February Issue 2017 - The View

The /iew in pursuit of

03 SUPERINTENDENT WITH SUPERB

PERSPECTIVE

INTENTIONS: Erin Kane who created American Academy from the ground up, is the new interim superintendent for DCSD, and has many ideas to improve the culture and bring new developments to the district.

04

OUT IN THE OPEN: Aria Breaux is a senior at Castle View High School.

However, she is one of the few who has had the bravery to face society’s judgment and come out of the closet. Breaux’s mother is aware of her change in sexuality, and loves it.

10 NEW LIMITS: Next year, Castle

View is implementing a new change in the class schedule. Due to recent changes in funding, the number of credits students are permitted to take is going to be reduced.

12

PROTESTING PARADOX: There have been three marches on Washington in 2017 alone, including the Women’s March on Jan. 21, 2017. According to U.S Uncut, it is thought to be the largest demonstration in U.S history.

21 CONCUSSION DISCUSSION:

According to Popular Science, there are roughly 3.8 million concussions per year from athletes in professional sports to athletes recreational; however, half of those concussions are unreported.

VOL. XI NO. 3 February 2017 Photo by Mackenzie Boltz

A Castle View High School Publication

5254 N. Meadows Dr., Castle Rock, Colo. 80109

table of

SUPERINTENDENT with superb intentions

Photo by Jane Boyd

CONTENTS FEATURE

THE NEW INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT AND WHAT SHE PLANS TO DO IN HER POSITION.

03-06

SUPERINTENDENT WITH SUPERB INTENTIONS LOVING WHO WE ARE OUT IN THE OPEN A NEW SIDE TO NOAH

NEWS

NATALIA LABARGE

07-11

THE MORE THE MERRIER: THE NEW MAD WEEK PLACE OF VERSAILLES BEHIND THE ACT NEW LIMITS CREDIT RESTRICTIONS A GLIMPSE INTO CLUBS

MID-SPREAD

14-17

UNDER PRESSURE WORK HARD STUDY HARDER PLAYING HOOKY FRESH OFF THE FRYING PAN BUTTING BUDGETS

SPORTS

18-21

OPINION

22-23

VALENTINE’S NAY LEFT VS RIGHT

24

HIGH SCHOOLERS IN LOVE

The

staff

Growing up, there is ja lesson that is taught and should be, about not judging someone before you know them. Idioms paired with this lesson are typically; walking a mile in someone’s shoes and/or don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

As cliché as it sounds, truly understanding someone’s story is an important thing to do. We are all more complex than some might originally think.

High schoolers can be thought as uninteresting and shallow. There are the common traits that make them up: stress, hormones, puberty, and the constant desire to fit in. Although we don’t see it, Castle View students many different stories.

Everyone has a completely different background than the person next to them in class. Each student, staff member and administrator lives their own separate life. Even though we may not like everyone, we shouldn’t simply ignore their story.

Castle View may seem like every high school in the district on the outside, but what makes up the school is anything but predictable.

The world is very paradoxical and everything is never as it seems.

Castle View is no exception.

CAN’T KEEP HER DOWN BALANCING IT ALL NOTHING BUT NET D1 BOUND CONCUSSION DISCUSSION COLD HARD FACTS

COMIC CENTRAL

LGBT flags, American flags, and other handmade flags and signs were held up. People who lined the streets chanted “Show me what democracy looks like.” Followed by, “This is what democracy looks like.”

EDITORIAL

12-13

PROTESTING PARADOX

STUDENT LIFE

PROTESTERS FILL THE STREETS In Denver on Jan. 22 many walk for the Women’s March.

2013-2014 All Colorado 2013-2014 International 1st Place Award, Quill and Scroll, NSPA 1st Class Rating

/iew

REPORTERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR

Jennifer Clemente Francesca Cristantiello Jane Dunbar Lillian Henak Joshua Hermanstorfer Aubrey Hoffman Maroney Natalia LaBarge Audrey Manning

Jolene Martinez Jane Boyd

Tyler Dhunjishaw

ADVISER

Emma Shanahan Megan Takeda Joshua Hermanstorfer

2 | TABLE OF CONTENTS | The View

Stephanie Rottmann Lemuel Scarbrough Harrison Sedmak Emma Shanahan Garrett Stein William Steinbrunner Megan Takeda

Jessica Hunziker

SECTION EDITORS

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.

The View is a legally recognized public forum for student expression, published four to five times a year by the newsmagazine class of Castle View High School. All views expressed by the staff are protected under the First Amendment and do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff, adviser, CVHS administration or Douglas County School District.

cvstudentmedia.com

Find us on Twitter and Instagram @CVstudentmedia

R

ecent changes made in Douglas County included the replacement of Liz Fegan, superintendent, who resigned and decided to take another superintendent position in Texas.

Erin Kane, who created American Academy from the ground up, is the new interim superintendent for DCSD, and has many ideas to improve the culture and bring new developments to the district.

“She [Kane] is talking about hope and the care of people in the district, which shows that she is trying to improve upon the district in a more unifying manner,” said Rex Corr, Castle View’s principal.

After managing American Academy for a few years, the superintendent position in Douglas County was vacated and she decided apply for the position.

“Similar to never planning to manage American Academy, it certainly never occurred to me to be superintendent of a school district, ever, but when this position was vacated, I was asked to consider to put my name in just based on my track record with American Academy,” said Kane.

After much consideration, Kane agreed to fill the position, and soon became aware of the improvements that she felt the school district needed.

“One of my specialties as a leader, I guess, is developing a strong climate and culture with employees, with student. That’s something that our school district definitely could use right now,” said Kane.

“That’s something we’re really working on; trying to restore optimism and positivity and a good climate and culture.”

According to Kane, the well-being and the quality of the district will impact its future because if schools provide excellent education and a sturdy foundation for students to learn and grow, more families will want to move to Douglas County.

“When new companies like Charles Schwab, for example, want to move into Douglas County, what’s the first question they ask?” said Kane. “That is exactly what I’m going to ask -- ‘How good are the schools?’”

Another one of Kane’s goals is to achieve academic excellence for the benefit of students. One of her possible solutions was to let the teachers decide what their classroom should look like more freely, instead of having a designated design for all classrooms.

“I do not want to dictate what a classroom should look like from a superintendent’s office,” said Kane. “I’m not there with the kids. The kids at Castle View might need something different than the kids at Douglas County High School.”

Some students believe that creating an environment where there are different styles will help create a better climate and culture for the whole school. Junior Bryan LaBarge spoke about the classroom structure he notices, and why modifying the classrooms could lead to potential developments.

“Change up the classrooms. It’s boring: it’s white bread,” LaBarge said. “The school is just the same. It’s all generic. All the classes are

the same.”

The diversity of a classroom, in the eyes of LaBarge, will unify the community of the school, encourage more interaction and expose different personalities.

“Diversity is going to affect us because, new personalities. We’re all boring to a certain point,” said LaBarge. “If classes were differently structured and looked different, the unpopular could be with the popular.”

Changing the structure of the classroom can really only be decided by teachers, who are able to see what will make students most successful.

“Every classroom is unique, every set of kids is unique, what kids need are unique, and the people who are trained professionals to be able to determine on the spot what kids need, are the teachers,” said Kane.

As a parent herself, Kane would like parents to feel their kids are getting a quality education.

“I believe that every child in Douglas County should have access to a school that has educational excellence. I believe all of our parents in Douglas County should feel like their kids are getting the education they dreamed of,” said Kane.

Another problem Kane would like to address is teacher pay. The World Class Outcomes and 4C’s (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking among other factors) are used to evaluate teachers and determine their pay currently. Showing that they are actually giving a quality education based on these standards is critical to the learning curriculum.

“We’ve got to figure out how to get it right,” said Kane. “It’s one of the reasons that I’m excited to be in this role - to be able to have a hand in looking at that and working with our senior leaders and school leaders, and ultimately our board.”

Kane is putting up a great effort to improve DCSD and wants the district to thrive, to be a place where people will enjoy spending their time.

“Always criticize in private, and praise in public,” said Kane.

“Basic things in the way that we treat each other that give us a sense of being valued and respected. Little things like that make a tremendous difference.”

Courtesy photo from Paula Hans The View | FEATURE |

3

loving who we are

OUT IN THE OPEN JANE DUNBAR

ARIA

said Breaux.

Breaux is transgender and identifies herself as female.

“My relationship with my father has always been rough,” said Breaux.

Around the school Breaux feels accepted, but in society, she keeps her sexuality to herself.

“Society doesn’t really accept it either,” said Breaux, “even though it’s been a social movement since the 60s.”

Breaux currently is in a serious relationship.

