november 2015
contents
Senior Scott Powell dramatically channels the character of Reverend Jeremiah Brown in the Fall play, “Inherit the Wind.” “Inherit the Wind” was performed on Oct. 22-24. Photo by Macala Wallace | Calumet Yearbook.
CULTURE Fall fashion
4–7
by Amanda Brenner & Amber Malom
Concert calendar by Erica Martinez
Fall recipes
9
12
PEOPLE 22
EDITORIAL 27
Community thoughts and reminders regarding life after high school
The importance of being grateful, giving back to the community
by Mackenzie Callahan & Madison Wacaser
OPINIONS
by Amanda Brenner & Mason Steiner
New restaurants by Hayden Peirce
14
New advisement program 28
SPORTS
by Abigail Guadnola & Mason Steiner
Evolution of baseball by Keegan Fulwider
IN-DEPTH 16–23
2
Deca Dodgeball by Quinn Trask
A helpful guide to surviving the dreaded college application process
Giving back
by Lindsey Archipley & Paige Paulsen
by Alissa Brown
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
INFO 26
25
24
eSports
30
by Sybrand Braakman
Religion tolerance by Xavier Maier
31
ON THE COVER Photo by Faith Fyles | Calumet Yearbook
From the editor
A
s I sit here in my cozy corner of the Journalism or “J” room, I have to admit: I am stressed out. Our deadline for when the entire first-ever Herald news-magazine has to be completely finished is less than three days away. I look around and see staff members working diligently on their pages, yet I cannot help but feel totally behind. At this point, there are not any finished pages. Almost half have yet to even be started (I’ll confess, many of those are mine). Every time I sit down to work on them, something else needs my attention, and an hour flies by in a minute. I have a million and one things to do and time is closing in on me. Maybe these feelings just go hand-in-hand with the fun of deadline, or maybe I feel like more people are depending on me this time around, but I feel more pressure than ever. Between long, complicated phone calls with our printer regarding technical details and people coming up to me every other minute asking for help on their pages, an irrational part of me feels like this magazine is never going to get done. That same part of me keeps asking myself why in the heck we decided to make the transition from a tabloid newspaper to a news-magazine, because it turned out to be way more complicated than we expected. However, I know that it will all come together, because it always does. It may take a few late nights, frustrated tears, and possibly blowing off my homework for the rest of the week, but it will get done. It has to. Even though I have moments (such as right now) when I regret making this change to our publication, in the long-run I could not be more excited about it. It is no secret that newspapers are losing their popularity, and even though some would argue magazines (or any print publication, for that matter) are, too, I must
disagree. Magazines are changing, but they are not disappearing. With this transition of The Herald’s print publication as well as our growing online presence on ArapahoeXtra. com, I feel confident in saying that we are keeping up with “modernmedia,” as well as giving applicable, real-world skills to our staff members who are producing it. These simple reasons make all this stress worth it. My hope with the publication of this magazine is that not only our amount of readers grows, but also that they find it more interesting and reader-friendly and also recognize the amount of hard work that goes into such a publication. As someone who has been on the Herald staff for more than three years and has dedicated countless hours to it, I can’t say that it doesn’t hurt a little bit when I overhear a classmate say, “I didn’t even know we had a school newspaper.” While I can brush such comments off, it would break my heart for one of my staff members to hear it. Perhaps the Arapahoe Herald has grown somewhat outdated over the last couple of years, or perhaps we did not self-promote as much as we should have. Regardless, I really have high hopes for the new-and-improved magazine. Arapahoe’s student journalists have gone underappreciated for too long, but now is our time to shine. The complete re-design of The Herald was by no means easy, but I couldn’t be more honored that I was able to lead it. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have started what will hopefully be a long-lasting tradition of the Herald. I wish I had time to say more, but I must get back to finishing this magazine. My staff still has much to accomplish in the next 52 hours, but I know I will be extremely proud of them for what they produce. Thank you endlessly for reading, and please, enjoy. Sincerely,
Lindsey Archipley
EDITORS & STAFF Editor-in-Chief Lindsey Archipley Managing Editors Mason Steiner Erica Martinez COPY EDITOR Paige Paulsen WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Mackenzie Callahan DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Alissa Brown ADVERTISING MANAGER Abigail Guadnola REPORTERS Kiennes Adams Sybrand Braakman Amanda Brenner Reid Conant Maddie Egerton Keegan Fulwider Kayle Hughes Chiara Kovar Xavier Maier Amber Malom Hayden Peirce Becca Schwisow Quinn Trask Madison Wacaser
ADVISER Greg Anderson
Member of CSMA, CSPA, NSPA, JEA and Quill and Scroll. Arapahoe Herald is a student publication and operates as an open forum. If you have any comments, questions, concerns or guest content you would like to share with the Arapahoe Herald, write a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor can be emailed to arapahoeherald@gmail.com or submitted to room E8. NOVEMBER 2015
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
3
culture by Amber Malom & Amanda Brenner
Seasonal Trends
F
lannels and riding boots are fashionable but they are staples that were common to see in the hallways. For those that care to be more trendy, here is what major magazines and designers are saying for this fall and beginning of winter. For guys it is pretty simple, the look has gotten bulkier and more graphic. Main trends to look for are graphic sweaters, plaid pattern in clothing besides shirts, pants with more leg room and rolled at the bottom and finally, a lot of olive green and brown. For girls it is a tad bit more complicated, but it is definitely a change. Look for some warmth, long coats and faux fur are in. Try some chunky heels to dress it up. Keep an eye out for the new material in outerwear, tweed, a woollen cloth with a diagonal, plaid or flecked pattern. Look for these trends to add life to your clothing staples in this chilly season.
Left: “lara-vazquez-madlula-hat-fall” by Lara V is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Below: “Mama Style 06 // Cozy Fall” by Abi Porter is licensed under CC BY 2.0
4
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
vogue
culture
Above: “Bobbi Vie : Lookbook By Alex Bauzon� by bobbi vie is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Fashion Rediscovered The Hunt Ever see a great picture with some fabulous clothes but you have no clue where they are from? Upload your picture to The Hunt (https://www.thehunt.com/) and people will help you find the clothing piece. It is practical and helpful. Depop & Vinted When you have newer clothing that no longer works for you and you can not return it to the store, sell it on websites like Depop (http://www.depop. com/) and Vinted (http://www.vinted. com/). Set your own price and wait for someone to buy it. This option is great when you need some extra money or want to buy an expensive piece for less. They also have an app for a more mobile friendly option. JustFab If you are addicted to shoes and handbags, then sign up for JustFab (http://www.justfab.com/) and pay a monthly fee to choose one pair of shoes or a handbag per month and have the item sent to your door. Shopping made easy.
called
hey ladies 1. Flannels 2. Boots - ankle and riding style 3. Birkenstocks - with colorful and printed socks 4. Jeans 5. Layering - scarves, cardigans 6. Sweaters 7. Leggings 8. Vests 9. Hats - brimmed 10. Jackets - peacoat
6
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
culture
hey fellas 1. Hoodies 2. Jackets- big pockets 3. Flannels 4. Khakis- rolled at bottom 5. Slightly baggy skinny jeans with rolled cuffs 6. Black 7. Army/Olive Green 8. Sweaters- graphic 9. Beanies 10. Oxford Shoes- Sperries
November
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
#7
culture
Albums to Expect in November by Becca Schwisow
‘Damn Country Music,’ Tim McGraw
1
Tim McGraw’s fourteenth studio album, “Damn Country Music,” will be released Nov. 6. His leading single, “Top of the World” was released Aug. 10. Other songs on the album include “Here Tonight,” a duet with his oldest daughter, Gracie McGraw, and “California” featuring Big & Rich. The lyrics represent his musical journey so far. Tim McGraw puts a lot of passion into the songs. Although a tour for this album has not been announced, McGraw will be playing at several music festivals next year including the Carolina Country Music Fest in South Carolina. Tim McGraw is best known for his country-pop sound, and his name has been associated with top country stars since the late 1990s.
