The Lake - December 2018 by The Lake - Standley Lake's News Magazine

the lake

Who we are Editors-in-Chief | Jackson Kessel Aimee Yan

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 December 2018 | Issue 2

Staff Editors | Ben Bird Grant Hoskins Mikey Pietroiacovo Riley Ruff Staff Writers | Grace Johnson Chris Luc Renee Robledo Elijah Sisneros Megan White Features | Leila Burnquist Brooklyn Galba Sejal Goud Sophie Grencik Jasmine James Jay Keodonexay Kiana Miska Dillon Mordhorst Cali Neff Aron Roush Sierra Wheatley Cartoonist | Sangati Shah Adviser | Lynn Schwartz Web and Social Media Editors | Tate Minch Jackson Valls Letter to the Editor | Jenny Dunnington James MacIndoe

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Table of Contents

December 2018

10 12

The Good stuff

07 the right angle christmas 10 doggos the lake gives 12 back Colorado 18 colleges 22 opinions 3

students and staff: Finn Glover MacIndoe-Dunnington loved soft voices, mirrors, board books, baths, Harry Belefonte’s song “Coconut Woman,” and hats. He preferred being held high on people’s shoulders, and once he learned how to smile, he did so with his whole face. He tended to sleep with one hand curled in a fist against the side of his face, and for reasons we never figured out, he often smelled like oats in the morning. He was a calm baby, but if he got upset, we could always soothe him by rocking him side to side on our knees, or by holding him level with our bookshelves where he’d happily gaze at the shiniest covers. When he was still only six weeks old, Finn slept through the cross-country airplane ride that brought him to Colorado from Washington, D.C. And once we settled here, he loved watching geese cross the sky above the deck outside our apartment. At the end of September, Finn was hospitalized with a rare neuromuscular condition, and in late October, he died. The experience was the worst thing that will ever happen to us, and we will never get over it. At the same time, we are grateful for the love and support of the Standley Lake community. While we spent every possible second with Finn, students organized fundraisers and charity events on their own accord. Faculty members—many of whom we’d never even met—brought us food. English teachers planned lessons and graded papers. Although it feels and sounds inadequate, we want to extend our thanks to everyone who held us in their hearts or contributed in some way to the goodwill this school continues to offer. You accepted us, loved us, and allowed us to lean on you when we needed help the most. We miss our son terribly, and we always will. But we will honor him each day by returning the love and kindness shown to us by our new family here at Standley Lake. Most sincerely, James MacIndoe and Jenny Dunnington

4 December 2018 | Issue 2

To the santas and the scrooges: Here at Standley Lake, a feeling of anticipation that is almost electric has been pulsing through our overcrowded hallways as the promise of break is on everyone’s mind. The thought of the final bell on the 21st is almost as palpable as the dropping temperature and snow flurries that intermittently remind us that the holidays are, undeniably, the best time of the year. 2018 has been a year of ups and downs, heartbreak and hope—sometimes a solemn reminder that we aren’t as close to progress as we would like to think, other times, proof of the amazing feats we have accomplished in bettering ourselves and our world. Here in B-135, The Lake has spent countless hours stewing over what we believe to be the most important issues to discuss in our publication, and we came to a consensus. We found that far too often, it is easy to become caught up in the melancholy gloom of what we wish our society could look like in a perfect, utopian world. However, amidst the bad is a glimmer of virtue—a hint of humanity. This rectitude never left and can be found in the activists, the students, those who continue to fight for what is best. But this integrity has become eclipsed by the forces of depravity that have lately felt overpowering. Although the past few years have been a turbulent journey of conflict and confusion, a common thread exists amongst us. The feeling of love that is associated with the magic of the holiday season is a unifying factor in a time of utter divide. We know that focusing on the bad is often easier, but sometimes it is completely necessary to pause and reflect on the indisputable beauty of love that exists amongst us. Love can be lost in times of despair, however, beauty can exist once it is found again. The selflove needed to overcome anxiety, the love for others that is a requisite for giving back, the unconditional love we feel for our pups. The holidays have always been a symbol of unity, family, and love—virtues that we should always strive to emulate. Your closest friends and family should be held extra close this year, your pets should be cherished, and you should always strive to extend kindness to everyone around you. We live in a beautiful world that can be brightened by the light and hope every indivudal carries.

Stay warm, gators!

