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November 21, 2013
Students Volunteer Time pg. 5 Hunger Games Hype pg. 6 The Road to College pgs. 10-14 Colorado Winter Sports pg. 17 Thanksgiving debunked pg. 21
PHOTO BY JOEY FREEMAN
Volume 95 Issue 3 3400 Lambkin Way
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: (970) 488-8199
Fax: (970) 488-8008
News
2 Nov. 21, 2013
Chris Hemsworth forced to diet, become ‘rather skinny’ for new role
Spilled Ink
Finnish study: socializing with limited group of friends holds back knowledge
2013 National Toy Hall of Fame inductees rubber duck, chess
Typhoon Haiyan destroys 56K homes
AMC plans ‘Breaking Bad’ spin-off focusing on lawyer Saul Goodman 1-ton European satellite falls into Atlantic
Couple sets record at wedding with 126 bridesmaids
Inside the Ink
Colorado election results, implications Page 4
Staff creates entire Thanksgiving dinner Page 7
Standardized testing advice, strategies Page 14
Inside the Lines debates flaws of BCS Bowl Page 16
Shady motives behind NFL Breast Cancer campaign Page 20
News
A&E
In-Depth
Sports
Perspectives
Pages 2-5
Pages 6-9
Pages 10-14
Pages 15-18
Pages 19-23
Corrections Page 14- Makayla Trujillo’s name was misspelled. Page 18- Taylor White was identified as a junior, and she is a sophomore. Spilled Ink regrets these errors.
News
Spilled Ink
Nov. 21, 2013
3
Student rises above bullying Zach Stetter Staff Writer
In Brief FOR Talent Show benefits flood victims Joey Freeman Managing Editor The Friends of Rachel (FOR) will be hosting a Talent Show Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the McNeal Auditorium. “I think it’ll be really fun to see their classmates perform and as a school I think it would be great for FCHS to give back to the local community that has supported FCHS in so many ways,” FOR Club sponsor Emily Steele said. Admission is $3 and all proceeds from the Talent Show will go towards victims of the Colorado flood which started Sept. 9. Additional donations can also be made at the event. Information about the flood damage and relief efforts will be shown during intermission. The first place winner of the talent show will receive a spot in the “Stars of Tomorrow” talent show put on by the Kiwanis International club and the second place winner will win a gift card to Starbucks. Other prizes will be given to students who win in their category.
Math awareness week contests continue Thany Dykson Staff Writer Math Awareness Week wraps up tomorrow. Continuing activities include the Math Scavenger Hunt, problem-solving in the math tutor’s office, and the “Estimation Station” in the media center. The scavenger hunt challenge begins with the first clue at the door of L102. In the tutor’s office, students will find grade-level math problems to solve. And the media center offers the chance to guess how many Swedish fish are in the jar on the counter. The winner of each challenge will receive a prize. The one who makes the closest estimate of the number of fish will win the whole jar. Other prizes were donated by businesses such as Garlic Knot, Starbucks, Noodles, Carmike Theater and the Egg and I. The contests were prepared by math teacher Sara Slagle and the Mathematics Honor Society (MHS) to promote math. “During Math Awareness Week,” MHS member Emmett Pritchard said, “you should get involved with the stuff Math Honor Society sets up because it is rewarding.”
Innovation Challenge applications due Nov. 22
Bullying has affected the lives of many students, both in and out of school life. Whether it is physical or verbal, it always hurts and brings people down. As a growing concern in schools, it is no surprise that FCHS students have been affected. A life changed by bullying is the life of senior Taylor Merritt. Her latest experience happened as recently as last year, when she was choked out on a bus. According to Merritt, she was sitting on the bus when a girl in front of her wanted to talk to another girl behind Merritt. When Merritt refused to move her backpack, which was sitting beside her, the other girl became violent. “She started saying foul language and crawling onto the seat,” Merritt said. “When I tried to push her away from me, because she was literally a few inches away from me, she grabbed me, threw me onto the other seat, got on top of me, and choked me until I literally passed out. “ When she did wake from unconsciousness, Merritt discovered that the long-lasting injuries did not just include the mental shock of being choked by another person. Even though she now has an extreme fear of people’s hands near her neck, there was something much more shocking that she discovered, just because she didn’t want to move her bag. “Now I have to spend twice as much time studying because it killed off a bunch of my brain
cells,” Merritt said. “It has actually impaired my memory quite a bit.” Merritt has had to deal with bullies throughout her life, although some in elementary school evoke different kinds of memories for her. They may still have picked on her and teased her, but they affected her differently than in high school. “When I was in fourth grade, I had two bullies named Seth and
Jordan. They picked on me every day. I used to be a very quiet kid, and I only used to be talkative with my family,” Merritt said. “Then one day, they took my backpack and threw it up into a tree. I was at my last straw, and I yelled at them to get it down. From that point on, they didn’t bother me as much. After that, I was able to talk and voice my opinions. I was able to be me.”
New Teacher Q&As Why are you a counselor? When I was in high school, I went through anxiety and depression for about three years and I just jumped over a lot of hurdles with it. There’s always been that part of me that wanted to go back and help the me of high school.
What’s the best part of being a counselor? I love working with the kids that have cool personalities and spunk in general. I think that’s amazing. Brett Fedor Counselor
Sarah Bales Staff Writer Applications for the first annual Innovation Challenge: FCHS Shark Tank Edition are due tomorrow. Students in Northern Colorado ages 13-18 who would like to compete in the challenge on Dec. 14 should email a PDF of the application to FCHSChallenge@yahoo.com. During the Innovation Challenge, based on the television show Shark Tank, students will explain their innovative project through a presentation to a panel of judges. Participating students will prepare a 5-15 minute presentation in one of three categories: a new invention, finding a new use for a common everyday item, or an entrepreneurial project. The first place winner will receive $1,000, and the second place winner will receive $500. The competition, which takes place on Dec. 14 from 1-4 p.m. is free to watch but a $5 donation will be requested at the door.
Moving on from a past experience with bullies, senior Taylor Merritt now focuses on being herself. PHOTO BY ZACH STETTER
How do you like FCHS so far? There are days that I still have to pinch myself that I’m still here, and I truly mean that.
Why are you a counselor? I’ve always been interested in social, emotional areas and mental health. And for me, helping young people in meaningful ways is important.
What’s the best part of being a counselor? I think for me it’s the spectrum of emotion. I love seeing people laugh, and I also can appreciate the other end of that spectrum as well—when people are going through really hard things. I think that in order to be a person of depth you need to experience that spectrum, and to get to be a part of that and experience that in someone else’s life is incredible. Ted Brugman Counselor
How do you like FCHS so far? I love it. I love the community and in truth I’ve felt incredibly welcomed here and that’s been awesome.
News
4 Nov. 21, 2013
Spilled Ink
Statewide Voter Turnout
Statewide and local ballot initiatives
Amendment 66 Proposed an income tax increase to fund public school education.
Proposition AA
Issue 2A Placed a five year ban on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in Fort Collins.
Proposed an additional 25% tax on marijuana sales in Colorado.
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Approved 56%-43%
Defeated 64%-35%
Approved 65%-35%
Impact
Impact
Impact
Colorado schools will continue to face budget cuts while residents won’t pay new higher income taxes. The defeat of the amendment came as a blow to Democrats, including Gov. John Hickenlooper, who campaigned hard for its passage.
The state now has a framework for taxing recreational marijuana sales. The money raised through the new tax will go toward school construction and will also fund public awareness programs and regulation pertaining to marijuana.
All hydraulic fracturing operations within Fort Collins city limits will now be banned for five years. The ban is a key victory for grassroots activists who were outspent by a 39:1 ratio by oil and gas companies.
Dangerous winter road conditions require awareness Evan Bode Staff Writer The slick, icy roads of winter present a formidable challenge for any driver, especially teens who are experiencing these dangerous conditions for the first time. However, a variety of tips can help new drivers stay safe. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor categorizes safety tips into three main components, known as the Three Ps of Safe Winter Driving: Preparing for the trip, Protecting yourself, and Preventing crashes on the road. Knowing and abiding by these specific guidelines can help to ensure a safer driving experience during the winter season. One thing to keep in mind when going out for a winter drive is being prepared for the trip. Since bad road conditions require slower driving, allow extra time by planning ahead and leaving early. Remember to be familiar with the route before leaving; getting lost or being preoccupied with figuring out where to go can threaten driver safety, particularly with the added complication of snow or ice. Another aspect of preparation is vehicle maintenance. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends that every driver “check battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers, keep your windows clear, put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir, and check your antifreeze.” Furthermore, proper
graphic by hannah mechtenberg
supplies drivers should keep inside their cars include a scraper, jumper cables, a shovel, a flashlight, blankets, warning devices (such as flares), and anything else that might prove useful for protection in a winter emergency.
