The Rampage 2270 Highway 133 Carbondale , CO 81623
Whatʼs Inside
February 2016
Volume 9 Issue 5
Roaring Fork’s Cutest Couple:
Aaron Palomera and Lisenia Sandoval
U.S. Poet Laureate pg. 2
A Trip Down Memory Lane pg. 4-5 RFHSʼs cutest couple for the 2015-2016 school year is Lisenia Sandoval and Aaron Palomera.
- Eryn Doherty
Baseball Preview pg. 7
Every year for the February issue of the Rampage, the Rampage staff selects the cutest couple that walks the halls of Roaring Fork High School. This year’s couple, Aaron Palomera and Lisenia Sandoval, is frequently seen holding hands and supporting one another in the stands at soccer games. When you see one half of this perfect pair, you don’t have to look too hard to see the other, and Palomera and Sandoval’s relationship is a fixture of the RFHS student body. Q: How long have you been dating? Aaron: I don’t know. [Lisenia hits Aaron] I’m just kidding! Lisenia: A year and about nine months. Q: How did you meet each other? Aaron: I came up to her at school and started hitting on her. [laughs] Q: Where was your first date? Lisenia: The movie theater. Aaron: With some friends too.
Valentineʼs Day History pg. 8
Q: What is the funniest story you have together? A: I think when I was trying to dance with her. L: Oh yeah! A: ‘Cause I don’t know how to Mexican dance. She took me out [to the dance floor] at a Quincenera and I just felt like a total idiot. [both laugh] Q: What is your favorite thing about each other? L: I like his personality because it’s like mine. Aaron: Same.
L: Wow. [Both laugh] Q: What is one thing you hate about each other? A: How stubborn she is. [Laughs] L: Um… What I hate about him? A: There’s nothing to hate about me! [Both laugh] L: I hate that he doesn’t agree with me! Q: What’s your favorite memory together? Lisenia: You say it. Aaron: No you say it. Lisenia: OK, my favorite memory is probably Prom last year. Q: What do your parents think of each other? A: My mom hates her. [both laugh] No, she likes her more than any other girl I’ve dated. L: My mom is pretty straight up about things. A: Yeah. [laughs] L: She likes him because [Aaron] actually helps out with things with my family. He’s not a lazy guy. Q: After Aaron graduates, will you stay together? A: That is the plan. L: Yes, that is the plan.
Contact us at rframpage@gmail.com
Feature
2 Rampage February 2016
U.S. Poet Laureate finds inspiration in people’s lives - Fiona Laird and Tavia Teitler On Tuesday, January 12 more than 20 Roaring Fork High School students had the chance to witness the power of words first-hand as they heard National Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera speak at Paepke Auditorium as part of Aspen Words’ Winter Words Program. Herrera - a poet, performer, teacher, and activist - was born in 1948 in California, the son of migrant workers. During his talk, he spoke about living in a home built on top of an old truck and moving from one place to another to find work as a child. After graduating high school, Herrera attended UCLA and Stanford. He is passionate about youth and immigrant rights, themes that came across both in his talk and in his poetry, and has written about 30 books. For RFHS students who attended, the experience was inspiring. Fernanda Muñoz, a junior, explained that she was especially interested in hearing Herrera speak because while Herrera is internationally famous, both her family and Herrera’s are originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. Muñoz felt a strong connection with Herrera’s presentation. Herrera spoke about his father coming to Colorado at age 14 on a train from Mexico, his own experience growing up in California, and also read a few of his poems, one about the war in Darfur and another about immigrants on a bus to a detention center. “You live these stories - maybe not you as a person, but family members…”
RFHS students with Juan Felipe Herrera at his talk in Aspen on January 12. From left to right, Tavia Teitler, Fiona Laird, Juan Felipe Herrera, Fabian Rico, Joselinne Medrano, and Emily Mata.