‘Get Weird,’ Little Mix
The British group, Little Mix will be releasing their newest album “Get Weird” on Nov. 6. The all-girl band was formed during the X Factor UK and were the first group victors on the show. As of 2014, Little Mix has sold over five million singles and 2.5 million albums worldwide. Following the announcement of their album, the band released the leading single “Black Magic.” Their second single was released as a promotional single over summer, and the last single was released Sept. 25. Other songs on the album are written with a more of a fun pop sound, and the band has chosen from over 100 songs for the tracklist. A tour around the U.K. will start in March, and continue through the beginning of April. There have not been any plans for a U.S. tour. With a pop rock sound, the girls are sure to draw fans of all ages with the new album.
2
‘Made in the A.M.,’ One Direction
3
One Direction will be releasing their fifth studio album, “Made in the A.M.,” the first album since Zayn Malik left the band. While the group dynamic has not changed much since Malik left, listeners can expect a slight difference in the songs. “Drag Me Down,” the lead single, was released earlier this year and the second single, “Infinity” was released with the preorder. Following the release of the album, the band will go on a hiatus in March of 2016 to pursue their own careers. The album title follows the theme of previous albums: “Up All Night,” “Take Me Home,” “Midnight Memories,” “Four” and finally, “Made in the A.M.” With the new album, the sound of the band can be expected to change from bubblegum pop to an edgier sound.
‘Kylie Christmas,’ Kylie Minogue 4
It is that time of year again. Australian singer Kylie Minogue, better known as Kylie, is releasing her Christmas album Nov. 13. Kylie came into the music industry after appearing on an Australian soap opera. Her signature song, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” was published in 2001 and became one of the most popular songs in the early 2000s. This will be Kylie’s thirteenth studio album. “Kylie Christmas” is a mix of traditional Christmas music and original material. The album includes several guest artists such as Kylie’s sister, Dannii Minogue, Iggy Pop, James Corden and Frank Sinatra. Kylie will be playing a special Christmas show at Royal Albert Hall in London on Dec. 11. Kylie’s other albums are a mix of dance pop, and what can be described as “club music.” While Christmas music has a completely different sound, it will most likely take on a taste of Kylie within.
1. Photo from timmcgraw.com 2. Photo from little-mix.com 3. Photo from holahollywood.com 4. Photo from amazon.com
8
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
culture
Autumn Haul: Fall Essentials 1. Fall Hikes Fall weather is perfect for your afternoon hike in the lovely Rocky Mountains. The scenery is worthwhile especially with the aspens changing this time of year.
Calendar MUSIC
2. “Spectre”
The Front Bottoms NOV. 6
Modern Baseball NOV. 21
In theaters starting Nov. 6, James Bond is back on his all new adventure that takes him to Mexico to take on the evil organization, SPECTRE.
with The Smith Street Band and Elvis Depressedly The Summit Music Hall
with Jeff Rosenstock, Tiny Moving Parts and Pup The Marquis Theater
3. “Mockingjay: Part 2” The exciting conclusion to “The Hunger Games” Trilogy comes to an end, in theaters Nov. 20. Katniss is back to finish her plan as the Mockingjay and take down the Capitol.
4. “American Horror Story”
Beach Slang NOV. 6 with Lithuania, Worriers and Dan Aid Larimer Lounge
Sublime with Rome NOV. 7
5. “Fallout 4”
with Meg Myers and Irontom Fillmore Auditorium
6. Football It is loud, it is dangerous, it is American. What more could you ask for? Set out your favorite halftime snack, and watch your favorite team make its way to the Super Bowl with friends and family.
with The Expendables Ogden Theatre
AWOLNATION NOV. 7
Matt Pond PA NOV. 7 with Laura Stevenson and Completions Hi-Dive
City and Colour NOV. 9 with Hurray for the Riff Raff Ogden Theatre
Halsey NOV. 9 with Flor The Gothic Theatre
New Found Glory NOV. 10
7. Candy Corn Everyone always has a bowl of them in their house, and if you do not, your aunt probably does.
8. Caramel Apples With a taste of fall in every bite, caramel apples are great during fairs and corn mazes, albeit horrible for your teeth.
9. Candles Candles are perfect to set the atmosphere for Fall, from pumpkin spice scents to crunchy leaves.
10. Flannels You may think you have a flannel, but it’s most likely a plaid shirt. Do yourself a favor and get an actual wool or cotton flannel for Fall.
11. Fuzzy Socks
with Bernhoft The Gothic Theatre
Lights DEC. 1
Season five of “American Horror Story: Hotel” aired Oct. 8 on FX, with a chilling exposition into the Hotel Cortez and its corrupted tenants. It provides an eeriness to ready audiences for the upcoming Fall season. It is likely the most anticipated game of 2015. The unreleased game promises a massive open world, as well as the rich story and the brilliant innovations in the past Fallout and Elder Scrolls games.
Allen Stone NOV. 24
with Yellowcard and Tigers Jaw The Summit Music Hall
Lucero NOV. 12 Ogden Theatre
Marianas Trench NOV. 14 with Secret Someones The Summit Music Hall
Chance the Rapper NOV. 16 with D.R.A.M., Towkio and Metro Boomin Fillmore Auditorium
with The Mowgli’s and K.Flay Ogden Theatre
Tacocat DEC. 3 with Sallie Ford Hi-Dive
The Unlikely Candidates DEC. 4 with The Epilogues and Red Fox Run The Marquis Theater
Bastille DEC. 5 with Cold War Kids, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Wombats and AMZY 1STBANK Center
Silversun Pickups DEC. 8 with Foals Ogden Theatre
Jason Isbell DEC. 11 with Rayland Baxter Ogden Theatre
Falling in Reverse DEC. 11 with Atreyu, From Ashes to New and Assuming We Survive Boulder Theater
twenty one pilots DEC. 11 with Small Stage and Big Difference The Gothic Theatre
Admit it: you have some. If you don’t own any, buy some to make those chilly days even better. Photo by Maddie Egerton.
NOVEMBER 2015 ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
9
people
The Also playing a show during the summer. Photo by Sarah Cherin.
