigans are a perfect way to look like you put effort into a simple outfit, especially when the weather is still a little chilly. Pair one with a cute blouse or even a simple, printed t-shirt.

poofy shorts

stylish sandals

These are perfect for those days when you want to look cute, but want to be comfy. There are so many different prints that you can pair with a simple plain white t-shirt. Everyone needs a pair of sandals for when actual shoes just won’t cut it. Pair them with your favorite outfit to dress it up or dress it down.

males: 1.

mvmt watches

Need something to complete your outfit, put the cherry on top? Look into MVMT watches. They are high quality, minimalistic, cheap watches that come in multiple colors and finishes with different color and material straps to go with your outfit.

shorts

2. 3.

Stop wearing your athletic shorts with your Nike elites and half calves—instead grab some pastel-colored pocketless cargo shorts. Pair with Vans, men’s moccasins, or loafers. When you’re walking down the hallways everyone will be checking out your fresh look.

buttoned shirts

It’s a classic look: a nice buttoned up shirt with a collar. Bring it all together with your MVMT watch and your new shorts. Also, don’t be afraid of a nice collared shirt with a pocket; some pockets have cool designs and can be really stylish. | Ty Milliken | Kayla Pray | Patty Sokol

rockies roadtrip the mountains are full of twisty roads and old towns. Here are the best Three mountain road trips you should take during spring break | Ty Milliken

Guanella Pass Peak to Peak

Alpine Loop

One of the shortest drives on this list since it’s only 22 miles, or about and hour long. This pass is one of the most scenic drives. Just off of highway 285 this detour takes you 22 miles through magical views and bighorn sheep. Going right through Georgetown you can take a short walk through the historic gold mining town and even get some gourmet food while you’re there.

Take your beefed up Jeep (you know who you are) and take it to Alpine Loop trail. This trail is completely four wheel drive so don’t take your sedan. Just outside Lake City and Silverton this area is surrounded by wildflowers. The pass takes you about 12,000 feet and higher to get some of the best views you will see in your lifetime.

If you love old mining towns then this is a drive for you. Gravel roads by the side of the highway lead you to ghost towns that lead you to old gold mines which, by the way, you are allowed to pan for gold. But this drive is more than just gold mines and towns, the area has trees everywhere and during the spring and fall the trees are beautiful.

“Fresh” Finds New year, new season, new things! Here’s a list of the Lake’s must see TV Shows and Movies and the albums coming out in spring of 2016! | Hannah Jensen

Music Zayn: “Mind of Mine” Drake: “Views From the 6” The Lumineers: “Cleopatra”

TV Shows Fuller House Fear the Walking Dead Season 2

Bates Motel Season 4

Movies Batman vs. Superman Me Before You Finding Dory

14 April 2016 | Issue 5

a lasting Outdoor Lab broadens the horizons for sixth graders and high schoolers alike

nticipatory energy radiating from the seats seemed to fuel the school buses more than actual gasoline. As it rumbled up the winding mountain roads, the kids gradually gravitated towards the fogged up windows and wiped away the condensation to reveal the place they had been dying to see for the past six years of their elementary school lives: Outdoor Lab. The place seems to exude adventure. It has, after all, given kids a jam-packed educational week in our gorgeous Rocky Mountains for the past sixty years or so, at both Mt. Evans and Windy Peak. This particular week, those buses carried sixth-graders from Betty Adams and Semper Elementary up to Mt. Evans Outdoor Lab for the first five days of February. This one week is but a sliver of the extensive influence Jefferson County’s Outdoor Educational Laboratory Schools (OELS) have had on the district, but it’s a significant sliver in our Standley Lake community. Former sixth grade teacher and current OELS-program coordinator Mr. Jason Harding described Outdoor Lab as the

16 April 2016 | Issue 5

“most impressionable week of one of the most impressionable years in a kid’s life.”

A Moment of Awareness Between the lessons learned during core class hikes, electives, and just being in a new environment for a week, there was a lot to soak in. Standing outside every morning in the crisp 17-degree mountain air, the flag ceremonies included a “moment of awareness”, giving sixth-graders and high school leaders alike a moment to reflect on and appreciate their (thensnowy) surroundings. “[Most of these kids have] grown up in a city where if you’re quiet, there are still cars and stuff driving around, you don’t get to experience complete and utter silence,” high school leader David Morgenstern ‘16 said. These heightened observational skills manifested themselves in one of the key words stressed through the week: stewardship, which is applied to taking care of yourself, your environment, and your community. “It was a really fun experience, just knowing that there’s something, an outside part of me that I can do more hikes,

I can do better for my community, and I can go out for a week in the wild and probably won’t ever freeze to death,” Loveleen Kaur, a sixth grader at Betty Adams, said. Often times, these discoveries, either about themselves or their curriculum , were inspired by their high school leaders. For Dakota Ogata ‘16, that week in February was his third time going up to OELS, the second time as a leader, and he made it his goal to allow for the sixth graders to make those connections more independently. “Last time I went, I definitely took the role of leading from the front, and I was always in charge, having kids follow me, or I was directly teaching,” he said. “[This time], I tried to lead from the back, I tried to have the kids think through it on their own, or try to make those connections on their own without me directly telling them, and seeing if they could do it.” Despite the busy schedule, and all the responsibilities put on the leaders for the week, Rachael Willinghanz ‘16 found that type of busy-ness relaxing in a way. “I wasn’t in a bad mood that entire week, all I thought of was snowpants and sixth

graders for five days straight,” she said. “Life just gets so crazy all the time, [so] being able to have that week separated with just a lot of simplicity--I think that’s what kids provide a lot of the time-was so nice.”

“They are just so progressive and so respectful,” Cooper said. “They start learning a different way; they start caring about one another; they start caring about the environment more; and they start caring about themselves more.”

