The Catalyst
. . . n e h T
Fruita Monument High School
1102 Wildcat Ave. Fruita, CO 81521 Volume 17, Issue 7 April, 2013
w o n nd
a . ..
2013 senior issue
The Catalyst is a publication of Fruita Monument High School, 1102 Wildcat Avenue, Fruita, Colorado. The Catalyst is published twice per quarter and is distributed free to Fruita Monument High School students and staff. Advertising rates and deadlines are available via e-mail at fruitacatalyst@gmail.com. Content of the student newspaper is an expression of 1st amendment freedom of speech and press rights and do not represent the position or policies of Mesa County School District #51 or of Fruita Monument High School’s administration or staff. As stated in School Board policy, school-sponsored publications are a public forum for students as well as
an educational activity through which students can gain experience in reporting, writing, editing and more in the effort to promote responsible journalism. Content of school publications may reflect all areas of student interest, which may include topics about which there may be dissent or controversy. Comments, questions, suggestions, or letters to the editor are welcome. Unsigned editorials will not be printed. Letters may be edited for length and grammar. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
Photo by Madison Wittman
The Catalyst
Staff:
Managing Editors: Alyssa Urban and Jennifer Robinson. News Editor and Business Mannager: Keaton Brown. Commentary Editor: Taylor Scofield. Features Editor: Alyssa Urban. Sports Editor: Eden Laase. Arts & Entertainment Editor: Jennifer Robinson. Photography Editor: Madison Wittman. Reporters: Adrienne Chiapuzio, Taylor Eatwell, Josephene Owens, Melissa Murphy, Sam Cyphers, Noah Turner, Kat Bird, Katy David, Megan Hunter, Nicole Twardowski, Rikeisha Cunningham, Ian Sage, Teague VanPelt, Ian Golba, Christian Lobato, Lyric Fortson, Ariel Eckhart, Gabby Nelson, Jake Gulden, Josie Owens, Kaie Clark, and Whitney Wanswrath. Staff Adviser: Trent Wuster Trent.Wuster@d51schools.org (970) 254-7280
News
Pg. # 3
Robotic exoskeletons What’s next for our society’s future technology?
North Korea threatens war An update on the latest world news.
A&E
Pg. # 6
Wanelo vs. Pinterest Which app do you prefer?
Student art A closer look at the artwork created by FMHS students.
Features
Pg. # 11
The plague of parking lot rabbits The real story behind those furry creatures.
The next step A look into seniors going into the military
Suits and Silliness
Then and now
10 outrageous lawsuits.
Pg. # 14
With different desinations in mind, the senior class of 2013 checks out of FMHS and heads their different ways. Check out what a few seniors are planning for their future on page 14! Cover photos by Keaton Brown
Commentary
Pg. # 22
Senior commentaries
The seniors’ last thoughts before they head out.
Who should be pope?
Chris Brown, Jan Kierns, or Kim Jong Un?
Sports
Pg. # 28
The tax on lax
Why lacrosse players have to pay more.
Bye Brady, hello Manning Wes Walker finally joins the Denver Broncos.
In search of ice How the Fruita and Grand Junction hockey players continue to play hockey.
Photo by Madison Wittman
The Catalyst
3
News
April 2013
Robotic exoskeletons: Iron Man in the making? By Gabriella Nilsson, Reporter
Many people may be familiar with Ironman’s powered armor suit, but the fictional superhero might not be as far-fetched as it seems. A robotic exoskeleton, similar to the Ironman suit, is being created to help the paraplegics walk again. The suit is worn over worn over a person’s body and can be used to either assist or inhibit movement of the leg joints. Many are now able to walk again after a few years, or even just stand. According to Alabama News, Paraplegic walks in robotic, exoskeleton suit demonstration at UAB, TJ Atchison, A victim of a car accident, hasn’t been able to walk since 2010, because he is paralyzed from chest down. Atchison was testing a bionic exoskeleton - essentially a strap-on robot. And The doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, among others, were watching, taking notes to help the university decide whether the $110,000 device might be something to purchase for future research and rehabilitation of spinal cord injured patients. According to AL News, small motors whirred as Atchison's leg lifted, bent at the knee and moved forward. A bit wobbly, Atchison held tightly to a walker as he shifted his weight and the next leg followed. The motors whined and electrical sensors monitoring the motion chirped approval that he was doing it right. Atchison was able to walk again. This device consists of light brace support suit, with motors at the joints, and motion sensors. The exoskeleton works by having sensors that determines whether a patient is sitting, standing upright, or leaning. If a patient leans forward, the skeleton will bend a knee, swivel its hip joint and take a
step. When the patient stops leaning forward, the exoskeleton will stop moving. The robotic suit has a bigger chance of paraplegics regaining the ability to walk then just regular therapy does. Lack of mobility can lead to obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, impairments in bowel and bladder function, etc. Having them mobile again with help them to live a longer healthier life; this can be difficult to achieve in a wheelchair. In Cleveland News, Parker Hannifin developing robotic exoskeleton to help paralyzed people walk, the creators, Parker Hannifin Shepherd Center (PHSC), stated, “The technology being developed by Parker Hannifin won’t repair the damages done, but it could help them walk again.” They look forward to the robotic exoskeleton helping many people in the near future; they plan on having
the 57 pound, $110,000 machine being released in 2014. PHSC just needs it to pass through the Food and Drug Administration. According to Cleveland News, the motion sensors are very common in our world already. They exist in our smart phones, allowing the device to know if the users are holding them horizontally or vertically. Cell phones and tablet computers are also pushing the energy levels of lithium batteries, making it easier to power the walking device. Hannifin looks forward to this helping at least 327,000 people; among the paraplegic, those suffering from strokes, and the partialparalysis. PHSC wants this machine help out our service men as well. They hope to lend them a hand to regain stability to walk, like they lent a hand to fight for our country. Lauren Ferrante expressed, “This is the first time I’ve heard of the robotic exoskeleton and I thinks it’s
Students work on an exoskeleton for the disabled.