AiJa A.K.A. Aimee and jack, THE EDITORs-IN-CHIEF

Juliet Garcia ‘19 competes in last

Getting a pass

first meet

student first, athlete second

A sports column:

BY GRACE JOHNSON

t seems that every few weeks there is a story in the news about an athlete that is “in trouble.” However, beyond those major reports, there is a lot that goes undetected and unreported. Whether the allegation is about your favorite team or your favorite player, you shouldn’t choose to ignore it—and neither should the media. While some offenses are minor and don’t merit a news report, players seem to be able to get away with more and more. The roots of this problem can be traced back to high school. For example, students whose grades make them ineligible to play often have exceptions made for important games. Beyond GPAs, student athletes are in trouble all the time for offenses regular students or even people could potentially be arrested for. Drugs, fighting, and harassment are a big part of the sports world, and at some point in time, the pros’ influence on the kids who look up to them became apparent. Student athletes often receive special treatment in schools simply because they carry the school’s logo on their jersey. While a majority of student athletes work really hard to keep their grades high so they can play, the few who abuse their status as athletes normalize an occurrence that cannot be condoned. Student athletes are under an incomprehensible amount of pressure to represent their schools—not only under the Friday night lights, but also through their behavior and academics. Athletes, whether they are pro or student, are people too, and they need to be treated as such. Having high standards on the field and low standards in life isn’t right. The bottom line is that they need to be held to the same standard as non-athlete students. They indeed are student athletes, students first and athlete second.

6 December 2018 | Issue 2

jay mccoy ‘20 pins opponent to score

6 points first goal of the season scored by

Eli Wilson ‘19

A map of the school, Brought to you by students

key: Bathrooms: good ? meh oof

tRAFFIC: gOOD SLOW REALLY SLOW

english

fit

french

COMPUTER LAB

the sweat Pool

MANZO

DURAN

FOLLET

spanish

MCCRACKEN

Exit MATH

SCIENCE

SMITH

HUMPHREYS

MRS. cASSADY

MATH

GARIBAY

OFFICE

MATH MAERTENS

MATH/ SCIENCE SCIENCE ROSSET

COMPUTER LAB

MATH BAYLIFF

SCIENCE ENGEL

MORIARTY & OTT

THE GREENHOUSE (OFFICE)

martillaro

Exit

the sweat pool

POTTERY

ART

KUHNE

CHILLBERRY & VALTER

SCIENCE

espo

english roughton

english

naumann

cohara

VINLOVE

SCIENCE DEMINK

(OFFICE)

SCIENCE WILLIAMS

SCIENCE MR. CASSADY

the garage

home

SCIENCE

REEVES

SCIENCE (OFFICE)

Front of school

english

mrs. moores

Exit

guys changing their clothes

STEM

ART

LUSK

THE DARK ROOM

ART

SCIENCE

ART

KUHNE & BURTON

COMPUTER LAB

CROUCH

STEM

LUSK

Exit girls changing their clothes

OS ZO TERO NE N E

SERVATUS

MATH

people eating Food Food

english

schwartz (mom)

MATH MR. MOORES COMPUTER LAB

ENGLISH BURNS

MATH COLBY

MATH HARDING

ENGLISH ENGLISH MACINDOE

MORTELL & CLARK

REED’S LAIR

english

THEATRE

coraggio’s house of wisdom

Exit

SLOAN

Exit

MATH

th e pu swe dd at le

Exit

MATH

STORAGE

bottom floor COMPUTER LAB

hayashi

Exit

Main Entrance

satter’s lab

history

office

english

trinkle

culinary FACS

WILLIAMS & DURAN

Exit

? ?

spanish DIVERSE LEARNERS BLACKMAN & CAMERON

OFFICE

BAND & ORCHESTRA

GERMAN

ESL

CRAVER

office

Reed’s domain

office

mcavoy

eichorn

koener

history Nix

office

history

social history studies post

stuco

reed

social studies

thompson gutierrez

Senior hallway

Exit CHATFIELD

carroll

THE POND

walker

? ? CHOIR

history history history

studies

sp a mr ni .D s ry h

a kinda quiet place

offices

the whitehouse

spanish spanish social kehlenbach Boz

back of the library offices

s ric math tud io h

Top floor

Exit

“It means being able to hang out with your family and do something that you all enjoy, which is being together in a different way.” - Regev Melker

The Holidays of Standley Lake Exploring the cultural differences that make us, us

round the world, everyone has their own traditions that bring them joy, particularly around the holiday season. Here at Standley Lake, there is an untapped diversity of amazing differences that take place in students’ homes. To Regev Melker, a senior who celebrates Hanukkah, the holidays are a time to bring together as many people as possible. “It means being able to hang out with your family and do something that you all enjoy, which is just being together in a different way” Melker said, “One of the key aspects of all Jewish holidays is that they all stem from our history.”