Drumming to His Own Beat Spencer Anema discovers passion through indie band, The Also by Becca Schwisow & Kayle Hughes
O
riginating in Centennial, Colo., The Also is an indie alternative band made up of four high school students. The members are Spencer Anema, Patrick Malin, Beau Hansen and Spencer Serumaga. Malin going to Mountain Vista, and Hansen and Serumaga at Kent Denver. After getting a chance to sit down with Anema, a junior at Arapahoe, he talked more about his band The Also and his own personal life. The band has already written many songs, such as “Where Did You Go,” and “Sleeping Upside Down,” along with Spencer’s favorite “Railway Spine.” Anema describes the style of these songs as indie-alternative, but mainly alternative. “It’s like a big puzzle piece,” Anema said. The songs will start as a poem or as a chord on the guitar. Once they have the beginning, the songs begin to come together piece by piece. With a future goal of touring and performing in major venues, the band got its start playing backyard shows for friends and classmates, along with the fans they are already gaining. A lot of new material can be expected in The Also’s future. Anema says that there are many songs in the process of being written, and those can be expected to be produced in the nearby future. “We have a lot of songs in the making right now,” Anema said. “We don’t really have names for them or anything. We have two songs right now being written, and we’re writing music too.” 10
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
Anema, who is the drummer in The Also, lives a thrilling life. From band practices and shows to school, he has a packed schedule. However, he still loves the music. “I’ve been playing drums since after the fifth grade, ever since then I just haven’t stopped playing the drums,” Anema said. Even before drums became an influential part of his life, he wanted to get involved in music. Bands such as Weezer and Led Zeppelin had big influences on him. His music has been shaped around the indiealternative sound that his band is after. Later in life Anema wants to go to college for music. “I want to stay in the band as long as possible. We’re pretty good together,” he said. “Playing music is my dream and has always been my dream. I’m just super excited to see what music has in store for me.” If a music career does not work out, Anema’s plan B is to become a history teacher. With hopes of a tour in the future, The Also will continue writing and producing music. While many band members are involved in sports, namely soccer, which takes up a lot of their time, the band will be back to their practicing and music sessions once the season has come to an end. For now, check out Patrick Malin’s song, “What Have You Done to Me?“, on iTunes. You can find The Also on Facebook “The Also,” or on Instagram @THE_ALSO.
section
Spencer Anema on drums during a show this summer in his friend’s backyard. Photo by Sarah Cherin. MONTH ####
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
#
culture
Let yourself Fall in Love with Fall Recipes by Amanda Brenner & Mason Steiner
E
very time the season changes, the soccer moms of Pinterest unite to brainstorm creative festive recipes to welcome the spirit of the new time. Around Autumn, the internet is flooded with recipes containing themes of pumpkin and cinnamon. To help introduce the fall season, we have collected the best and easiest recipes with these two key fall components.
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups milk 1 cup white chocolate chips, Ghirardelli recommended 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice Whipped cream and additional pumpkin spice to sprinkle on top Directions: 1. Heat cream and milk in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot but not boiling. 2. In a medium sized bowl, pour heated cream and milk over white chocolate chips. Stir until chips are melted. 3. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin spice. 4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisps
Ingredients: 2 red apples (Gala and Pink Lady apples are great for making crisps) Cinnamon for sprinkling Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper 3. Core and slice your apples as thin as you can (1/8 of an inch or 3 mm) 4. Arrange the apple slices on the parchment paper close together so you can fit as many as you can. Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon. 5. Bake on the lower part of your oven (away from the heating elements) for 20 minutes, then gently turn the apple slices over and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the last 10 minutes or so to make sure they don’t burn. 6. Remove baking sheet or rack from oven and allow the apples to cool. The apples will come out a bit soft but will crisp up as they cool.
12
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
November 2015
Photos by Amanda Brenner
culture Pumpkin Spice is Dominating the Grocery Aisle
1
Top 4 Strangest Pumpkin-Flavored Foods of this Fall by Charles X. Maier
A
hhh, autumn. That magical time of year when the the leaves change from green to a rainbow of fire-like colors, the weather settles to a perfect balance of sunny yet cool, and the big food companies start cramming pumpkin into any product they can possibly think to use. We have all seen the ridiculous amount of foods that always show up around this time of year containing pumpkin flavoring in some form or another. Some of them seem like stranger choices to expose to the fad than others, but which ones are the strangest? I have a few ideas. 4. Pumpkin Spice Oreos Now, I cannot say they do not sound like the best thing ever, but they are pretty weird. These limited-edition, special Pumpkin Spice Oreos are the definition of superfluous. Adding even more artificial flavor to the already sinfully delicious Oreo does not sound too bad. However, creating a whole new kind of cream just for the occasion seems a little over the top, especially when that occasion is to cater to the already abundant supply of pumpkin foods in October and November. 3. Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows S’mores and hot chocolate are relatively popular this late in the year. But why not add an extra little something to your hot cocoa and s’mores this autumn? Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows are definitely one of the odder limited-edition fall foods out there, although they sound
pretty good. There are few foods that need more sugar and extra flavor than marshmallows, but you know, why not? Definitely a non-sequitur, pumpkin-infused marshmallows are no doubt weird enough to be included on the list. 2. Pumpkin Spice Twinkies As though cheaply-manufactured sponge cakes filled with chemical cream were not tasty enough, now you can buy your nukeresilient pastries with some festive orange squash mixed in. Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are officially something that exist, and the merit of that advancement is up to you. The best part about this autumn snack is that even though it’s limited edition, you can hoard it for over thirty years and they will still be good, because that is the magic of Twinkies. An idea like the one behind Twinkies is already strange enough, but the addition of the most popular late-year flavor make it one of the strangest. 1. Pumpkin Spice Fettuccini Yes, you heard correctly: you can now go to the store and buy Pumpkin Spice Fettuccini. I understand the train of thought behind thinking this idea to be valid, but honestly, how does one justify this as a legitimate food item? Dishes involving fettuccini are already rich enough without cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin in the mix. A perfect example of combining completely random foods to keep up with a trend, it is no surprise this Frankenstein of a meal holds the gold medal for strange pumpkin-flavored foods.
2
2
1. Pumpkin Spice Oreos Photo by Allison Swomley | Calumet Yearbook 2. Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows Photo by Xavier Maier
NOVEMBER 2015 ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
13
culture
Charting Southglenn’s Hottest Spots From Sushi to Crepes: Southglenn’s Top Four Eateries by Hayden Peirce
Land of Sushi’s “Chop Chop Roll.” Photo by Hayden Peirce
Review: Land of Sushi
I
t is no secret that not everyone loves sushi. It is most certainly an acquired taste, but many people who have never tried it have a hard time wrapping their head around the idea of eating raw fish. I was the same way - the first few times that I ate sushi I did not care for it. This was until I found the gem that is Land of Sushi. Without question, it is the best sushi that I have ever had, and I have been to many sushi restaurants. The service is outstanding, from the wait staff to the chefs to the owner, everyone at Land of Sushi makes eating there all the more enjoyable. The open interior allows diners to sit and watch their food being prepared by the talented sushi chefs. Eating sushi is one thing, but ordering it 14
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
can be somewhat of a daunting task, especially in a restaurant that is unfamiliar. It is refreshing to have a wait staff that knows every item on the menu and can make a clear recommendation to the customer. There are also some exceptional items that are not on the menu, such as the Chop Chop Roll and the Fire Engine Roll. I can not say enough good things about Land of Sushi. The only limitation may be the price of some of the items on the menu and the infallibly long wait on Friday and Saturday nights. The latter fact only speaks to the quality of the restaurant, both the food and the staff. Land of Sushi, while it is not in the actual shopping center of Southglenn, is conveniently located across the street.
culture Review: Tom + Chee
I have to say, I was impressed by Tom + Chee. At first, I had mixed feelings about it, since it could have just as easily been another restaurant with nothing of interest to offer other than its quirky decor and atmosphere. After eating there, I can say that I have been proven wrong. As soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted by a spunky atmosphere, for lack of a better phrase. Customers are met with splashes of reds, yellows, blacks and whites throughout the entire restaurant and little of anything else. Once in line, I was slightly overwhelmed by the size of the menu. There is pretty much every single sandwich combination that could exist in that The “BBQ Bacon” from Tom + Chee. place; I wish I had more time to try all of the menu items, but the ones I did try were Photo by Hayden Peirce. all great. The staff was friendly and able to help answer my questions. The menu is reasonably priced, the priciest item being no more than $8. All told, I honestly went into Tom + Chee expecting a mediocre sandwich, but was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the food was. Tom + Chee is an addition that Southglenn needed and I will certainly be going back.