going to be a great asset to those who need it.” Michael Gore, another victim of a car accident stated, “It is a piece of machinery, you’ve got to keep that in mind. But it’s the closest to natural walking I’ve had since my injury.” (Cleveland News) PHSC said, “Nothing can really prepare your for the emotion that pours over you when you see a paralyzed person stand and walk.” (Cleveland News) This machine will take a lot of getting used to and patients won’t be able to walk over night, but it will be a wait well worth it. The SCI center has four suits has trained seven paralyzed veterans in their use, eventually allowing patients four to six weeks of continuous walking. This program contains many different learning phases and a total of thirty sessions over a two and a half month period. Through the struggle and time of
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
getting used to the robotic exoskeleton, it’s worth it in the end. They will develop the skills of standing balanced with crutches, standing balanced with only one crutch, ascending and descending stairs, a ten meter walk in less than two minutes, and a thirty meter walk in less than six minutes. Do you think it’s worth $110,000 to walk again? Well think about it, Physical therapy cost around $350 per session, varying among what state you live in, but most people need a lot of sessions. Many even need a 24 hour therapist if they live alone. This can cost up to almost the same amount; depending whether you need to obtain physical therapy for the rest of your life or not. According to eHOW Health, The most popular goals therapists set for paraplegics are to be able to get into a wheelchair, complete simple chair maintenance, maximize upper body strength, transfer in and out of a car and be able to teach others how to care for him in case of sickness or an emergency. At the time of discharge from physical therapy, a paraplegic should expect to function at an independent or nearly independent level. Using the exoskeleton, therapists expect patients to be able to do more. Not only will they do all of the above, they will be able to walk as well! Instead of having to pay thousands of dollars just to be independent, they should use it to have the ability to re-walk again. The exoskeleton will be much more worth a patient’s money and help you rebuild not only outer strength but inner strength as well. "There's going to be a day when you not only see wheelchairs in shopping malls but people walking through in exoskeletons," said TJ Atchison.
Florida sinks in sinkholes By Megan Hunter, Reporter Sinkholes in Florida are popping up like popcorn, and this past month has been the worst they have seen yet. The biggest sinkhole was in 1981 when it grew up to 400 feet across! The sinkhole swallowed five cars, most of two businesses, a three bedroom house and the deep end of a local swimming pool. Sinkholes are caused by areas where water flowing underground had dissolved rock. Eventually the rocks give out and collapse in a big circle and go under as far as the dissolved rocks are located. Sinkholes are most common in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Missouri and Florida. Some warning signs before sinkholes are slumping trees or fences, wilting of small circular areas of vegetation and structural
cracks in walls. On March 3rd a sinkhole 30 foot wide and 60 foot deep swallowed 37 year old Jeff Bush and his bedroom. He died after being sucked in after rescue workers were unable to retrieve his body with in the sinkhole. Jeremy Bush, his brother, lived down the street from him and heard him yell and rushed to his house. His brother tried to save him by jumping in and was eventually rescued. Neighbors close to the sinkhole stayed in hotels just to be curtain the sinkhole wouldn’t swallow their house up as well. Laurie Goldstein, who lives across the street from the sinkhole, says she will have her house inspected for other sinkholes. “Is it too close for comfort having it across the street? Yeah. Is my
house going to sink? Yeah it’s very scary,” Goldstein said. About a week later, another sinkhole appeared about a block away from Bush’s house. This time no one was hurt or injured. The sinkhole appeared under a fence. This time it wasn’t as big it was 12 feet deep round, 3 feet deep around the edge, and 5 feet deep in the center. Then about a few weeks after the second and a third sinkhole appeared. This one wasn’t as big only 10 feet wide and 15 feet big. Not only are there sinkholes in the east coast but as well as the grand valley. The last sinkhole to appear was two years ago just west of Rifle. It appeared in May and was 30 feet from Janet Ketelsleger’s house in the Rifle Village South subdivision area. The sinkhole was
caused by a waterline leak that was supposed to be fixed but was never really done. They also had planned to build a road where the sinkhole appeared but it was never followed through. Sinkholes can pop up anywhere in the US where there is bad water damage to the rocks and soil. The east coast probably has the worst
kinds of sinkholes but they can happen anywhere. Even the Grand Valley can have them. Sinkholes are a natural disaster that people can actually have their houses checked to see if one will appear nearby. Sinkholes are just another surprise that mother nature likes to throw at us.