Returning To The Woods

Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints

Lyle Cooper ‘17 went up to OELS this past fall, and found that same kind of therapeutic aura in working with kids. “Connecting with the kids and seeing their change from Monday to Friday made me want to work with them more,” she said. So she decided to do just that-this semester, Cooper is a full-time intern up at Mt. Evans, teaching classes, and supporting the high school leaders for each special week. After seeing so many schools come up, Cooper has witnessed that change within the sixth grade students week to week. “Sixth graders are in their own world— the world revolves around them,” she said. “But throughout the week, they start to realize ‘Wow, there’s this beautiful world around us, and we can do something to make it better—there is so much we can do to improve the world.’”

For Loveleen, and surely other sixth graders, the week showed them a glimpse of where they fit into our great big world, and what they can accomplish in it. But they weren’t the only ones learning of their potential. The high school leaders were learning right alongside them. “For the 6th graders, I feel like this is their last year of unadulterated childhood, and for the juniors and seniors, it’s kind of the same thing,” Mr. Harding said. “ I see what they all learn about themselves during the week, and I think what [high schoolers] learn is just as powerful as what the 6th graders learn.” Being on your A-game 24/7 for five days was no small feat. “I feel like I’ve become a better worker [since Outdoor Lab],” Tanner Payne ‘17 said. “I’ve always been kind of a slacker, but now I appreciate

“Sixth graders are in their own world—the world revolves around them. But throughout the week, they start to realize ‘Wow, there’s this beautiful world around us, and we can do something to make it better,’” -Lyle cooper ‘17 Top, from left: A mule deer. High school leaders Lukas Klarich ‘17, Zach Alas ‘17, and Kaitlyn Ruzicka ‘17 lead the sixth graders in singing and dancing. The “Music Man”. Bottom, from left: Sixth grader Willow Levy lends an ear to wildlife appreciation class. Opening fire ceremony at Mt. Evans OELS

learning from on top of the world “one of my favorite parts was seeing kids who were originally really challenged with whatever we were doing overcome their challenges,” —Rachael Willihnganz ‘16 “The moment I will never forget is when we earned our fire, and how fun that was. Even though it was cold outside, earning that fire was a big reward for everyone, since we went through the whole week to earn it. We did all the right stuff,” —John Diorio, Sixth grader

hard work and the benefits gained from that.” Confidence was a frequented takeaway mentioned by several of the leaders. “I definitely was able to break out of my shell a little bit,” Ryanne Osbourne ‘16 said. “I am definitely a very shy person, so to be able to break out of that shell, especially in front of the other high school leaders, it was pretty cool for me, because it’s not something I usually do.” Her sister Kelly Osbourne ‘17, felt the same way, and in retrospect, could see the domino effect of self-confidence that spread from the leaders to the students.“I think them seeing us go crazy during the different evening programs definitely made them feel like it was okay to be crazy too,” she said. The high school leaders are trained and then teach the core classes to the sixth graders through the week. For that February week especially, it was a challenge, teaching about the water cycle, or geology, outside on trails at stop points on steep, snowy trails, but a challenge that gave perspective. “Not often do we have thirty kids looking up to us and following our every move,” Lucas Klarich ‘17 said. “It’s a praise you don’t get very often, and it’s fun to have, which I’m sure our teachers don’t get very often.”

18 April 2016 | Issue 5

It Was Nearly Lost Maybe it’s something about the crisp mountain air that allows for so much concrete and abstract learning. Maybe it’s being in a new environment. Whatever it is, a few years ago, it was nearly lost when OELS was on the cutting block for district-wide budget cuts. Mr. David Epp, principal of Mt. Evans OELS, went through several emotions in response to the school board announcement. ““As you could expect from anybody, my first reaction was anger that we would mess with something so unique and so valuable,” he said. “My next reaction was motivation to do everything I could to make sure that didn’t happen. In a way, it gave me more of cause to be a champion force than I ever anticipated needing to have.” That force was one that grew into pushback from the community with more passion for OELS, perhaps, than has been shown towards any other entities within Jeffco ever. Parents, grandparents even, from across the district who had attended years ago, rallied in support. Joining them that year, were the impassioned sixth graders of Semper Elementary, who happened to be attending Outdoor Lab just a few days after the announcement. “We came back home, and we

“My favorite part is spending time with the sixth graders because the bond that you’ve made with them can’t be broken,”—Kelly Osborne ‘17 “Being at the top of those hikes, it was amazing. I love snowboarding, and being up there just reminded me of that, just the fresh air and being able to take everything in,” —Eli Vanderveer, Sixth grader

did an authentic writing project. We wrote to the school board, we wrote to the media, and we wrote to the superintendent,” 6th grade teacher Mr. Eddie Saliman said. “It was the best writing my kids ever did--writing about why they shouldn’t get rid of Outdoor Lab. And that’s in 23 years of [teaching] writing,” he said. The letters, the parental protests, changes in curriculum--it all worked. Outdoor Lab was saved on the premise that this one educational, enthralling week in the mountains, lies at the heart of Jeffco schools..