“My first relationship started out as more of a gay relationship,” said Breaux, “but over time I started to realize I was actually a girl.”

Breaux loves her creative side and enjoys playing video games that involve building and creating.

“I feel like I really should be standing up for myself more but I’m to the point where it just doesn’t matter any more,” said Breaux. “People can think what they want to think.”

TOMMY

Photos by Jane Dunbar

4 | FEATURE | The View

DEBBIE

“The very first time I fell in love with a girl, I finally felt like myself, and everything just made sense,” said senior Debbie Bicknell.

Bicknell realized her openness to liking guys and girls in second grade, but she never really accepted it until her junior year of high school.

“I had to be comfortable with being bisexual before I

Aria Breaux is brave enough to face judgement.

Breaux’s mother is aware of her change in sexuality, and loves it.

“She even offers to help me do my makeup,” said Breaux.

Her mother lives in Louisiana currently, so Breaux is living with her father in order to finish her education.

“My dad knows…maybe, but definitely doesn’t accept it,”

could tell anyone else,” said Bicknell.

Bicknell was nervous to tell her parents about her discovery.

“They were a little shocked at first; they always thought I would have a husband and a picturebook family,” said Bicknell. “After understanding who I was, they were so proud of who I had become.”

Bicknell’s inspiration for coming out came from her best friend who, in eighth grade, came out to her claiming he was gay.

“I thought to myself ‘how cool is that? I have a gay best friend,’” said Bicknell.

Bicknell has never really felt outcasted by society, but some of her family members are homophobic, so she tends to keep her sexualality to herself when they are around in order to maintain peace.

“Always embrace who you are because every person is special,” said Bicknell, “and remember you are never alone in the world.”

“It’s so natural for me. I made all my friends from being gay,” said junior Tommy Vu. “My parents have always been aware; my entire family has been aware. You take one look and you know.”

Vu always knew he was gay, but in elementary school he thought nothing of it.

“My father always believed I was going to be some football star; grow up and be super manly,” said Vu. But when Vu eventually tried coming out to his father he was interrupted.

“The only makeup I could ever wear around my dad was mascara, but he hated it,” said Vu. Vu eventually moved from his father in California to move back in with his mother in Colorado.

“My mother is so supportive,” said Vu. “She doesn’t think being gay is right in religious

OTHER HALF

finding the

CASTLE VIEW STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT AFRAID OF THE TRUTH.

terms, but to her it’s all about happiness.”

When Vu moved to Castle View he was very nervous about how people would react.

“I thought everything was going to be awful, but after a week everyone just accepted it so much,” said Vu. “The real friends I have today are friends with me because of who I am, and that is a great feeling.”

Vu feels supported by society.

“But in the past if you were gay, you would get bullied,” said Vu. “I became one of the people who would bully the gay kids at my school.”

Eventually Vu learned to accept himself and pursue his true identity.

“Strut real hard and let them take notes,” said Vu. “That means do what you want to do and let people watch, they can deal with their own opinions.”

STUDENTS AT CASTLE VIEW WHO DISCOVERED THEIR SOUL MATES. JANE DUNBAR

EMILY RYDLUND

Photo courtesy of Emily Rydlund

Why is your relationship so strong?

We’ve been together so long because he is my best friend and we have a lot in common when it comes to our personalities and senses of humor. We hardly fight and when we do, instead of being stubborn, we talk it through and fix the problem.”

How did you guys meet?

We met in kindergarten, but never became close until 7th grade. In seventh grade we basically had a matching schedule so we were always together. We grew closer and closer to the point where we would make our friends ‘partner up’ for class work just so she and I could be together.”

What’s so special about your relationship?

On our four year anniversary, he gave me a promise ring, then on our five year anniversary I gave him one that meant, no matter what we intended to be with one another forever.”

How do you make it work ?

By always supporting each other and working any issues out. We learned that communication is definitely the most imortant thing”

BAILEY MUSIL

NATHAN AST

How did you guys meet?

We met at this year’s Back to School dance. We danced and shared lots of laughs. And as the last slow song played I knew that I never wanted that moment to end.”

Whats so special about your relationship?

Photo courtesy of Nathan Ast

There is never a dull moment between us. He’s motivational, he’s loyal and he’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

He makes me feel appreciated and beautiful and I trust him.”

ASHLEIGH SMITH

Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Smith

KARL BARSTAD

Why is your relationship so strong?

We dated for about six months then took a two month break because I didn’t think I could handle a long distance military relationship. Two months passed and the night before he left for boot camp I called him and confessed that I couldn’t live without him and that he was the only person I ever wanted to be with. Then during boot camp, which was 10 weeks, we could only write letters. That was the hardest part, but have plans to move in with him in December if everything goes as planned.”

Any plans for the future?

I want to spend the rest of my life with her.

So one morning I picked her up and took her up to Daniel’s Park and proposed the idea to her and she immediately said yes.

I’m so lucky to have any moment I can with her.”

How do you make it work ?

I truly do believe in love at first sight and I know I will never give up on Bailey, I will always treat her right and respect her. I know we will always be eachother’s number one supporters.”

PARKER KNOWLES How did you guys meet?

I know it sounds extra cheesy, but we actually met shortly after I graduated high school, when I messaged her on Facebook.

The day after, I asked her out on a date and luckily she said yes. When I first saw her, something instantly clicked. She was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen.”

Any plans for the future ?

We already have wedding plans for next year.

It’s not for sure, but I think we’re going to Mexico with family and a few close friends.”

The View | FEATURE |

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a new side to

THE MORE THE MERRIER the new MAD week

A REAL LOOK AT CV STUDENT PRESIDENT, NOAH GIBBS.

MAD WEEK IS ADJUSTING ITS FORMAT THIS YEAR, TO SUPPORT MORE CHARITIES THAN EVER BEFORE.

NOAH

FRANCESSCA CRISTANTIELLO

Inside the walls of Castle View, the name ‘Noah Gibbs’ is not uncommon to hear.

While he may be well-known and in an exclusive position, there is much more to student body president senior Noah Gibbs than his title alone.

“I would like the student body to understand who their president is,” said Gibbs.

Despite his important role in the school, he feels his position prevents him from meeting as many other students as he would like to.

“I think a lot of the time people, especially underclassmen, don’t think they can talk to me,” said Gibbs. “I think a lot of people who don’t know me think I’m stuck up.”

Beyond the walls of Castle View, Gibbs aims to create positive change in the community.

“I’m very passionate about helping people,” he said. “I volunteer at the Dumb Friends League every Saturday morning, which is very fun. I also try to help out with the Red Cross and the homeless shelters, anything like that.”

While graduating only requires 20 hours of community service, Gibbs has logged approximately 650 hours throughout his time in high school and plans to continue through the end of the year.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than

seeing someone get joy from what you’re doing,” said Gibbs.

Beyond school, there is another side to Gibbs.

“I don’t do it as much as I want to, but I love to paint. I love to write; I write constantly. I like writing simple-almost dialogue between two people -- love stories, or monologues that have very intense opinions,” said Gibbs.

In addition to the school and its students being a priority in his life, Gibbs takes great care of those closest to him: his friends and family.

“I focus on everyone but myself,” said Gibbs.

“I’d rather see my friends and my family be okay than me be okay.”

Growing up, Gibbs spent lots of time caring for his sister, who battled various medical and cognitive conditions including scoliosis, dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder.

“I love her to death, but especially from a young age all the attention went to my sister,” said Gibbs.

As he grew older and started facing issues of his own, he never brought them up; he felt they weren’t as important compared to his sister’s.

“I think that’s why I always care about

Photo By Francessca Cristantiello

PATCH VALUES The iconic jacket worn by senior Noah Gibbs means much more than the eye can see. “Each patch

other people more than me is that I always had to care about my sister and I love that.

I remember when my sister was okay; that’s when I was okay because I wasn’t worrying about her.”

Learning to care for others throughout his childhood has stuck with him. Like many high schoolers, he has had trouble caring for himself mentally. Making sure to always portray himself as positive and happy, Gibbs tended to hide when he’s having bad days.

“I’d say I suffer from anxiety; I have a hard time sleeping,” said Gibbs. “I have a therapist and all, but sometimes I’d say I suffer from depression.”

Despite seeming sure of the decisions that he makes, Gibbs often struggled to move past situations that don’t work out as well as planned.

“Simple things from a grade, to a relationship, to a failure of student government If it has any correlation to me, I’ll tear myself up about it. I wish people would know that sometimes I’m not always happy,” said Gibbs.

“I’m not always funny; I’m not always doing okay.”

