The voice of Montezuma-Cortez High School
Feb. 2017 Volume 17: Issue 3 418 S. Sligo Street, Cortez, CO 81321
Trump era opens with rocky start
Garrett Damron, Editor In Chief Donald Trump was in- countries in the Middle taliation. augurated into the White East has thrown the nation The United States has House as the 45th President into chaos because it allows also left the Trans-Pacifof the United States on Jan. religious minorities from ic partnership in order to 20. His inaugural speech those countries to continue “promote American induswas a call for all Americans entering the United States. try, protect American workto gather behind one com- Students travelling abroad ers, and raise American mon goal: to make America are unable to return to the wages.” This has put a bind great again. country. People from these on the countries involved Trump declared that “we countries are terrified that in the agreement such as are transferring power... to they may have to return to Japan, Australia, and New the American Zealand, as the United people.” He States was the most announced to influential country in the the rest of the agreement. Stuthe world that dents were indecisive it will always on opinions concerning be “America this decision. “I think first” during his it’s a bit of give and administration. take,” said Junior Ryan Trump’s speech Murray. and actions afPresident Trump ratiter words have fied the building of two split the counmajor pipelines: the try in two. Dakota Access PipeWhile Trump line and the Keystone attempted to XL Pipeline. After rally the namonths of protest conResource New York Magazine tion behind cerning the Dakota AcPresident Trump signs The Mexico City Policy, him, across cess Pipeline because which cuts funding for family planning organithe country, in zations that support abortion such as planned it crosses the Standtowns and cit- parenthood. ing Rock reservation, ies all over the Trump has allowed the United States, people pro- their war torn homes. Iran pipeline’s construction betested with marches, riots, has put a ban on people cause of the thousands of and a call to reject Trump. from the United states at- jobs it will create, despite The recent travel ban on tempting to enter Iran in re- harsh criticism from citi-
Women’s March News
Local Cortez men and zens and other politicians women gather to protest the such as Bernie Sanders. presidential inauguration. Senior Ty Yellow opposed News, page 4 Trump’s position. “It could poison the water,” said Yel*** low. Ryan Murray said “it’s very disrespectful” to build Blackout Game a pipeline over ancient inFeature dian burial grounds. Trump’s plan to build Cortez varsity girls a 1,000 mile wall that is and boys play Durango over 30 feet tall is drawing High School. mixed opinions from politicians and students alike. Feature, page 6-7 Ryan Murray said “it’s good that we aren’t going to *** let [illegal immigrants] into M-CHS Dance the country anymore.Noah Knauss, senior, said that we Sports shouldn’t bother with IlleSchool dance team gal immigrants already in travels to Denver for the United States. Accordperformance at ing to Knauss “we might Nugget’s game. as well let those Mexicans Sports, page 9 keep their accomplishment of making it over the *** fence.” Ty yellow thought that a border wall would be S t u d e n t “too expensive.” Relations with Trump’s first weeks as faculty President of the United Staff Editorial States has shaken the country to its core and rewritten the citizens perceived Are students comfortable with their teachers? values and morals in order to “make America great Opinion, pages 11 again.”
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Upcoming events at M-CHS
February 17- U.S Air Force Academy band concert in Ralph E. Vavak theatre February 20- President’s Day, no school February 20-14- FFA Week February 28- Mardi Gras February 28- Spring Choir Concert in Ralph E. Vavak theatre March 2- Parent Teacher Conferences March 3- Parent Teacher Conferences, no school. End of third quarter. March 6- CMU Media Days with Mrs. McVicker March 7- San Juan College Tour March 8- ASVAB Exam in Library March 10,11,17,18- Once Upon a Mattress play by Drama Department, Ralph E. Vavak theatre March 20-26- Spring Break March 28- Spring Band Concert in Ralph E. Vavak theatre April 4- Poisson d’Auril April 5-6- Honors Diploma Presentations April 6-9- Media Trip to Seattle April 8- ACT Test in M-CHS Library April 8- Southwest Colorado Concert, Ralph E. Vavak theatre April 22- M-CHS Grand March, Prom, & After Prom April 27- Inter-Mountain League Choir festival, art collaborative show, & collaborative choir show in Bayfield April 27- FFA Chapter banquet at M-CHS April 28- Gathering of Nations NAC Field Trip to Albuquerque, NM April 28- Professional Development, No school April 29- Southwest Colorado Concert, Ralph E. Vavak theatre