Munõz explained. The experience was primarily coordinated by Roaring Fork High School English Teacher Carmen McCracken and made possible by the generosity of Aspen Words, who donated tickets for students. McCracken thought the fact that Herrera was the first Latino poet laureate and wrote bilingual poetry would made the experience especially relevant to many students. Both McCracken and students were impressed
Felina Cruz: Student of the Month “Despite significant hurdles, she never gives up and consistently pushes herself to do her very best. Any student who will stay after on a Friday afternoon (and every afternoon for that matter) to study and stay ahead is the kind of student, and person, who exemplifies what we would like to think is the RFHS model.” -Barbara Mason “Felina is always checking her grades and asking how she can do better. I see her after school,every day. working on homework and truly wanting to be the best she can be. “ -Cathleen McCourt “She constantly comes in for help to rework lab conclusions and other assignments that she feels aren’t quite perfect yet. She also really strives to help others learn and be successful as well.” -Hadley Hentschel
Felina Cruz, sophomore at RFHS, is the Student of the Month.
by the way that Herrera was able to bring poetry, as McCracken phrased it,“out of the mystery and out of the academia to make it accessible to everyone.” Senior Naomi Pulver admired Herrera’s ability to write poems about topics like the war in Darfur that he did not directly experience with such empathy and feeling. Herrera is a writer that, “has that really compassionate side that allows him to... put himself in other people’s shoes,” she said. Muñoz asked Herrera what inspires him to write. “We as students and we as people - he sees inspiration in us. He sees the potential we can live up up to. Everyone who wants to be someone in life will be someone in life,” Muñoz summarized. This was especially meaningful to Muñoz, who will be the first person in her family to graduate from high school in the United States and who hopes to graduate from college as well. Herrera provided listeners with poignant words, a hefty dose of humor, and insight into what he believes the true purpose of poetry should be throughout the talk. “He talked about how poetry is about giving each person a voice,” McCracken said. Pulver, a writer herself, asked Herrera whether he,“focused more on conveying a feeling or articulating a message.” He said, “...just make sure it makes sense to you...write from where you want to write,” Pulver recalled.
RFHS Upcoming Spirit Days Tuesday, February 16: Farm Day Wednesday, February 17: 80s Workout Day Thursday, February 18: Disney/Marvel Day Friday, February 19: Blue and Gold Saturday, February 20: Valentine’s Day Dance
Feature Feature
3 Rampage Ramp February February 2016 20
Lacrosse: Lacrosse: There’s There’s nothing nothing ‘lax’ ‘lax’ about about it it -Caitlin -Caitlin O’Gorman O’Gorman
Boys lacrosse, while notwhile a new sport, has beenhas growing in popularity over Boys lacrosse, not a new sport, been growing in popularity the past the couple The boysThe at Roaring Fork High School passionate pastyears. couple years. boys at Roaring Fork Highare School are passion about the sportthe and travel smallthe distance to Glenwood Springs Springs every- ever about sport andthetravel small distance to Glenwood day, practicing to play their best. Boys at RFHS been playing the for th day, practicing to play their best. Boys athave RFHS have been for playing Glenwood team forteam four years, and this and yearthis the year teamthe is welcoming a new a ne Glenwood for four years, team is welcoming coach, Goose coach,Henderson. Goose Henderson. Henderson grew up grew in New began as an 8thas an Henderson upJersey. in NewHe Jersey. Heplaying began Lacrosse playing Lacrosse grader and when hewhen reached high school, joined his school’s grader and he reached highHenderson school, Henderson joined his school’s team. His team. highHis school, highLawrenceville school, Lawrenceville BoardingBoarding School, was School, known wasasknown a as a powerhouse powerhouse in lacrosse. in lacrosse. “I got to “I play gotthere to play forthere a couple for ayears couple andyears it was and a it was great culture, great with culture, a great withgroup a great ofgroup guys,”of Henderson guys,” Henderson said. After said. high After school high sc he continued he continued to play intocollege. play in He college. started Hevarsity startedboth varsity his both Junior hisand Junior Se- and S nior yearnior at Hobart year atCollege. Hobart College. Henderson thinks that being comes a coachvery comes very naturally to Ihim. “If Henderson thinks that being a coach naturally to him. “If could liveover my life over again, then want I would want to be and a coach and a teac could live my life again, then I would to be a coach a teacher somewhere,” said Henderson. likes to connect with bothand players said Henderson. He likes He to connect with both players the and Above, 2015 girls’ lacrosse team. Below right, 2015 boys’ lacrosse Above, 2015 girls’ lacrosse team. Below right, 2015 boys’ lacrosse team. team. somewhere,” CourtesyCourtesy photos photos coach reallyanmakes anon impact on the life, not [only] with parents. parents. “A coach“A really makes impact the kid’s life,kid’s not [only] with their ability athleticbut ability with their character,” Henderson their athletic also but withalso their character,” Henderson stated. stated. Girls lacrosse Girls lacrosse has arrived hasatarrived Roaring at Roaring Fork High Fork School Highand School is here andtoisstay. here to stay. “Sports reveal your character; the opportunity “Sports reveal your character; then, youthen, haveyou thehave opportunity to build to onbuild Until thisUntil year,this girlsyear, whogirls wanted who to wanted play lacrosse to play lacrosse had to play hadon to aplay clubonteam. a club team. that character,” Henderson He explained thatare if trustworyou are trustw that character,” Henderson claimed.claimed. He explained that if you This year, This girlsyear, have girls thehave chance theto chance play representing to play representing the school theasschool it is now as it is now thy and if accept you canyour accept your mistakes and learn from them, thy and if you can mistakes and learn from them, then youthen are you a an official ansport. official Head sport. coach Head Sarah coach Klingelheber Sarah Klingelheber is excitedisfor excited the season for thetoseason to good teammate. good teammate. start. start. Each yearwith comes with improvement. “This yeargoing we are Each year comes improvement. “This year we are to going learn to learn “I am looking “I am forward looking forward to working to working with ourwith driven ourplayers drivenand players having and having about how to be disciplined while stillfun,” having fun,” Henderson about how to be disciplined while still having Henderson said. Hissaid. His some funsome working fun working alongside alongside our assistant our assistant coach, Cheslea coach, Cheslea Robson,”Robson,” said said for theare season arecoaches for the coaches and theto players to have goals forgoals the season for the and the players have fun and fun and Klingelheber. Klingelheber. She is excited She isto excited createtoa team createthat a team has that lasting hastraditions lasting traditions and a and a work hard.the “I want theto players to work not just for themselves but to wo work hard. “I want players not just forwork themselves but to work positive philosophy. positive philosophy. for theHenderson team,” Henderson hard for hard the team,” stated. stated. Klingelheber Klingelheber grew up grew playing up lacrosse playing lacrosse in the suburbs in the suburbs of Denver of in Denver the in the mid-90’s.mid-90’s. LacrosseLacrosse was still was a lesser still known a lessersport known at the sport time, at the andtime, she and likedshe liked playing itplaying because it because people didn’t people know didn’t tooknow much too about much it.about it. “I played“Ilacrosse played lacrosse because because no one else no one played elseitplayed and the it people and thethat people did that did were awesome, were awesome, and I quickly and I became quickly addicted became addicted to working to working with my with lacrosse my lacrosse stick andstick ball,” and said ball,” Klingelheber. said Klingelheber. After high After school, highshe school, played sheDivision played Division One One lacrosse lacrosse at BrownatUniversity. Brown University. With herWith experience her experience in lacrosse, in lacrosse, Klingelheber Klingelheber wanted to wanted share to hershare pas- her passion for the sionsport. for the “Lacrosse sport. “Lacrosse really is an really amazing is an amazing game rooted gameinrooted Nativein Native American American traditions, traditions, and the fact and that the fact it is that the oldest it is thesport oldest in sport Northin America North America is a testament is a testament to the depth to the ofdepth the game,” of theKlingelheber game,” Klingelheber said. Shesaid. believes She believes that that lacrosse lacrosse is a gameisof a game endless of possibilities endless possibilities and it attracts and it one attracts of the one most of the funmost fun group ofgroup peopleofshe people has ever she has met.ever met. Klingelheber Klingelheber thinks that thinks the that teamthe at RFHS team atwill RFHS helpwill shed help more shed more light on light the sport on the of sport lacrosse of lacrosse and is excited and isthat excited this that teamthis hasteam finally hasbecome finally become a reality. a“...[I]t reality. is “...[I]t time we is time deliver weadeliver high school a highlacrosse school lacrosse team to all team of the to all of the girls in RE-1 girls in who RE-1 lovewho playing love lacrosse,” playing lacrosse,” said Klingelheber. said Klingelheber.
Recognizing Recognizing Heroes, Heroes, Celebrating Celebrating Diversity Diversity -Lyndsay -Lyndsay Hansen Hansen
Congratulations Congratulations to Roaring to Roaring Fork Fork HighHigh School School Honor Honor Jazz Jazz BandBand and Choir and Choir Selected Selected Participants! Participants!