Review: Crepes A’Go’Go
Crepes a’Go’Go’s stand in Southglenn. Photo by Hayden Peirce.
Crepes, enjoyed everwhere, are always a satisfying, light meal. Crepes a’Go-Go certainly serves some of the better crepes that I have had. The atmosphere for small cafes and stands like Crepes a’Go-Go is key and fortunately, it had a great feel to it, being located in just the right place and capturing the cozy atmosphere that is so important. Crepes are commonly thought of as breakfast or brunch foods, but Crepes a’Go-Go is open all day. I ordered the THAS lunch crepe, which included a mustard sauce, ham and gruyere cheese. The breakfast crepe that I tried was the AlmondOrange Creme. With a combination of chocolate, whipped cream and nuts, the Almond-Orange Creme was delicious. Honestly, it is hard to go wrong with anything on the menu there. Southglenn has plenty of breakfast cafes, such as Corner Bakery, Peet’s Coffee and Snooze, but all of them have an extensive menu. Crepes a’Go-Go is simple and easy to order from. After having eaten there, I can say that I was very impressed by the food, the atmosphere and the prices and highly recommend Crepes a’Go-Go.
Preview: Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar If there is one thing that Southglenn has no shortage of, it is burger restaurants, in one form or another. Hodsons, while it does not serve exclusively burgers, is pricey and not somewhere you would go looking for a good burger. Bar Louie on the other hand is the current best place to go for a good burger at Southglenn. However with over half of the dinner restaurants serving burgers, it is amazing to me that nowhere in Southglenn screams a great burger. It is not for a lack of trying; Southglenn certainly has introduced a lot of good restaurants. But to get the atmosphere that they are going for, Southglenn does not need just an average restaurant. They need a great one. I think that is what is coming with the introduction of Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. Finally, there is a restaurant that serves just burgers and sandwiches. They are creative with their menu, too. I have never heard of a burger with french fries on it until Bad Daddy’s “Pittsburg” burger. Bad Daddy’s does not just have new burger recipes, though. Of course, there are the classic burgers that are served nearly everywhere, with their “All American” and “Southwestern” burgers. But with new takes on burgers to old classics to “Philly Cheese Steak” sandwiches, Bad Daddy’s has all that can be desired in the way of American food. I for one am excited about its opening. Unfortunately, an opening date has not been announced at this time. NOVEMBER 2015
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
15
APPLYING TO COLLEGE navigating the maze 2015-2016 Everything students need to know to survive the dreaded application process
by the numbers
what’s inside
0.4%
6.7%
Only of undergraduates attend one of the Ivy League schools
Only of the world has a college degree
•what you need to apply •navigating Naviance •how underclassmen
The annual family income of more than
can start the process
47%
•how to pay for
of undergrads is less than $40,000
college •how to stay
1/5
About of the nation’s bachelor degrees are in business
56%
Only about of students earn degrees within six years
organized Statistics from U.S. News & World Report and the Pew Research Center. Photo by Lindsey Archipley. NOVEMBER 2015
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
17
The Application ProcEss Unfortunately, the rumors are true. It’s complicated, it’s stressful, but it is possible. The best way to ensure you meet deadlines is to stay organized and timely. Make Sure You Have All Parts of Your Application
by Lindsey Archipley
Transcripts need to be sent directly to schools. Request transcripts to be
sent to schools on Naviance. Go to the “Colleges” tab then click on “transcripts” on the left-hand side. You must request transcripts at least three weeks in advance and pay Ms. Kazakoff five dollars per transcript. Her desk is in the main office next to the bookkeeper’s desk.
Test scores need to be sent directly from the testing agency. Be sure you
know exactly what type of test scores the schools you are applying to need. Some schools accept either the ACT or SAT, and some require either the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Writing. Know what you need before it is too late to register for a test. AP scores must also be sent directly from the testing agency.
Letter(s) of recommendation should be uploaded to Naviance
by teachers. Seniors, it is not too late to ask for letters of recommendation, but the sooner the better. Ask your teachers in person before requesting it on Naviance. Many teachers ask for a six weeks in advance notice, but if your deadline is quickly approaching, your teacher may be willing to work with you and get it done faster. Only request the amount of letters you need and thank your teachers for writing them. It is also acceptable to thank your teachers with a small gift.
Writing Supplements vary by school. Some colleges, even those
that accept the Common App, ask for writing supplements to be submitted as part of your application in addition to your personal essay. Write these as thoughtful as you would a college essay, and even consider having your English teacher take a look at them before submitting.
18
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
Stay Organized Because it is unlikely that every school you are applying to requires the exact same application, it can be difficult to keep track of what school wants what. One of your schools may request two letters of recommendation while another may not even want one – this is why it is best to keep a master list. Create a Google doc and list each of the colleges you are applying to, then under each name, bullet point everything you need to send to that school. That way, you have everything you need in one place and will not accidentally forget a part of an application.
Keep in mind: You do not have to submit all parts of your application at the same time. When a school receives anything with your name on it (test scores, transcripts, etc) they start a file for you, and everything else you send to them will be added to it. Submit your transcripts and test scores as soon as possible, even if you have not finished your application.
NAvigating Naviance Naviance is a vital resource when it comes to post-grad information, so make sure you are checking it and updating it regularly.
“colleges” tab •Here you’ll find the “my colleges” section, which includes “Colleges I’m thinking about” and “Colleges I’m applying to.” Update these sections regularly to make sure you get important information emailed to you by your counselor and Mrs. Hall. •The SuperMatch™ College Search is immensely helpful for students struggling to decide where to apply. Narrow down the right colleges for you by entering criteria from anything such as location to Greek life and religious affiliation. •The National Scholarship List is vital if you are a student looking to get any dollar available. Enter information such as extracurriculars and future career goals to narrow down a list of available scholarships. While Naviance is a great resource for finding scholarships, do not solely rely on it. Do your own outside research to find the best scholarships for you. Collegeboard.org also has a great scholarship search.
“about me” tab •If you need letters of recommendation and have not done so yet, it is vital that you fill out the “biography for letters of recommendation.” Teachers use this to write a detailed letter specifically about you, and many teachers will not begin writing yours until you complete it. •The “resume” link is helpful for keeping track of all of your academic, athletic and extracurricular accomplishments. Even if you are not a senior, start filling out this resume now – it will save you valuable amounts of time down the road, and you are less likely to forget any accomplishments to add to your resume.
“careers” tab •If you are completely undecided about a major, then this section on Naviance can be super helpful. Here you can find out your personality type and match it with “suitable careers,” and you can also find detailed descriptions and average salaries for almost every profession out there.
“my planner” tab •Here is where seniors can keep track of what they need to do throughout the application process. Check this section frequently to see if Mrs. Hall has added any tasks to your planner.