Adequate protection involves heeding the recommended steps to stay safe on winter roads. This includes a decrease in speed and driving free of distractions. “In the winter time, one thing you need to do is slow down considerably
and let the guy in front of you have plenty of room,” School Resource Officer Trevor Smotherman said. “Keep your music in your car at a low volume so you can pay attention to what’s going on around you.” Smotherman also advised keeping headlights on in snowy conditions, having tires with good traction, and always wearing a seatbelt. A third aspect of winter driving safety, knowing how to prevent crashes, involves developing the driving skills needed to handle situations that may arise. MasterDrive, a local driver training organization, has several guidelines for this that can help drivers avoid accidents. According to MasterDrive, “since traction is limited, the driver needs to apply power gradually and gently... smoothness is the key.” MasterDrive also recommends this gradual technique of acceleration for getting unstuck from deep snow. Be sure to avoid fast, jerking movements in any winter driving situation, as this will only lead to problems such as skidding. If the driver does get into a skid, the best way to regain control is by looking and steering in the desired direction of travel. Always stay calm; panicking often limits ability to respond. Also, drivers should become familiar with their cars’ braking systems and the most effective way to slow down. For hands-on practice with safe winter driving, consider signing up for a winter driving course.
Spilled Ink
News
Nov. 21, 2013
PaCE buddies
5
Why did you decide to do PaCE Buddies? I love working with little kids and I felt like this was a good opportunity for me to be an active participant in my society!
Why did you pick that group of people to work with? Emma Houdesheldt Sophomore
I remember absolutely loving being in second grade. Also, second grade is old enough for the kids to be able to understand jokes and really develop lasting relationships.
What has being a Buddy taught you? Being a Buddy has taught me the importance of my influence on people, especially people younger than you. She picks up on the tiniest of things and it’s important to be a good influence on her.
What’s your favorite part of being a Buddy? I love her trusting attitude and willingness to please. I have grown so close to her in these couple months.
Helping her Buddy, second-grader Seriah, with her math mates, sophomore Emma Houdesheldt explains time zones and budgets during her weekly visit to help elementary school students with schoolwork. PHOTOS BY JOEY FREEMAN
Why did you decide to do PaCE Buddies? It sounded like a great way to get involved in the community and gain experience in working with kids. Plus it gives school credit.
How old are the kids you work with? I work with two kids; Gabriel is in first grade and Hunter is in third grade. Jayson Wild Junior
What’s your favorite part of being a Buddy? It’s awesome seeing them improve on reading and see how they think through things.
What has being a Buddy taught you? They’ve taught me more about how to work with kids specifically and negotiating.
What’s the hardest part of being a Buddy? Playing with blocks, junior Jayson Wild works with third grader Hunter at Bacon Elementary. PHOTOS BY JOEY FREEMAN
My first grader starts just guessing random words when he can’t sound a word out and I don’t want to just tell him the word but I have to work through it with him even though it’s such a simple task.
Q & A by Jordan Leone
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A&E
6 Nov. 21, 2013
Spilled Ink
Tonight’s premiere sparks Hunger Games hype Test your Hunger Games Movie knowledge 1. Where does Katniss get her famous Mockingjay pin? A. From Gale C. From her sister B. From a market D. Mockingjay… I feel like I should know what that is…
Jake Leininger
Sophomore
Junior
Are you planning to go to the Hunger Games: Catching Fire premiere? Yes.
Are you planning to go to the Hunger Games: Catching Fire premiere? No. Are you planning to see the movie after it premieres? Eventually, I’m sure. Why aren’t you going to the premiere? I’m not that interested in the story. I didn’t ready any of the books. It seems exciting. It just doesn’t interest me.
Why are you going to the premiere? Because I really love the books and I’m hoping it’s better than the first movie because it wasn’t as good as it could’ve been.
36.5 million Hunger Games Books sold
99,750 word count of the first Hunger Games book
3. Which district is Rue from? A. 11 C. Colombia! B. 3 D. 6 4. Where is the capitol of Panem located in our own geographic terms? A. New York C. Kansas B. The Rocky Mountains D. Panem? Don’t you mean Panera? 5. How did Katniss’s father die? A. In a mining accident C. Murdered by the Peacekeepers B. Of starvation D. Cancer Quiz compiled by Gretchen Adams Answers: 1. B, 2. C, 3. A, 4. B, 5. A
Jasmine Hedgepeth
2. What color is Caesar Flickerman’s hair? A. Pink C. Blue B. Orange D. Blonde
$155
million, the box office opening gross of the first movie
26
number of languages the books have been translated into
Information gathered by Andrew Smalley Source: Entertainment Weekly, Box Office Mojo
Social networking app lets teens insult, hide behind anonymity
Jamie Tafoya & Jordan Leone Columnists
Though it’s not common to invite comments like “I don’t like you you’re just annoying,” “quit being such a slut,” and “you’re ugly,” with Ask.fm, that’s basically the result. Ask.fm, a new version of social networking, encourages people to submit questions and comments to each other with the option of anonymity. It tends to elicit immature and malicious behavior, rather than admiring praise, because of the illusion that there are no repercussions. The option to remain nameless provides an interesting twist on traditional aspects of social networking. At our age, finding out what that kid in your Spanish class did last weekend is viewed as necessary information. Social networking makes our classmates’ scandals easy to find out, and with Ask.fm, we can satisfy our guilty pleasures without fear of judgment. Even though Ask.fm provides users with the option to tie their name to their question, the anonymous option becomes most attractive when we are on the search for the truth. The reality is that we all want to know what our friends and classmates truly feel about us. However, we tend to forget that honesty isn’t guaranteed, and answers online have the same, and sometimes less, credibility as answers in person. Being able to hide behind both distance and
anonymity allows people to say things they wouldn’t otherwise consider voicing the old fashioned way. As much as we’d like to believe in the honor of people, sometimes we’re disappointed. In the case of Ask.fm, morals tend not to be a top priority. Sometimes, the submissions on Ask.fm aren’t curiosities or compliments; they’re just insulting. At its most extreme, Ask.fm has even been linked to multiple suicides within the last three years. These tragic losses can be attributed to the aggressive and vindictive nature of the questions that can be asked without repercussions. Although the spokesmen for Ask.fm claim the app has user-operated reporting and anti-cyberbullying features, the site has become a means of anonymous ridicule. We can’t blame the app for the terrible things that are said, but the fact that the anonymous content is not monitored at all makes for a dangerous virtual playground. Another unsettling flaw of the app is the fact that even those without an account are able to ask questions and view other’s profiles. Even more concerning is that blocked accounts can still access the content on each profile. Without the ability to increase privacy settings, high school students are left vulnerable, and their information is public. Knowing how people feel and what they do when you aren’t around is attractive; however, it may be better to wonder than risk giving others the opportunity to open up your Ask to anonymous hate mail. Despite the fact the app was created with good intentions and it obviously appeals to a large number of people with 65 million users world-wide, the way it has been constructed and used reflects society’s growing lack of moral boundaries, and tends to elicit more negative behavior than positive.
Allowing people an anonymous way to insult others, Ask.fm has become a new form of cyber-bullying. PHOTO COURTESY OF ASK.FM
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A&E
Nov. 21, 2013
7
Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Garlic Ingredients: 6 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces 2 tsp. salt, plus more, to taste 3/4 lb. bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3 1/2 cups half-and-half 2 Tbs. roasted garlic puree Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Joey Freeman
Managing Editor
Typically, mashed potatoes are just a side dish to the main course of turkey or ham, but these mashed potatoes are different. Instead of standing aside and letting the meat be the hero of the meal, these heavenly spuds demand their own spotlight. With just the traditional mix of potatoes, butter, and milk, these could be sub-par (if that), but because the recipe calls for a spiced garlic puree and ever-delicious bacon chunks, these potatoes shove all other side dishes to the side.
Directions: Put the potatoes and the 2 tsp. salt in a large stockpot and add water to cover the potatoes by 3 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well in a colander. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp and browned, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour the bacon fat into a small bowl and reserve, if desired, for adding to the mashed potatoes. Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the half-andhalf. Heat, stirring to scrape up the browned bits, until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Remove from the heat. Set a potato ricer over the pot and pass the potatoes through in batches. Alternatively, return the potatoes to the pot and mash them with a potato masher. Gradually add the half-and-half, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Fold in the bacon, the roasted garlic puree and up to 2 Tbs. of the reserved bacon fat, if using. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and serve immediately. Serves 12. Recipe Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
Apple Pie Ingredients: 6 cups of peeled, cored and thinly sliced apples 1/2 to 3/4 cups of sugar 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour Directions: Mix ingredients for filling, adding flavoring if desired. Transfer to a pastry lined 9-inch pie plate. Cut slits in top of crust. Adjust top crust. Seal and flute the edge. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Cover the edge with foil.
Bake in 375 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 20-15- minutes more or till the top is golden and fruit is tender. Serves 8.
Elizabeth Bridgwater
Flavoring: Add the following to filling with the flour: 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon on peel 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice or ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg OR 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Perspectives Editor
For an all-American meal, an allAmerican dessert to top off the course seems just right. This particular apple pie is delectable. After breaking through a flaky crust and a shimmering layer of melted sugar, one discovers soft baked apples lying in wait. While fulfilling the requirements of any homey food—being warm, classic, and addictive—this pie also provides a sugary and sweet apple treat.
Recipe Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens
Turkey Gravy Ingredients: Extra juices from the baked turkey 1/4 cup flour 1 cup water Salt Pepper
Sarah Bales A&E Editor
Thick, rich gravy flows over the mashed potatoes and turkey adding the delicious flavor of warm, liquid turkey to the dishes. This gravy is very pleasant and provides a creamy, peppery addition to the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It was especially enjoyable when we made it on this occasion because it added moisture to the dried out, overcooked turkey and enhanced the flavor.