As his time in high school comes to a close, Gibbs plans to take a gap year after graduation and spend time traveling and working. He plans to go on a month-long humanitarian trip to Cuba, a five to six month trip around the United States and a potential internship with a stunt director in Hollywood.

Looking back on his high school career, Gibbs wishes that he were able to travel back in time to give advice to the younger version of himself.

“I think he needed to know that everything was going to be okay,” said Gibbs. “No matter what, stay true to yourself, stay I would like the student true to what you body to understand believe in, stay who their president is.” true to who you are. You don’t NOAH GIBBS need to change.”

JENNIFER CLEMENTE

E

very spring, Student Government sponsors a Make A Difference (MAD) Week where the entire student body and Castle Rock community raises as much money as it can for a charity.

Challenging Heights (an organization raising money for children in Ghana), Hide in Plain Sight (an organization helping teens in need) and Castle View’s Significant Support Needs [SSN] program, (a program that supports special needs students) were the three charities on the ballot this year.

For the second year in a row, Challenging Heights won the most votes. However, Ben Wolfe, science teacher and Challenging Heights advocate, suggested that all three charities on the ballot receive money instead of just one.

“I think we can learn a lot through helping charities that help the school, and then help the district, Douglas County and then globally in Africa,” said Wolfe. “We get a little bit of touch on every single one of them.”

Since Wolfe originally supported the charity that won, Student Government decided to

take his idea into consideration, ultimately following through with it.

“Because the winner requested it, and they want to share the winnings, what we’re going to do this year is divide the money for three different charities,” said Student Government adviser, Robert Sutterer.

All money raised will be split evenly among the three charities. While some might consider this a negative aspect, Wolfe doesn’t see it that way.

“It’s not all about the money,” said Wolfe.

“It’s more about the experience.”

While this may be true, the money raised is still going to provide significant aid for those in need. Challenging Heights is going to use any money they can get to provide more living arrangements for young children in Ghana.

“This year, the shelter itself needs some renovations,” said Wolfe. “It has a lot of room for growth that it needs so they can bring in more kids.”

Hide in Plain Sight will use the money to give Castle View students in need money for food, shelter and education.

Photo by Jennifer Clemente

PROMOTING CHARITY Senior Abigail Haneke works on putting together a

promotional video for MAD Week. This video will inform the student body about the three charities being supported for MAD Week and possibly the events being organized to raise money. “We’re supporting three [charities] this year, so we’re trying to get the information about kind of why that happened and what the three charities are,” said Haneke.

‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16

“Raising money for CVHS through Hide in Plain Sight and MAD Week will benefit up to 10 percent of the student population,” said Joseph Roos, founder and executive director of Hide in Plain Sight. “[This allows] the CVHS students to give back to their own community in need.”

The SSN program needs money in order to allow handicapped students to be able to access the community.

“We just don’t have the money in our budget to be able to take the bus out just to do our regular community access,” said SSN teacher Pam Richardson. “With this money, we’ll be able to afford to be able to use the buses.”

It is unknown whether or not this is going to be a continuous pattern, but it does allow more charities to be reached.

“I was hoping that maybe MAD Week would turn into looking at charities that represent a global perspective and a local perspective,” said Wolfe. “[Students] can learn more, but also understand the impact they can have.”

$12,000 $13,221 $12,197 $24,525 $31,279

‘17

?

has its story, each one is part of me and when I wear it it’s my story.” said Gibbs

6 | FEATURE | The View

The View | NEWS |

7

place

OF VERSAILLES

1

THE PROCESS CASTLE VIEW STUDENTS GO THROUGH TO GET THE PART every student is placed in a choir where they will 1 have the most success.”

Junior Katherine Reiner is making the most of practicing her singing skills in Versailles. Unlike other students in Versailles, she has never been in a choir before.

According to the Castle View High School website, participating in this women’s choir exposes students to professional standards in vocal literature, vocal performance, and the proper techniques for singing. To meet these goals, Versailles must attend extra rehearsals for song sectionals to perfect their sound and appearance.

“I am so incredibly fortunate and extremely grateful that Mr. and Mrs. Walter allowed me the opportunity to join the choir and learn more about singing every single class period, knowing that I’d never been in choir class before,” said Reiner.

Katherine loved singing as she grew up, but before Versailles, she only sang in her room or her car. Her love for singing developed while she sat in a band room, watching the choir next

2

door, wondering what it was like to be in there.

“Last year, I remember sitting in band class being able to see the choir rooms through the windows and wanting to be there,” said Reiner. “I don’t remember what sparked my desire to be in choir.

I just knew I needed to start preparing and not let anything hold me back.”

Reiner started voice lessons one week before her audition in January 2016. She appears to have made an impact on those around her with her voice, they didn’t know what talent for singing she had in her.

Mr. Walter made it clear that singing takes a lot of effort, time, practice, and dedication. Reiner may have a spark in her that she never knew she had until taking the chance to audition for Versailles.

“Mr. Walter seeks talent and he obviously saw it in her,” said sophomore Anabella Clancy, one of Reiner’s Versailles classmates.

Although Reiner has no plans of making a career out of singing, she wants to make sure music stays a part of her life.

“I don’t plan on going to college majoring in singing or anything like that, but I plan on continuing to be in choirs and performing for local stuff, seeing what else I would enjoy and can do,” said Reiner.

In Reiner’s eyes, Versailles is not just a singing group; it is a class that teaches valuable lessons. It brings out the motivation for you to achieve your goals in life.

“Versailles taught me that you are always your biggest opponent, that you can’t be afraid of trying something new. And that if you listen to your true self, follow what you want in life and work hard, you can do whatever you set your mind to,” said Reiner.

ALL ABOUT CMEA 2

Photos by Natalia LaBarge 1. DO RE MI Junior Katherine Reiner practicing her vocal skills in her versailles, singing her performance songs for the CMEA’s. “I am so incredibly fortunate and extremely grateful that Mr. and Mrs. Walter allowed me the opportunity to join the choir,” said Reiner.

2. CLAP ALONG Versailles perform in the CV auditorium on Jan. 12, preparing for their CMEA performance. They have been practicing all year singing songs for the CMEA performance. “You always can find something new in a piece of music you’re performing no matter if it’s the first day or the twentieth day,” said director Heath Walter.

8 | NEWS | The View

SPOTLIGHT

EXPLORING CV’S VOCAL TALENT

NATALIA LABARGE Knees shaking, nerves buzzing and dozens of pairs of eyes staring. The intensity increases with each solo, technical, and group audition to get into the choir.

Versailles is an audition-only women’s choir that is available to sophomore, junior and senior students.

Proper singing technique is held to high standards and being able to join with out prior singing experience is uncommon.

“Over 100 young ladies auditioned to be in Mirenesse, Versailles and Voices of the Pride every year,” said director Heath Walter. “Through a rigorous audition process, students must sing a solo, demonstrate their technical skills and sing in a blend session. After the entire audition process,

in the

WHO: Versailles WHAT: Pre-CMEA Concert WHERE: CVHS Theatre WHEN: Thursday Jan 12 at 7:00 PM WHY: Because Versailles will be

performing at the Colorado Music Educators Association Clinic/ Conference. What makes this special is Versailles is only eligible to perform at CMEA every three years due to CMEA rules. Therefore, this is Versailles’ third straight CMEA performance (2011, 2014, 2017). To qualify, they had to submit an audition CD this past May. This past June they were selected.

AUDREY MANNING

O

n Monday, Jan. 30 the spotlight was shining on View students as they auditioned for the upcoming play, Much Ado About Nothing.

“Much Ado About Nothing is a love and comedy story at the same time. It has to do with the competition between genders: two main characters, Beatrice and Benedict, are devout enemies who get tricked into falling in love,” said director and theater teacher Robert Scott. “It’s comedy, drama and all these different things; it’s pure Shakespeare.”

Senior Ethan Walker has had a variety of experiences with the audition process. Ethan has been acting in the Castle View plays for the past four years.

“In any audition, you go introduce yourself and the piece you are doing. You do the monologue, sit down, then read specific scenes for the play,” said Walker. “In auditions you do not try for a particular role, you just audition.”

According to Scott, the audition process is more complex than what most people believe. Students are required to perform multiple pieces including a monologue and screenplay.

“First, students have to sign up through applications, then chose a monologue that they prepare, which is something from a Shakespeare story other than Much Ado About Nothing,” said Scott.

For freshman Vivian Luckiw, working through the process can be tough, not only in knowing the lines but in pushing herself to dive deep into the character.

“It is always nerve-wracking to know if you are going to get the part or get in at all,” said Luckiw. “It’s just not a very fun process to go through but it is all worth it in the end.”