The Start of Something New Over just one week--five days-- everyone, sixth-graders, high schoolers, and interns alike, had been changed. For some, it evoked a sense of responsibility, or a look at the ‘bigger picture’. For others, it was becoming more confident and carefree. And for still others, it was a week of being inspired. “I really want to become a high school leader, and be able to go up again,” Eli Vanderveer, Betty Adams sixth grader said. ”I thought it was amazing just going up as a student, but I bet if you’re a high school leader it would be better.” This creating of a tradition of sorts, is encourag-

ing, a sign that this year’s leaders were that type of role model for these kids. But the passing of this torch can’t wait five to six years. The recruitment of leaders is oftentimes a struggle, especially with the stress of leaving behind a week’s worth of class and homework. Mr. Harding argues that the lessons leaders learn are underestimated. “I just would love for high school teachers to come up as visiting staff members to see how hard the high schoolers work and what they gain out of this experience up here,” he said. Each week at OELS, the high school leaders are what stand at the heart of the program. “The program cannot exist without high school leaders,” Mr. Saliman said. “And any kid can be a high school leader. Any kid who cares about kids can be a high school leader. You don’t need a 4.0, you don’t have to be in NHS, [and] you don’t have to be IB or AP.” No matter the past experience, Zach Alas ‘17 agreed that anyone can be that role model. “I think it’s a really good experience being respected by another group,” he said. “I don’t think there are a lot of opportunities in this age that you can get leadership roles like that.” It’s a sort of full circle kind of thing. The high school leaders remember their own OELS experience vividly, just as this year’s sixth graders will. And they returned to give back to the program

that gave them such a wonderful week years ago. Maybe, later, these sixth graders will return to the mountains and do the same. Regardless, it’s a community thing. It’s something the community fought for, and would fight for again. It’s something each kid anticipates for years, and remembers for years. “[The sixth graders] do understand that sense of community, and I think it’s really great for us to be here, being [from] Standley, because this is the community they’ll be feeding into,” Taryn Walker ‘16 said. For now, the buses return, this time with dazed leaders attempting to stay awake, and sixth graders bouncing off the walls from memory to memory. The condensation settles on the windows again, but few try to wipe it away. Here in that bus, everyone experienced a similar, unforgettable experience, and they don’t want to accept its ending. Little do they know it’s just the beginning. l | Jenna Hines | Olivia Koontz | Emily Leo | Meg Metzger-Seymour

DIV ID

STATES

AMER O

n November 8th, 2016, millions of Americans will flood into their local polling places to cast their vote for the next president of the United States. A proportionally small but disproportionately significant group of these people are first-time, young voters with an incredibly daunting task on their hands: choosing the candidate best suited to lead the nation in an era defined by tension and uncertainty. There’s no shortage of “expert” opinions on every aspect of the election, but few pundits focus on the issues that mean most to teenagers and young adults. As the path through the primaries winds on, more and more high school students are getting invested in the election, with many even getting involved in specific campaigns. With the nation split between rival political parties, affiliations are growing deeper and animosity has become engrained in the system Americans have trusted for centuries. Politics is an extremely divisive topic, but young Americans are making it increasingly clear that they are just as attentive—and deserving of attention—as any other demographic.

20 April 2016 | Issue 5

THE GREAT DIVIDE It’s hard to turn on the TV and not see a recap of the most recent debate or BREAKING NEWS on what Candidate X said about Candidate Y’s track record or affiliations or hair. This might make for great entertainment, but the shocking insults represent the emergence of a frightening trend: extreme ideological polarization. In the past, a majority of registered voters have identified as either moderately conservative or moderately liberal, but this election cycle, more voters are concentrated on far opposite sides of the political spectrum. Some students who consider themselves aligned with a particular party still feel concerned about the repercussions of polarization. “It’s either you’re right or you’re left,” Bobby Shepard ‘17 said. “There’s very little middle ground and the people who are in the middle are trying to bring the two together at the table, [but they] seem to be having such a terrible time because people think it’s either about being on the right or the left.” With the rise of extreme, devout party affiliations, it can seem as though votes are based

more on the presence of an “R” or a “D” than on the individual’s stance on specific issues. This tendency may not be new, but it has significantly worsened in the last few decades. “I believe there’s a time and place for political parties but you always have to look past that,” Shepard said. “You always have to think about your family, your community, and your country too.” Despite the wishes of the few remaining moderates, America’s political climate is becoming more and more cutthroat. Findings from a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 38% of Democrats and 43% of Republicans in 2014 had a “very unfavorable” attitude towards the other party, compared to only 16% of Democrats and 17% of Republicans in 1994. Even more telling is one of the conclusions reached by the January 2016 Pew study, stating, “It’s as if they belong not to rival parties but alien tribes”. Extreme polarization has also become increasingly evident in the buildup to the 2016 election

IDED

ES OF

ERICA

AS POLITICAL PARTIES BECOME INCREASINGLY POLARIZED, THE NATION IS MORE DIVIDED THAN EVER with the unprecedented success of non-traditional candidates. “When you look at Sanders and Trump, they both have populist messages so they say things to try to appeal to a very large base,” social studies teacher Mr. Jeremiah Coraggio said. “The other thing that’s going for them is that they aren’t considered traditional establishment candidates. I think Sanders is trying to captivate the young when it comes to things like college education and other popular issues. Trump is really kind of rallying a very particular demographic, trying to hit a popular message.” The long-term viability of an anti-establishment candidate is yet to be determined, but it’s hard to deny the strong divide between many Democrats and Republicans. The evidence may suggest that most Americans disagree, but Shepard maintains his belief that this alienation is potentially dangerous. As Shepard explains, “We are the United States of America, not the divided.”

Act, terrorism, climate change, and economic inequalities would be in the hands of the sole respective party frontrunners, Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush.

“IT’S AS IF THEY BELONG NOT TO RIVAL PARTIES BUT ALIEN TRIBES.”

However, an increasing national disdain for the political establishment and norm completely changed that.

In a December poll conducted by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News, only 16% of Americans expressed confidence in the government. This dramatic decrease was also accompanied by an even larger distrust of large corporations, faith institutions, the financial industry, and the media.

THE ELECTION

It is this nationally-growing distrust of the status-quo that dulled the campaigns of Clinton and Bush: both experience-toting members of the established government.

Ask anybody a year ago about the climate of the 2016 election, and it would have been fairly simple. The future of the Affordable Care

In response, several new, unlikely, fiery, and comparatively-radical candidates emerged. The Republican party swelled to over 17 candidates,

with Donald Trump quickly earning the most attention with his promise to build a wall between the United States and Mexico. What’s more, the seemingly-undefeatable Clinton met an opponent: Senator Bernie Sanders.