Beginning on December 2nd there is a nightly menorah lighting that lasts until December 10th. This tradition, spanning over a week in length, stems from when the Greeks attempted to get the people of Israel to accept their new culture. A small band of these people then defeated one of the most powerful armies, and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When going to light the Temple’s menorah, only one crucible of of olive oil was available. It was a miracle that when lighting the artifact,

8 December 2018 | Issue 2

the oil lasted the whole eight days it took to procure the new oil.

es unity and building a strong community that will hold together.

Many games and songs are used in attempt to keep the older traditions going within new generations. The dreidel, or the cevivon is a four sided spinning top bearing four hebrew letters. The game is usually played for a pot of chocolate coins, nuts, and other small prizes.

Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) is representation of self determination, being able to speak for yourself and make choices that benefit the community.

Other major holidays celebrated during this season include Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, is celebrated dependent on the lunar calendar. This year it was celebrated on November 7th. Diwali is the biggest and most celebrated holiday in India, regardless of faith. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. Houses are decorated with miniature oil lamps known as diyas, and porches are made colorful with designs of rice and sand called rangoli. Kwanzaa this year falls on December 26th and ends on January 1st. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa celebrates seven different principles; umoja, kujichagulia, ujima, ujamaa, nia, kuumba, and imani. The honoring of umoja (oo-MOH-ja) symboliz-

Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) helps and benefits others within the community. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) is the support one has for businesses that assist the betterment of the community. Nia (nee-AH) gives one a sense of purpose, a reason to set goals in life. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) is the symbol of creativity and the idea of putting the creative thought into the neighboring areas around you. The last day, the celebration of Imani (ee-mahnee), is the belief that a better world can be created now and in the future. The involvement in Kwanzaa shows the intent of being the change in the world. | Jay Keodonexay

‘Tis the Season... For Waste

The holiday season is a time of joy and love for so many people across the globe but that love ends when it comes to Mother Nature. While the holiday festivities may be fun, they have a detrimental impact on the environment around us. Household waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, but with these simple swaps, YOU can help reduce your holiday carbon footprint!

8,000 tons of wrapping paper are used during the holidays each year, equating to roughly 50,000 trees and the majority of it is not recyclable. Instead use reusable items such as a scarf, bandana, cute towel or recycle old newspaper or maps to wrap gifts!

Volunteer! So many organizations need help during the holiday season, from lending a hand at the local food bank or helping out a local nonprofit, investing time to a good cause is the best way to give back and make a positive impact in the world.

Instead of using single-use and disposable cutlery, cups or plates during holiday meals or get togethers, use plates and silverware you have around your house or get disposable cutlery that is made from post-consumer plastic or more environmentally-friendly materials such as bamboo or paper.

While sending and receiving greeting cards is regarded as a holiday staple, 2.65 billion holiday cards sold each year in the U.S. could fill a football field 10 stories high. Instead of sending paper cards, send an e-card using services like JustWink or PunchBowl! Plus, e-cards are usually free!

So many gifts received during the holiday season require batteries to function, increasing battery sales by 40% during the holiday season. Instead of purchasing one-time batteries, get reusable batteries and include them in your gifts!

4 BUY LOCAL

Keep it local! When searching for food for holiday dinners or family gatherings, shop locally and organically! By buying local foods you are supporting small businesses and reducing the environmental impact importing mass produced food has.

Try having one meal a week vegetarian-style. The holidays are filled with meat-based meals and making an effort to reduce meat consumption thus lessens the carbon footprint of every meal you consume!

If your family purchases a real tree for the holiday season, get one that’s pesticide free to minimize the effects on the environment! After the holiday season, take the tree to a recycling place to get it turned into mulch that can be used to grow other trees!

Instead of giving mass-produced gifts, shop locally or go alternative! Make a gift, buy from small businesses in your area or give someone the gift of experience, instead of giving someone a shirt, get the movie tickets! By giving someone a way to spend time together, you’re showing them how much you really love them.

Recycle your old electronics! If you receive a new phone or tablet for the holidays, take the old one to an EcoATM to be recycled!

Christmas Conspiracies Happy holidays...or are they?

e all know who Santa Claus is but do we really know the true person underneath that big red suit and white-as-snow beard? Mainly believed in by Christians, Santa is actually Satan. Take his name for example, when you scramble the letters in ‘Santa’ you get ‘Satan’. Another piece of evidence to add to this theory is that both Santa and Satan dress in red and have ‘supernatural’ abilities which include flying and being all around the world at the same time. If this isn’t enough evidence for you to believe that your childhood fantasy is the devil in disguise, I don’t know what else would convince you to believe this theory.

Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas is known for the strange Who’s who live there. In another attempt to destroy your childhood, The Lake brings you this theory. Circulating around the internet is a theory that the land of Whoville is a post-apocalyptic world set in an alternate timeline in which Hitler won WWII. If you pay attention to the appearance of the Who’s, you may notice that almost all of them are caucasian with blue eyes. The Grinch, however, is a genetic mutation, shunned from the Who’s Aryan society, who came back years later to ruin their demented holiday celebrations. The theory also claims that the Who’s look different as a result of inbreeding. Sure this theory is a stretch but it definitely leaves you wondering.

10 December 2018 | Issue 2

DOGGOS OF SLHS: iNSTALLMENT 2.

The majority of the American population has seen the classic Christmas movie, Home Alone, about a boy who gets left behind by his family as they depart for their Christmas vacation. While Kevin is rampaging through his home without any parental supervision, he is left to defend his house and all of his family’s belongings from a couple of robbers. Kevin sets up intricate traps to sabotage the robbers. Many are lead to believe that Kevin grows up to become Jigsaw from the Saw series. Both Jigsaw and Kevin have blond hair and blue eyes, a taste for chaos, and thrive on torturing their victims with their clever traps and puzzles. Kevin is also very charming and typically, it gets him what he wants, similar to many serial killers. These diabolical masterminds have too much in common to overlook these mere ‘coincidences’.

CHRISTMAs DOGGOS staying warm this season WITH THE PUPPERS OF STANDLEY

Tate Minch | Jackson Valls

Stories from Colorado The Lake Gives back

12 December 2018 | Issue 2

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re finally hereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; the holidays. A time for family to gather for feasts and reminisce on whimsical memories, vocalizing thankfulness for the blessings of an exciting year; a time to reflect on those around us, and a time to connect with strangers. This year, The Lake took a moment to give back through volunteering and passing out care packages to those in need. By volunteering at the Salvation Army in Broomfield and assembling bags of holiday items, the people of Colorado became a little closer, even if it was just for a short time. People and societal issues are not just names on a gift tag, but people with a story behind them.

The people who make giving back Possible: Sherry Czanderna Salvation Army One of these people is Sherry Czanderna, a Captain at the Salvation Army location in Broomfield, who helps to oversee the services and activities they provide for the community. Salvation Army offers countless projects and activities ranging from a community garden to music lessons at prices accessible to families in need.

It isn’t uncommon for people to find themselves absorbed in their own worlds, engrossed in their own problems, forgetting to pick their heads up and acknowledge the happenings of the world. The community around SLHS is filled with extraordinary people who break this mold, and The Lake set out to find them.

just barely making it. So when we came back, they helped us and I thought Wow, I really would love to be a part of a mission that has the supplies to give,” Czanderna said. To Czanderna,the Salvation Army builds the backbone of her being, allowing her to help those in need on a larger scale than she ever could alone— allowing her to prove the quality of life of herself and her community. “The fundraising I did before was only enough to help my family, and then we helped orphans, which is like a drop in the bucket. Being with an organization that has an umbrella and headquarters, we always have something to give back and people to teach us how to fundraise so I’d say being able to be part of a big organization that’s bigger than me, with a lot of skillful people who can give me a lot of good ideas and practices that I can pour back into the community,” Czanderna said.

An officer for 13 years, Czanderna finds fulfillment in her work every day. Whether it be helping young children learn new skills or providing adults with rent assistance, she strives to help all people who are in the face of adversity. “But people who actually get to touch the people, it’s like being allowed to be on the front lines. You come in, and I get to show you and you get to do something and it actually touches a person who is struggling, who’s calling out for help,” Czanderna said. Czanderna has spent most of her life volunteering, serving as a missionary in Hong Kong for 10 years. During this time she and her family lived at the poverty level, doing what they could to get by while still trying to help others. Following her return to the U.S., the Salvation Army provided assistance to her family. After seeing the good works at the charitable organization, she joined the Salvation Army and she has contributed since then. “My younger sister was a Salvation Army officer. Before I went, I didn’t know what that was and I thought ‘Wow, Salvation Army helps people, they give the supplies.’ And while we were missionaries, we saw a lot of people in need and we didn’t have a substance ourselves to give because we were

Jess Harper Metro Caring

For Harper, Metro Caring is about taking charge — whether it be a daily diet or a decision to volunteer. It’s about diversity and empowering others to rise up. Whether it be cooking West African dishes or making German jam, diversity is what makes the food delicious and the experience significant; it’s the motor behind what makes Metro Caring special. With solidarity, community issues that rise in the daily grind of Denver suddenly become achievable goals through programs such as their hunger prevention toolkit. And it is the work of organizations like Metro Caring and the dedication of people like Harper who make actively turn those goals into reality.