Directions: Use a turkey baster to soak up the juice from the bottom of the turkey pan. Put the juice into a separate pan. Mix together water and flour. After straining the water and flour mix, add it to the turkey juice . Stir. Simmer until the mixture becomes thicker. Add salt and pepper to taste. Recipe Courtesy of Laura Bales
PHOTOS BY SPILLED INK STAFF
8
A&E
Nov. 21, 2013
Spilled Ink
Fri. Nov. 22 Rocky Mountain Band Festival with Symphonic Band, 12:15 p.m. Rocky Mountain H.S. Mon. - Fri., Dec. 2- 6 All-State Band Auditions, Times vary Poudre H.S.
Tues. Dec. 3 Instrumental Concert with Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m. McNeal Auditorium
Thurs. Dec. 5 Instrumental Concert with Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Concert Orchestra and Sinfonietta Orchestra, 7 p.m. McNeal Auditorium
Tues. Dec. 10 Holiday Gift Concert, All Choirs, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Jingle Winds, and Jazz Band, 7 p.m. McNeal Auditorium
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG
Electronic music concept on rise
Jason Stroh Columnist
Thurs - Sat., Dec.12-14 Tower Theatre Presents, The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, 7 p.m. Black Box mini-theatre
Mon. December 16 Chamber Concert, 7 p.m. FCHS Band Room
Music, once simply a combination of the sounds of instruments, usually coupled with the human voice has always changed with time. New forms of music have risen in the last century, but the most unique among them, and what I shall focus on today, is electronic music. Electronic music tends to make use of not only the traditional instruments and the human voice, but also “unorthodox” tools such as the synthesizer. Electronic music used to be a joke,
an underground hipster fad that no one really took seriously or gave any credit to (like John Mayer), However, with the spearheading rise of French electronic duo Daft Punk, as well as dubstep artist Skrillex, with a total of eight Grammys between them, the genre has garnered a large following. Yes, the dub-wub-wubs have found their place in society. They can make for hardcore work-out music, the background music for any action film, and, I even heard Jay Gatsby was a fan. But even with all the fans, the question remains, is it actually music? Yes. The answer is yes. You will hear traditional instrument aficionados arguing its lack of merit, but electronic music is, by definition, still music— after all, it does have music in its name. As Giorgio Moroder said in Daft Punk’s “Giorgio by Moroder” with regards to electronic music, “Once you free your mind about the concept
of harmony and music being correct, you can do whatever you want. So, nobody told me what to do, and there was no preconception of what to do.” Then there is the idea of live electronic concerts. I mean, how can one to two people produce refined electronic music in front of an audience, at the speed required to keep a crowd entertained and not rioting or demanding their money back? Are they just that good with their synthesizers and mixers? Or do they have their music pre-recorded like 90 percent of other popular live performers? I surely hope not. I do hope, however, that these musicians create music. As long as an artist has passion for his craft, and creates what he believes is beautiful, others, regardless of what instrument or genre he chooses, will find it beautiful too. Art is art, and music is music, regardless of means.
Film creates beauty among chaos Gretchen Adams Columnist
I thought I knew what to expect, because I’d read the book—but, as always, Stanley Kubrick said, “Nope!” and I liked it anyway. I’m not talking about “The Shining,” I’m not talking about “Lolita”; I’m talking about “A Clockwork Orange,” one of the most controversial films of the 1970s that is still looked down upon by parents today. So, before I go any further, I have some tips: 1) Nudity and violence abound 2) This movie is not for the faint
of heart, and 3) Don’t watch it with your parents unless they’re really, really cool. All that being said, it’s great, albeit very strange. As the film’s main character, the vicious Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell), might put it, it was a real horrorshow film, O my brothers. Kubrick includes just enough Nadsat (a slang-language formed by combining Russian with rhyming syllables) to keep the audience interested, but not confuse us. No, the most confusing thing about this movie is not the Nadsat; it’s everything else. I don’t mean this in like a bad way, droogs, in fact, just the opposite; this two-hour barrage of weirdness delighted and disturbed me thoroughly. In short, it’s about a teen named Alex and his friends. But rather than pass their time by skateboarding, they take joy in wrecking, robbing and otherwise wreaking havoc on a futuristic,
totalitarian London. When Alex is finally nabbed by the police and imprisoned, he volunteers for an experimental rehabilitation program that will drastically reduce his sentence. I can’t say any more without spoilers, but if you know anything about dystopia, you must be able to guess it doesn’t go too well. There are often cut-shots into Alex’s head, in which we see volcanoes exploding and people screaming and other freaky things, all set to the lovely lovely music of Ludwig Van Beethoven, which fuels Alex’s vicious nature. No reason is given for all the violent acts he commits, which, during the course of the film, include several savage beatings, the assault of three women, and a violent murder with a large penis figurine. The constant violence-fueled sexual tension is embodied brilliantly by Malcolm McDowell, who can induce both
shivers and laughs with a single sentence. The film’s over-the-top, vibrant acting, even portrayed by the minor characters, plays beautifully against shining sets and crazy costumes; Kubrick has proven himself to be a true master of the aesthetic. However, all the beauty does not excuse the horrible things that happen, at the hands of both Alex and the state. The crazy loveliness comes in sharp contrast to a dark theme: morality has to be chosen, and that without choice, one cannot truly be good. But, the film dares ask, what if your choice is to be bad? Honestly, I can’t think of anything I don’t like about “A Clockwork Orange.” Its otherworldly insanity shocked me into having very real thoughts about the very real world. I think Alex puts it best when he says: “The colors of the real world only become real when you viddy them in a film.”
A&E
Spilled Ink
Nov 21, 2013
9
Is it a lot of commitment being in three bands? Not so much because I just practice on my own. The only bad thing is marching band, but that’s a different subject… How long have you played the saxophone? I’d say five years. Do you play any other instruments? I guess you can count clarinet and piano. So, yes. What’s your favorite thing about playing the saxophone? Well, it’s the most iconic instrument, of the jazz world at least. Who doesn’t love a saxophone? Who are your influences and inspirations as a musician? John Coltrane, Wynton Marsalis, and Joshua Redman. If you can remember, what’s the coolest piece of music you’ve ever played? Well, this little combo that I have—we did this little rendition of “Well You Needn’t” by Thelonious Monk and that kinda got the crowd really riled up. We got a bunch of tips after playing that. What does music mean to you? I’m gonna sound cliché, but just having fun and making everyone enjoy it at the same time. Q&A by Gretchen Adams
With five years of experience on the saxophone, Coburn enjoys entertaining himself and audiences with music. PHOTOS BY GRETCHEN ADAMS AND LEAH JOHNSON
Lambkins sport cold weather fashion “I wear what I wear because fashion is a big thing in my life, and I like for people to see my personality in what I wear.”
“I just felt like a sexy badass that morning.” —Cameron Utter, Junior
—Stefan Nguyen, Freshman
“It’s all about layers.”
“I just picked a random jacket because it looked cold outside.” —Catherine Barisas, Sophomore
“I like looking professional. Either I have a slob day or I look like this, classy. Classy’s the name of the game. —Olivia Sponsler, Senior
—Kimber Freestone Hoven, Sophomore
PHOTOS BY ZACH STETTER AND JOEY FREEMAN
In-Depth
10 Nov. 21, 2013
Spilled Ink
Editor’s Note: Path toward college just around corner Jamie Tafoya In-Depth Editor Some savor high school. Some can’t wait to move on with their lives. Reality is that FCHS is preparing students for a common student aspiration, college. As many college deadlines approach, post-secondary material is most significant now through March. Look for a graphic of a road sign stating “College Ahead” to signify college information throughout the In-Depth section. Despite some student desires to put it all off, college
is closer than most would like to admit and the time to start planning for the future is now, no matter what grade. Featured on page 10, students from the AVID program pursue their ambitions to be the first in their family to attend college. Social studies teacher Jessica McGregor had the opportunity to aid some students in achieving their dreams when she formally worked as a CU college admissions officer. On page 11 McGregor offers insight into the admissions process. Also on page 11, a checklist for each grade helps ensure that students are on track to graduate and attend a post-secondary school.
Detailed descriptions of both college entrance exams, the SAT and ACT, are showcased on page 14. The stories are separated by a timeline with important dates and tasks to complete before college. “The Road to College” becomes a literal image on the centerfold. A virtual college campus illustrates the necessary information to be successful as students begin the college selection process. Highlighted material includes college visits, scholarships, athletics recruiting, letters of recommendation, Naviance, the common application, and how AP credit transfers as students move forward in their lives.