If you are at all interested in applying to a certain college, check Naviance or the Post-Grad center to see if a representative is going to be at Arapahoe. Register for the visit on Naviance and have your teacher sign the blue college pass, which can be found in the guidance center. Dress appropriately for the visit and behave as you would in an interview, as these representatives are likely to be the first people who see your application. NOVEMBER 2015
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
19
GETTING AHEAD Freshmen
A
s a freshman, you may be thinking, “I have four years until I’m going to college, I don’t need to worry about that now.” And in truth, you are right. There is not much you can do right now and there is no reason for you to stress; however, there are a couple of things you could be doing to make your future-self thank you. Do not be fooled by
Sophomores
K
eep your grades up. Despite any rumors, colleges do care about your grades from every year of high school. Junior year may be the most important, but that does not mean you can blow off your grades the other three years. GPA is one of the first things
Juniors
S
tart pondering what you might want to do after high school. If you are college-bound and your family has the means to do it, make time to visit colleges in which you think you might be interested. The SuperMatch™ College Search on Naviance is a great tool in narrowing down schools you might like based on criteria you are looking for. Take the PSAT. Even if you don’t think you have a chance at being a National Merit Scholar, the test is not 20
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
How underclassmen can begin the college process before senior year by Lindsey Archipley
Arapahoe’s graduation requirements. As a freshman you may be thinking, “I only need two years of math to graduate! There’s no way I’m going to take math my junior or senior year.” If you are not planning to go to college then this is fine, but for collegebound students, this is not the route to take. Many colleges require three years of math and most require four, as well as at
least three or four years of a lab science. Just because you have enough credits to graduate does not mean you have enough to get into your desired college. More often than not, the bare minimum is NOT ENOUGH for college admission. Explore extracurriculars. Contrary to popular belief, on a college application, admissions officers are more impressed with a student who has a
clear dedication to a specific talent or activity than they are with a student who is semiinvolved in dozens of clubs and extracurriculars. Now is the time to explore extra activities to figure out what you like and hopefully stick with something for the rest of high school. It could be theater, choir, student council, cheerleading, football, journalism, etc. Whatever it is, find something and stick to it!
admissions offices look at when they receive your application. Start updating your resume on Naviance. If you have won any awards or received any special recognition in your high school career so far, enter these in Naviance now and continue doing so as you receive them, that way you
won’t forget anything important come senior year. Your resume is also a great place to keep track of work experience, extracurricular involvement, athletic achievement and volunteer experience. If you have a good idea of what you want to do for a career, plan to take more
advanced courses in this field throughout the rest of high school. For example, if you really want to go to med school, plan on taking more AP science classes than AP english classes. If you really want to go to an arts school, consider joining theater, choir or taking more advanced art classes.
a total waste of time. Your PSAT scores are a good way of measuring how much you should study for the SAT, if you plan to take it. Organize a testing plan. Make a list of when you are going to take important standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT. If you have narrowed down a list of colleges you plan to apply to, make sure you check their application requirements regarding test scores. While many schools accept either the ACT or SAT, some accept only
one or the other. Also, many schools require either the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Writing. The ACT administered at Arapahoe in April does not include the writing component, so make sure to sign up for another test date if your preferred college requires it. Plan a rigorous senior year course schedule. Make sure you will meet all graduation requirements, but do not just do the bare minimum. Colleges do care about your grades and effort senior year, and planning a lazy schedule will only hurt
your resume. Also take any classes that are required for a specific program you hope to enter in college. Write a draft of your college essay during the summer before your senior year using one of the Common App prompts. You will be thanking yourself the next Fall when all of your friends are stressing about getting their essays done on top of all of their schoolwork.
NOVEMBER 2015
How to
Make Ends Meet [A Guide for College and Beyond]
by Paige Paulsen
The current generation of young adults is no stranger to debt. Aside from the burden of living expenses, many people scramble to pay for college tuition as they prepare to join the workforce. While it is admirable to strive for independence, the struggle of balancing financial worries with the anxiety of daily life can become intimidating. Even with a part-time job, money can be an issue. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of ways to boost your finances if you find yourself a little short on funds.
1
Scholarships
2
“Students who are residents of WICHE states are eligible to request a reduced tuition rate of 150% of resident tuition at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state.” (http://wiche.edu/wue)
Explore a range of scholarships with the College Opportunity Fund or through Naviance.
3
Become a Plasma Donor... Contribute to life saving treatments for burns, rare diseases and other serious conditions.
Donate up to two times per week Approx. 1.5 hours per appointment * Compensation varies by collection facility
5 6 7
Western Undergraduate Exchange
4
150% reduction in tuition
...or an Egg Donor Egg donation is a long and demanding process, but the results are amazing.
Donorship pays $8,000+, but becoming an egg donor can require anywhere from six weeks to several months of commitment, both mentally and physically. “Being selected as a donor by one of our recipients leads to a very exciting and rewarding journey to help make a dream of becoming parents come true.” – Egg Donation Inc.
Get a Room Mate Split the cost of rent and other expenses with a room mate. Done right, this independent living situation will put money in your pocket that would otherwise go to paying for room and board on campus.
Volunteer for Medical Trials “Most large universities have ongoing medical research projects evaluating the efficacy of new medicines and treatments.” – Dailyfinance.com
Online Surveys Earn cash or get rewarded with free products. Just make certain the site is legitimate. For more information check out the article by ABC News, “Make Money By Taking Online Surveys.”
NOVEMBER 2015 ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
21
in-depth
Humans of Arapahoe: Reactions to College
Photo by Madison Wacaser.
Photo courtesy of Anna Zeek.
Anna Zeek - Arapahoe Graduate
Is there anything you would say to your former high school self about applying for college? I would tell myself to enjoy the experience of traveling to different colleges and figuring out which one fits best for you. High school is where you find yourself but college is where you work towards finding your place in the world.
Alyssa Leiby - Sophomore
Do you know what you want to major in? I have a few ideas. Either music and theater, psychology, or genetics. I have all these plans for what I want to be but I have very few plans for college.
Emily Mack - Sophomore
Do you want to attend college in or out of state? I think out. A lot of people have told me to go to Texas for a good voice acting career, ‘cause that’s where it’s happening. And there’s a lot of companies there that do a lot of voice acting, and they’re scattered throughout the nation, but it’s kinda centered down there.
Photo by Madison Wacaser.
22
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
in-depth J.R. Hendricks - Senior
What’s your biggest fear about going to college? Being away from my family. I’m really close with my mom and my sister. But I’m excited to be on my own and to have time to do what I want to do.
Photo by Madison Wacaser.
Brian Heissenbuttel - Arapahoe Graduate
Is there anything you would say to your former high school self about applying for college? Always apply as early as possible. When you hear back before everyone else it gives you more time to make up your mind.
Photo courtesy of Brian Heissenbuttel.
Georgia Skinner - Junior
What do you feel unprepared for in college? The cost. I still really want to prepare for the cost. My family’s been saving for awhile, and I’m getting a job so I can start to save for myself. Other than that, If I can get a scholarship I’ll take it.
Photo by Madison Wacaser.