Yet another person who has devoted her career to raising up her community is Jessica Harper, the Gardener and Community Activator at Metro Caring. Metro Caring is a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to meeting the community’s immediate food needs while simultaneously addressing the root cause of that issue: poverty. Metro Caring provides food for over 120 families every day and does so through its small staf—including Jess—and a host of volunteers. Volunteering isn’t just about donating time and effort to an organization, rather impacting others in a positive light. Although volunteering for an hour or donating to a toy drive can be meaningful, interacting with the recipients allows one to see the good in humanity, even if just for half an hour. However long or short, volunteering doesn’t mean a one-time offering of charity or a once a year experience around the holidays, it’s about building community. “We operate in a solidarity model, not a charity model. [Our] volunteers work together with participants, recognizing that it isn’t just about giving, it’s about learning together,” Harper said.

Sonder is the act of recognizing that every human’s life is just as rich and complex as your own. If we recognize the potential in our fellow humans we can create better lives for everyone, together.

With classes ranging in topic from diabetes self-management for Spanish speakers and culturally-focused cooking classes, life shows it’s more interconnected than anyone realized. Metro Caring is about changing prejudices and opening up to help everyone in the community through food, improving the lives of the many, not the few. One word drives the mission and motivation behind Metro Caring — Sonder.

14 December 2018 | Issue 2

“Sonder is the act of recognizing that every human’s life is just as rich and complex as your own. If we recognize the potential in our fellow humans we can create better lives for everyone, together. When we own this realization, we can find the fun in rising together, and we can pursue equity in our communities,” Harper said.

The People Around Us:

ALICE Alice, akin to multitudes of other homeless people, sat on a park bench isolated from the world and desiring food, water, and hope. Although apprehensive at first, she gradually began to elaborate on her life and her story. A Colorado Native, 52-year old Alice divulged her story, one that unfortunately led her to the streets. Analogous to others in her situation, she became connected with a bad group of people relatively early in life. Despite the hope she associated with her lifelong lover through this tumultuous and challenging time, she was left to pick up the pieces of her broken life when he left her some time later. While handing out care packages in Although life has thrown her many curveballs, Olde Town Arvada, the struggles people Alice is writing a chapter of her life with each face in suburban Colorado became even passing day, continuing to live on. Rather more evident than they were previously. A than showing defeat, she has persevered man named Rocky was a recipient of one of the and maintains a positive outlook, bags and was more than willing to describe his sharing her story so that others can story. While this story may not have been the most learn. coherent, realistic, or biblically correct, his immediate friendliness was incredibly unexpected and welcomed. Rocky told an enthralling story about how he came to be shared through a whimsical version of the Book of Genesis. His perspective on the world is revolutionaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; even if he was high. Rocky only hesitated when handed the bag, but when asked about his story, he described his version of his story in vivid and bright detail, barely even taking a breath before moving on to the event in his timeline. What happened wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about the validity of his story or even that he graciously accepted the care package, it was about the connection made between people that would have never been made otherwise; it was about making a stranger smile and listening to what they have to say, maybe when no one else would.

Rocky

Homelessness in Colorado: Over the past

10 years,

there has been a

23.9% decrease in homeless across Colorado

Homelessness in Jefferson County has

Across the country there are an estimated

554,000 homeless people and 193,000 have no access to nightly shelter The

unsheltered population has increased by almost 500 people, while the sheltered population has decreased by nearly double

increased by 46% between

2017 and 2018

27% of the Jefferson County

homeless

22% of

Jefferson Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless population is chronically

homeless 79% of that

population is

unsheltered

*All numbers come from the Colorado Point in Time Survey

16 December 2018 | Issue 2

population is

under the age of 18

There are approximately

10,940 people

experiencing homelessness in

Colorado

tHE lAKEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S cARE pACKAGES: In addition to volunteering, The Lake compiled six care packages filled with hats, gloves, nonperishable food items, and basic necessities and passed them out to people in need within the community. Throughout locations across the Denver-Metro area with high homeless populations, giving out the bags was met with many thanks and an eager willingness to talk to us about their stories.

aste P h t o o T

“Just seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they came in made it all worth it”

Staff Experiences:

Having the opportunity to sit down with Sherry and see all the ways she was touching the lives of the people around her was so inspirational. It was really amazing to see how much compassion she was able to show towards individuals that she had no prior connection with and treat them as if she had known them her whole life. Just seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they came in made it all worth it. I think it was really powerful to see how much someone’s life can change just by asking for a little help, and how many people there are in our community willing to provide it. -Sejal Goud

“You learn so much about the side of the world that you don’t get to experience everyday” It’s crazy to be able to get involved with your community even if it’s just sitting down and talking with someone for an hour. You learn so much about the side of the world that you don’t get to experience everyday. Through volunteering, it fills a place in your heart and modifies how you see the world from then on. Especially around the holiday season people tend to forget that there are people who are not able to do the same things you can and being able to assist with that is an out-of-this-world experience. Growing up I’ve heard things like “You are the change you want to see in the world,” and I view this as a step towards the path of making the planet a better place. - Jay Keodonexay

“I never leave feeling like I wasted my time, because even a small difference is still a difference.”

Everyone wants to help other people. Sometimes that can mean ambitions of wanting to change the world, and sometimes it’s just not being able to see suffering and doing nothing. But life is hard; we don’t always have the time, the energy, the resources, or just the willpower to spend our time on others. But it feels good to help, I never leave feeling like I wasted my time, because even a small difference is still a difference. When we help other people we get to see the best of humanity and remember that people are just, people. I get a chance to see that despite the day to day horror of the twenty-first century, the world is a decent place. Everyone wants to live in a better world, we just see the path to get there differently. So I think that we need to focus on the future we’re all reaching for and make the small differences. -Ben Bird

“I learned that keeping a positive outlook on life and setting your mind to a task is the secret to life.”

The holidays are such a joyous time, but it’s easy to lose track of what other people are going through. Naturally, the holidays consist of many warm meals and a loving family and home, but that’s not the case for everyone. It was very enlightening to be able to help even just one person during the holiday season; to fill one’s heart with holiday joy is a gift you never want to return. The smiles and stories of the people of Colorado are truly magical. I learned that keeping a positive outlook on life and setting your mind to a task is the secret to life. Being kind and helping others is an amazing feeling and everyone should experience this opportunity. Sophie Grencik

What College

is right for

You?

information to guide your college search

n 2017 in the United States, 66.7% of high school graduates aged 18-24 were enrolled in college. Post high school education is becoming a societal norm, with increasing pressure from teachers, parents, and employers to get a degree. A combination of the sheer number of options, deadlines, and general pressure that comes with applying to and choosing a college can be overwhelming. For many, where you choose to attend college can be just as important as what you choose to study, and there is a plethora of factors that influence a student’s college destination choice. Colorado colleges have very diverse environments, allowing for each individual to find their perfect fit. As we approach the end of college application season, we’ve put together a guide including some of the top colleges in Colorado that discusses many important factors to consider as you find a fit in your home state. The larger universities listed simply touch the surface of a plethora of smaller scale public and private universities, community colleges, and technical schools that Colorado houses, so it’s important to do research. Attend college fairs, representative visits, and talk to your counselor about your ideas and options. It’s a lengthy process, but one that has immeasurable rewards. | Tate Minch | Elijah Sisneros | Jackson Valls | Aimee Yan

18 December 2018 | Issue 2

the university for colorado views

University of colorado at boulder

The University of Colorado at Boulder is perhaps one of the most popular schools in the state, with over 30,000 students enrolled in 2017. CU is a Division I school with a strikingly beautiful campus and nationally renowned reputation for a great education, boasting elite engineering and business programs. With an average GPA of 3.67 on a weighted scale and average SAT of 1250, the acceptance standards are held high. However, in the 2015-2016 year, CU had an acceptance rate of 79.6%, leaving most people’s chances of acceptance fairly high. That stellar education does not come cheap, with an in-state sticker price of around $30,178, and an out of state price of around $54,312. CU Boulder participates in Division I athletics such as football, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, and more. Additionally, club and recreation sports are offered for the general population. CU tends to appeal more to people looking for the experience of a big school with a myriad of people and activities.

gator alumni spotlight “I chose CU because I loved the town, the atmosphere, and the sense of opportunity and growth here.” - Patty Sokol

the university for adventurers

Colorado state university

Colorado State University is one of the more popular schools in the state of Colorado, with just over 25,000 people enrolled in 2017. CSU is a Division I school that competes in the Mountain West Conference for football, separate from CU, and will tend to appeal to people looking for the big school experience. With tons to do both on campus and in Fort Collins, there are plenty of opportunities for fun. Concerning admissions, the average GPA is 3.59, and the average SAT score is around 1210. These correlate with an acceptance rate of 80.8%, meaning that the majority of people that apply get accepted. CSU offers varsity athletics in Division I, but also offers club and recreation sports. In-state sticker price falls around $25,114. In addition, CSU offers outstanding veterinary and business management programs.