Driven by family and other role models, freshmen Rosa Ramierez, Julio Chavarria, and Rocio Aceves hope to be the first generation in their families to attend college. PHOTO BY JOEY FREEMAN
Students motivated by hopes of college education Lauren Sluss
Guest Writer
With a total of approximately 19.7 currently enrolled college students in the United States, only around 50 percent of them had parents who graduated from college. The other half are first generation students, the first in their family to attend college. These first generation students are striving to take control of their future, despite their parents not attending college themselves. For FCHS alumna Haley McCleskey, being the first in her family to graduate college has impacted herself and her family. “Being the first one to graduate was a huge thing for my parents. They have always wanted us to do something with ourselves and our lives,” McCleskey said. Both McCleskey’s brother and sister went to college for a few years and then dropped out. Although her parents did not attend college themselves, they were behind her one hundred percent in her college adventure. “When I graduated, my whole family was excited for me,” McCleskey
explained. “My mom cried and they are so happy I did it. It was the best feeling I have had in my entire life bar none.” While McCleskey’s parents not going to college inspired her to go for herself, 2013 graduate Lindsay Morris parents not attending college had little effect on her college career. “I always knew I wanted to go,” Morris said. “It has always been expected of me. My dad has always told me when I was growing up that I would be going to college. He never got the chance because his parents couldn’t afford it so he definitely wanted that opportunity.” Both Morris’ and McCleskey’s lives have been dramatically altered because of their college experience. McCleskey graduated from CSU with a Human Development and Family Studies degree which she uses to teach preschool, and she is currently working towards her license to teach kindergarten. Morris is currently in her freshman year at CSU with an undetermined major, but she is thinking of majoring
in
Theatre or Communication. Both of them recommend college to other students who will be the first in their family to attend. “Go. If you aren’t sure, maybe go to a community college but it will make a huge difference in your life,” McCleskey said. While certain high school graduates have already accomplished the goal of being the first in their family to attend college, other FCHS students are planning to be the first generation. Several students’ families were the driving force behind their decision to go to college. Rosa Ramirez’s parents majorly impacted her decision. “My family wants me to go to college because they want me to work hard,” Ramirez said. While parents have impacted Ramirez, freshman Rocio Aceves’ inspiration comes from her siblings. Aceves’ older sister Emely, a current senior, is the very first member of her family who plans to attend college next year. “Emely works hard in everything she does,” Aceves said. “She inspires me to do well.”
Other students have unique role models outside of their family. Julio Chavarria’s inspiration comes from famous soccer players. “I know that several soccer players were poor, and they overcame their troubles to become famous,” Chavarria said. Chavarria looks to these soccer players as motivation for overcoming his own troubles and attending college. Although these students had different reasoning behind their decision to be the first generation in their family to attend college, most of them already have a clear idea of their future. “I want to own my own car business when I’m older, so I think a college in Indiana would be good for me,” Chavarria said. While Indiana is Chavirra’s dream, Ramirez is looking to different countries for college opportunities. “I want to go to college somewhere in Mexico and study cosmetics,” she said. Although their family members have not attended college before them, these determined students are not going to let that stop them when planning for their future.
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Nov. 21, 2013 11 In-Depth Cracking College Curiosity
Spilled Ink
Q A
What are some of the specific things that colleges look for in admissions?
AND
Jessica McGregor Social Studies Teacher
Editor’s Note: Before her teaching profession, McGregor was a college admissions officer at CU Boulder.
Were transcripts the most important thing you looked at? For the most part, yes. It wasn’t that the transcript totally decided admission status, but college is school and the most important thing that we could use to predict if you are going to be successful in college is if you were successful in high school. That is the best prediction we have to go off of.
“
Starting early gives students enough time to really examine their options, choose schools that are a best fit and get through application season without feeling overwhelmed. Jessica McGregor
For us, the most important was the high school transcript. It was always what we looked at first. We also looked at the essays, letters of recommendation, all of that, but the transcript was always the first.
What can students do to stand out to an admissions officer? I think a lot of students just think that it is your typical five paragraph, generic essay. For me, when I worked there for one year, I read two thousand applications and each had two essays. I read four thousand essays and they all begin to sound a lot alike. Students need to try and stand out somehow and be creative.
What is your best overall advice? Is there anything you think is overlooked by students during college admission?
”
It depends on the student. I would have some students who had really good transcripts and they would just blow off the essay. They didn’t think it was important because they had good grades, which was frustrating from the admission staff’s point of view.
Take your time and research schools. I think it is important to do your research and see what schools are actually good fits. I think you should visit schools once you get your list down. Starting early gives students enough time to really examine their options, choose schools that are a best fit, and get through application season without feeling overwhelmed. Q&A by Zach Stetter
Stay on Track Yearly checklists enable early preparation for students’ post-secondary education
Seniors
Sophomores A
Freshmen A
Become familiar with Naviance’s features for post-secondary options.
B
Consider volunteer work or an extra-curricular activity.
C
Read as much as you can! Any kind of reading is helpful as you prepare to fill out job applications, interview, and take college admissions tests.
D
Be sure that your grades are an accurate reflection of your ability.
E
Schedule a 10-minute appointment to introduce yourself to your counselor. Getting to know him/her now will really help you in the future.
B
C
Meet with your counselor to re-introduce yourself and make sure you are on track for graduation. Explore Naviance’s personality profiles, career options, and detailed college information. Keep up with your grades, activities, work experience, and volunteer experience.
D
Visit a nearby college and take a tour.
E
Get more involved in extra-curricular activities. Colleges and employers look for those who have diverse interests and experiences.
Juniors A
Meet with your counselor to make sure you are on track for high school graduation.
B
Take the practice ACT and SAT so you are comfortable with the test formats.
C
Meet with college representatives who visit FCHS.
D
If you are an athlete, artist, or musician looking for scholarship opportunities, begin working with teachers, mentors, and coaches to put together a portfolio and/or tapes.
E
If you plan to apply to a military academy, meet with your counselor to get in contact with recruiters.
A
Continue to meet with college representatives who visit FCHS.
B
Sign up for early testing for the ACT or SAT if you want to try to improve your scores.
C
Meet with your counselor to review graduation requirements and complete a Senior Meeting Survey.
D
Visit campuses that you are most interested in. Begin to narrow down to 3 or 4 colleges that best meet your needs.
E
Ask one or two teachers and your counselor for letters of recommendation. Plan ahead to give them at least two weeks notice. Information gathered by Jamie Tafoya
12 Nov. 21, 2013
In-Depth
Spilled Ink
On the Road College Visits
Scholarships Many different scholarships require many different qualifications, so scholarships, like colleges, require extensive research to find a seamless match. The student resource center provides ways to view scholarship options. One way is to go to the school web site and click on the “students” tab at the top. On the right hand side under “student services” is a scholarship link. That page post links to multiple scholarships with descriptions of qualifying characteristics. Another way to look at scholarship options is to log on to Naviance and click on the “colleges” tab. Under the “scholarship” tab a link for “scholarship match” provides a list of scholarships that fit a student’s personal qualifications. Another link gives the option to get a list of all scholarships offered. Also, online resources such as College Board allow students to report what they are looking for in a college, their current income, and many other options to make selecting the perfect college less of a challenge. This information can help narrow down the long list of scholarships.
The defining characteristics of a college campus ca understood by talking with students, visiting facilities, questions of professors who contribute pivotal insigh brochure can match. One determining aspect of the college selection p physically visiting prospective campuses. While techn virtual tours, none of these can compare to personal touring colleges. By calling the college admissions office, students c the school through special visitor’s days or events. Vis be scheduled by contacting the admissions office or individual college’s schedule for tours and visit dates. During the visit, asking students and teachers que the library and housing, as well as sitting in on classe potential students with a feel for the area, as well as h envision themselves living there.
Navian
Naviance is a tool compressor, a progra school and college p place. For underclass for future high schoo college. For seniors, it and apply to schools. place through which recommendation. Na with the Common Ap share information be
Common Application The Common Application is an online tool that condenses and simplifies college applications. For many schools, it is an option for applying. At some colleges and universities, it is the sole method of application to the school. It does cost money to apply, but no more than any other application. The Common Application can be found at commonapp.org.
723,576
applicants last year
517
3.05
million applications submitted
member schools
Source: The Common App
Information gathered by Jason Stroh, Amanda Evans, and Jamie Tafoya
Lette
Most c applica get into studen The firs the two proces Second letters o recomm level. A though Finally, inform Navian
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In-Depth
Nov. 21, 2013
13
d to College
an only be fully and asking ht that no
process is nology offers experience
can learn about sits can also looking at the . estions, touring es can provide help them to
AP Credit Transferring After dozens upon dozens of rigorous hours in AP-level classes, there is a reward at the end of the journey. Many colleges offer credit to those students who take AP Examinations and receive adequate scores. A three on an AP exam can get credit at most schools, but some expect higher scores for credit. A four on an AP exam will usually net a class worth of credit. A five, the best score one can get, will receive one to two classes worth of college credit in all schools that offer credit for higher scores. For specifics on how much credit is awarded to what score at what school, check the College Board website, or the website of the school in question.
14.4%
of AP test takers received a score of 5
19.5%
received a score of 4
23.6% received a score of 3 21.1% received a score of 2
21.4% received a score of 1
Source:College Board
nce
that serves as a am to keep both high plans together in one smen, it helps to plan ol classes and plan for t is a way to help find . Naviance is also a h FCHS submits letters of aviance may be linked pplication in order to etween the two.
ers of Recommendation
colleges look at letters of recommendation when viewing a student’s ation. Having good letters of recommendation can help students o their top-choice colleges. The counseling office has forms to guide nts through the process of requesting letters. st step would be to go to the student resource center and pick up o page packet for letters of recommendation. This packet explains the ss for asking teachers to write the letters. dly, fill out the packet and ask the two teachers selected to write the of recommendations. Students are asked not to exceed two letters of mendation and to ask teachers that know them on a more personal Asking two weeks in advance will allow teachers time to gather their hts and produce better letters. , after the letters of recommendations are finished, students should m Eileen Hostetter in the career center. She will update the letters to nce and make them available to colleges.