With more extreme stances, both Trump and Sanders initially seemed incapable of securing the nomination. Until they weren’t. Republicans—bolstered by a dislike of programs like the Affordable Care Act and their general conservatism on cultural issues such as immigration and gay marriage—quickly flocked to the outspoken Trump. Democrats—growing younger, more diverse, and more disillusioned by the lack of opportunities for the rising generation—found comfort in Sanders’ attractive promises of political revolutions and making life for younger generations more affordable. The support of more unconventional candidates

THE GATOR PRIMARY WE SURVEYED A SAMPLE OF UPPER-CLASSMEN TO SEE WHAT SLHS THINKS ABOUT THE 2016 ELECTION

WHAT IS YOUR POLITICAL AFFILIATION? 61%

UNAFFILIATED

13% 26%

REPUBLICANS

In the Republican caucuses, as of March, Trump and his non-establishment peer, Ted Cruz, have earned 460 and 370 delegates respectively, with a total of 1,237 needed for the nomination. For the Democrats, although Clinton is leading with 1,231 delegates (including superdelegates who are leaders in the party that can support any candidate for the nomination regardless of primary results), Sanders is only trailing her by 221 pledged delegates.

DEMOCRATS

THE IMPACT ON STUDENTS

ARE YOU VOTING? 56%

YES

44%

MOCK ELECTION VOTES 3% 6% 8%

quickly became more apparent. As Republicans were forced into two separate venues for debates given the large of amount of candidates, Trump consistently earned the first spot in polls and on the debate stage. As of late February, the Sanders campaign has raised over $96.3 million without the help of super PACs (which are independent corporations or unions able to raise an unlimited amount of money for candidates).

CRUZ TRUMP

12%

CLINTON 71%

SANDERS

3 MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES 1. EDUCATION 2. COLLEGE TUITION 3. JOBS 22 April 2016 | Issue 5

In their own way, each candidate has expressed the importance of young voters to the election, and more importantly, to the immediate future of the country. Some candidates, such as Senator Bernie Sanders, are even using young people as one of the foundations of their campaigns. To put it bluntly, younger generations have a bigger impact than ever before.

A number of issues are at the forefront of students’ minds, but they differ greatly depending on their beliefs and priorities. For Zach Alas ‘17, who plans to support Hillary Clinton, the issues of tax reform and addressing climate change are most important, as well as social issues like women’s equality. On the other side of the political spectrum, Shepard prioritizes foreign policy issues like fighting ISIS. Bernie Sanders supporter Gabe Bosse ‘17 values completely different issues, many of which are specific to Senator Sanders. “I think that making the first two years of college free and accessible for every student, which is his [Sander’s] plan, is a really smart idea, because his major issue is income inequality,” Bosse said. “But the other thing is that he would change the income tax bracketing. It currently maxes out at $270,000 and that’s absolutely ridiculous when you have CEOs that are making tens of millions of dollars every year.” Students may differ greatly on the issues they care about most, but there seems to be more of a consensus on the significance the election will have on the next era of US policy. “This election is going to be the president that we go into the real world with,” Alas said. “We’ll be starting our careers, starting to build

“THIS ELECTION IS GOING TO BE THE PRESIDENT THAT WE GO INTO THE REAL WORLD WITH.” - ZACH ALAS ‘17

Despite the perceived importance of the election, Mr. Coraggio is skeptical of how seriously students have researched the issues and candidates. “I think you have so many distractions that until it directly affects you, most of the time students tend to not care and I think that’s the general consensus,” he said.

a household, and work with finances. So this is important for us going from kids to adults.”

One possible reason for some young people’s disregard for the election, and politics in general, is the disconnect between them and the politicians they’re expected to support. “I don’t think most politicians are in touch with what we need,” Alas said. “I think they’re very centered around their age group for the most part. And I think that’s a big thing with the candidates this year, like Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, they’re looking to tap into the younger generation.”

In addition to students, Mr. Coraggio also reiterated the role the next president will have on young people. “The next president, whoever it is, is going to categorically reshape a lot of what the United States does,” he said. “Especially now with a vacancy on the Supreme Court, that has a lot of potential to sway voters because the court is going to decide major issues—the abortion issue or death penalty or healthcare or whatever the case may be.”

Shepard may not agree with who Alas supports, but he feels similarly about the gap between everyday Americans and many Washington officials. “Right now I feel a large separation between me and them,” Shepard said. “If you have a president, you need to be able to trust him, you need to know that he has your back no matter what. I think that it’s to the point where people are just throwing around insults and they’re not focusing on policies.”

In today’s polarized, intense political climate, every vote and every promise of support represents the opportunity for citizens, including young ones, to influence the issues that mean most to them and the future of the country in general. l | Esteban Arellano | AJ Ehrhardt| Kevin Han | Nicole Heetland | Hannah Laughlin | Christina Rudolph | Gordon Saur| Sophia Stimpfl ALL INFORMATION IS AS OF MARCH 14, 2016

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

A BASIC GUIDE TO HELP YOU DETERMINE THE CANDIDATE THAT FITS YOUR BELIEFS NO

HILLARY CLINTON

SHOULD OBAMACARE BE REPEALED AND REPLACED?

BERNIE SANDERS

YES YES

START HERE

SHOULD THE PURCHASE OF GUNS BE HIGHLY REGULATED?

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE?

DONALD TRUMP

SEND ALL UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS BACK

SHOULD AMERICA ACCEPT REFUGEES AND UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS?