For freshman Hannah Cassese, acting has allowed her to step out of her shell and truly express personality and voice while on stage.

Each play is an opportunity to prove she can handle the challenges placed in front of

1

Photos by Audrey Manning

her.

2 “To me the play is like another chance for me to show people what I can do as an actress and that even though I am a freshman, I can handle the scale of the productions that they do at Castle View,” Cassese said.

For many students, acting allows life to go on hold while they become the character being portrayed.

“When you first get on stage you are 3 blinded by the bright lights and are super nervous,” said freshman Celine Spears.

“Once you start your monologue, the nervousness goes away and you are totally focused on the lines and becoming the character; I can escape reality and become someone totally different for a few minutes.”

While it is stressful, the process has given students a new attitude and confidence that would not exist without.

1. STEP ONE Students listen to instructions before beginning the audition process with prepared monologues. “It is definitely “If you are ever thinking about doing of the hardest things to do with everything that needs acting do it because honestly I would never one to be filled out and worrying about auditioning,” said senior be this confident of a person that I am Thomas Cotham. 2. THE SCENE Cotham is getting involved with today. I would still be that socially awkward CV for Much Ado About Nothing and participating for the experience. “I love acting, it is something that I am good at, kid in the corner,” said senior Ella Neal. it is fun just to get into a play and do it,” said freshman Vivian “Acting is freeing; it’s beautiful and it’s Luckiw. 3.BEHIND THE ACT Past the monologue part, seniors Ella Neal and Ethan Walker read a scene directly from Much Ado human nature in action.”

About Nothing. For these two, this is only one of the many plays they have auditioned for. “I have been in the theater company for three years,” said Neal.

The View | NEWS |

9

A GLIMPSEinto clubs

NEW LIMITS credit restrictions

UNKNOWN WAYS STUDENTS ARE GETTING INVOLVED

STARTING NEXT YEAR, ADMINISTRATION IS MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO CREDIT LIMITATIONS.

Photo by Aubrey Hoffman-Maroney

1

2

Photo by Audrey Manning

JENNIFER CLEMENTE

N

ext year, Castle View is implementing a new change in the class schedule. Due to recent changes in funding, the number of credits students are permitted to take is going to be reduced.

Unlike other high schools, Castle View formerly allowed students to take a full schedule of eight credits all four years of their high school career. However, now students only get this opportunity freshman year.

Sophomores and juniors can take a maximum of seven credits in one year and seniors only six.

These changes are due to a recent lack of funding for the school. Allowing students to take eight full credits costs more than just having them take six or seven, meaning more money would be necessary.

“For every class a kid takes, it costs additional dollars for our school,” said assistant principal Ryan Hollingshead. “We got some special money that we requested from the district that was almost $400,000 a year. Then they just cut it off.”

The result of this is having to reduce the amount of teachers our school can support, meaning there will be fewer classes available for students.

“We’re treated like all the rest of the high schools now,” said Hollingshead.

Other possible solutions that were considered included switching to a seven period day or having seven classes at a

Photos by Jennifer Clemente

time, but only having half of them each day.

Ultimately, administration chose to include the parent and student community in the decision.

“We met with students, parent groups, we met with a lot of our teachers, and we kind of looked at what we value the most,” said Hollingshead. “Students valued our schedule and especially the ability to double up, so we wanted to protect that.”

Even while the changes made were minimal, they still affected students. With younger students only having two or three classes at a time rather than four, some may actually be hurt more than helped.

“If they’re not doing anything, that’s not really preparing them for college,” said senior Megan Oster. “I think that if they had full schedules and they had to take those classes, that might better prepare them.”

Regardless of age and course difficulty, all students have the option to be productive during their off periods.

“I’m hoping that they’ll just use that time wisely,” said counselor Heather Golden.

In addition, limiting the number of courses a student can take may cause them to not be able to take all of the classes they wanted to.

“It might be an issue for some people because they want to get those extra courses to be ready for college,” said Oster. “They might not have as much opportunity as I did.”

Younger students agree, feeling the effects of the new limitations themselves.

1

2

“I was going to double up on more stuff and just take more classes,” said sophomore Madeline Hale. “Now I can’t do that.”

A way around this, however, is the senior internship program. Permitting seniors to leave campus to engage in real-world situations does not count against the maximum credits a student can take (but does count towards their minimum), and benefits students in a way regular classes can’t.

“I think going to an internship and seeing what that job would really be like gives you an idea of if you actually want to do it or not,” said Golden. “It’s a really nice way to explore a career and see if it’s right.”

Whether students like it or not, credits are being limited next year. A change was necessary, however, and it was made with the students’ best interests in mind.

“I never want to take opportunities away from students,” said Hollingshead.

For more information, see the link below. http://bit.ly/CVclasses

1. DECISIONS, DECISIONS Sophomores Madeline Hale and Hunter Elliott plan out their upcoming junior year, each deciding which classes they should take. With credits being limited next year, some students are finding the change a little frustrating. “I really wanted to just get all of my credits done,” said Hale. 2. CHOOSING RIGHT Sophomore Rachel Peete contemplates her options for junior year. The registration process went by quickly this year, but most students were able to get everything done on time. “I think it happened very early and very fast, but regardless I was able to get it completed and turned in,” said Peete.

1. BLOOD PRESSURE AND SPANISH

The school nurses demonstrate how to take blood pressure at the club meeting on Monday Jan. 30 after school. The student then use this hands on experience by applying it to Spanish. “After watching the nurses take blood pressure, our teacher is going to help us translate it and learn how to do it in Spanish,” said Megan Kirwan. 2. BEFORE THE POWDER On Thursday Feb. 2 the Ski and Snowboard Club met during advisement to plan travel arrangements for their

next trip to Loveland. “Why not take those conversations out of the gondola, off the lift, and into our daily lives in CV?” said Barritt.

AUDREY MANNING The halls swarm with students as they rush to the next class, the next chapter of the day, the next opportunity. Often student ignore the additional possibilities around them. With over 60 clubs, many go unnoticed in the everyday lives of students, two of which include the Spanish Medical Club and the Ski and Snowboard Club.

The Ski and Snowboard Club allows students who share the same passion for Colorado’s mountains to connect on a more personal level. The club meets during Wednesday travel advisements to coordinate day trips.

“The Ski and Snowboard Club is about students coming together to celebrate one of Colorado’s best offerings. It’s also about getting students who share a common interest together to share good vibes and hang out,” said social studies teacher and club sponsor David Barritt.

Junior Tristan Martin joined to meet new people who also have a strong passion for the sports.

“I have been skiing and snowboarding since I was in third grade,” said Martin. “We plan day trips and watch videos of people skiing or snowboarding. It’s a great bonding experience.”

THE SPANISH MEDICAL RUN DOWN What you need to know about CV’s unknown clubs.

10 | NEWS | The View

In the future, this club has plans to get more involved with Castle View by sharing their knowledge and expertise.

“We are a relatively new club from last year, so we haven’t been able to develop consistent participation in school activities just yet. But in the future, we’re hoping to get involved in the Sabercat Stomp, as well as host movie screenings and board care tutorials after school,” said Barritt.

Another young and obscure club is the Spanish Medical Club. The goal of this group is for students with interest in the medical field to be able to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, by learning the language.

“To be able to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and families with social and economic needs,” said Spanish teacher Deena Ellis on the purpose of the club. “Students thought this was important after they learned that 40 percent of the homeless families and children in Colorado are Hispanic and Spanish-speaking.”

The club taught students vocabulary from the medical field in Spanish, allowing for communication without worrying about a language

barrier.

“For my future, I want to be a doctor so I knew that taking Spanish and medical experience would combine the two. It couldn’t get any better than that,” said sophomore Megan Kirwan. “It’s not just the vocabulary that we are doing, it’s learning about the culture.”

Similarly, the Spanish Medical Club aimed to expand their learning to how one might communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients.

“Club members also requested that we investigate the possibility of taking a club trip to do volunteer work in clinics, hospitals and schools in a Spanishspeaking country next year,” said Ellis.

Hidden within It’s about getting the busy schedules students who share of students are a common interest unique passions for together.” which there are a DAVID BARRITT multitude of clubs.

SKI & SNOWBOARD

For Spanish students who are considering any career in the medical field or internships at work settings such as hospitals, emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, and clinics,” said Deena Ellis.

Snowboarders and skiers tend to have similar attitudes about life,” said David Barritt. “It’s a great way for kids who are itching to hit the mountain but are not able to find alternate transportation.”

WHO: Spanish Teacher Deena Ellis WHERE: 20B WHEN: Monday 3:00 - 3:45

WHO: Teacher David Barritt WHERE: 8100 WHEN: Wednesday Travel Advisements The View | NEWS |

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protesting

PARADOX STUDENTS ATTEND THE LARGEST DEMONSTRATION OF UNITED STATES HISTORY.