NOVEMBER 2015 ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
23
sports
America’s Pastime Progresses From Its Roots by Keegan Fulwider
it ever did) and netted ten million loops on Vine within 15 hours. I watched Bautista swing hundreds of times, but what he game of baseball has changed in the past decade: bat stuck out to me was the reaction of Ryan Goins. At the very flips, hair flow, 20 year old phenoms and hundred million end of the clip, he is visible jumping with his hands in the air dollar contracts. The game is faster, pitchers throw harder, as he ran towards home plate. Never had I seen this before attendance is up and fans are more passionate than ever. from a base runner. In the past, fans might have gotten on Baseball has changed for the better, it isn’t a ‘boring’ game his horse about how “disrespectful” the bat flip was, or how anymore, rather it is nine innings of excitement. “unprofessional” the Blue Jays acted. But the times have Game five of the American League Divisional Series was changed. the most emotionally charged The top blew off of the Rogers Center. game in recent memory. What Each night you turn on the The Blue Jays leaped out of the dugout happened at the Rogers Center television to catch a game, there as the ball rocketed towards the seats in the seventh inning illustrates in left field, reacting as if they had just the change in baseball’s culture. is a chance to see history.” won the game. The Jays were not afraid The Texas Rangers took to show emotion, and neither were the the lead 3-2 when the ball near 50,000 fans at the game. It was the glanced off the batter’s bat as most excited I have ever seen a stadium. They were more the catcher was throwing it back to the pitcher. It was ruled a enthusiastic in Toronto than most teams get when they win ‘live’ ball. After minutes of review, the umpire crew allowed the a World Series. With one swing of the bat, Bautista lifted run to score, causing chaos in Toronto. The excitement they an entire country to its feet. That is the beauty of the new expressed for their team boiled over, resulting in a delay of the baseball. game while the grounds crew cleaned the field of trash that The game is better than ever. Each night you turn on the the fans had thrown. television to catch a game, there is a chance to see history. In the bottom half of the inning, the drama ensued. The Giancarlo Stanton will hit baseballs clear out of stadiums, Max Rangers committed three straight errors on three straight plays Scherzer will throw another no-hitter, Josh Donaldson will and booted a blooper that should have been caught, allowing track down a ball three rows into the stands, Aroldis Chapman the Jays to tie the game. When Jose Bautista stepped to the will touch 103 mph on the radar gun, Mike Trout will scale a plate there was a sense that something special was about to ten foot fence to rob a homer and Nolan Arenado will slam full happen. It did. speed into the tarp to make an over the shoulder grab. The Bautista unleashed the greatest bat flip in history, which excitement, passion and swagger in today’s game is at an all racked up 189,000 mentions on Twitter within hours of the time high. Baseball today is at its best. game (and started trending as soon as his bat landed... if
T
“
A New Way To Get Arapahoe Sports News
by Madison Wacaser
Arapahoe Student Media, which includes the Herald Magazine, Calumet Yearbook and Spear Broadcast have recently been moving towards online media to report events around the school. The main outlet for the media team is ArapahoeXtra.com, run strictly by our own student journalists. “With the Xtra you have to come out with things much more rapidly,” Mackenzie Callahan said. “But the topics we write about are applicable and interesting so it’s a good way to reach students.” The website features similar stories to the print version of the Herald, but it also provides timely and relevant news throughout the school year. Because 24
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
websites can be updated any time from any where, the ArapahoeXtra has up-to-date sports news and stats and news articles on events happening around the school. Sports broadcasts can be found at the Spear portal, which is accessible through the school homepage or the ArapahoeXtra.com website. “I think it’s a great platform because people like myself are worried about missing the big game,” junior Quinn Trask said. “The web is so accessible now so you can really catch the game from anywhere.” The Spear team produces live broadcasts of sports events and posts
about sports on their twitter feed and the ArapahoeXtra. Updates can also be found on the student media Twitter feed, “@ ArapahoeXtra.” “We’re @ArapahoeXtra and we live tweet every game,” sophomore Jake Reed said. “Having this stuff online is great because it gives us a much quicker way to reach our audience.” New content is uploaded online every week, so be sure to check out the Spear and ArapahoeXtra.com regularly to keep up to date with Arapahoe news not found in the new Herald magazine.
sports
Soccer Team Advances
5 Ds of Dodgeball Prevalent in Tournament
by Reid Conant
T
he boys varsity soccer team is going to the second round of the playoffs after last week’s win against Rock Canyon in the first round of the playoffs. The team did very well in the regular season and won league with a record of 11-1-3. They had an undefeated record in league of 6-0-1. The team is the 4th ranked team in the state and are contenders for the state title. “We expect to do great things and go far (in the playoffs) this year,” Ethan Fahn, 11, said. With many players returning from last year the team is primed for a deep playoff run. The Warriors are looking for redemption from last year’s loss in a penalty shootout in the first round of the playoffs. This time around they have won their first round playoff game by a score of 2-1 and will now face the winner between Rampart and Far Northeast Warriors. They have already played Rampart this season and tied them 2-2 in an exciting double overtime game. When asked about the comparison from this year to last year, Fahn had this to say, “We hold each other accountable and are not dependant on one player (this season)”. Defender Evan Bunch, 11, said “The expectations are high. We know that nothing is given and the games aren’t going to come easily. We still have to work hard every game to get the result we want,” Coming into the playoffs, the expectations are high and the team is focused on one thing and that is winning a state championship. This team has the drive to win one this year because they are playing for previous teammate Noah Graham, who passed away late this summer. Many of the seniors had the chance to play with Noah last season which adds even more determination for the returning seniors. “We are trying to win for each other (which includes) Noah,” Fahn said. This team is inspired and ready for a deep playoff run this year behind their experience and inspiration.
5 4
2
1
3
1. Seniors Brendan Phelan, Jacob Schramm, and Hunter Rynders lead their “Saw” themed team to a victory Wednesday night. 2. Senior Gabe Cardenas loads up to toss his ball during a victory Wednesday night. 3. Senior Clay Hanson fires a ball towards his opponent. Hanson lead his team to the championship. 4. Junior Ryan Rike lasers a ball towards the opposing side in a victory Wednesday night. 5. The football themed team celebrates their DECA Dodgeball championsip on the court after they defeated the 1960s themed junior team. Photos by Declan Palmer|Calumet Yearbook. NOVEMBER 2015 ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM 25
info
Spreading joy with seasonal charity events by Alissa Brown
Food Drive T
Two girls from last year’s Toys for Tots delivery unwrapping presents. Photo by Elijah Bachali.
Book Drive This year, Link Crew is collecting books through Nov. 19 to box up and donate to East and Field Elementary schools. The club has already collected over 1,000 books, which have all been donated by students in Link Crew so far. However, if you are not a part of link crew and want to donate books, you still can. Contact Mr. Trotter, Mrs. Moritz, Mrs. Ackerman or Mrs. Smith if you own, or have bought any children’s books you wish to donate. Be sure that the books donated are appropriate for kids ages 5-10 (kindergarten through 5th grade). Thanks Link Crew for helping children in need in our community.
26
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
Toys for Tots Monday, Nov. 9: Kickoff Saturday, Dec. 5: Sorting party Monday, Dec. 7: Wrapping party Wednesday, Dec. 16: Delivery
his year’s canned food drive kicked off Oct. 22 and will run through Nov. 9. All of the food you donate will be used to support Centennial Academy and East Elementary schools. The different food items brought in will be compiled into a food bank for the students at these schools. They can fill their backpacks with enough food to take home a meal to their family at night, or enough food to last them and their families the weekend. Healthy canned foods are recommended. Examples of foods to bring in for these families are peanut butter or almond butter, canned fruit and vegetables, beans, tuna, chicken and granola bars.