Athletic Recruitment For student athletes who wish to play in college, college recruiters bring light to talent. Recruiters can first approach students during their sophomore year. They look for students who are not only skilled in athletics but are also dedicated to academics. Athletes interested in continuing their sports in college should prepare an athletic resume. This would cover all sports teams the athlete has participated in, both club and school teams. Opening online accounts such as Captain U and posting online resumes will help the coaches gain easier access to athletes. One of the best ways for athletes to receive attention is to compile film of their on-field or on-court play. Try to get key film of key moments as well as whole game films. This shows some high moments and the athlete’s stamina. Providing this information for coaches is just as important as the athletes gathering information for themselves. Determining colleges that may interest the athlete and provide other opportunities requires research. After finding a few colleges, contact the coaches and the school to set up meetings. If the school is having an ID camp, it is in the athletes’ best interest to go and exhibit their skills. An ID camp is time when a large group of athletes get the chance to travel to the college, view the campus, and play their particular sport in front of the coaches.
In-Depth
14 Nov. 21, 2013
Spilled Ink
ACT
Cheat Sheet
Evan Bode Staff Writer
Answer every question.
-You’ll have a little less than 30 seconds to answer each question.
Don’t second-guess. -Don’t go back and change your answer unless you’ve found information to disprove your original theory.
Cross-check ovals. -Every five questions or so, check your answer sheet to make sure you haven’t missed a question.
Information gathered by Jamie Tafoya Source: testprep.about.com
t’s ne
ry fo
Apply for a Financial Aid PIN on the department of Education website: www.pin. ed.gov. It is used to access the online FAFSA.
er emb
r pos
Apply for any and all scholarships for which you might qualify.
Dec
Nov
emb
er
Ask two or three people to complete letters of recommendation.
cessa
t-sec
Check with your college or program to be sure you have completed all scholarship paperwork with them.
SAT
onda
Attend College Goal Sunday: Feb. 9, 2014.
Janu ary
Wha
ry?
ch
Pace yourself.
Complete your FAFSA form by the middle of February.
Evan Bode
Mar
-Physically cross off that answer to increase your odds of guessing correctly.
The ACT, founded in 1959, is considered a content-based test. Questions are usually phrased in a straightforward way, so that they test knowledge of the content rather than ability to reason. The ACT has up to five sections: English (75 questions, 45 minutes), Math (60 questions, 60 minutes), Reading (40 questions, 35 minutes), Science (40 questions, 35 minutes), and an optional writing portion (one prompt, 30 minutes). Each section is scored from 1 to 36, and the final score is the average of these scores. No points are lost for incorrect answers, and the difficulty level of the questions is ordered randomly throughout the test. Because there is no penalty for guessing, be sure to answer every question. Preparation guidebooks, online resources, and practice tests can be beneficial when getting ready to take the ACT. On test day, remember bring a calculator that is authorized for use on this test. This includes any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, as long as it does not have any banned features such as built-in computer algebra systems. Registration for the ACT is required five to six weeks prior to test day. The test is offered in September, October, December, February, April, and June. Scores for the ACT are normally reported between three to eight weeks after the testing day. After the tests have been scored, students can send their scores to colleges through their online ACT accounts or manually through send request forms.
ruar y
Use process of elimination.
Feb
-You will not be penalized for guessing.
Staff Writer
The SAT, first administered in 1926, places a greater emphasis on reasoning. Questions are often phrased so that they are more difficult to decipher, and may require more critical thinking to interpret. This test also emphasizes vocabulary. The SAT has three sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. There is no science portion, and the writing component is mandatory. In total, the test takes three hours and forty-five minutes. Each section is scored from 200 to 800, so the perfect score is 2,400. For wrong answers, there is a penalty of 1/4 point. The difficulty level of the questions increases within each section, from easy to hard. When preparing to take the SAT, guidebooks, online resources, and practice tests can be beneficial. Remember to bring an approved calculator on test day. Permitted calculators include certain graphing calculators as well as any four-function or scientific calculator. Registration for this test is required about four weeks in advance. The SAT is offered in November, December, January, March, May, and June. Scores will be provided approximately five weeks after the test. Students can sign up to send their scores to colleges either during registration or afterward through their online SAT accounts. Four free score reports can be sent per registration, and unlimited additional reports can be sent for a fee of $11.25 each.
Cheat Sheet Always show your work.
-Even if you are confident in your answer, spend a few extra second to avoid careless mistakes.
Use official tests to practice with. -These tests provide excellent practice, with explanations for every question.
Experiment with different reading strategies. -Try skimming the passage or reading the questions first to find which is most effective.
Build a vocabulary list off previous tests. -The test-makers seem to “like“ certain words that will appear over and over again on the test.
Consider the opposing point of view in your essay. -Graders appreciate writing that sounds mature.
Information gathered by Jamie Tafoya Source: sat-coach.com
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Sports
Nov. 21, 2013
15
LEFT: Getting her footing, Joey prepares to climb her way up. RIGHT: Scaling the wall, Joey contemplates her next move. PHOTOS BY CALEB SCHWINDT
Childhood-influenced expectations lead to disappointing outcome
Joey Freeman Columnist
I kept repeating it to myself, my own personal mantra as I moved my feet and hands to avoid what was waiting below me: “It shouldn’t be this hard.” I was putting all my effort into supporting my mental strength, when my physical strength (or lack thereof) not so surprisingly failed me. I felt my feet slip off and suddenly my body was just dangling there, with only my hands to keep me from falling. Like Harry Potter clinging to his broom for dear life, albeit not because of a curse, I was in the same life-threatening position. Eventually I fell to my doom, my doom being the cushy blue pad that was specifically placed under me in the event that I should fall. This unfortunately wasn’t Quidditch but the equally thrilling (without all the Alohomoramagicness of course) rock climbing. Typically rock climbing is thought of by others as people ricocheting off of a real or artificial rock wall with
Frustrated by failed attempts to climb the wall, Joey tries to ignore a climber who successfully reaches the top.
ropes, but because I was partnerless I had to climb the bouldering area. Like a small island, this intimidating wall was just floating in the carpeted area. But of course, like anything I encounter on my athletically-challenged endeavors, it wasn’t just a smooth wall interrupted by fake rocks; it had multiple awkward (joy) angles
making it even more difficult to climb. So, like any normal person, I decided to tackle this from the bottom up. Of course, there isn’t really any other way to go at a climbing wall, but, hey, at least I didn’t try it another way. My hands grabbed the first rock I saw, which I assumed would be a good handhold, but as per usual
with me being the Awkward Athlete it was just a nub and I slipped. This was what I discovered to be the first of many many many failed first attempts at climbing that wall. Each time I would find what I thought were going to be perfect foot and hand holds, but I would discover that they were only little bits of artificial rock and my body would repeatedly collide with that blue mat. It was this experience, out of all my Awkward Athlete experiences, that made me a little sad and nostalgic. When I was little, my dad used to take me rock climbing (with the ropes) all the time. As a four year old I was able to climb to the very top—a height of probably 20 feet or more—and ring the bell located there. Now, 14 years later, I was barely able to get to the top, which was only 12 feet or so. I’m wondering now if this is because of my withering with old age, or just fear that I have acquired of heights since then. My Awkward Athlete adventures don’t typically (in my head at least) relate to the great story of Harry Potter, but for once I feel as if it was meant to be. Just like Harry, I started off terribly, but eventually I gained experience and in turn, skill. Maybe, just maybe, I’m not the Awkward Athlete, but “The Chosen One,” destined for greatness and I just haven’t found it yet.
Club sports offer year-round competition, experiences Amanda Evans
Staff Writer
Each year, millions of high school students play a sport for their school. But as the school’s season ends, so do the athletes’ opportunities to play. The only option these student-athletes have, if they want to play year round, is club sports. Athletes that wish to play beyond the season choose to play both club and school sports. Sophomore Sydney Wuerker played volleyball for the school’s C team but also plays for the Norco 15 Blue team. “I like playing both teams because it’s more fun to be playing LEFT: Chasing the ball, Jacquinot competes for the FCHS Junior Varsity year round,” Wuerker said. “I’m soccer team. RIGHT: Deflecting the ball off his head, Jacquinot plays in an competitive and it’s fun to play.” Arsenal uniform. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LANDON JACQUINOT Club expands the opportunity for Wuerker to engage in competitive play. than school,” Wuerker said. “I volleyball so much that playing “I would say I’m a competitive would have to say I like club better.” year round doesn’t wear her down. person. Club is more competitive Wuerker enjoys playing Wuerker is not the only one who
plays year around. Freshman Landon Jacquinot played for the school’s JV soccer team this year but he also plays for the Arsenal U16 Gold team. “I think I like high school a little bit more than club,” Jacquinot said. “It has pride behind it. With club you are playing for yourself but with school, you are representing your school.” Jacquinot likes the different levels of competition club sports give him but he likes the bonding better with the school team. “You see them every day,” Jacquinot explained. “With club— yea, you’re friends, you see them— but with school you see them every day so you get to know them more.” Whether competing with a club team or participating in a high school sport, athletes can bond with their teams while continuing the sport they love year round.