Jazz musicians Jazz musicians and singers and singers from throughout from throughout WesternWestern Colorado Colorad convened convened at Roaring at Roaring Fork High Fork School High February School February 5-6 to attend 5-6 to atten There are There manyare different many different celebrations celebrations for dif- for dif“History, “History, despite despite Jazz Aspen Jazz Snowmass’ Aspen Snowmass’ District District 8 Honor 8 Jazz Honor Festival. Jazz Festival. Two Two ferent months, but one important focus is Black ferent months, but one important focus is Black days of days rehearsal of rehearsal culminated culminated in a concert in a concert February February 6, show6, showHistory Month HistoryinMonth February. in February. Black History Black Month History Monthits wrenching its wrenching casing the casing musical the musical skills ofskills multiple of multiple RFHS students. RFHS students. was founded was founded in 1915 when in 1915 historian when historian Carter G.Carter G. GoodsonGoodson and the Association and the Association for the Study for the ofStudy of pain, cannot pain, cannot be be Negro Life Negro andLife History and from History Chicago from Chicago travelledtravelled to to Lyle Luckett Tyler Treadway Tyler Treadway Naomi Naomi Pulver Pulver unlivedunlived / But if/ But if Lyle Luckett Washington D.C. to participate in a national celWashington D.C. to participate in a national celebrationebration of the 50th anniversary of emancipation of the 50th anniversary of emancipation faced with facedcourwith cour- Liam Laird Liam LairdMarco Marco Hernandez Hernandez Carly Rosenthal Carly Rosentha and the abolition of slavery. and the abolition of slavery. Now, Black History celebrated every everyage, need Now, Black Month HistoryisMonth is celebrated age,not need not Kyle Baird Kyle Baird Portia Brown Portia Brown Jesse Campos Jesse Campos year throughout the United and year throughout theStates, UnitedCanada, States, Canada, and be lived be again” lived again” the United and is anand important remind- remindtheKingdom, United Kingdom, is an important Ezra BrownEmilyna Emilyna Johnson Johnson Cal Branigan Cal Branigan er of theer challenges African Americans have faced of the challenges African Americans have faced Maya Angelou Maya Angelou Ezra Brown and the successes and accomplishments they havethey have and the successes and accomplishments achievedachieved in the face of adversity. in the face of adversity.
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FOC
Rampage | February 2016
A Trip Down Memory Lane Will Grandbois Larry Black
Larry Black has been a lifelong ram. He graduated from RFHS in 1976 where he was part of the Class A championship football team his sophomore year and attended the state basketball tournament his junior year. Black had been attending the state tournament since he was little and it was dream come true for him to “actually get to play there instead of just watch.” After graduating from RFHS, Black spent a year working before attending Western State College in Gunnison Colorado. After four years at Western State, Black returned to Carbondale where he student taught at RFHS and then, “began coaching and waited for a teaching position to open up, which eventually happened.” Black has been a teacher and/or coach at RFHS for the past 35 year and currently teaches woodshop part time. During his years as a teacher, Black helped design the new high school and is “proud of the learning facility it has become.” Black has also, “taught hundreds and hundreds of wood shop students how to use power tools to build projects, and so far, no one has lost a single finger.” Additionally, Black has been a track and basketball coach for the Rams and “coached many incredibly successful athletes.”
Will Grandbois is now the Arts and Entertainment editor for the Post Independent but in High School he was the Editor in Chief of the Rampage. Involvement in High School did not come easily to Grandbois, but when he returned from a world traveler’s trip the summer before his junior year, he was ready to play a bigger role in his school. Grandbois was a member of the National Honors Society, student council and student court. “The biggest broad impact [of going to RFHS] was getting involved and learning to put myself out there,” Grandbois claimed. After high school, Gradbois attended Colorado University in Boulder and studied anthropology because he believed that “insight into how people work is useful in any job.” While in college, Grandbois was hired by the Sopris Sun as their web guy and eventually started taking photos and writing freelance articles fort hem. After college he returned to the valley and worked various retail jobs until a reporter position at the Post Independent became available and Grandbois got the job. Grandbois covered crime, carbondale and education until he became the entertainment editor which is the position he currently holds.