Gilpin Montessori Public School This year Toys for Tots is kicking off on Monday, Nov. 9 and collecting toys all the way through Friday, Dec. 4. The Sorting party, in which we will sort the toys based on age and gender, will occur on Saturday, Dec. 5 and toys will be delivered to Gilpin Montessori Public school Wednesday, Dec. 16, during finals week. Gilpin Montessori Public School is located in five points denver. Three hundred student ranging from 3-10 years old attend the school. If you want to help deliver the toys, there will be a sign up sheet in the attendance office. The goal this year, just like in previous years, is to collect and donate 1,000 toys to these children in need. That means each Arapahoe student needs to bring in less than half of a toy, this should be easy. Most years, the Arapahoe student body collects over the goal for toys. If there are extra toys at the end of the delivery, they will then be given, as gifts, to the Arapaho Tribe when they visit in March 2016.
3-10 years old 300
Students
1000 toy goal
Editorial: Giving Goes A Long Way Step out of suburbia and into the reality of the world
As fall sets in and November brings thoughts of
warm fires and pumpkin spice, so too begins the season of giving and extreme need. Families all across the U.S. as well as the world struggle every year to make it through the holidays. Christmas dinner for some families can be anywhere from no food at all to the size of an average meal consumed by an Arapahoe student every day. Residing in a privileged school community lacking in much diversity, students are often blind to the harsh truths of the world. Every year when December begins, students file in and out of King Soopers for lunch and pass a Salvation Army donation bucket, but it is rare for anyone to give that red bucket and bell a second thought. We are trained not to see the realities of life that are not inside of our suburban bubble. The reality is that there are children in our community and beyond who will go to bed cold and hungry, families who will be lucky to put food on the table for their children, and men and women forced to sleep on the streets because life hit them hard. Why is the majority of the student population more concerned with how many pumps of vanilla there are in
A homeless veteran holds up his cardboard sign on the streets of downtown Denver. Photo by Abigail Guadnola
Every day thousands of people are forced to sleep on the streets during the winter. Photo by Abigail Guadnola
their $5 Starbucks drink than the humans struggling to survive? Many do not know how to help, therefore they do not. We must start looking out for our fellow humans as we would want to be cared for. As 2015 begins to come to an end, challenge yourself to make the year better for someone in need. Organizations and fundraisers are scattered throughout the community eager for students to start getting involved. Arapahoe’s annual food drive and the Christmas favorite “Toys for Tots” are great ways to stay local. In the greater Colorado area organizations such as The Denver Rescue Mission, The Salvation Army, Mission Hills Church Life Center and The Food Bank of The Rockies offer ways to brighten the holiday season. Additionally, people can bring joy to a child internationally through organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and their “Operation Christmas Child” project. Denver is filled with soup kitchens and other charities, so as 2015 begins to close, make it a year worth remembering. Look those in need in the eye and help. Your Pumpkin Spice Latte can wait. This editorial represents the views of the majority of the Herald staff. NOVEMBER 2015
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
27
opinions
Pros & Cons of
Advisory Student perspectives on the new advisory program
Cons
Pros “Honestly, I don’t think it’s that bad; it is a good way to bond with other students and teachers. For me there are so many people in my advisory class I don’t know.” Lilly Doan, 10
“It was kind of lame, but we got cookies so I guess it was alright.” Bennett Smith, 10
“I like that I learned about more people in my grade and what they like to do.” Becca Garner, 12 28
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
“I think it is interesting. It’s good we get to learn about others and work in groups.” Kirsten Belitz, 9 “It was kind of interesting. Being a senior there’s no real point to it, but it was still nice to hear people’s passions because you don’t get to hear that a lot.” Emily Hedrick, 12 “Advisory is a good check point to have. It lets you get a chance to regroup in school and in a class that doesn’t have any stressors attached.” Brooke Clark, 11 “I think the advisory class is good because it helps plan out your future in school.” Ethan Christ, 9 NOVEMBER 2015
“I think it is ridiculous. We have already found and connected with the teachers we like; we don’t need the school to do it for us. And in regards to the freshmen, they can find a teacher themselves; it is not that hard.” Nick Price, 11
“I didn’t think it was that fun; it was kind of boring. We didn’t do anything that was actually worthwhile, like homework or going to our actual classes and learning math, science, social studies or English.” Zach Gonzales, 9
“I just think it is kind of pointless. I don’t really get what you are going to get from having a teacher every few months.” Jessica Steck, 11 “I don’t get the purpose of it. I don’t really feel like I’m benefitting from it; it feels like a class where I just sit there.” Carinne Dengler, 9
“In some ways the advisory program is useful, however, there are things about it that make it a waste of time. I think it could be good for the freshmen and maybe sophomores, but it is irrelevant for the upperclassmen.” Nick Beckman, 12
opinions Diary of a Freshman
The Advisory Tragedy One of the biggest problems with the Advisement period
I
t’s been spoken about by students since the beginning of October. Advisory. That little thirty minute “waste of time” in between second and third on select days (six throughout the year, to be exact.) It’s very easy to complain about change. “Oh no, they don’t have paper trays in the cafeteria. Why styrofoam? This is dumb,” or, “They changed the DECA cookies? Why? The old ones were so good!” “Why do we need advisory? It’s just taking away from my off hour!” To be honest, I don’t hate advisory. It’s actually common in other schools and a pretty good idea. Unless you’re a senior. In which case, the question is why they didn’t just give us an extra off hour. When I first heard about “Advisory” in the announcements, I remember turning to the person who sits beside me in math and asking what that was. Unbeknownst to me, the advisory period had been implemented in the minds of all my classmates. After texting some friends, I learned that a hatred had already been directed toward this mystery period (which honestly was no surprise.) I personally was kind of excited for it. The teacher I had for it was one of my favorites. It could be beneficial for college and might even allow me to reconnect with some old friends. What I actually found, however, was that it was so unbelievably “meh” that it made me wonder why I had to go. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t really good either. I just felt like there were better things I could be doing with my time.
The problem for seniors in advisory is that it is too late to do some serious college preparation and application work. It is really too late to get involved in new clubs or activities. Friend groups are pretty much set and school related stress has dropped dramatically since last year. There is really no point to it. Freshman have the next four years of curriculum, sophomores have three, and even juniors can have some more time to devote to college preparation. Seniors though, seniors are just kind of there, wondering why they had to participate. I’m usually someone who will just go with the flow on these sorts of things, albeit with some cynical remarks scattered in between. If this had started last year, Iho feel like it would be a much better use of time. I would have very much appreciated more college work in junior year, even amidst the stress that already exists. I don’t really have too much against advisory. It feels very much like a waste of time, yes, but that is just how it is for the seniors. There’s not too much of a solution I can think of. I think that the class needs to be more structured before it’s implemented to the whole school. If this is the year to structure it, that needs to be more apparent. Seniors don’t want to be the “guinea pigs” to plan the class for the other classes because that’s not our job. The Advisement program isn’t a bad system. It’s a good idea and has potential to be beneficial to the underclassmen. For seniors, however, it feels unnecessary and forced. Give us 30 minutes off until the kinks are worked out. We’ve earned it.