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
News
4
High hopes for the new Pope
April 2013
The Catalyst
Biggest Loser: Childhood Obesity By: Ariel Eckhart, Reporter
By: Adrienne Chiapuzio, Reporter The Pope is a holy figure in Catholicism. He leads catholic followers and blesses and enriches the idea of faith. The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, the Successor of St. Peter, and is Head of State for the Vatican City. In Latin, Pope means papa, a good name given he is known as the father of the worldwide Catholic Church. There are many questions regarding the reason to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. Did he have a sudden change of heart and lose his faith? Or did he want to influence the election of his successor, to make sure that his morals and beliefs were being carried through? Senior and Catholic student at Fruita Monument, CL Flowers expressed his own opinion on why the Pope resigned. “Maybe the stresses of all the conflict in the world today and mental stress of being the leader of such an enormous religion,” Flowers said. Despite the unknown reason, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was chosen to lead the Catholic Church and uphold the status of Pope. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio took the name of Pope Francis on March 13, 2013 when he was elected. The Pope wanted to honor Francis of Assisi, and he is first to take the name of Francis as a Pope. Fox News states that given he is from Argentina, he is the first Pope to come from out of Europe in more than 1000 years. People are saying that Pope Francis doesn’t act like he is a Pope. He takes public transport and chose not to live in the archbishops palace but instead to live in an apartment, cooking his own meals and denying chauffeured lim-
ousines according to CNN Vatican analyst John Allen. “I like it. It makes me feel better about the position of pope that has taken criticism in the far past for being corrupt.” Flowers said. Bishop of Atlanta, Luis R. Zarama said to CNN, “He is a very simple man. It’s very clear from the way he approached the people and asked them to bless him and pray for him. It’s a beautiful sign of closeness and humility.” Already though, Pope Francis caused controversy on his first day when he shook the hand of Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe. Mugabe has been under European Union travel ban since 2002 due to allegations of human rights abuses and vote rigging according to Mail Online News. Pope Francis is known to have controversial clashes during his time as cardinal. He fought with Argentine president Christina Fernandez de Kirchner over his opposition of free distributions of contraceptives and gay marriages. CNN news says that it’s not uncommon to have a Pope that opposes same-sex marriage and abortion. “I think that it’s a good thing that he’s against abortion and same-sex marriage because that’s the morals hat have always been a part of the Catholic Church,” Flowers said. Catholic followers and the Vatican community as well as the rest of the world are eager to see Jorge Bergoglio fall into step as Pope Francis. As of the recent count from Fox News, 76% of Catholics say Pope Francis makes them feel better about the future of the Catholic Church.
Photo Courtesty of MCT Campus
Obesity has become a burden on the American people so much that just to motivate people they created a television show. “The Biggest Loser” is a well-known American show that began airing on NBC on October 19, 2004. The concept of the show features obese people competing to win a cash prize by losing the highest percentage of weight relative to their initial weight. Each season of The Biggest Loser starts with a weigh in to determine the contestants' starting weights, which serves as the starting point for determining the overall winner. The contestants are grouped into teams of two, each wearing separate colored t-shirts. Depending on the season the teams work with a specific trainer or all trainers may work with all contestants. The trainers are responsible for designing workouts and nutrition plans and teaching them a new lifestyle. However, the contestants are individually responsible for doing the principles taught. Season 14 of "The Biggest Loser" aired in January 2013 with the return of Jillian Michaels. The mission was to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic
head on. They featured kid participants ages 13-17 for the first time ever in addition to adult contestants. The country will be watched as three teen’s Sunny, Lindsey and Biingo fight to lose weight and gain self-esteem while the hit weightloss show tackles the epidemic of childhood obesity for the first time because they’re children, the show’s challenges weren’t about the numbers and there won’t be any weighins or elimination. Instead, it was all about working out, eating well, and having fun. These kids lost a lot of weight during their experience and learned healthy lifestyles to continue in the future. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese, with obesity prevalence among children and adolescents almost tripling since 1980. Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
“The Biggest Loser” was trying to open the eyes of America about child obesity and inspire kids all over the country to get healthy. This is a step in the right direction for America it shows that at any age you can be healthy if you just work for it. Although this could improve their lives dramatically some are worried for the teenagers on The Biggest Loser, about the stress they face now and may face forever onwards from living out their weight loss struggles on national TV. Being watched by everyone in America can be a lot of pressure knowing that your family, friends, and peers will be awaiting your success. Perhaps that will encourage the children to work harder knowing that they have the support of their family and friends when they get home. Student Breanna Hoover said “ Obesity can spring from home dietary problems so the whole family should change their eating habits” One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the diet and exercise habits of your entire family. That is the goal for season 14 of “The Biggest Loser” was to improve the health of the whole family and inspire the viewers.
North Korea threatens war By: Melissa Murphy, Reporter Recently, North Korea declared a “State of war” with South Korea and the United States. The presence of the U.S in the Asia - Pacific as an ally to South Korea, is one reason why North Korea has a disliking towards the United States. But there are many more problems stemming back to the Cold War that make the relationship between the U.S. and North Korea shaky. During the post-World War 2 era, The U.S and USSR (present day Russia) split Korea on the 38th parallel. The U.S occupied the South while the USSR occupied the North. The tensions between North and South Korea grew and the hatred from North Korea was placed on the United States because we were allies to the south and not the north. Ever since the Cold War; North Korea has been looking for a way to get back at South Korea and the United States. Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, hates the United States just as his father and grandfather did when they were supreme leaders. Around the end of March, 2013, North Korea declared nuclear attack on South Korea and the United States. This threat is taken seriously, but many people are having a hard time believing it will happen because it is not the first time North Korea has threatened us with nuclear attack. Republican US representative Doug Lamborn explained his
thoughts during a conference with the senate. “Kim Jong Un does have the power of firing off a ballistic missile, however, the reliability and accuracy of the attack will be low,” Lamborn said. (CNN Report) “His youth and inexperience make Jong vulnerable to miscalculation. Our biggest concern at this point is where that miscalculation might lead,” Lamborn explained. Currently, many Americans believe that Kim only wants to be accepted by America and wants recognition. His goal is to prove that North Korea is a nuclear power. Although many people are skeptical of a serious attack, some people are a bit concerned of what could actually happen in this situation. “It scares me to think of going to war with Korea at this point in time,” Lindsey Cookson, Junior said. “We definitely shouldn’t take this threat lightly, but I don’t believe Korea has the nuclear power they say they do,” Cookson said. Ma Young Ae, a former North Korea Intelligence officer, let CNN into some private information that knows about her homeland, and its rulers. Young Ae explained that Kim Jong Un, although he may be immature, has a lot of power backing him up. “I believe that the war will break out, no doubt,” Young Ae told CNN reporters.