Bill Dorais Looking back on his time at RFHS, Bill Dorais especially remembers the supportive faculty, who, “...really knew me and helped me through my crazy teenage years and helped support my creative side while still preparing my academics for university,” he says. After graduating from RFHS in 1999, Dorais attended CU Boulder, where he achieved a BFA in Film. His senior thesis, a science fiction thriller on an HD camera, was the first of its kind at CU Boulder and led to a job at Nickelodeon. For two years, Dorais lived in Iceland, working on production for Nickelodeon. Following this, Dorais worked on a variety of productions, including a show for PBS Kids in New York and Speed Racer, The Mummy, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and the Smurfs in Los Angeles. Dorais currently lives in New York City with his wife and three children. “I am now the co-head of the 3D department for [The Moving Picture Company], which is one of the world’s largest and most successful visual effects companies,” he says. He also creates short animated films, and is working on a short film, “...which has to do with these funny little creatures in the woods,” he explains. To see Dorais’ short films, Google “Sunny and Steve”.
Tricia Binford Formerly Tricia Bader
Some of Tricia Binford’s most vivid memories from RFHS include winning state basketball titles three years in a row. Binford’s experiences on the state champion basketball team taught her the value of work ethic and dedication. “We were a talented team, but we were champions because of our dedication and level of commitment,” she remembers. Binford graduated from RFHS in 1991, and was recruited and played basketball at Boise State, where she majored in criminal justice. Although a double knee surgery had her considering a criminal justice carrer, she had the opportunity to play basketball in Tasmania, which marked the beginning of a career playing women’s basketball professionally. Binford played for a second season in Brisbane, and played for two years for the Utah Stars and two years for the Cleveland Rockers following that. She finished her playing career in 2002 and began coaching women’s basketball. She coached at Boise State, and then Utah State. Now she lives in Montana with her husband and two kids where she has been the head coach for women’s basketball at Montana State University for the last 11 years.
CUS
Rampage | February 2016
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This month, the Rampage takes a look back at the Rams who walked the halls before us. From the interviews below, Roaring Fork set students up for a range of futures and careers, from professional basketball to law to being a teacher at RFHS. All mentioned the preparedness they felt to begin life after high school, the stellar teachers, and the value and uniqueness of the community and friendship found at RFHS. Thank you to the alumni who made this article possible.
Caroline Cretti In high school, Caroline Cretti learned that, “...RFHS is part of a really unique community” and that the way that a group of diverse people, “come to relate to one another, and often become friends, is quite out of the ordinary.” According to Cretti, RFHS is more diverse and connected than many places. Cretti graduated from RFHS in 2002, and says that her education at Roaring Fork prepared her for the next stage of her life. She attended college in New England, and competed as a professional runner after graduating. Cretti now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, working at a local hospital as clinical psychologist. “I feel like RFHS... prepared me in many ways for all of these adventures - and feel very lucky to have been raised in Carbondale and taught at RFHS,” she says.
Tarn Udall Tarn Udall graduated from RFHS in 2004. While attending Roaring Fork, she, “learned a lot about the power of a small, tight-knit community.” She played volleyball, basketball and soccer all four years, and also ran track, Udall also has a, “...deep appreciation for talented and dedicated teachers like those I was lucky enough to learn from at RFHS.” Udall attended Colorado College, and graduated in 2008 with a political science degree. She has gone on to work for a Colorado Springs non-profit, work on Capitol Hill as a legislative staffer, and lead courses for Outward Bound. In 2015, Udall graduated from law school and is now working as an attorney in Denver. In her free time, she enjoys, “... exploring the mountains and chasing after [her] puppy,” with her fiancé.
Alex Alvarado
Erica Sparhawk
Alex Alvarado graduated from RFHS in 2011. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado, and graduated in 2015. Alvarado is now working as a paralegal for a Denver law firm. Alvarado also works on immigrant advocacy, and has worked with and led organizations such as Asociacion de Jovenes Unidos en Accion. While at Roaring Fork, Alvarado served as Head Boy, which he says put him in a position of trust and gave him the opportunity to have real world experiences. One of the biggest takeaways from RFHS was the ability to, “have relationships with people no matter what their race was.” He wants to encourage everyone in the valley to remember that the, “...world is a lot bigger than your family and friends in the valley,” and to not be scared of experiencing life outside of the Roaring Fork Valley and expanding their boundaries. “Roaring Fork is the best high school in the valley,” he added.