A prieview of the web column by Kiennes Adams on ArapahoeXtra.com “I think one of the worst parts of high school is the hallways. People walk so slow, I swear we aren’t moving sometimes...” “But I feel at home. I am an Arapahoe Warrior now!...” “So far I have learned many things. Many fantastic things. (Sarcasm)...” “It’s a weird feeling honestly, being able to do whatever you want and being able to go where you want. It’s fantastic but it’s weird, being in control of yourself...” “I don’t get very good sleep anymore, but I don’t know why. I heard someone say that we spend more time at school than we do sleeping...”
Illustration by Chiara Kovar 29
NOVEMBER 2015 ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
opinions
Future Sports
eSports quickly threatening the popularity of traditional sports by Sybrand Braakman
e
Sports are a highly competitive innovation with a multiplying fan base however, they have faced criticism. In eSports, players will have to concentrate and communicate with their teammates. This happens all under the watch of millions of people, all of them cheering over the fastpaced gameplay. For me to make an argument for the authenticity of eSports, I need to first debunk the common ideology that seems to pop up in many people’s minds when the word “gamer” is spoken. It is a common misconception that “gamers” are the people living in their mother’s basement until they are in their thirties, acting super lazy all while bingeing on Mountain Dew and Doritos and screaming profanity at every player that he comes into contact with. This person, although they may exist, falsely represents a common stereotype of gamers as a whole. eSports players are professionals and stride further from the casual type of playing. They are focused more around competitive play amongst the
30
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
teams of players that are at the highest tier of play. These players will practice every day, logging months of time into their work. This is their job and they do this with a purpose: they want to be the best in the world. With this level of overall dedication and practice, it begs the question of what is keeping them from being represented and recognized as an actual sport. Adam “Friberg,” is known for his skill in the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. He is the Peyton Manning of CS:GO, so why can’t he be recognized as so abroad? The belief of many people holds that the physical toll makes the sport (in other words, the power, effort and push from the entire team towards the win). To some of your surprise, eSports have all of these aspects. eSports feature fast-paced plays, exasperating amounts of concentration, strategy and communication. The pressure that these players are put under is quite extensive and constant as they sustain 37 million viewers watching their screen through services like Twitch, Youtube and Hitbox at any given time. Just like any sport, eSports
have physical tolls unmatched by more traditional sports such as hockey, football and soccer. Another point to ask why is the verification to actually be identified as a sport can be difficult and often heavily opinionated. Sports fans come off stingy and close-minded when it comes to the acceptance of new sports. Activities like eSports, cheerleading and even dancing have faced issues as recognition as a legitimate sport. It can be hard to understand why people can be so opposed to recognizing video games as a sport. Regardless of the opposition, I believe that the overwhelming amount of fans that eSports yields will continue to grow to the point that within 20 years it will be a mainstream sport. Twitch.tv, a website where millions of people at any given time watch people streaming innumerable amounts of games both professionally and not, will be available in a wider range of sources including on live television, such as the “New ESPN.”
opinions
Religious Intolerance Gets Us Nowhere by Charles X. Maier
T
here are myriads of hot-button topics floating around that can trigger opinions in a matter of seconds. One subject frequently surfaces that never goes out of style for debate: religion. It seems as though humans have a natural mindset that makes them think their beliefs are more valid than someone else’s. Does human nature simply take some foundation on the irresistible urge to criticize the ideals of others? Whatever the reason may be, people just cannot seem to keep their religions out of other people’s faces. I understand that the views of varying religions may go against others, but every individual should have the right to feel spiritually secure through whichever faith, if any, they please. Those without religion should be accepted too, no matter how wrong you think they may be. People should not have to dedicate their lives and their actions to something they do not want to be a part of just because someone thinks it is the best way of life. If the Bill of Rights contains these concepts, why does such a large portion of the country built on them argue against it?
“
Let people do whatever they need to in order to be happy. ”
Some of the problems I have noticed do not even spawn from superiority complexes; sometimes they are just generalizations about people based on their religion. For instance, just because someone is Muslim does not mean they are part of ISIS. I do not think it should be necessary to have to specify that for society. Another example I would like to address: not all atheists are close-minded and disrespectful, and it is not okay to think so based on the behavior of an unaccepting few of them. On the other side of that argument, most Christians really are good people, despite the occasional arrogant hypocrite. Just because a select few followers of a belief do something does not mean the whole group is guilty of the same actions. The sooner we all realize that, the sooner we can stop judging and just coexist, instead of passive aggressively ticking off other religions. Let people do whatever they need to in order to be happy. Do not be a black hole of external happiness just because you think your means of feeling fulfilled are more valid than someone else’s, because honestly, being a black hole is a lot less fun than it sounds. Think about it: life would be 100% better if we stopped bickering about which spiritual path is the most accurate. Be happy, whatever way you can. Do not let anyone take that away from you, and do not try to take it away from someone else. I can guarantee the world would be a better place for it. 31
ARAPAHOEXTRA.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
Delaying College Increases Education As the weather begins to get colder, students everywhere realize the carefree summer is truly gone. The fall and winter seasons bring joy and holidays but also carry a heavy load of serious decisions and deadlines. ‘Tis the season for college applications. What used to be looming in the distance now sits right in front of us. Deadlines are quickly approaching and the to-do list seems to be steadily growing longer. This semester is not even over and already students must make decisions that will impact their long-term future. There is something about the college application process that is a little too overwhelming. While I sift through the giant stack of letters I have received from schools, the whole application process begins to feel like a waste of time. I have no idea regarding what I want to study. I cannot even decide if I want to attend a big school or a small school. At 18 years old, I do not feel ready to choose which state I wish to live in. There are all of these quick decisions we as students are forced to make. It is just the natural order of the education system. We spend four years in high school, graduate and then must continue on to college. I for one am burnt out, and am not feeling confident in my college decisions. Taking a year off, or a gap year, makes a whole lot more sense than telling a bunch of 18-year-olds to plan out their
life. A gap year offers a chance for students to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of assignments and tests to really evaluate what they are passionate about. This year is often spent travelling or working to save tuition money. A world outside of the classroom exists and most kids are not able to take advantage of those experiences. If used correctly, a year off from school can change a person’s life. Subjects once thought to be the most interesting may lose significance, foreign cities may no longer be the best fit, people supposed to be roommates may no longer be best friends. All these choices are serious. It just seems difficult to believe that children who grow up in a nurturing, structured environment can successfully determine their future without ever exploring the world. Gap years can be scary to teachers, parents and many students. It is hard to find the time and money to break away from the expected route. The benefits of leaving what is comfortable to visit new places and learn outside of a classroom can be immense. College will always be waiting. Taking a year off can rejuvenate a love of learning and help young people discover who they are. From the perspective of one kid staring college down, a gap year seems to be the most educational path to a successful life.
SAY WHAT?! Ridiculous, out-of-context comments overheard throughout the school. “I’m more likely to be an arsonist than a firefighter.” – Bonfire
“So what if you’re a daydream dressed like a nightmare?” – South Hallway
“In the course of two classes I marked down a tally every time someone said ‘like.’ 428.” – E9
“I’m so salty I might as well be the Dead Sea.” – W101
“Oh, good, other teachers are walking by as I show you shirtless Spartans with airbrushed abs. Hello, professionals.” – C4
“According to the texture of my skin, I am cold.” – North Hallway
“Did you know there’s a water fountain that tastes like carrots?” – Cafeteria