NO, SECURE THE BORDER

TED CRUZ

NO THERE SHOULD BE A PATH TO LEGALIZATION

JOHN KASICH

IT’S REAL, BUT REGULATIONS WOULD HURT OUR ECONOMY IT’S A MYTH

MARCO RUBIO

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CANDIDATES’ STANCES

THE LAKESHORE DERIVED FROM NPRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STORYCORP

STORIES FROM BEYOND THE SWAMP StoryCorps aims to expose the complexity of relationships and inform the public with anecdotes from the lives of others. In doing so, it reveals new ways of seeing the world and understanding the people around us; it communicates the interconnectivity and oneness of the human race. We have driven ourselves to bring you the same and share the life experiences of fellow Gators.

24 April 2016 | Issue 5

Hannah: How did you feel when Shelby passed away? Rachel: That was really hard to accept in the beginning because it came so quickly. He’d been in the hospital for about seven years in and out. At the end he was really sick, but he had been that way before; it was hard to accept when [the doctors] told us he was going to pass away and that there was nothing we could do for him. They said they didn’t know how long it would be. It could have been a few days or a few weeks. The day it happened, we were at our dad’s house and he woke us up really early in the morning. It was a school day and we didn’t know why he was waking us up, but then he told us Shelby had passed away overnight. That was shocking for me. I remember I didn’t cry very much, I just went into my room and went to sleep. It got harder to deal with when funeral stuff started coming, and it was really scary.

he’d feel really lousy, but he was always smiling. My tattoo too, people feel uncomfortable about it. I don’t think people should feel uncomfortable about it just because it’s a sad thing. I’m not super sad anymore because I got this as a statement so I can talk about him. Even just letting people hear stories about him, I feel like it makes them feel proud of him as well, because I can’t even explain how great he is, but I can try.

Hannah: Do you think our family would be in a different place if he were still around?

Rachel: How do you think this has changed our relationship together?

Hannah: I think we are so normal with it. Sometimes these things tear families apart, it can be so hard for them, but I think we took it the best way possible.

Rachel: Well obviously if he were still around, he’d be with us and he might have a girlfriend and he might even be married, but in a different way I still think it wouldn’t have brought us as close together. Of course I wish he still was here, but it’s also a blessing in disguise.

Rachel, Hannah, and Shayna White lost their brother Shelby two years ago to cancer. Rachel and Hannah came together to speak about how they have grown since, and how losing him has influenced the people they are today.

Hannah: When they told us, they said it was bad this time, and I thought, “Well, but he’s pulled through every other time so how is this going to be different?” You know? The first thing was just shock. It was kind of calming in a way because it was okay—it was relieving. We knew it was so intense for him and so hard on him. Rachel: You could always say it was too soon, and that he was too young, but in his particular case, I think it was just so hard on his body. It was time. He was in a lot of pain for a long time. Hannah: You don’t like seeing someone you love go through that. It was the worst thing ever. After seven years, it was tiring and exhausting—you feel so helpless. But it was almost relieving because it’s over now. Rachel: He never acted like anything was ever the end for him. He kept all of us laughing when we were visiting him in the hospital, and we should’ve been doing that for him. Hannah: There was never a dull moment with him. I wish my best memories with him weren’t in the hospital, but a lot of them were, and that’s just the way it is. Rachel: It was a lot of our childhood. He got it when we were really young and he was still in highschool. It was sort of normal for us. Mom would come home from work and she’d be like, “Let’s get something to eat and run by the hospital.” It was just normal. The times that he wasn’t as sick and he’d go in for chemotherapy, that was a lot easier. But there were times where he’d have to have blood transfusions and

Hannah: I think if anything, it made the three of us sisters so much stronger. It brought all of us so, so, much closer. Shayna lives in Thailand and teaches right now. Besides her being far away though, we are much closer. We are so much closer with mom too because I think she wants to protect us more. We are all more appreciative of the time that we have with each other. I think it happened naturally, even without us thinking about it, we spend more time together because you never know. It’s interesting because Shayna is the oldest now, and it’s like she’s taken the role of the older brother. She’s so much more protective of us than she ever has been. Rachel: A little overbearing. *giggles* You and I have become really close. You’re my best friend. I wish that I could remember more—I remember when we first got bad news. I was old enough to remember, but it didn’t really hit me. The last time he went to the hospital I was a freshman and that’s when I really realized what this was.I wish I realized that I should’ve spent more time with him in the hospital and not have been like “I’m tired I wanna go home, let’s leave the hospital.” Hannah: Yeah, and it’s so hard to work around high school because you’re like, “Is this important enough?” Once you go through something like this, you realize nothing is more important than family.

Rachel: We were able to make it into a positive thing—we remember him more positively and stick together because of how long we’d been going through it. Even just over that time we became closer because of those days in the hospital.

Hannah: I do think that Shayna would be living here. She has told me that after he passed away, that was the pushing point to let her travel and explore and expand her horizons. If she were still living here, she never would’ve met the love of her life that she has right now. I think she would be single here. I think we’d all be in the same general area, but I think we’re good. I’m super happy with where I’m at and I’m still on the right track to where I’m going. It hasn’t deterred me away from doing the things I’m doing.

Rachel: If he were here right now, what do you think he would say to us? Hannah: I know that last year when I was about to graduate and I had really crappy grades, on the brim of not graduating, he would’ve told me to get my crap together. Rachel: Yeah. Shayna told me what he said to her when we weren’t there. He was saying that he was worried for the both of us to be girls who don’t have an older brother to protect them when they grow up. He said he was worried that we were going to meet bad guys. I think that he would tell us that we’re doing a good job without an older brother. Shayna is our [older sibling] now. Hannah: It’s okay now. It’s not really like horrible sadness, it’s just remembering, missing. I’m completely content with where we are now. We have an amazing family. We have memories of Shelby. We have pictures to remember him with. We have yummy food recipes that he made up. I’m content with it, as much as it’s hard to accept, I’m happy with the way he went.