D u r i n g her time at RFHS Erica Sparhawk helped start R F H S ’ s girls soccer team, played b a s ke t b a l l , spent a year abroad in New Zealand and “cared a lot about the environment… and social justice issues.” Sparhawk recalls that she was encouraged to “go away from where I went to high school and come back later,” which is a strategy that seems to have served her well. When she graduated from RFHS, Sparhawk attended CSU where she majored in Political science and Economics. After college, Sparhawk spent a year and a half in South America and then returned to the United States and got a job with the Northern Plains Resource Council in Montana. It was at this job where she discovered “the impact of energy on people” and “learned to be a fundraiser and community organizer.” Sparhawk now lives in Carbondale with her husband and two children and works at Garfield Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER).
News
6 Rampage February 2016
New Changes to High School Graduation Requirements -Zoe Hanlon
Recently, the high school graduation requirements in the Roaring Fork School District have changed. These changes will be implemented starting with the class of 2018 (this year’s sophomores). The major change is the switch from a credits based system to more of a class based system. Now, the requirements are that students must take more specific classes and actually pass them. English, Math, and Science are the subjects with the largest district wide changes. Students must now pass two semesters of English III or higher, and have 30 total english credits to stay on track to graduate. English electives such as Creative Writing and Journalism do not count as part of these credits. Being able to graduate also
requires that all students must pass two semesters of Math III or higher, and have 30 math credits. The final big academic change is to Science. Students must have 30 total science credits, including two semesters of biology and two semesters of physical science or chemistry. There is room for some potential exceptions, but the details are not clear yet. The other change made is the addition of a Senior Capstone Project. The details of this project are still being worked out by the district. “It’s a project that will be turned in and presented in CREW,” said Andrea Caruso, the college counselor at RFHS. “[The] second semester of CREW would be dedicated to creating some sort of demonstration of knowledge,” said RFHS principle
Drew Adams. Further details on the capstone project will be decided soon. In terms of its effects on RFHS, no one is particularly concerned. “The biggest change is probably adding a third year of science,” said Caruso. As part of the added math requirements, certain math classes will continue to be held everyday (instead of being held every other day as most classes are) and free math tutoring will continue be provided with Wendy Boland and David Joseph after school on Wednesdays. It will be hard to know how much these changes will really affect the class of 2018 and beyond, but the Roaring Fork School District is hopeful that these changes will better prepare students for college.
Basketball Season Coming to a Close: Rams Fighting for a Strong Finish - Katie Weimer
The Roaring Fork High School girls and boys basketball teams are nearing the end of a difficult but rewarding season. According to MaxPreps, both the boys and girls teams currently have a league record of 4 wins and 5 losses. After finishing the first league game of the year, the Rams played their rival, Basalt Longhorns, in Basalt, on December 17th. The girls played a heated four quarters which then resulted in a contentious overtime match with the final score of 55-45, Rams. The Rams have faced many challenges throughout the season but have also had many successes and are still working hard to finish the season strong. Senior power forward Sergio Vega says that the hardest struggle to overcome this season has been, “Playing as a team and starting and finishing games like we know we can.” He feels that last
year the varsity team played together better, and they hustled and left everything they had on the floor. He believes that this year’s team has the ability to play to that same potential. Junior varsity player Megan Nieslanik says that what motivates her game is, “working super hard so I can play on varsity.” Nieslanik says that the game of basketball teaches you the life lessons and skills of perseverance because on the court as well as in life you have to be mentally strong through any trials and tribulations that you may face. The next league matchup that the Rams will face is on February 13th against Moffat County at home. Girls varsity will play at 4:00 and boys varsity will play after them. This will be the team’s last home game of the season as well as senior night. Come out and support the Rams!