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03 connects Panther Press
Student government police to local youth
News
Madison Mahaffey, Staff Reporter M-CHS student government orga- pare the food for the breakfast burrito bar. nized and hosted Shop With A Cop at the Everyone who attended, including the chilM-CHS library Dec. 17. Shop with a Cop dren, other family members, and the seris an annual community service event vice men and women, were given breakthe student government has been orga- fast. nizing for years. Once done This annual occashopping, the sion allows underkids come back privileged students to the library to from local elemenget their prestary schools to buy ents wrapped by Christmas presents members of stufor themselves and dent government. their families. “I absolutely love Student govwrapping presernment provides ents,” said Mrs. these children with Brungardt. “Seea home-cooked ing the families breakfast, and a face when the $100 gift card, kids come back, Photo credit: Adriana Brungardt when they realize which they take to go shopping with Community members and local law enforce- this is really hapa cop. This year, ment enjoy a warm breakfast the morning pening” is one of there has been a of Dec. 17 at the M-CHS library before Shop Mrs. Brungardt’s with a Cop. “growth in indefavorite parts of pendent donations” from the community the day. towards the event, said student governOne thing that needs to improve accordment advisor and M-CHS science teacher ing to student government, is the comAdriana Brungardt. munication with the elementary schools. Local cops, state patrol, and forest ser- Five students are chosen from the five vice officers attend the event. They take local elementary schools, but sometimes the children shopping for Christmas gifts the elementary schools don’t recommend in official vehicles. This year, 16 families anyone. attended, with 26 students going shopping Despite miscommunication, Shop With with a cop. A Cop had another successful year and will The M-CHS catering team helped pre- continue in years to come.
Steamboat Youth Trip
Steamboat Youth Trip
Faith Johnson • Dove Creek High
Katelynn Sweat • Montezuma-Cortez High
Jake McKie • Mancos High
Steamboat Youth Trip
Photo credit: Adriana Brungardt
Steamboat Youth Trip
Elementary students pile into cop cars and head off to shop at local stores for Christmas gifts while parents say good-bye.
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Cortezians march for unity Dante Downey, Staff Reporter On Jan. 21, hundreds of citizens in Cortez protested for women’s rights and other problems in our country. Men, women, and children marched through a blizzard to protest. Across the United States millions of people have protested for many reasons concerning the recently inaugurated president Donald J. Trump. #Not My President has been trending on social media since the election with a lot of angry citizens and non - supporters of Trump. In Cortez, the march was promoted for weeks around the city, and hundreds of people showed up with signs that had messages written on them, such as “not my president,” and an inspiring quote by the famous poet Maya Angelou: “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, and you may kill me with your hatefulness, still like the air, I’ll rise.”
In Denver more than 100,000 people protested for the same reasons. Many citizens are worried because President Trump plans to repeal the current health care plan. The media has shown many different sides of Trump over the past year such as racial and sexual remarks, which infuriated thousands including some celebrities. The rock band Green Day Chanted “No Trump, No KKK, No fascist USA” during a concert on live TV on November 21, 2016. The people of the United States have a lot of questions about Trump’s plans. What is he going to do about the wars? What is his plan to make up with former allies? How will he repair our economic disaster? Only time will tell. A lot of people are wanting Trump to fail, but maybe he can prove himself in the years ahead and really “make America great again.”
Blood spills in gymnasium Madison Mahaffey, Staff Reporter
Senior Jessie Lopez waits for the United Blood Services technician to stick a needle in his arm on Jan. 31.
Senior Gabby Begay jokes with Ubie, the United Blood Services Mascot.
All photos credit Nizhoni Yazzie
Photo Credit: Sam Green
Citizens in Cortez and across the country marched on Jan. 21 to protest President Trump and his policies.
Senior Brooklynn Kibel winces as the nurse inserts the needle into the vein at the inside of her elbow. Each person who donated gave one unit of blood, about one pint.