Robbie: How was your IB experience? Sarah: I really liked IB, and I got a lot of college credit out of it. It’s a program that caters to the whole student with the community service aspect, there’s learning about the way that you think with TOK, and you just take classes in all subject areas with the same group of students, which is really neat. Sarah: Are you glad you choose to be in IB? Robbie: I would say that I am. It’s a really good community. I felt like IB was the right place for me to be, and it is just a place where I belong and there are other people like me. It’s a challenge, but it’s fun. Robbie: Do you have any regrets? Would you have done anything differently? Sarah: I don’t really have any regrets. I liked the classes I took and the choices that I made, and with going to CSU, I felt that was a really good decision.

Robbie and Sarah Nelson are six years apart. Robbie, the younger of the two, is going through the IB program just as his sister did in high school. But they have made a point to go through it as different people, pursuing different things—all the while keeping their Relationship strong.

Sarah: What do you think are some of the most prominent ways in which we are different? Robbie: I think that you’re a lot more academic than I am, you just find school a lot easier than I do. I feel like I’m struggling in a lot of my classes, even though I sometimes do okay or sometimes figure it out. When you were in IB and I saw you at home, it seemed like you were fine. You didn’t have that much to do, but now when I’m here I feel like my whole life can’t continue without thinking about my homework. I guess it’s really hard to compare because I don’t remember that much. I remember that you would do your homework while watching TV in a recliner. Sarah: That’s how I still do math homework. Robbie: I would never be able to focus like that, but I guess one thing is I am more interested in acting, whereas you just did tech. Sarah: Well you’re a lot more social than I am. Robbie: I guess that is a part of it. Sarah: I could never do what you do on stage. Robbie: Do you think we could be closer than we are now? Sarah: Probably. I think it’s hard because we live far apart, so we don’t see each other a lot. But when we do, we have a lot of fun. Robbie: We don’t see each other ever, so everytime we see each other it’s like saying “Hi”, or something like that. Sarah: I think we think about each other a lot, but we don’t necessarily talk a lot. Robbie: And it’s also because we’re so far apart in age; when you were in high school, I was in 5th grade. Sarah: We were never at the same stage of life at the same time, so it’s

26 April 2016 | Issue 5

harder to relate. Sarah: Do you think it’s hard for us to maintain a truly close relationship, now that I’m married and not living at home anymore? Robbie: I don’t really know. I don’t think it’s much different than when we were living in the same house. A lot of times you would be out or doing something, but we would always still see each other. I feel like compared to right before you moved to college and now, we’ve gotten closer. Sarah: I agree. Robbie: I feel like it’s hard to be siblings in the same house versus just getting to see each other sometimes. When we see each other, it’s kind of like a gift. Sarah: And you have a good relationship with Tim [my husband] Robbie: I think that helps too. I also think it’s really cool because when I come to Colorado Springs, we get to do stuff—just the three of us, and it’s really fun. Robbie: Do you think our relationship can grow and evolve in spite of our differences? Sarah: I think so, it’s already grown as we’ve gotten older. Now that we’ve both gone through the IB experience, we’re both academically inclined. We have connected through that and being grown up and thinking about what we are going to do with our lives. Robbie: Yeah, I think so too, especially because you’ve been through a path which is really similar to what I’ve done so far. You know what it’s like. Living with mom and dad, they don’t really know. It’s a really big difference when you can say, “Oh I remember…” You know what I’ve been through. I think it can definitely grow and has [begun to already].

Kaity Ruzicka discovered she had a heart condition when she was very young. She and her brother kevin spoke about how their childhood could have been different if she had not had that limitation on her body, but they also reminisced oN the good experiences they’ve had and the relationship they have developed. Kaity: When did you first understand what was going on with my heart? Kevin: About 2 years ago. Kaity: When I got my pacemaker.

Kevin: I wouldn’t have taped pillows to your chest when we had pillow fights. Kaity: That was great!

Kevin: Yeah. Was it scary for you, finding out about your heart?

Kaity: Do you think things would be different if I didn’t have this condition?

Kaity: Not really because it’s been a part of me my entire life. I’ve always known that my heart has been messed up from the beginning, so there’s not really any scariness about it anymore.

Kevin: Probably, yeah. We could do more stuff together that I do with other people because you can’t. [We’d] go out places and do more things.

Kaity: Does my having a heart condition scare you sometimes?

Kevin: Do you wish you didn’t have this condition?

Kevin: Yes, it does, because it wouldn’t be good if you croaked all of a sudden.

Kaity: Sometimes. Actually, all the time. I wish I didn’t have it, because then I could join the Army, or I could be a cop if I wanted to.There would be a lot more stuff I could do.

Kevin: Do you think things would be different if you didn’t have your heart condition?

Kevin: What are some of the best memories you have of us?

Kaity: Oh yeah. I’d play soccer, just like you do. I would be bomb at it too. Maybe I could play basketball since I’m so tall, then we could both play the same sports and that would be adorable.

Kaity: Probably when we were little, and I thought your patronus (from Harry Potter) was a bird. I tried to shove you off the stairs so you could fly. Also, when we were doing sit-ups in the pool in Hawaii, and we were trying to see who could hold their breath the longest and then do a sit-up.

Kevin: Yeah that would be cute.

Kaity: Are you proud to be my brother?