If an attack does come from North Korea, the United States Intelligence Agency believes that it will most likely come from over the Pacific. From what we already know, an attack will most likely be targeted towards mainland United States. On Saturday, April 13th, US secretary of State, John Kerry, warned North Korea of the outcome of this nuclear attack. As Kerry spoke as a joint news conference with South Korea, he explained to North Korea that the United States would never accept them as a nuclear power. “We will defend our allies. We will stand with South Korea, Japan, and others and we will defend ourselves,” Kerry told Kim Jong Un. A North Korean news reporter sent out a message on the news towards the United States recently that had some disturbing news in it. “Our arms are ready to fire, and the exact coordinates are input to the warheads. Once we push the button, it will be fired and the strongholds of our enemies will be turned into a sea of flames,” the reporter stated. The threats from North Korea are concerning, but South Korea, along with the rest of the world, view Kim and his country as more of a “man child” than an actual nuclear threat to the world. As of now, The United States and our allies, stand ready for an attack. We are prepared for anything at any time.
The Catalyst
5 April 2013
Kindergartner suspended for hairstyle By Ian Golba, Reporter When 5-year-old Ethan Clos showed up at school with a short, spiky mohawk, his fellow kindergarteners thought it was cool. But administrators at Reid Primary and Middle School in Springfield, Ohio, deemed the edgy cut too disruptive, and ordered him home until he adopted a tamer style. His mom, Keshia Castle, said that school officials suspended her son on Wednesday. After he begged her for the hairstyle, she finally let him get it over spring break."They saw his hair like it was," she told a local news station on April 5. "All the little kids were going over and feeling on it and everything." Superintendent Gregg Morris says that's exactly why they had to send little Ethan home. The school’s administration finding Ethan’s hair “distracting, and not abiding by the school dress code.” "Our dress and grooming policies are designed to ensure that clothing and hairstyles do not cause a distraction to the learning environment," Morris said in a statement. The school's handbook states that "Hair shall be worn above the eyebrows and must be kept clean, neat and trimmed" and specifies that boys may not wear their hair longer than the bottom of their shirt collars. It also says: "Hair styling or coloring arrangements which are disruptive or distracting are not
permissible." “Our policy clearly states that any dress or grooming which is disruptive or distracting to the educational process is not acceptable," Morris verified to. "In this particular case, the student’s hairstyle did provide disruption to the classroom” This kind of statement is in almost every student hand book in public schools, but is it necessary? Sure kids would be drawn to a haircut nobody else in the class has, but given a five year old’s attention span, “this distraction would have been short live lived” Ethan’s mother stated. Ethan's grandmother, Joyce Wells, thinks the suspension was too harsh a penalty to pay for a hairstyle. A mohawk, she said, isn't really that different from other styles where the hair is cut close to the scalp, especially if the mohawk itself is only two inches long. "I could understand if it was colored, and if it stood up off longer of his head," his grandmother said. "But I don't see nothing wrong with this. And only when his hair is spiked is it different. When it’s kept down, it looks like a normal military crew cut.” Ethan's mom told the news station that her son would return to school on the 15th, after she has his head shaved, but the style shouldn't have been such a big deal.
Avalon renovations By Adrienne Chiapuzio, Reporter
The historic Avalon Theater has been around for a very long time, rounding out its stay in Grand Junction for just about 91 years. Every year it gains the love of new people and many think it’s either time to tear it down, or rebuild it. The Avalon is loved by many people and they don’t want to see it torn down, so big plans for a renovation are in its future, the future as soon as this summer. The Avalon Cornerstone Project plans to expand seating to over 1,000, better acoustics and sound in the main theater, new digital technology for the screens, and an upgraded cooling and heating system. There is an empty lot to the east of the present Avalon and they plan to add it to the new theater as a lobby and entrance that will have larger concessions, an elevator open to the public, and better bathrooms. The builders want to keep the historical and punctual feel of the Avalon Theater. People of Grand Junction also believe that restoring the theater will give the City a lesson on cultural arts and “enrich the
News
community with arts” (avalontheaterfoundation.org) The renovation plans will cost somewhere between 12-14 million dollars. After receiving 3 million from the City of Grand Junction and the Downtown Development Authority, 750,000 from the Avalon Theater Foundation and 3 million in waiting commitments, The Avalon Cornerstone Project plans to fundraise throughout the beginning of construction. Sophomore Kelby Johnson has lived in Grand Junction all of her live and is excited about the renovations of the Avalon. “It’s really great to see it being taken care of, it’s been a huge historical part of Grand Junction and I think we will be benefitted greatly by its rebuilding,” said Johnson. The Avalon Theater has done more than screen movies and shows, it has brought the community together and many people would hate to see it go, so the renovation brings high hopes for the City of Grand Junction.