Junior Cindy Salinas goes up for a shot during the varsity girls’s game against Gunnison. The last home game for the Rams is February 13. photo by Sue Rollyson
Bonnie Cretti, Helping Students Tackle Tests
- Edgar Reyna Every year, students across the country take tests that determine their future. This year at Roaring Fork High School, there is a new counselor to help students prepare. Bonnie Cretti, a past RFHS teacher, has been working with students in the Pre-Collegiate Program. Recently, she has also been working with students through the high school to prepare them for the ACT. She works with the students to help them navigate the specific test structure and assess a standard set of concepts. Her methods are effective because they are an accurate representation of what is on the actual exam. Test preparation also allows students to become familiar with the format, timing, and content before taking the actual exam. A large part of test prep is learning the strategies used for studying for the tests. When it comes to studying, everyone is different. Different methods work for different people. According to Cretti, the best way to remember the material is to review it right after class when the lesson is
still fresh in your memory. Find a comfortable and quiet place with good lighting and little distraction. Cretti states that, “One should never go into the test cold.” Other easy tips to apply to your studying are taking notes, taking short breaks frequently, testing yourself, and avoiding studying later than the time you usually go to sleep. Some of the strategies Cretti gives students is to, “buy a book, practice the test in the format which the test is given, take a practice test, and find one of the million websites online.” Taking the tests seriously is important in order to get the best score possible. Exams help determine what students know and do not know. Tests also allow teachers to see what needs to be taught. Cretti says, “The role of the test in any applica-
tion is always changing...Don’t let numbers stop you from achieving your full potential.”
Sports
7 Rampage February 2016
Medal, Memories for Every Season -Grace Brown Expressing school spirit and Ram pride, you will see most RFHS athletes repping their letterman jacket around town or in the halls. Originally, the jackets started as letter “sweaters” for Harvard’s Baseball team in 1865. Today, in 2016, the traditions are similar. On the left rests one’s “letter”, given to the athlete by the Athletic Director at the end of each Varsity season. On the letter, Roaring Fork’s being a yellow “RF”, is where pins, awards, and specific accomplishments are stuck. You will see students wearing variations of the same blue and yellow jacket. For some, it keeps them warm and will remind them of their highschool days. For junior, Aldo Pinela, his letter jacket is a reminder of his accomplishments. On it, he has seven letters - after this basketball and baseball season he will have nine - two Regional Participant medals, and three All Conference medals. Pinela, never missing a game even for injury, has participated in three back to back seasons for three
years of highschool an he isn’t taking a break anytime soon. Football, basketball and baseball occupy most of his free time, though he has managed to maintain a heavy course load and be involved in multiple clubs and activities. Of the three sports he participates in, basketball is his favorite game to play, due to his fond memories of playing as a little kid with his sister. “She’s still my favorite person to play with,” Pinela states. His first basketball coach in middle school, Coach Joe Markham, created a travel team and taught the team how to play basketball. “That’s where it all started for me, basically,” Pinela explains. Pinela says a lot of pride comes with being a RFHS Athlete. “It’s very special to remember seeing the high school athletes when I was little and watched the old varsity teams. It’s a blessing to be playing myself,” he says. As for his current basketball season, Aldo and the team have expressed a few goals for the
season. “Every game, we have a goal of keeping the other team under 40 points. If we can really focus on our defense, it’s possible that we can beat anybody,” he explains. For his senior year, Aldo is preparing to be a leader, knowing a lot of people will be looking out for and up to him. Aldo says he can see himself going to a Junior College or playing basketball for a D2 school, though he isn’t worried about that yet: “I’m focused on right now and being the best I can be while I’m still here.”
“Itʼs very special to remember seeing the high school athletes when I was little... Itʼs a blessing to be playing myself.” Photo by Sue Rollyson
Batter up!
Rams look forward to nothing but dingers for the upcoming Spring baseball season
-Hayden Bernot The Roaring Fork High School Boys Baseball Team has been in the rebuilding stage the last couple of years, but this year the team is starting to look up. This season’s roster will be packed with sophomores and juniors boding well both for this year and the next. A third of the team’s starters have had varsity experience for over two years. Juniors Aldo Pinela, Jake Kelley and Hayden Bernot have been playing varsity baseball since freshman year. With the help of Juniors Taylor Carney, Eduardo Yanez, and Axel Palomera whom have also all had varsity experience, the team will feature a strong group of upperclassmen. The sophomore class is also super strong in numbers and will be important in helping the team be successful. “This is the start to a solid junior season and then an even more phenomenal senior season,”
said Junior Jake Kelley when asked about the upcoming season. Hopefully this season will mark the beginning of a good team that could potentially turn into an even better team next year. With a record of 7 wins and 23 losses for the last two seasons at RFHS, the baseball team hopes to turn things around in 2016. Players on the team are positive about what this season will hold for them. “I think the season will go pretty well. We will have to work on our fundamentals and strategy of the game so we can beat some of the tougher teams, but I think [we] will be pretty good overall,” said sophomore, and team captain, Andrew Broadhurst. Head coach Marty Madsen also has big plans for the boys’ season. “My main goal is like a lot of other coaches… it’s to compete for a league championship and make the state tournament. We
could also do a little more. We have the ability and the team; we just now need to put in the work and stay focused on our goal,” Madsen commented. Madsen also believes that the team will take a turn for the better this year. “I feel the difference between this year and last is that we will have guys with more varsity experience. That was the biggest downfall last year was not having guys who have played ball at that level and that speed. Now that we have a strong junior class and upcoming sophomore class we have the talent and then numbers to do great things,” Madsen said. In addition, this season will mark the debut of RFHS’s new baseball stadium. The improved stadium can now hold many more Ram fans to cheer on the team at their games and support them throughout what will hopefully be a great baseball season.