Photo by Jessica Combest Photo by Jessica Combest

JANE BOYD

T

here have been three marches on Washington in 2017 alone, including the Women’s March on Jan. 21, 2017.

According to U.S Uncut, it is thought to be the largest demonstration in U.S history.

One attendee of the Women’s March, junior Kate Spencer, said, “It was a lot of fun. I liked being around people who Photo by Alyssa Wilde

Photo by Jessica Combest

Photo by Alyssa Wilde

Photo by Jessica Combest Photo by Jessica Combest

thought like me. There was music and everyone was unified.”

Spencer, among the other 4.2 million people that attended marches at over 600 U.S. cities in Americans [According to Erica Chenoweth from the University of Denver and Jeremy Pressman at the University of Connecticut] that attended these marches around the world, believed in the message being

Photo by Alyssa Wilde

spread.

Photo by Jane Boyd Photo by Jessica Combest

Photo by Jessica Combest

“Trump can’t ignore that many people,” said Spencer.

Photo by Jane Boyd

As this was Spencer’s first protest, she was surprised by the amount of people that attended the march in Denver alone.

Photo by Jessica Combest

Spencer thinks a really important step in protesting is finding something you really care about.

“Do research and know where you stand,” she said.

A group of six Castle View students including; Noah Gibbs, Alyssa Wilde, Amanda Caruso, Griffin Opp, Justin Schaffer, and Everett Andrews went to Washington D.C. to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump with Dean Amanda Malson on Jan. 18, 2017 through the 22nd.

Malson was originally timid to attend due to the political nature of the march. On the day of the march, the group was at Ford’s theater about two blocks away from parts of the march. The group eventually attended the march for about an hour.

“We realized it was something that we were most likely not going to see again in our lifetime,” said Malson. “It was the most powerful thing we witnessed so far of the inauguration.”

She hadn’t heard as much chatter about the march in Castle Photo by Alyssa Wilde Photo by Alyssa Wilde Photo by Jenna Chapman Photo by Jessica Combest

12 | PROTESTING PARADOX | The View

Rock due to it’s more “conservative nature,” said Spencer, but she was happy with the numbers and the final outcome of the march.

The View | PROTESTING PARADOX |

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under

PRESSURE

ATHLETES DISCUSS SCHOOL AND SPORTS Photo by Garrett Stein

GARRETT STEIN

Junior Kori Baker crams for AP Calculus, AP Biology and Spanish V inbetween rushing from her high school soccer, track and basketball, Olympic Development Program soccer team and club soccer.

According to the American Psychological Association, teens have been reported to have stress levels exceeding healthy limits. Amongst those are students like Baker, who manages four sports and her grades. Basketball, soccer, cross country, and track limit Baker’s time outside of school to complete her assignments.

“I manage my time by trying to get my homework done in school,” said Baker. “I take a lot of AP classes so I get a lot of homework.”

Baker isn’t the only one holding onto school time to complete outside work. Senior Casey

McLeod is on the varsity swim team and is headed to state.

“I do many extracurricular activities while I’m in swim season,” said McLeod. “It can get really stressful, but I’ve been doing this for so long I have gotten used to it.”

According to Atlantic, 49 percent of high school students reported feeling a great deal of stress on a daily bases.

“Stress is horrible, so I make sure to get all my homework done so I don’t have any on the weekends,” said Baker.

Dean of Students Patrick Simpson, who is also the Varsity basketball coach, understands the stress put on student athletes to do well.

But he wants them to put forth their best in the classroom as they would on the court.

“I believe that my players do good in class.

basketball coach Patrick Simpson uses a timeout to give his players a confidence boost on the court..

“We are on the same team; if one of us is failing then we’re all failing,” said Simpson.

They’re good kids and I think that sports push them to do good in school because playing sports is important to them,” said Simpson.

According to the NCAA, there are 8 million high school students participating in athletics in the United States, only 6 percent of them will compete at NCAA schools. Simpson realize that high school athletes have a very slim chance playing after high school.

“I100 percent believe that school and life are more important than sports,” said Simpson. “We teach them many other things than just basketball like, how to do good in school, be ready to fail and be a good man.

At the end of the day, it’s more than just a game.”

STUDY HARDER

work hard AUBREY HOFFMAN-MARONEY

A

ndy Valor waits behind the conveyor belt the customer’s groceries head her way, ready to be bagged.

Valor, who works at Safeway, believes it is important to devote time to both school and work.

“I recommend [working] if there’s a need for it. I don’t regret getting a job because I still fit in my social life, but you need to be dedicated to both school and work,” said Valor.

Junior Hannah Grebe believed having a job could be rough due to the lack of time outside of the classroom and workplace According to the National Longitudinal Survey, high school upperclassmen work about 20 hours a week.

“It gets in the way of hanging out with friends and having some more free time on weekends and during the summer,” said Grebe.

Many students have part-time jobs to save for cars and other necessities.

“I had to get a job when I needed to get a new car, but I had no way to pay for it,” said

14 | STUDENT LIFE

| The View

HOOKEY

TIMEOUT Varisty

A LOOK INTO THE WORLD OF HIGH SCHOOL JOBS Valor.

Two months ago, Valor got a job as a courtesy clerk. Since then, she was able to start saving money for a car.

According to junior Haley Bradley, who works at G.H. Bass at the Outlet mall, having a job can develop new skills and provide new experiences.

“I can say I’ve gained some social skills. I talk a lot to a variety of people. It’s cool how many unique people you can meet,” said Bradley.

Bradley also added what it was like to get some time off.

“It’s like pulling teeth to get a shift or two off so I can spend time with my family,” said Bradley.

Grebe said getting a job in high school expanded her horizons.

“I would like to quit [my current job] mainly to get a new job to expand my experience in the working realm as well as just trying something new,” said Grebe.

In the end, Bradley suggested getting a job during high school because it taught responsibility and felt good to earn money.

“I do recommend it,” said Bradley. “Every place is a little different, so you may get more or less time off, but it teaches you to step up a little. It feels nice to be able to work for your own earnings.

Photo by Jane Boyd COURTESY CLERK Castle View junior, Andy Valor, bags

groceries at Safeway. “I love working there and I have so much fun. Even when we’re busy we always find a way to smile and laugh,” said Valor.

playing

WHILE A LARGE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS SKIP ADVISEMENT, THERE’S A SENIOR WHO DOESN’T.

Photo by Stephanie Rottmann ADVISEMENT WORK Senior Alexandra Hulit takes advantage of the time given through Advisement to work on homework. “So many times I’ve been able

to study for tests and get homework done help me focus solely on extracurriculars and work outside of school,” said Hulit. “The required time inside of a classroom due to pride Advisement has increased my productivity and given me much-needed time to cram.”

STEPHANIE ROTTMANN

As students progress in high school, each year brings new liberties.

For seniors, going to class may seem less important with end of their high school career quickly approaching.

As shown in a recent Twitter poll, 51 percent out of the 150 students admit to ditching Advisement on a daily basis.

While a large majority of students skip Advisement every day, senior Alexandra Hulit doesn’t.

“I personally do not like missing Advisement,” said Hulit. “Although it may not seem like a big deal, attending is important because it helps us stay tuned on announcements and remain involved in what’s happening throughout the school.”

The extra time Hulit uses each day is to focus on getting school work done so she can have extra time outside of school to focus on her extracurricular activities and work. The time provided each day has helped her greatly, increasing her productivity level and providing much needed time to cram for upcoming tests.

Hulit doesn’t understand why everyone does not take advantage of the time that could be used to benefit their grades.

“By not going [to Advisement], a lot of times it shows that students don’t necessarily prioritize academics. It may not be the most fun 30 minutes of the day, but Advisement provides very useful time to catch up and get ahead,” said Huilt. “For those who skip Advisement, going off-campus and grabbing coffee or food may seem fun in the moment, but it honestly has no contribution to success in and after high school!”

However, senior Lauren Kiyan, doesn’t agree with Huilt. Her reasoning behind not attending stems from that fact that she doesn’t think it’s important or makes an impact on her grades.

“I don’t think it’s important because we literally do nothing. All we do is talk; it’s definitely not necessary for my life,” said Kiyan.

According to Dean of Students, Patrick Simpson, “It’s hard to tell exactly how many students skip Advisement each day due to attendance policies of each teacher, but when I pull up a student’s attendance, it’s almost always Advisement that they’re missing.”

Simpson believes Advisement is a good resource for students.