Missing no longer By Noah Turner, Reporter In the year 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Throughout the course of the fighting, over 15,000 Red Army soldiers were killed in battle, as well as more than a million Afghans. The battle was between the Soviet supported government in Kabul, and mujahideen rebels armed by western supporting countries (U.S. included) and neighboring Islamic countries. The official veterans’ committee reports a list of 264 Soviet soldiers still MIA, missing in action. Even after 33 years, these Soviet soldiers are missing from the chaos of this war. However, some of these have been found. Since the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, 29 soldiers were found. 22 chose to go home; the other seven opted to stay in Afghanistan. The most recently found Soviet soldier is Bakhretdin Khakimov. After 33 years of being missing in action Khakimov has finally been tracked down by the Official Veterans’ Committee. He was wounded in battle with his motorized rifle unit in 1980. Shortly after the fighting had cleared some local Afghans found and rescued him. Since then he has been living a semi-nomadic life practicing herbal medicine. He has adopted the name Sheikh Abdullah and was found
living in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat within the Shindand district. When found Khakimov was reportedly able to understand Russian just fine, but he spoke it very poorly. He was still able to name his wife, who has since died, and his former place of residence in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Official Veternas’ Committee claims that they are determined to track down all of the missing men, but this may be a bigger task than they can accomplish. After 33 years since the end of the struggle, many of the soldiers probably would have moved on. Even this is a long shot, many of these MIA soldiers might just simply be dead. Even if these soldiers were found, it is quite possible that they will have sustained psycological damamge that may make them unable to function in society. Leslie Anderson, AP Psychology teacher, claims that a phenomenon known as “foot in the door” could be present in those that were prisoners of war. This “foot in the door” phenomenon starts with the captor asking for a simple favor, perhaps running a message, or delivering some food. Then as the cooperation of the prisoner increases, so does the magnitude of the requests, until the prisoner then begins to identify as
one of their captors. Essentially, a brainwashing to turn a Soviet soldier agaisnt his country. This may also happen as a soldier is saved by Afghan villigers as Khakimov was. The soldier builds a life in this new land and begins to think of themselves as one of the Afghan people, and therefore rejects the Soviet society they once knew. Anderson claims, “even if the soldier does not develop these symtoms, then they might start feeling betrayed by their fellow soldiers. They may start to think ‘why did they leave me’ or ‘why wouldn’t they come looking for me’ and there for begin to feelbe betrayed.” All of this man hunting for missing soldiers is a great task the Official Veterns’ Committee has undertaken, but is it really an attainable goal to find all the MIA soviet soldiers? Probably not seeing as how some could possibly be dead already. Is it really logical to think that all of these soldiers can be easily returned to society? Many will have most likely developed psychological dysorders. However, what about the soldiers that do want to be found, that do wish to return to Russia? They need this opprotunity to go home that the OVC can give them. For now the search continues.
A&E
6 April 2013
The Catalyst
Split up and jam out Wanelo vs Pinterest By Rikeisha Cunningham-Byrd, Reporter
Have you just been dumped? Or did you do the actual dumping? Maybe you’ve been dating this guy or girl for quite a while and the whole act of splitting up left a bunch of leftover feelings. Those feelings might be negative, but then again, they may not. You may just want to apologize and get that special someone back in your life. Or maybe breaking up with someone just isn’t your thing and you need some assistance. Who knows, you could also just be a great friend that’s helping someone cope with their breakup. That is where music comes in. Frank Ocean said, “When you’re happy you enjoy the music, but when you’re sad you understand the lyrics.” We all know that Taylor Swift has got a countless collection of break-up songs. But what if you’re a guy and her songs don’t work for you in any way, shape, or form? Or maybe you’re just sick and tired of hearing, “We are never ever ever… getting back together!” That’s where the Catalyst comes in. With this well thought out selection of break-up songs, and a variety of genres, you’ll never be at a loss again. They’ve even been sorted into different categories because it’s understood that not all break-ups are the same, and not all of them leave the same lingering feelings. Encouragement This list meant to help you get back on your feet. 1. I Don’t Wanna be in Love by Good Charlotte 2. Running in the Rain by Hinder 3. Good Riddance by Green Day 4. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley 5. Every Storm by Gary Allan 6. Before the Morning by Josh Wilson Dumpers It’s usually very rare to find songs coming from the dumper’s point of view… 1. Erase Me by Kid Cudi 2. She Cried by Jay & The Americans 3. I Hate Myself for Loving You by Joan Jett & The Black Hearts 4. Aint It Funny by Jennifer Lopez 5. This Love by Maroon 5 6. Dueces by Chris Brown Tear Jerkers Sometimes, all you want to do is cry, so here are some songs for that. Just don’t make crying all you do anymore... 1. Stupid Boy by Keith Urban 2. I’ll Never Love Again by Tiao Cruz 3. End of the Road by Boys ll Men 4. Don’t Forget by Demi Lavato 5. What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts 6. Goodbye by Miley Cirus For Breaking Up This selection may help you to explain exactly how you’re feeling and why you want to end things. 1. Big Girls Don’t Cry by Fergie 2. Burn by Usher 3. Say Goodbye by Chris Brown 4. Potential Breakup Song by Aly & Aj 5. Leave by JoJo 6. Gotta Go My Own Way by Vanessa Hudgens Stronger You If the break-up has made you stronger, and you realize that, props to you. 1. Behind These Hazel Eyes bye Kelly Clarkson 2. It’s Alright, It’s Okay by Ashley Tisdale 3. Trying to Sleep with a Broken Heart by Alisha Keys 4. Survivor by Destiny’s Child 5. I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor 6. I Look So Good Without You by Jessie James Lingering Feelings When you just can’t get that person out of your head no matter how hard you try. 1. Wish You Were Here by Avril Lavigne 2. Thinking ‘Bout You by Frank Ocean 3. Not Over You by Gavin Degraw 4. Here Without You by 3 Doors Down 5. Do You? By Neyo 6. It’s Not Over by Secondhand Serenade Baby, Come Back If you’re sorry, regret something, or just want them back, these songs fit perfectly. 1. Her Song by Machine Gun Kelly 2. We Belong Together by Maraiah Carey 3. It Wasn’t Me by Shaggy 4. I Miss You by Blink 182 5. I’m gone by Jay Sean
By Kat Bird, Reporter Lately the newest fad for teenagers has somewhat strayed from the norm of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It’s less interaction with pals, and more interaction with a different type of friend: money. Odds are, if you’re a teenage girl and you have an iPhone or an iPod, you have the Pinterest or Wanelo app. With Wanelo, you can make real purchases on everything from clothes to furniture. Don’t have the money for the item you want? Don’t worry; you can add it to a wish list for easy access when you do obtain the money. If you love what you see on Wanelo and want to find more, it links back to the original seller. Dillard’s, Pbteen, Forever 21, Amazon and several Etsey sellers can be found on Wanelo showing off their trendiest items and making a few sales as well.