Entertainment Heard in the Hallway By: Jake Rusby
“I think his spirit animal would be a truck…” “On a scale from one to ten, how adopted are you?”
8 Rampage February 2016
Rampage Staff Editors in Chief Grace Brown Fiona Laird
Managing Editor “I pray for mercy a lot more at school than anywhere else, church included.” “That’s not a good thing.”
Gems of the Valley - Kristin Page
If you are longing for exercise and sunshine, what could be better than going on a hike on a beautiful sunny day? Smuggler Mountain is a year round trail that is available to the public and has one of the most beautiful views of Aspen. The hike is 1.38 miles and ascends 728 feet in elevation. This trail is also dog friendly. How to get there: If you are not already in the town of Aspen, make your way up Highway 82 into town. Once in Aspen travelling down Main Street, turn left onto Mill Street. Continue on
Mill Street for a quarter of a mile, crossing the bridge and making a right turn onto Gibson. Follow Gibson for an eighth of a mile until you come to a “Y” intersection where you will keep left onto South Avenue. Shortly after, take a right onto Park Circle and continue for an eighth of a mile to the Smuggler Mountain Road on your left. There will be parking on the right. What to do: Enjoy a beautiful and moderately challenging hike with a view of Aspen and the mountains surrounding it. Bring your dog along
Photo Credit: Emily Fuller
for an adventure, strap on your helmet and mountain bike up, or buckle in and cross country ski. Stop at various viewing areas to snap a quick photo of you and your buds. Word to the wise: Pace yourself when hiking and biking. It is a long hike, so save your energy and take your time while you take in the view. Be considerate of wildlife, pets, and other hikers. Be prepared for ice, snow, and mud when adventuring in the winter and spring. Stay warm as it could get cold, and keep in mind you are in Aspen.
“She’s such a hug-slut.” “Woah! Look at that guy’s neck beard!” (makes eye contact) “Oh God, he looked right at me!”
“This is the third time this week I’ve had Frosty the Snowman stuck in my head.” “Did you do the homework?” “Haha, no.” “Ugh, did anyone do the homework?” “Hahaha, nah.” “Jeez! Why is it so cold outside recently?” “It’s winter.”
“Has anyone seen Olspliffski?”
A Valentine’s Day History: Romance Through the Ages - Carley Moravek
Whether it’s to a significant other or a close friend, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to express your feelings towards someone with chocolate and greeting cards. However, Valentine’s Day has not always meant “The Day of Love”; the origin has a much different mean-
ing. St. Valentine’s day began as a celebration of an early Christian saint named Valentinus. It was also an official feast day for the Anglican Communion and Lutheran Church, as well as a celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The first romantic association with the day started in the
Middle Ages, when lovers expressed their feelings by sending flowers and sweets. Since then, many stories have been developed to make February 14th a day of love. One of the most popular stories is of Saint Valentine, who was imprisoned for ministering to persecuted Christians. And during
his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer. Then, days before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell. Although many countries don’t recognize Valentine’s day as a holiday, The United States has come accustomed to celebrating on February 14th.
Finn Featherstone
Editorial Staff Elyssa Derby Eryn Doherty Carley Moravek Maeve O’Donnell Pax Caitlin O’Gorman Kristin Page Edgar Reyna Jake Rusby Tavia Teitler Katherine Weimer
Journalists Hayden Bernot Steele Featherstone Zoe Hanlon Lyndsay Hansen Beymar Silva
Policy Statement: Published 8 times a year, the student newspaper of Roaring Fork High School is a public forum, with its students editorial board making all decisions concerning its content. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.