gator alumni spotlight “I’ve always been in love with the campus. I originally didn’t want to stay in state, but I think it was the best decision because it allowed me to live on my own and still have a close relationship with my family.” - Hannah Jensen 19

the university for mountain people

University of colorado at colorado springs

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is a great option for many people, with a beautiful campus located just around 2 hours away from Standley Lake High School. UCCS has a small school feel while still maintaining a lot of the benefits of bigger schools. UCCS has a modern and well maintained campus surrounded by a plentiful assortment of things to do in Colorado Springs. UCCS has relatively low standards for acceptance, with an average GPA of 3.31 and an average SAT of 1140; However, the educational standards at the university are high, with 86% of engineering graduates walking out of the school with a job. Approximately 12,000 people are enrolled at UCCS, which costs around $20,000 for in state students. UCCS also competes in NCAA Division II sports in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

the university for city dwellers

metropolitan State University

The Metropolitan State University of Denver is a great option for many Coloradan students, as it has a fairly high acceptance rate and is located in the heart of urban life. MSU offers a variety of courses including over sixty majors and seventy minor certificates. MSU requires a 2.61-3.41 GPA and a 1000-1200 SAT score to apply. Attending MSU costs around $3,832 per semester, making it one of the cheaper four year university choices. Metro offers a Division II sports program and provides athletic opportunities, primarily for basketball. These reasons make MSU a popular choice for many. Of these applicants, MSU accepts 65%. MSU alumni have gone on to play professional basketball, football, have positions in the White House and work for successful companies. The Metro campus is also occupied by two other city universities: CU Denver and Denver Community College.

the university for small town lovers

university of northern colorado

The University of Northern Colorado at Greeley will appeal to students looking for a small town and small college experience. 12,860 students are enrolled, with an average GPA of 3.32 and average SAT of 1110. Many are attracted to UNC because of its affordable price, with the average cost for a 15 credit hour semester coming in at only $4958.80. If your interests align with teaching or business, that per-semester price is incredible when compared to the aforementioned schools. In the realm of athletics, UNC is apart of the Big Sky Conference, a NCAA Division I program consisting of menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball, football, and baseball and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball, softball, swimming, and soccer.

20 December 2018 | Issue 2

Factors to consider when

choosing a college Acceptance Rates

1260

79.6%

average sat scores

1240 1220

80.8%

csu

1200 1180

UCCS

92.9%

1140 1120

65.2%

msu

1160

1100 1080

89.3%

unc 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

you are here: SLHS

1040 1020

CsU

MSU uccs

unc

cU: 18:1 csu: 16:1 uccs: 19:1 msu: 17:1 Unc: 18:1

cU: 14.8 miles csu: 57.3 miles uccs: 81.2 miles msu: 16.6 miles Unc: 51.8 miles

unc

uccs msu

student to faculty ratio

How far from Standley? csu cu

1060

Average gpa acceptance

tuition cu csu UCCS msu

3.67

3.59

3.31

2.96

3.29

in-state out-of-state

unc $5,000

$15,000

$25,000

$35,000

$45,000

$55,000

CsU

uccs msu

unc

you’re only a coloradan if... you have an ankle bracelet, hydroflask, and birkenstocks Whether in Boulder, Denver, or Colorado Springs, one can always be sure to find a Hydroflask toting, Birkenstock sandal donning, and ankle bracelet wearing Coloradan. It may be the constantly fluctuating weather that necessitates a 32 ounce or more Hydroflask, or it may be the elevation and excess amounts of exercise; either way, a true Coloradan isn’t complete without one, specifically one covered in stickers of mostly skiing resorts and recreational stores. Seldom absent from the bottle’s owner are Birkenstocks, traditionally the classic brown, and a bead ankle bracelet to compliment, no matter the day, no matter the weather. | Renee Robledo | Elijah Sisneros

you call them the “mown-ins”

you’ve never been skiing Skiing can be summarized as the art of trying to stand on skinny surfboards with only sticks as guidance that you hold onto in the freezing cold while dodging trees. Most Coloradans have never been skiing, yet tourists flock here to go skiing. The irony of this is pretty obvious, but I’m sure it has something to do with Coloradans knowledge of skiing and their disinterest in blazing down a steep and snowy slope at incredible speeds with only two spiked poles as a means of control. I may be a true Coloradan because I’ve never wanted to fly down a snowy mountain feeling like I’m going to die. | Jasmine James

you drive 80 on ice

As dwellers of the 104,185 square miles that make up Colorado, why do we struggle to pronounce the letter ‘t’? Some will say it’s the influence of the Midwestern dialect seeping into the language, some will say it’s illiteracy. Even after living in New Mexico for seven years, I still find myself calling those chunks of granite on the horizon the mown-ins. This t-less quirk makes it easy to spot the out-of-staters when they ask for directions to the mounTains; what ARE those? We all know Colorado only has mown-ins.