Pinterest is slightly a different story. While Wanelo supply’s the fashion needs, Pinterest is more for the avid crafter than the avid shopper. Pinterest is a gold mine for unique recipes, beauty tips, DIY crafts, and ways to make your own
stylish fashion without cleaning out your wallet. Pinterest and Wanelo are similar in the fact that you can save things to wish lists if you’d like to take a second look, or “pin” them to a board, hence the name “Pinterest.” Another upside to Pinterest and Wanelo is that the apps and account setup are free, so no spending your limited dollars there! Unfortunetly, with upsides, there’s always going to be some downsides. While Pinterest is meant for saving money, some of the products sold on Wanelo don’t have your best interests in mind. Some people, like me for example, purchased the Wanelo app in hopes that I would get a few discounts on some cute clothing items. Unfortunately for me, I quickly found out that Wanelo was no Amazon, and all the clothes and accessories are sold directly from the retailer, which means they’re the same price that they would be if you were to just buy them from the actual store. You can of course, select the lower price item option, but I found that
Wanelo’s “lower price” and my “lower price” are two very different things. I suppose if you believe that a $100.00 sun dress “low priced,” then have at it! Not a pro-crafter? Pinterest might not be for you. The crafts and recipes on Pinterest were created by professionals; they make it look easy and they say it’s easy too! You might put your organic pizza in the oven and it could come out tasting like a piece of ply wood. You end up with an empty pantry, and an empty stomach. Sometimes the crafts and recipes directions may not always be accurate, leaving you feeling a bit defeated. Pinterest and Wanelo also have capabilities to “follow” either your friend’s accounts or the accounts that cater to your needs. While sometimes they both can be a tad faulty, they mostly get rave reviews from their users, so if you were thinking about trying them out, go for it! Whether it be that pretty sweatshirt on Wanelo or that fancy organic recipe on Pinterest, or some simple eye candy, these apps surely have what you’re looking for.
Star Wars returns By Ian Sage, Reporter “Star Wars” was one of the most popular trilogies in the 70’s and 80’s when the original films came out. A new generation of fans made if popular again in the 90’s and 2000’s when the prequel trilogy came into theaters. Many have been debating about the fate of George Lucas’ “Star Wars,” whether it is finished or not, if there will be more movies, etc. Well, hopefully this article will settle some of those arguments. The story will not end at episode VI (6). When Lucas had said that he wasn’t going to make any more “Star Wars” movies, he was serious. The previous movies had taken such a toll on his life, and he wasn’t sure about doing it all again. In December of 1997, he abandoned it for good. In an online Q&A hosted by Leonard Maltin, Lucas was asked “Will we ever get to see episodes 7, 8, and 9?” To which he replied “Right at this moment, the answer is no. Once the prequel trilogy is complete, I plan to put “Star Wars” on the shelf and walk away from it for good. There are many other kinds of films I would like to make.” This was his plan, and he intended to stick to it. However, that changed on October 20, 2012, when The Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion. Disney said that they planned to continue with episode VII (7), which brought Lucas back to the set of “Star Wars” to help finish writing it. Disney announced that they
plan the go through with episode VII, as it was already in the early stages of production when Lucas abandoned it. It was written by a team of George Lucas and Michael Arndt, and the chosen director was J.J. Abrams, the director of some of the “Star Trek” films, as well as popular TV shows like “Revolution” and “Person of Interest.” There have been no plot leaks about the upcoming movie, just that it takes place a few decades after “Return of the Jedi”. We do, however, have some clues about who will be in the film. Harrison Ford indicated that he would be returning to the film as Han Solo, and Billy Dee Williams’ has expressed interest in returning as Lando Calrissian. Ewan McGregor, who played Obi Wan Kenobi in the prequel trilogy, and Samuel L. Jackson, who played Mace Windu in the prequels, also expressed a desire to return to
the franchise. John Williams has showed interest in returning to score the film, and, last but not least, R2D2 and C-3PO both are planned to be in the movie. The new “Star Wars” movie is due to be released in 2015. It is followed by yet another Disney surprise, however. Disney has announced that they don’t plan on just making one more film and that they instead are making a whole trilogy. This trilogy will follow the same timeline as episode VII, a few decades after “Jedi,” with returning cast, etc. The exact information of who will be in the upcoming movies is not clear, as it is overall the actor’s and actress’s choice There is no surefire way to know if this new trilogy will be an amazing addition to the already outstanding films, if it will deal a blow to the originals, or if it will get mixed reactions, like the prequel trilogy did.
The Catalyst
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A&E
April 2013
Trending Fashion Story and photos by Taylor Eatwell, Reporter Fashion is a big part of high school whether it’s getting the newest color skinny jeans or buying the new trending shoes. Everyone has their own unique style while wearing the same clothing, just different ways of presenting it.
Obviously regular skinny jeans weren’t enough for our generation. After skinny jeans came back in style, colored jeans came into play. There are many different outfits that go with colored jeans, making them as trendy as they are.
Toms have a good cause; buy a pair and give a pair to people in need. These have also been a type of shoes that have been popular, but now with more designs, more people are buying them. Toms are light weight and go with many different outfits.
High low skirts are very popular for many reasons. They are elegant, comftorable, and very cute. This type of skirt can be worn to school, or even out to a fancy restaurant for a date night.
Fashions we wish would stop trending By Kat Bird, Reporter
Colored shorts are a lot like colored skinny jeans. They go with many different outfits and look cute on most people. Now that the weather is getting warmer outside, colored shorts are becoming more popular.