Focus on Faculty
Literature of today
Madison Mahaffey, Staff Reporter The administration of M-CHS, principal do a push-up for every minute late. Another part of school life that the adDr. Wayman, vice-principal Mr. Robinson, and activities director Mr. Kelley, work ministration has improved is the ability to hard year round to ensure each school year “work with students on an individual bais a great one. Through hard work and sis.” said Mr. Chandler. A focus of adminexperience, the administration guides the istration according to Mr. Kelley is to be entire faculty in order to give students the supportive of all students. But dealing with students, staff, and best learning environment possible. The role of administration in the school parents individually and with such conis to “ensure that every student is provided cern has problems of its own. The hardest with a safe and respectful environment,” part in being an administrator is “working with people who are said Mr. Kelley. frustrated because they The administradidn’t get what they tion regulates wanted,” Dr. Wayman the school, dissays. ciplines those Because adminisstepping out of tration is so involved line, and strives with students, it’s hard to provide a maintain a “healthy school where mental and emotional teachers can status” as a result of teach the way the stress of the job, acthey want, while cording to Mr. Kelley. giving students Dealing with stuthe most oppordents on a case by tunities to learn. case basis also causes Adminisstruggles with consistration in the tency, a major problem school is vital to its success. Mr. Photo credit: Yearbook Staff according the multiple Eric Chandler, M-CHS Administration, on stairs L-R: Debra people. Mr. Chandler believes the adminscience teacher, Ramsey, Elsie Walck, Vicki Englehart, Terri states that the Carlson, and Stacey Hall. In front L-R: Chris istration struggles to maintain consistency administration Kelley, David Robinson, and Jason Wayman. “supports the education in the school, so because they’re “shorthanded.” Another area Mr. Kelley feels needs to teachers can focus on teaching.” The administration deals with any input improve is the administration being seen that comes their way, whether it be from as role models for the students. Administhe school board, the community, or teach- tration needs to have “a positive impact ers themselves, so that the teaching faculty on students lives,” and be someone students feel they can come to. “We want to does not have to deal with the trivalities. The first year Dr. Wayman took over have our names on the Sources of Strength as principal, the attendance rate shot up. wall,” said Mr. Kelley Administration is a “job that’s hard to However, since that first year, there has not been much difference in the numbers. tell if you’ve made a difference each day,” Mr. Kelley said “we really need to improve said Dr. Wayman. “It’s important to focus our attendance policies,” concerning stu- on the positives,” and keep on trying each dent tardiness and truant tendencies. Emily day. The M-CHS administration strives Martin, senior, however, considers that the to give the students and faculty a safe, readministration’s new policy has helped cut spectful, and fun environment so everyone down on tardies this year. Tardy students can succeed.
Madison Mahaffey, Staff Reporter Patrick Ness’s novel, “A Monster Calls,” was published May 5, 2011. The story centers around a 12 year old boy living in Great Britain. The book has been rated a 4.5/5 on Barnes and Noble, and was turned into a movie that was released this past December. The movie stars Liam Neeson as the giant tree monster, Sigourney Weaver as the grandma, and Lewis MacDougall as the protagonist.The novel was inspired by Siobhan Dowd, a british writer who died of cancer in 2007. Patrick N e s s stated in the author ’s note that “ t h i s would h a v e b e e n her fifth book.” T h e n o v e l ’s p r o tagonist, young Conor O’Malley, is going through some rough times since his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Alongside dealing with this, he dislikes his grandmother who is always around, his father lives in America with a new family, and he is being bullied at school. Then one night, a giant monster appears out of the yew tree behind Conor’s house.
Administration drives school forward
Panther Press
Column
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Heed the lesson of a beast
The monster has come to tell Conor three stories that will prompt Conor to face the truth in his own life. Patrick Ness’ writing style let’s readers know what the protagonist thinks or is feeling without saying it directly. The protagonist knows what is going to happen, but he keeps running from it, and readers do the same. Both readers and Conor know the truth but refuse to believe it. While b e i n g a short novel, a n d meant for ages 12 and up according to Common Sense Media, N e s s touches on some v e r y a d u l t topics concerning grief, guilt, loss, and the idea of moral ambiguity. Not everyt h i n g is as it Source: Barnes & Noble s e e m s , and the novel shows how humans can be good for bad reasons and bad for good reasons. “A Monster Calls” is a heart-wrenching novel that deals with loss, and all the baggage that comes with it. It’s a tale of not judging until you know the full story, and that “you do not write your life with words… you write it with actions”(Ness).
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Crowd fight icy-roads to attend Black Out game
Madison Mahaffey, Staff Reporter The annual rivalry basketball game between Durango High School and M-CHS took place at the Cortez gym Jan. 24, and began with the varsity girl’s game at 5:30, with the varsity boys following at 7:00. The team’s battled through four quarters against Durango to continue the decades old rivalry. The varsity boy’s record for this season is 6 wins to 11 losses, and within the newly placed 3A league the record is 3 wins 5 losses. At the Black Out game, the boys lost 40-69 to Durango. Junior Jesse Zetts, who was a spectator at the game, said the other team was “always in the lead by like 20-30 points.”