Kaity: I mean we could have run around the neighborhood a lot more when we were younger, because I wouldn’t be getting the wind sucked out of me all the time.

finally watched Star Wars

came out to myself The fact of the matter is that I did not come out to myself for many years after I first realized that I was gay. I could not bring myself to say the word lesbian aloud for many months even after I had accepted that I had no interest in kissing boys. Like so many things in life, I put it off until the last possible second, until I had no choice but to face the thoughts that I had refused to look in the eye for as long as I could remember. When I finally did, I remember thinking how different it was to see the world through eyes that weren’t lying to themselves. Everything was in color now; life was so much more vibrant once I started refusing to censor my own thoughts. I had spent so many years forcing myself to think in ways that I thought were normal, obsessing over boys and sex because as long as I was accepted it didn’t matter that I was being dishonest. Things are so much better now that I am honest. I am so happy that I let my demons out of the closet—it made room for so many other things. | Sara Cooley

am on the pursuit of happiness You all know the song “The Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi and well, I’m on my own pursuit of happiness. The song is obviously about your pursuit of happiness but I also believe it’s about how people can’t tell you how to live and I also think it’s how you get through the times of your life that are bad. It’s about how you go so low in life and how you bring yourself back from that place. So I’ve been through many rough times that bring me to those low places and I’m constantly on my pursuit. I’m always thinking of ways that help me to bring me closer to the end of my pursuit, whether it’s music, friends, or socializing. Every journey has to end somehow and at different times and my pursuit will take as long as I need. | Ty Milliken

Everything fell into place. I got all the references. I finally understood why people talked weirdly and laughed about someone named Yoda. I finally understood the weird two-buns-on-the-side-of-your-head hairstyle. I finally understood what a Wookie was. I witnessed the Star Wars franchise’s love for dismemberment, (seriously, I’m waiting for Rey’s hand to get cut off), and the tragic story of Anakin Skywalker (did anyone else find his whole thing with Padmé weird? Dude, she was like 12 when you were 5). And now, I truly understand why The Force Awakens made over a billion dollars. After all, it’s been 30 years since Return of the Jedi. I can only imagine the pain of waiting for the progression in story. And it doesn’t bother me at all that *spoilers for The Force Awakens* dies (why...). Needless to say, the Star Wars tag is now my best friend on Tumblr (the fan theories are too real). And now, when Episode VIII rolls around December 2017, I will no longer be uncultured as I once was. By the way it’s “No, I am your father”, not “Luke, I am your father”. Everything I’ve been told is a lie. | Kevin Han

whe

A COLLECTION OF

grow up When I grow up I’ll no longer be able to hang out with the ‘homies’ as often I do. I won’t be attending the same school, we will be going our separate ways and continuing on with our own lives. I see my friends almost every day of the week and before I know it, I won’t be saying, “See ya next break!” Cherish and appreciate every moment that you spend with your friends. Soon, you won’t be with them as much as you are now. When I grow up, I won’t be able to walk into my mom’s room and ask for a back massage. Ever since I started playing sports in Pre-K, I knew I could rely on her to get the kinks and aches out of my body. Momma is always going to be there, but when I grow up, it’s not going to be the same as it is today. | Maxin Uhrich

28 April 2016 | Issue 5

see true equality This world we live in claims to be equal and fair, but I’m just not able to see it. Gay people are abused, Mexicans are hated, Muslims are designated as terrorists, and yet we claim to be a land of equality and freedom? This is something I can’t wrap my head around. If I fight for equality, I will fight for all. I won’t pick and choose specific groups that I just so happen to like. When I finally see “America, the land of the free and brave” I will be proud to be an American. We’ve fought and we’ve cried for equality throughout our history and we settle for this? . How can we accomplish world peace if we jump to conclusions about so many people? Muslims aren’t terrorists. Gays aren’t abominations. Mexicans aren’t rapists. Stop taking somebody else’s word for it and open your eyes. When I see true equality, I’ll be an American and I’ll be proud of it. | AJ Ehrhardt

en I

F MINI-EDITORIALS

get to where I’m going When I get where I’m going, I’ll be a makeup artist for movies and tv shows. Makeup artists make the shows that you watch everyday look awesome. I discovered this shortly after I began season 5 of The Walking Dead and started Supernatural—both shows I’m kinda obsessed with. It was the beginning of what I really want, I had bounced around from career to career and then found what I really wanted to do. Picture this, it was a Sunday afternoon I started trying some out-there makeup, it started as a simple cut with a bruise. It was good enough to scare my mom and my aunt. This was my first attempt at the bloody gore side of makeup, and it worked. Soon after I got obsessed and couldn’t stop. Halloween was a trip or more of a pleading “if you need makeup for Halloween or know someone that does, give them my number please.” I talked to and showed as many people as possible, desperately waiting for someone to ask another question and start a conversation.Then I landed a “job”. When I say “job” it was two of my good friends that I had showed some pictures of my work, and they asked me to do some makeup on them. The setup was shaky, we met in the lunchroom during our shared off hour on a Wednesday block day. It turned out good. Well good is a stretch. It was good for what supplies I had. Then I kept getting better and better at not only regular makeup but both glam and gore—the fun and gross, messy side of it all. I have spent countless dollars just to get the perfect bruise and the perfect color of dried blood (still working on that one). One thing that I will not do is a clown. Never. Ever. No. The Joker doesn’t count as a clown, anyway. | Grace Johnson

die found my outlet I wasn’t exactly looking for one. It just came to me. It was the summer right after sophomore year and I was in the midst of new (kinda old, really) found feelings. I didn’t really know what to do with those feelings, considering my original plan had been to ignore them until they eventually and hopefully went away. I had an empty journal just laying around, so I picked up a pen, flipped to a blank page, and began writing. That’s when I found my outlet. And for the last 10 months, I’ve half-filled journals upon journals with little late night or early afternoon thoughts. When I found my outlet, everything else seemed to fall into place. I’ve learned to channel my black and white emotions into colorful words on a blank piece of paper and create something beautiful instead of keeping it bottled up. I’ve learned to speak in metaphors-- because I’ve taught myself to see the comparison to beauty in every situation. I’ve learned that not everything in life has to be ignored, that it’s always best to acknowledge the hard things. And when I found my outlet, I found myself somewhere along the way.