Sports
16 Nov. 21, 2013
Spilled Ink
WATN LEFT: Rounding third base, Townsend was a valuable member of the varsity baseball team his senior year. PHOTO COURTESY OF YEARBOOK RIGHT: Smiling for a wedding photo, Townsend stands with his wife, Megan, who graduated from FCHS in 1997. PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT TOWNSEND
Graduate finds happiness, settles down with family Sarah Bales A&E Editor Looking back on his high school years, Matt Townsend is pleased that he was a Lambkin athlete. As a 1994 graduate, Townsend was in one of the last classes to graduate from the old building. When he was in high school he saw his future self: married with kids, happy, and successful. He is currently exactly where he thought he would be. He traces his happiness back to his years at FCHS. In high school he played tight-end for the football team. Along with playing football, Townsend enjoyed playing second base on the baseball team. “I think what I remember most is the lifelong friendships I made, and that I still have today,” Townsend said. “I think a lot of those were due to my involvement in sports.” Despite his success in sports, Townsend wishes he had put more work toward his education while he was in high school. He thinks that students involved in sports should focus more on education, but still enjoy the sports they play.
Townsend went on to balance playing baseball as well as getting an education at a small college in Colby, Kansas, on a two-year scholarship. Once he was done playing baseball for Colby, he decided he wanted to finish his education, so he transferred to CSU. Having started his Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice while in Kansas, he finished his studies at CSU. Despite his degree, he found a job in a completely different field. He currently works for ASG Energy, a company based out of San Antonio, Texas, focused on helping businesses lower their energy costs. He feels successful at his job, and he is very content with his wife, who is also a Lambkin, and four children. His happiness with his job and his family help him remember what was important in getting him into his current state. “Really enjoy your time in high school because you really don’t have a lot of responsibilities other than making sure you get to class, getting good grades,” Townsend advised. “Focus on your education because I think it’s really important as you move down the line past high school and into college, just really enjoy the moment.”
Dressed up for prom, Townsend poses before the dance during his senior year at FCHS. PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT TOWNSEND
Flawed ranking system crowns false champions
Tyler Mathewson & Caleb Schwindt Columnists It’s the beginning of the college football season. A team looks forward to the tough season ahead. Suffering through long practices, workouts, and eventually games will only bring them closer. As a team, they will face a lot this season. They will be challenged by opponents better than they, and they will prevail. They will bleed together, they will sweat together, and they will win together. Unfortunately, they will also get overlooked for a chance at the National Championship game because of a faulty ranking system. Over-reliance on tradition, coaches influencing rankings, and flawed computer programming make up only a few defects of the Bowl Championship Series. When the BCS system started in 1998, founders relied on polls and computer selection to determine the rankings and ultimately create five bowl games and to select two teams to play in the National Championship game. Originally intended to prevent split national
championships, the BCS made an agreement with only six conferences, putting other conferences at a disadvantage. The BCS relies far too much on tradition, making it unfair for everyone involved, including schools in smaller conferences not legally tied to the BCS. Schools in larger conferences, such as the SEC or Pac-12 often get an unjust advantage. These schools have larger followings than smaller schools, and that following often leads to a biased ranking. Games like Alabama-LSU and Notre Dame-USC
aren’t just watched because they may be a good contest. History between the schools often contributes to popularity. When two teams that have a history of playing each other face off, it creates added interest. Fans grew up watching these teams dominate, which must mean they are the best teams now, right? Wrong. If a fair playoff system was put in place, the top four teams would be facing off and Alabama wouldn’t edge out Oregon purely because of tradition.
Just as tradition should be a non-factor when it comes to the BCS and its ranking system, so should coaches having a say in the poll. In 2009, LSU head coach Les Miles said that he didn’t know who to vote for in the coaches’ poll because he didn’t have enough time to watch any of the other teams. His lack of knowledge regarding other teams and how they stack up against opponents isn’t a rare case. A college football coach is paid to focus on one team, his own. This absence of comprehension of other teams leads to a blind vote, which skews the rankings. A coach rarely gets the opportunity to watch other games, but computers using algorithms to adjust rankings never get the chance, because, well, they’re computers. Statistics are a valuable tool in analyzing teams, but they can only take you so far. And since that’s all computers are good for – looking at data – they miss a very valuable piece of information. Put it this way: If analysts watch a game live and have access to the statistics, they have far more to base their rankings on than a computer with only statistics. Some of these issues will be resolved in the 2014 season, when college football transitions to a four-team playoff system. But for now, we will have one more heartbreaking year in which reliance on tradition, coaches who haven’t watched all the games, and ridiculous algorithms programmed into computers will decide the “top” two teams that will play in the BCS National Championship game.
Sports
Spilled Ink
Nov. 21, 2013
17
Colorado Skiing and Snowboarding 2013 Equipment Guide The best brands, from what’s on your head to what’s below your feet — we have you covered.
Helmet - Bern - Comfortable, stylish and high protection level. Goggles - Oakley - Reliable, customizable, many ranges of price. Jacket - Helly Hansen - Very lightweight while offering lots of warmth. Pants - Patagonia - Gore-Tex shell protects from wind, water. Ski Boots - Full Tilt - Easy strap in system, Lightweight, retains warmth and flexes well. Snowboard Boots - K2 - Boots for anyone from beginner to expert, cushioning in heel provides softer landings. Skis - Armada - Skis ranging from park to big mountain, ultra-light core and EST rocker provides unmatched balance. Snowboard - Burton - Reliable for any level snowboarder, good deal for the price.
Terminology Freshies - Fresh, untracked snow. Ripper - An accomplished skier. Yard Sale - Losing articles of clothing and gear when falling. Jib - Riding skis or a snowboard on a surface other than snow like rails or boxes. Tracked Out - Slang term for a slope of once fresh snow that has been ridden over repeatedly. Liftie - A slang term for a ski lift operator. Gaper - Unstylish skier with a gap between the goggles and the helmet. Park Rat - Terrain park junkie, who resides at the park longer than most others. Core Shot - Damage to the base of your ski that cuts completely through the p-tex. Information gathered by Tyler Mathewson
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG
Ski Resort Breakdown Information gathered by Andrew Smalley
Online day pass Estimated travel time
Vail
A Basin
Breckenridge
Steamboat
Copper
Winter Park
$90
$54
$79
$78
$62
$55
2:40
2:00
2:30
3:15
2:20
2:10
31
8
20
16
23
25
Hours
# of lifts Run breakdown
Best feature Worst feature
18% 29% 53%
Hours
Hours
Hours
Hours
14% 42%
21% 25%
44%
54%
Hours
8% 18% 74%
10% 30% 60%
11% 31% 58%
Largest single mountain in U.S.
Has one of the longest seasons in Colorado
Wide range of terrain, with good ski school
Known as ski town USA, great for families
One of the least crowded resorts in Colorado
Great advanced terrain, best moguls
Pricy, size makes it hard to get around
Terrain is not great for beginners
Can be very crowded and filled with rookies
Long drive time
Subpar dining and lodging
Town lacks exciting dining and features
18 Nov. 21, 2013
Sports
Spilled Ink
Athletes of the Month How long have you been swimming? About ten years now. What’s your favorite part about swimming? I really like how it feels to just be in the water, and the people you meet through swimming. Who has influenced you the most? When I was 12, I had a coach named Bill Spahn. He was a really great coach, and changed how I acted as a person and as a swimmer. What is your favorite swimming memory? When I was 12, I qualified for a zone meet, where I got to represent Colorado. We traveled as a team to Hawaii, and swam a week-long swim meet in there. I swam really well, and the better we swam, the more beach time we got. Have you ever wanted to give up or quit? When I was in eighth grade, I broke my leg. I couldn’t really kick, so that made it tough but I got through it.
Max Holter
What is the most challenging thing about swimming? How much training you have to do; it’s not something you can just show up and be good at. You have to put in the work to get out the results.
Junior
Swimming
How long have you been running? I have been running for maybe five years. What’s your favorite part about cross country? I like meets and running with the team every day. I also like meeting with other Colorado runners. Who has influenced you the most? My coach and dad have probably influenced me the most because they are both encouraging forces in my high school running career so far. What is your favorite cross country memory? My favorite cross country memory is winning state. Have you ever wanted to give up or quit? Not yet, because I haven’t been running with many expectations. Just for fun. What are your goals looking forward? I want to break 17:00 in the 5K at the Nike Southwest Regionals in two weeks. My long term goals are to get a scholarship for college and hopefully run pro after college.
Lauren Gregory
Freshman
What is the most challenging thing about cross country? The most challenging thing is not giving up mentally because it is so easy just to quit and not have a good race.
Cross Country
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Perspectives
Nov. 21, 2013
Staff Ed
19
Students responsible for taking charge of personal learning
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP—It’s 6:15 and the alarm is blaring. You smack the “off” button and get ready for school. Every day, five days a week, thirty six weeks a year, students wake themselves up, find a ride, and get themselves to school. Although actually getting to school is one vital part of earning an education, being mentally present, taking control of your own learning, and in turn respecting others’ attempts to do so should be priority. When in the classroom, many elements may get in the way of your learning: your personal issues with teachers, other students, or even how you feel in class. Despite these distractions, commitment to your own schoolwork and taking care of your scholarly responsibilities is more pertinent and should overcome these disruptions. Taking action by deciding to do your own work is taking responsibility for your personal academic growth. Because no one is truly forcing you to learn (albeit the legal system is forcing you to attend school), learning and absorbing information is your obligation. In college, parents or even teachers won’t constantly remind you when papers or assignments are due, so taking your education into your own hands is vital. Responsibility for your own learning doesn’t just mean completing your own work, but also seeking extra guidance when you have issues. When you don’t understand a problem, don’t just get the answer from the back of the book, talk to your teacher or a classmate about how to do it so that you know next time. Earning your own education doesn’t include peering over your shoulder onto your neighbor’s AP United States History exam to see if the answer is “D”. Gaining your own knowledge means working yourself to get it. This means taking your own notes, finishing somewhat useless worksheets, and actually doing homework that may not even count for credit. By doing your own work you are taking agency in your education, something necessary for the future. Your brain, and the thoughts inside it, are the only things that will get you through high school and—if you actually take action in your education—into college. While getting to school and being mentally prepared for learning is something expected of students, taking the extra initiative to do your own work will only prepare you for the future.