“Not only does Advisement provide a time to work, you can also create great bonds with different peers,” said Simpson. “It’s a time to make good relationships with people, which is a skill you’ll need in life. I think that’s an awesome part of Advisement.”

As coach of the varsity basketball team, Simpson sees first hand how much his players have to juggle with sports, homework, and home life, all while still trying to get exceptional grades.

“If Advisement is used correctly, it can be very beneficial,” said Simpson. “It blows my mind every year how much you guys get into, especially with all the extracurricular activities like sports, student government, band, orchestra and lots more. On top of that, you’ve also got friends and families. It’s a lot.”

Simpson believes the time given for homework and time with teachers is a unique aspect that makes Castle View stand out among other schools.

“I’m amazed that students don’t take advantage of that time to do homework with so many other things to do. The fact By not going [to that there’s built in time and the ability to Advisement], a lot of go ask teachers for help during that time times it shows that is great, because everyone needs help students don’t prioritize from time to time in different areas. That academics.” extra time with teachers is part of what ALEXANDRA HULIT makes us Castle View,” said Simpson.

The View | STUDENT LIFE |

15

fresh off the

FRYING PAN T

CASTLE VIEW FRESHMEN GET INVOLVED IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT.

GARRETT STEIN

he 2020 freshman class has been doing a good job getting involved.

“We want freshman to feel welcome when they come into Castle View especially when it comes to spirit,” said Humanities teacher and Link Crew adviser Rebekah Welte.

According to Castle View bookkeeping, 342 freshmen play one or more sports and 272 are in one or more clubs. Freshman William Shanahan does many things to get involved.

“I go to a lot of sporting events, mostly football,” said Shanahan. “I also played on the freshman football team and I’m also doing track right now.”

According to freshmen counselor Kaycee Semple, she thinks that 75 percent of the freshmen class tries or is involved with sports or clubs.

“I think it’s really important for freshmen to get involved for two reasons,” said Semple.

“First it’s a way to meet new people and find your group here in high school. Second is that college looks at the things you get involved in to see if you can be a leader.”

According to many freshmen students, involvement is important but not everyone

gets involved. Link Crew encourages 1 freshmen to get involved with sports, clubs, and going to events.

“Link Crew helped me get involved by going to events,” said freshman Alex Cerullo.

“They always bring in a positive atmosphere when they come to our Advisement and really encourage you to go to the school events.”

Last years freshman didn’t have Link Crew to help them get involved. The 2019 class had to figure out how to adapt to Castle View on their own.

“When you get involved at school it makes it a better place to be at,” said sophomore Ethan Erickson.”Instead of just feeling like you’re going to learn or going to have fun and meet new people, it makes you feel like you’re apart of a community.”

Photos by Garrett Stein

1. MAGIC FINGERS Castle View students perform ‘magic fingers’ during the Castle View vs Douglas County basketball game. “It was a cool way to cheer for our team,” said freshman Emma Ewoniuk. 2. GETTING A RISE Senior Abby Haneke stands in front of the student section and leads them in a cheer. “We wanted to get a cheer going to get our crowd into the game,” says Haneke.

Does Link Crew help freshmen get involved?

18% Basketball 70% Football

18% Yes 82% No

(number polled via Twitter: 60)

| The View

EXPLORING CASTLE VIEW’S AND THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S BUDGET SITUATION. HARRISON SEDMAK The cut in funding next year is going to impact the number of courses students will be able to take. This can hurt students’ ability to take college courses in high school or graduate early. Students like senior Dustin Bean think this could be solved by playing with budget.

“If they could just put a greater percentage of our money towards paying salaries, I’m sure we could still afford at least a few more teachers for next year,” said Bean.

However, this is not an option. According to principal Rex Corr, Castle View currently gets $3,640 per student. 96.9 percent of all this money goes towards faculty salaries.

The rest goes towards things like textbooks, microscopes, or whatever else is considered necessary to provide students with a modern education.

Although he would like to hire more teachers, “We have a responsibility to be able to meet the needs of this institution from a technology standpoint, from a textbook and resources standpoint and from an educator’s standpoint. I think we put the best possible people in front of students across the board, but we still need money to run a copy machine,” said Corr.

Corr further stressed the importance of having enough money for school resources.

“Having a great science teacher is an outstanding asset, however if we don’t have enough materials in the lab, it impacts the education of the students,” said Corr.

Much of the upgrades the school receives are self-funded. According to Corr and

Student Government treasurer Alec Greven, both the athletic department and student government are self-funded. Examples of how their budgets are spent in the school is the new floor for the basketball court, which was primarily paid for by the athletics department, and the numerous ‘bid projects’ that student government conducts.

The school district also pays for school upgrades. For example, the recent re-painting of the walls was done by the school district, and according to Corr, the school will receive new turf on the football field from DCSD. Douglas County School District per pupil funding is rather low. Despite being the ninth wealthiest county in the country, Douglas County has one of the lowest per student spending. According to statistics by Education Week and the U.S. Census Bureau, the average U.S. school district per pupil funding is $11,84. DCSD’s is only $7,431 per student.

A significant reason as to why funding is so low is because Douglas County voters have repeatedly voted against proposals to increase school funding. All the Colorado school districts receive about the same level of funding from the state, but counties have the ability to increase funding in what is called a “Mill Levy Override.” Douglas County voters have knocked down Mill Levy Overrides more than most other Colorado school districts.

“We need to communicate the need for more school funding to the population, so they realize the discrepancy between our funding and the funding of districts around

budget

Which sporting event do you attend the most at Castle View?

16 | STUDENT LIFE

BUDGETS

butting

8% 4%

Wrestling Soccer

BREAKDOWN

+$85 .5

A look into the proposed budget for the future of DCSD.

BY EMMA SHANAHAN

increase for each student.

us,” said Corr.

According to DCSD Superintendent Erin Kane, if Douglas County passed as many Mill Levy Overrides as the Cherry Creek School District, DCSD would have 100 million dollars more in funding.

However, many people in Douglas County are resistant to passing a Mill Levy Override, as it would result in an increase in taxes.

With the last Mill Levy override in Douglas County having been passed over 20 years ago, Douglas County voters have historically been against tax increases. This hesitation to increase taxes is also shared by high level administration in DCSD, including Board of Education President Meghann Silverthorn.

“I’m disinclined to support tax increases in this fiscal environment,” said Silverthorn in an interview with the Douglas County Press.

“However, as the board liaison to the long range planning committee, I’m aware that the district has many capital needs that must be addressed. The state of Colorado provides no capital funding for school districts, so we must raise the funds ourselves, which can be a challenge.”

Silverthorn said she needs to see how upcoming school funding plans would affect Douglas I think we put the best County possible people in front taxpayers before of students.” coming to a conclusion on REX CORR, PRINCIPAL the subject.

million

technology growth funds, which will be expanding next year.

$7.4 %3 million

more to teachers pay

petitioned increase to the budget.

Based off a petition increase for the 2016-2017 Budget for the Douglas County Budget.

The View | STUDENT LIFE |

17

can’t keep

HER DOWN

NOTHING but net

STUDENT ATHLETE ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY AND A STATE TITLE

LEMUEL SCARBROUGH

“You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously,” said Steve Maraboli in Life, the Truth, and Being Free.

For senior student athlete Sierra Suazo, these words hold true when competing for gold on the Castle View track and field team.

Suazo throws the shot put, a 12 pound metal ball, and discus, a flat weighted disc, making big contributions to the team.

She holds the school record for both events at 43 feet and one inch for shot put and 142 feet five inches for discus, which made her shot put score high enough to qualify for the State meet in the 2016 track season last year.

“I tripped over the toe board the day before State and tore the ligaments in my ankle, chipping off a chunk of my ankle bone,” said Suazo.

This injury was thought to end her season, but Suazo was able to muster up the strength to compete the very next day at the State meet. This courage got Suazo into fourth place in State for shot put.

“I continued to compete until August and then got reconstructive ankle surgery,” said Suazo.

The surgery she received was ankle ligament reconstruction (A.L.R.). According to FootCareMD, the goal of the surgery is to restore normal stability of the ankle.

“They scoped the front top of my foot to get out all of the scar tissue,” said Suazo.

This landed Suazo a spot on a scooter for two weeks, on crutches for two weeks and then in a walking boot for three weeks.

After those seven weeks, she went to physical therapy for a month and in that time

started training again.

“My lifting and training are still slightly limited, so after every practice I see the trainer and take an ice bath or stem and ice,” said Suazo “Basically anything to get back to my presurgery state.”

Suazo also said her ankle should be back to normal before the official 2017 track season starts; she will be able to compete once again.