People are going to laugh when they hear the story, and then feel terrible and instantly apologize. It’s going to be like a scene out of a Stanley Kubrick or Quentin Tarantino movie. Absolutely cinematic. I don’t know what it is just yet, but it will be something glorious. Why? Because people always remember how others die. Kurt Cobain—Heroin. Elvis Presley—Something to do with the toilet. Tom Simpson—High on speed, drunk, leading the tour de France, and having your heart explode riding your bike up one of the hardest mountains in the world. Your death is your last moment in life to make an impression, to give those around you emotion. So I’m going to make sure people feel bad about laughing. | Gordon Saur

| Kayla Pray

OPINIONS

MINDING MY P ’S AND Q ’ S A MESSAGE TO ALL PEOPLE, COMPOSED IN A MINDFUL MANNER I’ll begin by saying “thank you”. All of you. Every single person in this world.

The fact is, none of us would function alone. We all have something to contribute and gain. Maybe it isn’t a fleeting romance or lingering feud, but even minimal interactions mean something.

We affect each other without realizing it. Smirking, laughing, yelling — everything we do has a repercussion. We all know how it feels to be on the sidelines of the social WE MUST TAKE construct, and most of us know what being at the center of it all is like, lookTHE WHOLE ing out to others, castaways from the MEAL: GOOD crowd.

You have taught me to appreciate life’s nuances and the multi-faceted ways in which we all live. You have all helped me venture out into the world to become familiar with the value of the human condition. I realize that in spite of the rifts that separate each one of us, there is still a connection within the very fact that we share this world — that we are one collective group of creatures that have a desire for feeling and significance.

WITH A SIDE OF BAD EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE

And it’s all because of differing ideas. Our world is founded upon the varying perceptions of what is okay and what isn’t, who agrees with us and who doesn’t, what we like and what we don’t. That is where wars begin, arguments ignite, and enemies come about. It can also be where art is created, friendships are made, love is found, and experience is gained.

I’m not expecting many HAVE TO This is where I ask you “please”. people to sit down, read DIGEST IT ALL this, and come to some Try to see where others come from. profound understanding Try something new. Be patient. There AT ONCE. of the world. I just want is no denying that there are times we you all to stop and think aren’t always satisfied with everything about how special we all really are and or everyone in our lives, that I know. But please, how much we really do need each other. please realize that we are all stumbling through this wonderful, weird, wretched life together. And it isn’t easy.

30 April 2016 | Issue 5

We might as well give each other a chance. As I mentioned before, this life is multi-faceted, which means we must take the whole meal: good with a side of bad every now and again. But that doesn’t mean we have to digest it all at once. We must take it in waves. We need to stop confronting each other with the constant violence and anger and destruction in order to focus more on the incredible things we can encounter. Otherwise, it is going to devour us from the inside out. I am watching things go on and I realize that yes, horrible things are happening every day, but beautiful things are too and we need to amplify them. So when I say “thank you”, I mean it. We need every person on this Earth to understand and make sense of the world. And sure, there is always a possibility that things will go wrong, but that is a part of realistic living, and we have to see that and make it on this planet anyway. Better to do it together than as a solo act. | Emily Leo

IGNORANCE IS DEADLY With the political climate in America becoming more belligerent, polarized, extreme, the lack of education on the 2016 presidential candidates and their policies is fatal. Ask someone for a description of a candidate’s political stance, and they will probably be able to rattle off something. Trump—huge wall. Sanders—free college. But if you were to pry further, you’d see they know little beyond that. That’s the scary thing. We grab for the lowest hanging fruit, the most easily accessible information. We soak up our parents’ political discussions at the dinner table. We scroll through and like and retweet political memes, trending arguments for one side or the other. We think we’re supporting a candidate, or opposing another by naming off little soundbites of information. But newsflash—you’re not actually supporting them. Until you know the “how” in these candidates’ plans, you are a blind follower of a crowd, many of whom, concerningly, are also relatively ignorant. And ultimately, it’s not as simple as imposing immigration barriers or increasing taxes; these problems are so multifaceted that they require research and personal decisions from every voter about what they truly will believe will benefit the country the most.

But today, it seems that voters are either on the far left, far right, or dazed in the middle, confused and trying to make sense of the senselessness this election has turned into. This has led to an atmosphere or ideological antagonism and an inability for the two sides to meet in the middle. This election, especially, is important because the candidates which are leading in the polls and caucuses are quite radical. These candidates make vast, declarative statements that seem so enticing...until we start to fact-check. Trump makes lofty claims of building a wall to keep out illegal immigrants, but, when asked about where he would receive the funding for this, he is incredibly ambiguous in his answers. His supporters adamantly defend his excellence as a businessman, but many don’t know that he has suffered major debts crises, a primary example being the defaulted Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City. Sanders’ promises to abolish college tuition is, needless to say, appealing to a generation of

young adults plagued by student loan debts and, for high schoolers, fearful of this impending financial burden. But in March, The Washington Post published the statement, “Sanders has overestimated the benefits and underestimated the costs of adopting it.” Quite a few Sanders supporters do not have a strong grasp of Sanders’ plans to make college free, and the implications of this. We hear our parents discuss politics over the dinner table and pick up those beliefs as our own. We scroll through our newsfeeds and feed on what our friends share on Facebook, or rant about on Twitter. We read the headlines, the memes, the hashtags. It’s not enough, especially for an election that will likely have a monumental effect on our country’s future But these surface, blanket ideas are not enough. We need to decide where we stand on the political spectrum ourselves, based on facts and thought-through personal arguments for and against the political issues we face. These shortcomings, this blind support and tendency to become trapped within the barriers of an extreme dogma will be lethal to the political state of our nation, and it can easily be countered with some simple google searches and introspective thinking.

until next time.