“Your brain, and the thoughts inside it, are the only things that will get you through high school and—if you actually take action in your education—into college.”
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG
Pakistani girl spurs appreciation for education Elizabeth Bridgwater Perspectives Editor In the fall of 2012, a 15-year-old Pakistani girl was shot in the head by a terrorist group, the Taliban, merely because she stood up for her right to be educated. With breathless anxiety, the world waited for this girl, Malala Yousafzai, to fully recover. Despite the violence and adversity she faced, Yousafzai has since become a global symbol of the movement for girls’ rights to be educated, charmed Queen Elizabeth, was nominated for the Nobel Prize, and published the memoir I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. A year ago, I didn’t know this girl’s name. I didn’t know the Taliban used terror to keep girls out of school. I didn’t know that halfway around the world a girl my age was combating extreme violence and political disruption for the right to go to school. But as my knowledge of Yousafzai grew, so did my admiration.
Among the many things she has achieved, this strikingly passionate girl proved a point vitally important to the world’s progress: females must be allowed an education. However, in countries where females are willingly educated, such as our own, this right isn’t valued. Those of us who are allowed an education should treasure this gift. It took a reality shock for me to come to this opinion: the fact that girls in other countries must fight for an education plunged me into cold water. I’m still dripping wet with this chilling revelation, and far too many in our school don’t appreciate or take advantage of their education. While Yousafzai needed to conceal her school books under her shawl, we casually toss aside textbooks we accepted with apathy. A Pakistani teacher was hanged for defying the Taliban’s dress guidelines, and we flippantly disregard school dress codes. By age twelve Yousafzai was giving public speeches regarding
education, and we resentfully curse our English teacher for assigning a three-minute-long speech. Granted, my criticism must be taken with an open mind. Don’t get me wrong; I recognize that many FCHS students have an appreciation of and interest in learning. What I ask is that as an individual, you take a moment and consider our situation. Step back from the cheesy connotation surrounding appreciation. Step back from the magnetic pull of Candy Crush which draws you away from homework and this column. Consider the differences between what we have and what girls in Pakistan have. Just think about how incredibly lucky we are to have the readily available education that we do. We’re all human, and I’m not saying that everyone in FCHS needs to throw all personal interests aside and dedicate themselves to advanced studies. All I suggest is a bit more appreciation and productive use of our priceless education.
“Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” -- Malala Yousafzai
20 Nov. 21, 2013
Perspectives
Spilled Ink NFL campaigns financial, not charitable
Jostens saturates student minds with propoganda that cuts into classtime, wallet
Jason Stroh Staff Writer Displaying colorful pictures of rings, hoodies, and necklaces, “Jostens, everything you need for senior year,” the Jostens w e b s i t e declares. Jostens claims to be the friend of students eve r y w h e re , helping them to remember all the fun times that they had in high school, for the low, low price of hundreds of hundreds of dollars… for one class ring. You’re going to have to dish out quite a bit more if you want class sweatpants, class hoodies, class shirts, graduation invites, and of course, graduation robes, and with their advertising, they will probably make you want most of these things. You don’t really need these things that the school empowers Jostens to advertise to you during valuable educational time. From $174.99 to $2,475.99, Jostens rings are anything but
cheap, especially if one wants a high quality one. Graduation Robes will cost anyone who wants to walk with his or her class a cool $38.99 (plus $11.99 shipping and handling), when standard graduation robes from other suppliers, such as Academic Appeal, cost around $15.00 with $2.00-$3.00 shipping and handling, much more affordable for families living on lower-paying jobs. These rate
show them propaganda. The sophomore and senior meetings, which are both scheduled in the middle of the school day, are essentially time for Jostens to pitch and glorify their wares. Academic time is cut into, time in which students should be learning what they require in the real world, and thus, to graduate, in order to allow Jostens to show off colorful presentations and pitch their wares. Seems like something is wrong there, doesn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to say that Jostens is trying to indoctrinate students into buying their wares, but I am saying that education and safety s h o u l d a l w a y s come first in school. Jostens could instead re s c h e d u l e t h e i r presentation for during a lunch period or after school. That way it would not cut GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG into school increases can only be justified if time, and they would still get to Jostens’ quality is astronomical “speak” to the student body. That compared to their competitors. is, if they really need to give their The problem is not only the presentation to the students. high costs, though, as the free In an even better scenario, the market is the system in our school could simply distribute country; the problem is that Jostens packets, and let students Jostens has the power to pull decide for themselves if they students out of an educational really need that shiny class class period, to, in essence, ring, without the advertising.
Caleb Schwindt
Sports Editor During the month of October, if you watch professional football, you may have noticed most players wearing pink. And if the National Football League accomplished its goal, you researched what the significance of the “odd” color was. The pink campaign the NFL has embarked on for years is meant to raise breast cancer awareness and money to donate to the battle against breast cancer – or is it? I was a little skeptical of this movement, so I did my research. As it turns out, only five percent of sales from the pink gear is actually donated to the American Cancer Society. And 70.8 percent of funds the ACS receives go toward cancer research. To put this into context, if you bought a $100 pink jersey from the NFL, $3.54 would be used in cancer research. Not as much as you thought, is it? Looking at these numbers, it seems quite obvious to me that while the NFL’s pink campaign may have started with good intentions, it quickly became another way for them to make money. As mildly upset as this might make me, I still have to look at the positive. Though it isn’t as much as one might expect, money is still being used for cancer research that wouldn’t have been put to the same purpose otherwise. This notion was enough to cool my fire on the subject, until Oct. 10, when Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall chose a different color. To raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Week, he wore a pair of green cleats. And guess what, the NFL fined him $10,500 for it (he matched the fine with a donation to a mental health charity). “Why would they do that!?” you must be asking. I don’t fully understand it either, concerned fan. He did violate the NFL’s equipment policy, but is that fine really worth so much money? And how come the NFL can rake in millions from pink, but not let a player wear green cleats during a game? Look, it’s not all the pink that bugs me. In fact, that color has some serious potential in sports. But my issue is that they pick one disease to raise money for and fight. If the NFL pours so much effort into one disease, no matter how significant it may be, it should be able to invest in other causes as well. If it’s really about charity, the NFL should donate a higher percentage of earnings to the charity itself. And if a player has an organization that is important to him, he should have the right to support it.
“Only five percent of sales from the pink gear is actually donated to the American Cancer Society.”
Perspectives Nov. 21, 2013 21 Thanksgiving: What’s the real story? Spilled Ink
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG
Thanksgiving differs from childhood knowledge
Gretchen Adams Staff Writer
“We are the Indians. We brought corn to the feast.” These were my only lines in the secondgrade Thanksgiving pageant, said with a chorus of other children, all decked out in the paper headdresses we’d made in class the day before. I was pissed. Not because the presentation abounded with offensive cultural inaccuracies, not because the relationship between Puritans and Native Americans was horribly misconstrued, not because the history we’d been taught was a product of over-commercialized white-centric America… but two lines?! Really, Mrs. Corley? As time went on, I got over the snubbing of my acting abilities and other aspects of the way I’d learned the
story of the first Thanksgiving started to anger me. As I got higher in my learning and moved further away from the Deep South, my history classes became more complex and less biased. I now have a much clearer picture of the scheme of things, and relations with the Native Americans were not all fun and games. We need more comprehensive education about what really happened here. Handoutline turkey pictures just aren’t cutting it. The peace with the Wampanoag portrayed on plastic Wal-Mart platters didn’t last long. While the Wampanoag had seen white traders and explorers before, none of them ever stayed—and as many friends-turned-roommates have learned, living with someone is way different than seeing them occasionally. Children who attended the first Thanksgiving grew up to perpetuate violence and hatred towards the Native Americans, and their children continued
represents the beginning of the end of their way of life. Now, I understand that we’re talking about second grade kids here; they can’t learn about this all at once, and you don’t want to depress them. But it certainly wouldn’t be bad to start giving them the idea that the story of the First Thanksgiving is the exception, not the rule. However, the history following the First Thanksgiving is not nearly as important as creating an accurate portrayal of the event itself. When I learned about it, the role of the Wampanoag in the feast was almost nonexistent. The pilgrims survived their first Plymouth winter with little help from anyone except Squanto, an occasional figure who used bad grammar and wore a paper headdress in our little reader’s theater. I was taught about unspecific “Indians” (probably because my teacher could not pronounce Wampanoag) and “Pilgrims,” who were entirely separate from the Puritans of the real event. But, I’m confident that we can and will change, if we open our minds and accept that not everything is as it seems at first glance; there’s no such thing as a pure they’re-wrong-I’m-right story. We have to teach our kids this, because if we don’t, nothing will ever get better. Every day, we’re moving forward, and I have faith I will never have to see my future daughter or son in a paper headdress.