When asked what The recovery process her goal is for the has been pretty long, upcoming season, but will be well worth Suazo simply it.” replied, “Win State.”

SIERRA SUAZO

FRESHMAN BOYS TAKE THE BASKETBALL SEASON BY STORM. LILLIAN HENAK AND WILLIAM STEINBRUNNER 1

Photos by Lillian Henak 2

BALANCINGit all A Q&A WITH SENIOR ALYSSA BANGART ON THE WORLD OF DANCE MEGAN TAKEDA

did you begin to dance?

Q When “I started dancing when I was two or three A because my mom put me in it, but I ended up

Q Q

really liking it.”

What kind of dancing do you do?

“I’ve done tap, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, basically all of it.”

What kind of training, attitude, discipline, etc. does dancing require?

A

A “It requires a lot of training in practice and at

Q

home. You have to have an open mind because sometimes you’ll have a bad day but you can’t let that affect you. It’s both mental and physical.”

What are your biggest accomplishments in dancing?

“I was chosen for UDA All American, where you get invited to dance at a New Year parade in London. I’ve also gotten class scholarships for dance.”

A

18 | SPORTS

| The View

POM POMS Senior Alyssa Bangart performs with her team at the Castle View versus

3

Highlands Ranch varsity boys basketball game on Feb. 7. “With Poms it’s even harder because we have to go to the sports games to perform.”

influenced your interest in dancing?

Q Who“I just fell in love with the sport when I was younger. Sometimes A it’s a way of escape and a way of speaking without words through artistic movements.” do you say to the people that don’t think dance is a Q What sport? get pissed. I guarantee you can’t do what I do and dancing A“Irequires the same endurance and perseverance as other sports.” to continue dancing beyond high school?

Q Are“Atyoufirstgoing I wasn’t going to. It’s just been such a big part of me that I A have looked into college dance teams or even a minor in dance.”

Q Why is dancing important to you?

A “It’s shaped my identity. I’m a really big perfectionist because of

A

s the new kids at school, the freshman boys basketball team appears to have surpassed many expectations of basketball fans around the county in the wake of their sudden success.

One can usually point out who plays basketball. They walk with pride when wearing the bright red Castle View logo.

“Obviously, educators, in general, work to help kids. My time as an educator allows me to help these kids get better. As we play we are only getting better,” said retired CVHS principal and now head coach of the freshman basketball team, Dr. Jim Calhoun.

There were high expectations to bring CV an exciting freshmen season from the very start. These have been utterly shattered. The freshmen boys have scrimmaged teams from the JV boys to the Varsity girls; each and every one of them lead to yet another win for the boys.

As time has gone on, it appears the athletes have bonded with each other and created something special, even though there may be some flaws. They still work together to turn their work in practice into wins.

“It’s not perfect because everyone wants to do well; the guys can get on each other about mistakes, but in

general their good attitudes lead to success,” said Calhoun.

3 As the season continued, the team continues to uphold their hot start.

There have been not one, but multiple close calls that could jeopardize their streak. At a recent game on Jan. 17 versus Mountain Vista the Sabercats brought home the win with a whopping score of 50-49.

“I honestly thought we were going to lose that game,” said freshman Josh Pinello. “I can’t imagine what we would be like today if we lost that game.”

The team’s continued success brings more and more attention to them every time they step onto the court. Each and every player brought something special to the team.

“We all have high expectations for each other. We expect a lot from each other because of the level of greatness we have reached,” said freshman Parker Landry.

The 2016-2017 freshman boys basketball team has accomplished more than people thought was possible for the freshman boys. They set high standards for all of the future basketball teams at Castle View.

“As time goes on we are improving our current 14-0 win streak by hard work and dedication. We are only working to get better,” said Coach Calhoun.

FRESHMAN BASKETBALL 1.CALLING SHOTS Freshman number 15, Zach Cushman, puts up 12 points against Chaparral High School. The win against Chaparral was big for the boys continuing their winning streak. 2. SWEET SUCCESS Freshman number 32 Josh Pinello, walks off of the court proud of his work after pulling away a huge win against Legend high school. 3. HEADS UP Freshman number 4 Parker Landry keeps his head up while overlooking the court trying to find the best option to make a perfect pass too.

JV BASKETBALL

VARSITY BASKETBALL

dancing. It made me really dedicated and hardworking. I also have tougher skin because in the dance world you get a lot of rejection and you learn to look past it.”

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division one

DISCUSSION

concussion

BOUND

CVHS ATHLETES TALK ABOUT THE HARD HITTING TRUTH

CASTLE VIEW SENIOR FOOTBALL PLAYER SIGNS TO PLAY WITH DIVISION I FOOTBALL TEAM

Photo by Lilian Henak THE UGLY TRUTH Freshman Michal Beaudoin faces the fact that she can no longer pursue her dream, soccer.“I miss it more and more everyday” said Beaudoin, “It was the hardest thing I have ever done.”

LILLIAN HENAK

Photo by Joshua Hermanstorfer SIGNING AWAY Senior Nolan Laufenberg signs his letter of intent decked out in Air Force gear. He first decided where he wanted to go in early January

with the help of family and coaches. “I think anybody that goes to Air Force is going to have culture shock, it’s college on steroids,” said Coach Ryan Hollingshead. “For a physical big man, on that campus, it’s going to be tough, but he’ll be fine. He’s smart enough to figure out how to make it all work.”

JOSHUA HERMANSTORFER

Surrounded by friends and family, senior Nolan Laufenberg pens his signature, confirming his commitment to the Air Force Academy to play football.

6 foot 4 inch, 300 pound Laufenberg officially confirmed his college plans on National Signing Day, Feb. 1. He will be playing Division I football in Colorado Springs for the Air Force Falcons.

“It’s a special thing,” said Castle View head football coach Dustin Pfeiffer. “There’s such a small percentage of high school athletes that even go to college to play sports, let alone Division I.” Laufenberg is the first football player to sign with a Division I FBS – Football Bowl Subdivision – football team in school history. Division I FBS is the highest level of collegiate competition a football player can reach.

According to NCAA, of over one million high school football players in the nation, only about 2.6 percent go on to play Division I football.

“It doesn’t seem like it, but there are a lot of 300 pound kids out there,” said Castle View

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football coach Ryan Hollingshead. “But there aren’t very many who are athletes like Nolan.

He can pick up any ball in any sport and be one of the best players on the field.”

In fact, Laufenberg has played many sports throughout his life including basketball and baseball as a Sabercat. It was not until the summer of 2016 that he decided to pursue football rather than either of the alternatives.

“I’ve always liked football ‘cause I’m good at it,” said Laufenberg with a chuckle. “It’s a good way to make friendships.”

Coaches and teammates love having him on their team for more than just his talent. “[Nolan is a] fantastic kid to coach. He’s a kid that gets the game, he’s a kid that wants to work hard and he’s motivated,” said Pfeiffer.

Preparing to play at such a prestigious level requires not only talent, but hard work as well.

“I’ve always had natural talent, so I worked off of that,” said Laufenberg. “I always worked on my footwork – that’s a big thing as an O-lineman. Then when it came to higher levels, I had to get bigger. Lifting was a big part of it.”

Laufenberg had many possibilities open

to him after his senior season. Pretty much every ivy league school in the country wanted him, but it really came down to North Dakota University, the University of Northern Colorado and the Air Force Academy.

“The opportunities that the Air Force gives you, not only in football but in life, are pretty sweet,” said Laufenberg. “I just felt like it was a mistake if I were to pass it up.”

Laufenberg’s family, as well as his high school coaches, support his decision.

“I’m sure Nolan would’ve loved to go to a Big 10 school or something like that, but ultimately you want to go somewhere where they want you and you have a chance to play and compete,” said Hollingshead.

Now that Laufenberg has officially signed with the Air Force Academy, he feels relieved.

“A load is taken off my shoulders,” The opportunities that the said Laufenberg.

Air Force Academy gives The new Falcon you, not only in football but in life, are pretty sweet.” will settle into his nest this fall.

NOLAN LAUFENBERG

A

ccording to Popular Science, there are roughly 3.8 million concussions per year from athletes in professional sports and athletes recreational sports of all ages, however half of those concussions are unreported.

The brain is a fascinating and complex entity. It has the capability to dream, imagine, remember and interpret the world, along with a multitude of other functions.

It is, however, also a fragile piece of equipment, as damage to any part of it could disrupt the system, leading to symptoms such as memory trouble, blurred vision and personality changes or phenomena such as blindsight according to brainline.org.

A simple hit to the brain can be sustained from a blow to the head, known as a concussion or traumatic brain injury according to protect the brain.

Concussions can become other serious health issues like disabilities, loss of brain functions and even death according to 3 Sanford health.