Clear/see through shirts look good with anything. They go with jeans, shorts and even pencil skirts. This shirt brings a classy look, but is also very comftorable. Girls can wear this shirt year round from summer to winter.
Vans match with everything. They can go with a lazy day outfit with sweats or even running shorts. They look good with jeans and shorts, and even certain skirts. Vans last forever and are shoes you can wear for a long time without your feet hurting.
Running shorts have always been trending. It started out as the casual black or any solid color. Now, it’s like the crazier the color or design, the cooler they are.
In high school, as sad as it may be to admit, fashion is probably one of the most important things to the majority of us. It may be superficial, but there’s a lot of truth behind the saying “when you look good, you feel good.” Most of us like to follow the same trends, but there are some styles a majority of us wish would die. I think we can all come to a collective agreement that socks with sandals might quite possibly be the most offensive foot attire one could wear, next to sparkly Ugg boots. Another sock related fashion failure: crew socks with shorts that are just too long. Guys, we know most of you don’t want to follow the old-school-short-shorts-hipstertrend, and you don’t have to, but if your shorts are longer than your knees, and your socks go higher than your shins, what’s the point of even wearing shorts? I think- I know we’ve all grown weary of the flannel pajama pants too. Pajama day was fun when we were in third grade, but we’re older now; as much as we try to deny it, appearance is important. Your teachers, your boss, anyone who can, will judge you on how much effort you put in to getting ready. In other words, people will respect you more if you took the time to put on some jeans and a nice top
rather than a loose t-shirt and those grungy pajama pants. Physical appearance is not everything, don’t get me wrong. There are some figurative fashions that we’re getting weary of too. The best thing you could possibly wear is not a pair of Rock Revival jeans, or Nike shoes, or even a cute top; the best thing you can wear is definitely a good attitude. Yes, sometimes being a teenager is just the worst, but a good attitude will help you get through it better than a 100 dollar pair of jeans. Rudeness is going out of style as well. In fact, it was never in style, but some kids wear it better than they wear their clothes. At some point, it doesn’t even matter if you have nice clothes or not. If you’re a jerk, no one will respect you. No fancy outfit can change your personality. We can’t say that physical appearance isn’t at all important, because it is, but the traits your personality wears are way more important than the clothes you wear. When it all comes down to it, people are going to remember your character rather than your appearance. Make sure it’s worth remembering. When you’re exchanging those jeans for a smaller size, maybe you should exchange you’re attitude for a good one as well.
A&E
8 April 2013
The Catalyst
Macklemore makes Colorado family By Nicole Twardowski, Reporter I’m gonna buy my ticket, only got $20 in my pocket. I-I- I’m out here, chilling at the concert, this is something awesome. Walk into CMU like “What up, time to get pumped” (to the rhythm of Thrift Shop). On April 20, famous American rapper, Macklemore arrived at Colorado Mesa University to perform. Shoulder to shoulder, people squeezed together to get as close to the star as they could. No one minded that they were so close to strangers because they were all there for one reason: to watch Macklemore sing the songs they love. It was a long and agonizing build up, but as soon as he stepped
on stage, the crowd went wild. Almost simultaneously, when he went on stage, it began pouring rain, adding to the aura of the night and making his fans even more excited. Macklemore referred to the crowd, saying now that we’ve danced in the rain together we are family. Many people don’t know much about how Macklemore got his start or where he is from; they just love his music. Ben Haggerty, better known by his stage name, Macklemore was born on June 19, 1983 in Seattle, Washington. He developed his love for hip hop at a very young age. The Digital Underground, an alternative hip hop group from Oakland, California
was very influential to him. At 14 years old, he began writing music, and his friends developed the nickname Möcklimore for him. Macklemore recorded an EP called “Open Your Eyes” in the year 2000, then a full length album in 2005 called “The Language of My World.” In 2009, he released the Unplanned Mixtape and in 2010 he teamed up with Ryan Lewis, also from Seattle. Macklemore suffered from substance abuse, to which he contributes his lack of production from 2005 to 2009. In 2008, he got clean and his career took off. In December 2011, after returning from a tour, he relapsed. At the concert,
Photo Courtesy of Nan Hayes
he described how at his shows there was always so much energy and how amazing the experience was. Then, when he got home he was very lonely, one of the reasons for his relapse. In his song “Starting Over” he told the story of this experience. Once again, Mackelmore overcame his hardships and continued his successful career, taking him on the road and eventually leading him to CMU. Introducing his song “Thrift Shop,” he complimented Grand Junction’s style and borrowed someone’s fur jacket from the crowd to wear during the song. He later returned it and said that he
was excited to have worn a cheetah print jacket from Grand Junction, Colorado. At one point in the concert, he got the crowd chanting CMU, CMU, trying to beat the crowd from the previous night at Colorado State University (CSU). A winner was never announced but the sound was impressive. Macklemore performed an exciting lineup, many of the songs coming from his most recent album, “The Heist.” The show was well worth the long wait. Between Macklemore and prom, the night proved exciting for a great number of Fruita Monument students.