Photo credit Tamika Casey
Junior Jasen Engel, #10 on the boys varsity, said the team was “flat on offense,” leading to a lack of points. Despite the loss, Engel says “if we are focused we can do well,” for the remainder of the season. The girls varsity team played first, and lost 22-66. It seemed like “everyone’s hearts weren’t in the game,” said player junior Kacie Featherman. The pre-season scrimmage against Durango put the team into a losing mindset. But even though the score was in a hopeless state, those supporting the M-CHS teams never gave up cheering from the stands. “Lots of kids [were]
standing,” said Jesse Zetts. The students, faculty, and community members would put arms in an “x” shape for good luck. Junior Ashley Wood said the teams “worked together very well,” and that “all the players are good friends.” The game was exciting to watch, according to Ashley, and the fact that “it’s a rival game,” makes it all the more exciting. The basketball season ends Mar. 3, un less the team qualify for state, which will
take place Mar. 9-11. Though the weather was harsh outside, spectors made it to the game to support their team.
Panther Press
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THE FIRST CHOICE FOR SUCCESS
Dance team shines at halftime performance
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Kacie Featherman, Staff Reporter
On Saturday, Jan. 21, the M-CHS dance team joined Dolores High School’s dance team, along with many others from across the state, in a performance at the halftime show of a Denver Nuggets basketball game. The Nuggets have been allowing high school teams to perform through the NDA (National Dance Alliance) for many years. M-CHS dancers were given this opportunity through an invitation from Dolores. Dolores Head Coach, Debbie Hagger, received an email inviting her team to perform. She contacted the NDA and asked if M-CHS could join. The NDA accepted, and so did the M-CHS Dance Team. The Dolores Dance Team has performed at the Nugget’s halftime show for the past three years. The DHS Dance Team was introduced to this idea through summer dance camps they had attended that were sponsored by the NDA. Attending this halftime show performance has improved Dolores High School’s dance team. “Performing in front of more people allowed us to better ourselves,” said Dolores dancer Krystal Hagger. The coaches and dancers all seemed
hopeful about the performance. “It’s a good opportunity to get outside of Cortez and dance with large groups. Getting to dance at a professional game is pretty big,” said M-CHS Head Coach Belinda Livingston. The dance team has never done a televised event. However, Assistant Coach Megan Norris said she felt “excited for the girls to get out of such a small town and learn some different choreography.” She says the opportunity “will show them what they are capable of and give them more confidence for future performances.” M-CHS sophomore dancer, Brianna Dennison, felt nervous because she was not aware other high school dance teams were involved. She was confident that “it will be a better performance with more girls”. She hopes this opportunity makes our school and community see that “just because we are from a small town like Cortez, it doesn’t mean we don’t have any skill.” Everyone was eager to have something exciting happen after such a rough patch in the season. The M-CHS Dance Team lost their original coach midway through first semester. Athletic director, Mr. Chris
Swim team splashes towards state
Kelley, said “there are both positives and negative that came with the coach leaving. That is always tough on athletes. But I do believe that the situation brought them closer as a team.” The coaches only saw positivity from the girls with the situation. Coach Livingston thought “it had a positive effect on the girls, not so much a bad one.” Coach Norris was “glad the girls were able to have a fresh start at a new upcoming sports season. The situation really just brought back a positive atmosphere to the team.” After a rough beginning and many hours of dedicated practices, the M-CHS Lady Panther Dance Team earned a spot on the big stage.
Photo credit: Danae Thompson
M-CHS Dance Team stands in front of the Pepsi Center before their halftime performance at the Denver Nuggets game on Saturday, Jan. 21.