Freshman Michal Beaudoin, a former soccer player, had to give up playing soccer because of a concussion she didn’t know she had.

“Soccer was my life and now I am completely lost without it,” said Beaudoin.

Her life turned upside down after her first concussion playing Powderpuff in Showdown without knowing.

Her only symptom was a headache, but just weeks later Beaudoin got another concussion during soccer practice ending her soccer career forever. Beaudoin went through months of therapy for her neck and eyes.

“I missed so many days of school,” said Beaudoin. “I can’t count all of the days I missed; my grades dropped and I almost had

COLD. HARD. FACTS. WILLIAM STEINBRUNNER

to retake multiple classes.”

Beaudoin couldn’t focus in class and she would fall asleep a lot, which are both symptoms of a concussion according to Mayo Clinic.

By talking about concussions and creating greater understanding, it improves the outlook not just for the injured person, but for everyone involved playing sports.

Creating awareness can prevent many concussions and help athletes stay safe when playing. A concussion is a serious injury that could end someone’s career or even life in some cases.

According to Head Case Company, every 1 in 5 high school students will sustain a concussion from sports during their season.

VARSITY BOYS ICE HOCKEY SLIDE INTO A SUCCESSFUL SEASON.

VARSITY BOYS ICE HOCKEY: WIN

24 CV PLAYERS

14 FORWARDS; 7 DEFENSEMEN; 3 GOALIES

81% WIN PERCENTAGE

LOSS 10-1 AWAY RECORD The View | SPORTS |

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OURview editorial

VALENTINE’S NAY WHY I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY STEPHANIE ROTTMANN When I was in elementary school, each year around Valentine’s day we took old shoe boxes and covered them with heart stickers and designs, unique to each kid’s interest.

Each box would later be filled with valentines from each student in the class. In second grade, I had a crush on Nick Alliston, not only the cutest kid in my class, but in the ENTIRE second grade. I knew this year he would be giving out different colored heart valentines, so that meant I had to get a red one. If I got a red heart that meant he really liked me, but if I got any other color it was over. It finally came time to put the valentines in the boxes. I rushed quickly to put my fun dip in everyone’s boxes so I could go get my box to see what color I got from THE Nick Alliston. I went through my box quickly looking for a red heart, but when I didn’t find one my heart sank.

I finally found it; I got a pink heart. From that moment on I just assumed he hated me.

Every year on Feb. 14 couples from around the world flock to local flower shops, jewelry stores and expensive restaurants all looking for their cliche red hearts.

According to ABC News, Valentine’s Day originated in 496 A.D., making it one of the world’s oldest holidays.

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According to The New York Times, Valentine’s day comes from a famous Roman Priest named St. Valentine from 3rd century A.D., when Emperor Claudius II banned marriage because he thought that married men made bad soldiers. After Emperor Claudius II died, a festival in the middle of February began, where young boys would choose the name of a young girl from a box.

During the remainder of the festival the two would date, hopefully leading to a long-term relationship in the future.

Over time, this tradition has changed drastically. While still seen as a romantic holiday, it is now one of the only days of the year people show their affection towards one another, a break from every other day of taking one another for granted. The most romantic day of the year is extremely ironic due to the fact that it started out as a ban of love, but now is celebrated as a day of love around the world.

Valentine’s Day is now a dumb excuse to purchase expensive gifts that will most likely sit on a dresser for years to come, and expensive flowers that will be neglected until they’re thrown in the trash weeks later. It’s just a day to make people who are alone feel like big losers and people in relationships feel inadequate because the day never lives up to expectations.

As seen on statisticbrain.com, the average

amount of roses produced specifically for Valentine’s Day each year is around 198 million. The amount spent by the US annually has skyrocketed to over 13 billion dollars each year spent on gifts for their loved one.

Out of that 13 billion, 403 million comes from revenue from flowers. While this does help businessess, it seems absurd that it’s only one day a year. If people were to be more grateful year-round, it would be better for businessess across the world.

Often times when thinking about Valentine’s Day, the first thing that comes to mind are the cliché movies that’ll be on the Hallmark channel or thoughts of the sappy card that will be purchased this year for my mom.

But shouldn’t the gift of being together be enough?

Forty percent of those interviewed agreed that they don’t need a gift; time with their significant other is enough. Honestly though, that number should be much higher. Why care so much about the materialistic things in life when none of that will matter when we’re older?

I guarantee you that when you’re on your deathbed, you won’t be thinking about the necklace that you did or did not receive for Valentine’s Day. Hopefully you’ll be thinking about all the great memories you’ve created throughout your lifetime with loved ones and friends.

left vs.

RIGHT

PEOPLE WITH OPPOSING VIEWS GO HEAD TO HEAD OVER THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION.

HARRISON SEDMAK

In the first week of the new year, I came across a video produced

by MTV entitled New Year’s Resolutions for White Guys. The video features a diverse set of people offering some terrific advice on what I should think and how I should treat people because I wouldn’t know otherwise due to my skin color. The video spends a lot of time shaming gentleman like me for having white male privilege. One of the most pretentious lines being, “We know nobody’s perfect, but honestly, you could do a little better.” It’s interesting that such social justice warriors would be so quick to develop a set of resolutions for an entire group of people based on their skin color. Racism is becoming a very confusing thing.

The line that resonated with me the most however, was when an actor stated “Try to recognize that America has never been great for anyone who wasn’t a white guy.”

Frankly, I believe America is actually pretty great for all people. In fact, Pew Research has shown that if someone is an American citizen, there is a 95 percent chance that you enjoy a standard of living above 61 percent of the world.

Regardless, this statement essentially sums up one of the main points of American progressive ideology. This is the idea that America is an inherently racist, sexist, xenophobic, transphobic, and homophobic society. A narrative that has been crafted by liberal media bias, and supported by Democrat politicians like Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Hillary Clinton. Those of the left have convinced millions of people that they are the victims of a society that is oppressing them, and that is why there is inequality in the United States. A phenomenon that has been referred to as “victim culture,” something that is gravely harming our society.

Many aspects of victim culture could be explored, but for the sake of writing space, let’s just digest race in America.

To be fair, there is a great deal of racial inequality in the United States. Pew Research reported in 2014 that on average, African American households in the United States are earning $43,000, Hispanic households are earning $52,000 and white households are earning $71,300.

In addition to this, U.S. Census Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics have shown that blacks make up 40 percent of prisoners in U.S., despite being only 13 percent of the population, while Hispanics make up 19 percent of prisoners whilst making up 16 percent of the population.

Whites, who represent 64 percent of the population, only represent for 39 percent of the prison population.

While there is certainly inequality in the United States, these statistics don’t prove that there is inequity in the United States. In other words, just because there is unequal outcomes, it doesn’t mean that foul play was a contributing factor.

In 2013, the Brookings Institute reported that the best way for poor teenagers to ensure that they are not permanently poor is to do three things: graduate high school, get a job and wait until you’re married to have children Of surveyed teenagers who followed these three rules to adulthood, 75 percent of them joined the middle class, and only 2 percent of them found themselves impoverished later in life.

Numerous studies and statistics by organizations like the National Center for Educational Statistics, the FBI, the American Community Survey, and the US Census Bureau have shown that certain racial minorities are far less likely to have done these things than whites. Numerous cultural and economic factors answer as to why, but in each circumstance it is not due to racial

targeting. In fact, these studies have shown that when you place each racial minority in similar circumstances, they can both be expected to have a similar outcome, proving their is no inequity due to racism.

Now this doesn’t mean that racism is not occurring, but it does mean that overwhelmingly, racism can not be the excuse for why different groups are not succeeding in modern America. However, much of America fails to realize this because the leftist media and politicians have been force feeding the populace a narrative that if you are not a white male, then an invisible force called white privilege is working against you. Once people buy into this victim mentality, they may either believe they can no longer control their own circumstances, which is not true, and lose motivation to try and better their lives, an outlook on life in which very few will be able to succeed with.

The next possible result of this, is an unwarranted resentment towards society.

The media’s sensationalism of recent police shootings of black men has caused significant amount of people to believe the establishment, most sadly the one people need most to protect them, the police, is deeply racist.

While numerous studies by organizations like the National Bureau of Economic Research have found no racial bias in lethal force by the police, this hasn’t stopped unjustified outrage and violence. For example, the so called Baltimore “Uprising,” was a riot done out of pure unwarranted rage.

LEFT vs. right Look for the follow up in our March 2017 issue!

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CENTRAL

comic

OPINION WITH SOME LAUGHS

HIGH SCHOOLERS LOVE

AMY MACKIN

mad week

2017

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