Colorado has a colorful reputation in terms of weather. While meteorology has its accuracy, Coloradans still spin the bottle when it comes to predicted chances of sun, snow, or rain. This variancy has bred a new age of Coloradans; those who are able to drive on roads varying from perfectly visible and dry to invisible and slicker than oil. They will drive by in their SUVs and trucks bearing new tires and wipers, laughing confidently at the transplants who have either pulled over or been dragged off the road by a mere five feet of snow cover.

| Jackson Valls

| Aron Roush

you’ve hoped for a snow day that never came Each and every year, without fail, there is a day of winter that should be a snow day, but never is. That one day where it seems like the perfect storm is coming in: the snow day calculator gives an 80% chance of school being cancelled, your entire 3rd grade class did the snow dance before leaving school AND you heard somewhere that sleeping with a sock under your pillow raises those chances even more, so you put 10 under there. Although a staple in every Colorado kid’s school career, there is always that one day during the freezing winter that is never called a snow day. The years where we get over a foot of snow overnight and the roads are as slick as ice rinks and visibility is limited to approximately five feet in front of the car, and yet we still trudge along to school. The vivid memories of asking my parents if they think tomorrow will be a snow day and receiving the same response every time: “I guess we’ll see.” Waking up either to a shaking head or an exciting nod, sometimes all we Coloradans want is a snow day. | Riley Ruff

22 December 2018 | Issue 2

Faces of fear

anxiety is a mutlifaceted monster a staff editorial

nxiety is a monster, a fleet of malignant monsters that terrorize people without justification or reasoning. The same monster that makes it almost impossible for her to get out of bed in the morning. He shows himself in many ways, attacking every single one of your senses. She struggles to leave her room because she tries on her whole closet looking for something comfortable—nothing too revealing. They tell her to be herself, but when she tries to tell herself that, convince herself that nobody’s going to care, she finds her mind telling her other things. “You’re not good enough, everyone’s going to judge you, cover that up.” There really is no escape from her own words, her own mind.

up each time she opens her mouth. When it’s time for a group project her nerves jump trying to think of what she’s going to say. Expressing herself with anxiety is hard, probably one of the hardest parts. Her voice, like a mouse among a herd of elephants. No room for her opinion or even a subtle compliment. She doesn’t know if they’d take it the right way. If she raises her hand and gets it wrong, she’ll get embarrassed. Embarrassment is not a choice. This monster hears all. Every comment, every scoff, she hears. It hears. Even if it’s not towards her it still repeats in her head like it is. She wears earbuds and listens to music to flood the bad thoughts, to focus on something other than peoples opinions. The music helps her feel focused away from the monster. Music is her monster’s weakness. Just like sports could be his monster’s weakness or art is their monster’s weakness. Weaknesses; we all have them and so do our inner monsters, but we don’t always have easy access to them, so the monster prevails. Not all people can see it but it’s there—we just aren’t aware. The monster’s weakness is discovered by persevering through the pain, the words, the looks, everything that gives the monster a thrill. The weakness is found when you finally work up the courage to tell the monster to go away.

Anxiety is a monster, a fleet of malignant monsters that terrorize people without justification or reasoning.

The monster is blind. When she walks into a crowd of people her eyes focus on the looks. The way someone looks at her is the only way of telling how they feel about her without them saying it. Eyes are the portals into a person’s mind, where guilt, judgment, and pity are the easiest to see. When she walks through a crowd all she sees is judgment, her eyes blurring what could actually be nothing. Nothing is usually what’s wrong with her. She cries because she’s sad. If she does have a reason to be sad, if you were to ask her what’s wrong, she would have no idea, not a clue. Anxiety is blind to the true opinions of people, blind to the truth. The monster has no voice box, no way of expressing itself, no way of crying for help. She’s quiet, so quiet her teacher must tell her to speak

Find the weakness defeat the monster, just like a game. Find the key, escape the level. That’s all it is, a game, so you have to try your hardest to win you have to fight.