“The story of the first Thanksgiving started to anger me.” the cycle. Many modern Native Americans treat Thanksgiving as a day of mourning, because to them, it
Porn on Snapchat remains in database, violates innocence
Amanda Evans
Staff Writer Social media can be a fun and exciting way to keep up with friends. Internet updates, and new statuses, and Snapchats are instantly at your fingertips. Some think that social media are harmless pastimes but that innocent thought can be proven wrong in seconds. Many are familiar with the social media app Snapchat. The name of the app explains the purpose. You take a picture and send it to someone. When they open the Snapchat, the picture appears, stays for a few seconds, and then leaves the screen. The trick is since the picture was sent
GRAPHIC BY HANNAH MECHTENBERG electronically, it is still in the system. Think about it: if you’re sending
exploitative pictures with the assumption that they will simply go away after a few
seconds, you are mistaken. The database holds on to the pictures and there is no way to erase them. The images of your breast or completely nude pictures are going to still exist after the picture is off the screen. In addition sending revealing pictures of yourself is wrong. Your body is an innocent temple and you should take care of it. Showing yourself off over social media is a disturbing thought and feels like you are vandalizing the temple. Why would the idea of giving away your innocence seem like it is something you should do? Doesn’t the preservation of innocence mean anything to teenagers now? Plus, think about the people on the other end of the picture. If they want to preserve their temple, the choice should be theirs, and sending a picture of pornography exposes them to something they don’t want to see. Pornography is not cool or hip and participating in such actions does nothing for you. Sending exploitative picture exposes
22 Nov. 21, 2013
Perspectives
Censoring of shooter’s name puts focus on victims Hannah Mechtenberg Graphic Artist A disturbed face flashes onto the screen, and a bold headline identifies his name and the crime committed. A news anchor adopts a serious tone and proceeds to examine the killer’s lifestyle: what he ate for breakfast, favorite books, and the videogames he was most fond of. The media try to pinpoint the reason for the murders and the blame is passed around from one factor to another. Focus drifts away from the victims and centers on the killer, giving him an infamous status. Censorship of the intimate details of the nature of the killings, suppressing the name of the murderer, as well as keeping the perpetrator’s personal life and ways under wraps discourages public idolization and dampens the draw of similar behavior in the future. Shoving killers into the spotlight instead of concentrating on the victims and their recovery effort, the lack of censorship only offers the allure of infamy to people that want to be remembered forever. Overt disclosure about possible triggers also directs blame in places where accusation is not valid, or even correlated. The Columbine killers played a video game called Halo, which involves shooting guns, but millions of people around the world have played the game, or similar ones, and have never murdered anyone. Adam Lanza played a game called World of Warcraft, and Batman was cited as a cause in the Aurora Theater shooting. Rushed pointing of fingers causes unnecessary concentration towards a single contributing component, and motivates an irrational bias. Mass killings mar our country’s history, cutting deep into ideals of social unity and causing inspection
Spilled Ink
Lack of information creates danger for unwary public
of the lives of the people that violate life in such a depraved fashion. But by plastering the murderer’s face all over newspapers, TV, and social media sites,
Zach Stetter Staff Writer The flickering florescent lights cast harsh shadows, outlining
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ELIZABETH BRIDGWATER
their faces and names become more easily recognized than the victims. The public does need to know what happened regarding a national tragedy such as Columbine, but it is essential to focus more on the people who were affected, and how the country will help with recovery, than on the murderer.
Talking points: Due to media’s attention, killers are idolized.
A public focus on killers takes attention away from victims. The media’s focus should be on helping victims and healing instead of the killer.
a single figure alone in the dim hallway. His feet pad down the hall, shoes making no sound against the carpeted floor. A pistol gleams, its grip looking far too large in his hand. He swings open the nearest door, and steps in, raising the gun as he does. Twenty students and a teacher look in
horror as they see the glint of the gun. No one moves. Then the muzzle flashes three times, followed by the sharp crack of the gun as the bullets are spit through the air to hit three students. Before a fourth shot can be fired, a student tackles the boy to the ground, knocking the gun from his hand. It isn’t long before the boy is restrained and the injured students are taken care of. The wail of sirens can be heard in the distance, one set of cars coming for the wounded and the other for the boy. In succeeding weeks, those hurt lie in hospital beds, carefully tended to by those who care for them. The shooter stands in a courtroom, surrounded by those who look down upon him with a mixture of confusion, loathing, and contempt. He stands silently as his fate is decided with a drop of the judge’s gavel. Twenty-two years later, that same shooter walks out of prison, a small bundle of his belongings cradled in his arms. He has been deemed ready to rejoin society, and does so as any other person might. No one knows his name, because he was a minor at the time after all, and the media did not publish it. But what if they did know his name? Would they be more wary of the man casually working behind the counter of the store? Would they suspect the dark thoughts brewing at the edge of his mind, boiling over until he was driven to repeat the past? Would they be prepared as he pulled a gun on civilians once more, this time not only managing to injure, but to kill? These questions all point back to the same conclusion. The censoring of names in mass media only helps to endanger those that might come in contact with the convicted. There is no reason to censor names, and it brings only harm to those who don’t know the identities of those around them.
Talking points: Shooters can re-enter society without public knowledge of their name.
The censoring of the shooter’s name may put those who interact with the shooter in danger. Censoring names is pointless.
Spilled Ink
Perspectives
Nov. 21, 2013
23
Community service graduation requirement would benefit students
Andrew Smalley Editor-in-Chief A high school diploma is meant to be a certificate of completion of not only necessary credits and classes but also an education that leaves students ready to enter the real world. Today, in order to receive a diploma, students must take a wide range of courses that provide and form a balanced worldview. However, there is one area not currently covered sufficiently by the time students leave FCHS: community service. Although many Lambkins are already active volunteers, adding a community service requirement in order to graduate would help foster a lifelong spirit of volunteering and help the neediest in our community. We are lucky to live in a place that has good schools, exceptional parks and a strong social safety net; however, many in the community still need our support. In fact, according to government statistics, the poverty rate in Fort Collins has actually increased in the past year. High school students have enormous power to make a difference through volunteering, empowering them far beyond the classroom. Volunteering would provide them with the chance to get out and make
an impact in the real world. Additionally, high school students have tremendous power in numbers and if all of FCHS went out and volunteered even for a couple of hours a year, our combined efforts could tackle some of the biggest challenges faced by those in poverty. Volunteering will not only make a difference but also motivate kids to find a passion and dedicate themselves to it. Some students might not be incredibly interested or passionate about their classes or the clubs offered at FCHS, so encouraging them to find a volunteer position that they could dedicate themselves to would help them immensely by giving them a goal to work towards. Along with providing a passion, having an extensive community service record could be the key factor in whether or not seniors are accepted into the school of their dreams. It is important for high schools to help students be competitive in the college admissions process and a background of active civil involvement demonstrates the type of leadership that is needed for both elite schools and scholarships. As schools work to create a framework for well-rounded citizens going forward, adding a community service requirement is vital for students. Schools are supposed to prepare students and teach them how to be responsible citizens. Ultimately, it would be wonderful and in the true spirit of volunteering if students would volunteer without requirement in their communities; however this is not the reality. It is accurate to say that required volunteering isn’t true volunteering, but as teens we are supposed to be guided in the right direction by our high school education and adding community service is simply another lesson to be taught.
“An extensive community service record could be the key factor in whether or not seniors are accepted into the school of their dreams.”
Colorado Volunteering By the Numbers
32.6%
of
Colorado residents volunteered in 2011
145 Million hours of service added up over the course of one year
$3.2
billion was the estimated value of community service in 2011 Information gathered by Andrew Smalley Source: Federal Agency for Volunteering
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Spilled Ink is published nine times yearly by the newspaper staff of Fort Collins High School, 3400 Lambkin Way, Fort Collins, Colo. 80525, (970) 4888199. Member of the Colorado High School Press Association, American Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. Recipient of the Quill and Scroll, George H. Gallup Award in 1996 and 1997, and awarded First Place with Special Merit in 2001 by the National Schola -stic Press Association. Columns are the opinions of writers only. Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Spilled Ink staff. Nothing in Spilled Ink should be considered the opinion of Fort Collins High School or Poudre School District (PSD). School-sponsored publications written by students are encouraged to freely and creatively express their views subject to the limitations of PSD Board Policies and state law (PR--la0431, Colorado Revised Statutes 22-1-120) Spilled Ink reserves the right to edit letters to the editor and to deny publication to any letter. Letters may be published on Spilled Ink’s website. Letters must be signed, and are limited to 300 words.
24 Nov. 21, 2013 The Backside
Spilled Ink
What Thanksgiving day food would you pick to use in a food fight?
Kielar Harpham
Bomsaerah Seong
Sophomore
Senior
Mashed potatoes, because you can mash it on someone’s face.
Taylor Van
Cranberry sauce, because it’s red and gets sticky and it would make people angry.
Oswaldo Delgado
Ayla Rayburn
Junior
Senior
Sophomore
Mashed potatoes, because they are mushy and really messy.
Grant Blaschke
Cranberry sauce, because it’s sticky.
Jessica Downey
Sammi Lira
Freshman
Freshman
Junior
A roll, because it is round and fun to throw.
Mashed potatoes and gravy, because they are really messy.
Mashed potatoes, because they are messy and mashy.
Mashed potatoes, because you can’t throw a turkey.
PHOTO BY JOEY FREEMAN INFORMATION GATHERED BY EVAN BODE
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