Madison Mahaffey, Staff Reporter The girls are striving towards state, but The M-CHS Swim Team has been movthat is not their only goal. “They have their ing towards state since the beginning eyes on many of the school records and of December. The season will end with intend to not just break them but annihithe state tournament Feb. 9-11. Led by late them,” said Coach Earley. This year’s coach Gayle Earley, the team has attended juniors are looking forward to next year, meets all over the western slope of Colowhere they can beat this year’s seniors times. rado. The goal of each race is to make the But swimming is not an easy sport. time required to attend state competition. “Disqualifications are exceptionally hard The team is comprised of 15 girls, includto overcome,” said Coach Earley. Ahnna ing some from Dolores and homeschoolHiggins, senior, said one of the most difers. This year the team dropped to 3A, and ficult things is how “it’s easy to fall into the season has been going great with the bad technique,” and how hard it is to fix it. team qualifying for state in the first meet The team has two more meets that of the season. The team has also added a they can qualify for state, and those who diving event, the first time in several years. So far, sophomore Jenna Barner has qualify will attend the state meet Feb. 9. made a state qualifying time in the 50 freestyle with a time of 27:49, and Senior Bailey Duran set a new school rePhoto credit: Sam Green cord for the 500 freestyle with a time of Junior Caisey Duran swims the butterfly stroke at the Cortez Recreation Center Jan. 13, 5:52:53. Senior Sam Bagge has qualified where four schools were in attendance: Gunnison, Durango, Delta, and Cortez. for state in 3 individuals and 3 relays.
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Entertainment
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Crossword courtesy Sean Williamz
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2016
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Down 1. Deep Love or Respect 2. “Love That Never Breaks” 3. A Preference For Another Person Or Object 4. Roman Saint Known For Marrying Christian Couples Even Though It Was Illegal In Rome 6. Make Something Look More Attractive By Adding Extra Items 9. Unable To Think Or Act Normal. Especially Because Of Being In Love 12. A Person That Induces Immature Romantic Feelings 13. Touch With Lips As A Sign Of Love 14. A Woman Who Is Engaged To Be Married 19. Spiritual Being In Human Form With Wings
Don’t miss 2017 M-CHS Prom & After Prom April 22
Across 5. Annual Holiday That Idolizes Love and Romance 7. Meant To Be Kept As Unknown Or Unseen 8. A Brief But Intense Infatuation For Someone 10. Brown Food Comprising Of Milk And A Special Bean 11. Girls Ask Guys To Dance 15. Action Of Trying To Attract Someone 16. Sugar Confectionery 17. Act Of Holding Someone Tightly In One’s Arms 18. Cupid’s Weapon 20. Synonym For Candy
om er pr t f a 2016 ories mem
S Teachers can’t connect with students don’t care t Students Panther Press Staff Relationships between students and their backs, slam the door and miss that supported by teachers to have new expea teachers riences. Grades are overly emphasized in M-CHS are shaky at best, opportunity. nonexistent at worst. Teachers in the Students are shoved into careers by and overly prioritized. Students cannot f school fail to support their students, pressure from family. Students have grow as people when their grades hold while students fail to succeed because tunnel vision and ignore everything them back. Teachers need to encourage put in the necessary effort. that isn’t directly affecting their futures. students to learn, but they also need to f theyA don’t lot of students don’t care about They don’t see a point in learning about support the blooming talents and pasE d i t o r i a l
their education because they fail to see a point in most of the curriculum. Students are overly focused on their careers, and ignore the idea of becoming a well rounded individual with the ability to learn and think critically. Teachers try to encourage students by opening a door to a bright future, but kids turn
literature or science if they are going to herd cows until they die. It’s difficult for teachers to make students see the connection between the educational material and student’s lives because of this. Another major problem between teachers and students is teacher detachment from students’ lives. Students aren’t
The M-CHS Panther Press is an open forum which operates under RE-1 district policy. The RE-1 school district, board, and staff are not responsible for the information and opinions expressed in the
Panther Press.
The Panther Press invites your letters, comments, and questions. Letters will be edited on the basis of content and conciseness.
sions of the students. On the other hand, students are under appreciative of teachers efforts, often neglecting homework assignments and becoming too expectant of teachers to coddle them. Students need to try to learn in their classes because they cannot hope to become successful people
Panther Press 2016-2017 Staff Editor-in-Chief Garrett Damron
Staff Reporters Madison Mahaffey, Column/Lifestyle Writer Kacie Featherman, Sports Writer Dante Downey, News Reporter Sean Williamz & Garrin Littleben, Entertainment Writers
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without the knowledge and thinking skills they acquire in their classes. Teachers are not merely here to turn students into mindless robots, their job is quite the opposite: to teach students to learn, think, and become prosperous individuals. However, if the relationship between students and teachers does not improve, then it will be impossible for teachers to help students grow and become successful. The relationship can improve through an increase in student effort and a decrease in pampering from teachers.
Want to advertise with the Panther Press? Call Garrett Damron at
(970) 565 - 3722 Ext. 2240 preferably between 1:30p.m. and 2:30p.m. Monday Through Friday Contact us at: pantherpress@cortez.k12.co.us dmcvicker@cortez.k12.co.us
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