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Moore
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Moore
Photo Courtesy of Brittany Tedesco
The Catalyst
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A&E
April 2013
Student Art:
Fruita Monument High School is full of talented students. Some excell in academics while others are better at sports. This time around, we’ve selected students who have unbelievable artistic ablities. Below is a look at their work.
the artistic abilities within Story and photos by Whitney Wanstrath, Reporter
Cody Basinger, junior – Drawing and Painting 1 Savannah Ashmore, junior – Drawing and Painting 1 & 2
Rhyan Montgomery, sophomore – Drawing and Painting 1
Allisa Hatch, junior – Drawing and Painting 1 & 2
Cheyann Tipton, senior – Drawing and Painting 1 & 2
Andrew Bryceland, junior – Photography
Karlee Nasalroad , senior– Drawing and Painting 1
Madison Temple, senior – Photography Brody Ann Klinglesmith, senior Photography
A&E
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Student Art Continued
April 2013
The Catalyst
Story and photos by Whitney Wanstrath, Reporter
Cheyann Tipton, senior – Drawing and Painting 1 & 2
Brody Ann Klinglesmith, senior – Photography
Savannah Ashmore, junior – AP Art
Madison Temple, senior – Photography
Madison Temple, senior – Photography
The Catalyst
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Features
April 2013
The plague of parking lot rabbits By Melissa Murphy, Reporter Everyone at Fruita Monument recognizes that familiar furry face in the parking lot. No, I’m not talking about the kid with the beard. I’m talking about the loose rabbits running rampant in the schools parking lot. The rabbits have officially been here for one year now. They have been chased, caught, tormented and loved by the students here at Fruita Monument High School. There are many mixed stories about how the rabbits got here, but I am part of the madness that brought the rabbits here, and I will tell you the real story behind the parking lot rabbits. Last spring around this time, Jessica Heath’s animal science class was getting bored of the same old worksheets and power points. So, our class decided that we should do an experiment. The experiment was approved by Heath, and she thought of it as ingenious. Our experiment was to breed two rabbits out by the greenhouse, and then feed the babies different food mixes to see which one grew the fastest. For a few days, the experiment was great and we all took turns going outside at different points in the day feeding, watering and holding the rabbits. Eventually, as the rabbits contin-
ued breeding, we had over twenty school… loose. Our worst nightfive rabbits in the secret hutches mare had just come true. outside. A friend of mine, who will re Every day fifth and sixth hour before class began, everyone would run outside and grab their rabbit and we would all bring them into the class and hold them and give them attention during our learning. As the rabbits grew bigger, they became more difficult to handle and keep in the hutches. They were growing bigger and bigger, and we realized that we had gotten ourselves into quite the mess. After about a month of the rabbits taking over our lives, disaster struck. One day when we all went out to check on our rabbits, Photo by Madison Wittman there were ten rabbits missing. We were all confused and not sure what to think. All we did know was main nameless, and I went into the that we couldn’t tell Heath. school during fifth and sixth hour After an intensive search for the and searched for the missing rabrabbits outside, it was brought to bits. our attention that they were in the Two of the rabbits were found in
Senior farewells Photo essay by Josephene Owens, Reporter As the year comes to an end, seniors prepare to take the next step in life. The 2013 senior class’s last day is May 9th and it comes closer every day. As it approaches, they say goodbye to friends and teachers. They brace themselves for what they’re going to do next in life whether that be college, going into the military, or even just work. They say goodbye to this chapter of life and brace themselves for the next.
Linda Gallet’s math class. Apparently, two anonymous boys snuck them in under their shirts during lunch. The rabbits were officially inside the school. My friend and I chased several rabbits down the hallway catching them bare handed and returning them back to their cages. “These rabbits were wild killers, out to get everyone in their path… it had to be stopped,” joked an anonymous student from the class said. By the time the year was almost over and we had a week of school left, there were only twenty rabbits. Five of them had disappeared and we will never know where they ventured to. On the last day of school Heath told each of us that we had to take a rabbit home because they couldn’t be left here over the summer. Some people from the class snuck a rabbit home during lunch. At the end of the day when we all went to get our rabbits, the cage
doors were open… the rest of the rabbits were gone. Nobody was really sure what to do, so we all said our goodbyes to the empty cages and went on our way. Since then, the rabbits have been running rampant on school grounds. The term “breeding like rabbits” is definitely a true statement. This spring people have already seen the new babies scampering around the field. “In my opinion, the rabbits are looking extremely gorgeous this year,” Agustine Munoz, senior, said. There have been numerous attempts to run over and catch the furry critters. Most people have been unsuccessful. The rabbits seem to have favorite hangout spots like under the shed and in the fenced area near the greenhouse. Many People supply them with left over salad from school lunch. “They definitely contribute to the personality of our school,” Aley Hyre, junior, said. The parking lot rabbits have impacted our school and are a part of Fruita Monument high school now. Without these tiny mascots, where would we be? Next year, and for many years to come, the rabbits will be calling Fruita Monument their home.
Features
12 April 2013
Go orange!
The Catalyst
A new way to recycle: Cheetos edition Story and photos by Rikeisha Cunningham-Byrd, Reporter I’m sure we all know what Cheetos are. They come in an orange bag with a cheetah on the front? But have you ever thought about the many different things you can do with a simple tasty snack? Specific students at FMHS were asked a similar question and “eat them” happened to be the most common reply. But sometimes that gets to be a bit of a bore. Add some fun to your life by trying out at least one of these 15 different things you can do with Cheetos, including different ways you can eat them.
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Nathan was seen making sure his cheeto is nice and warm.
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James was able to fit 19 cheetos in his mouth, but claimed he could’ve fit more if he wasn’t trying not to laugh.
Kat successfully built a castle, moat, and a bridge with just a handful of cheetos.
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Becci is 1. Dip them in nacho cheese. seen pelt2. Stage a battle. –Kirkland ing three M. innocent 3. Wrap some up in a burrito. students 4. Care for them. –Nathan with a L. bunch of 5. Dip them in sour cream. Cheetos, 6. Give a bag to a homeless for her enperson. –Olivia S. joyment. 7. Crumble them into a salad. 8. See how many you can Bonus: Cheetos Chicken Recipe stick in your mouth. –James 3 cups crunchy Cheetos cheese-flavored snacks (or any other Brand) M. 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated 1/4 cup flour 9. Dip the Hot Cheetos in 1/2 teaspoon salt ranch. 1 egg 10. Build a stick figure. 1 tablespoon water –Lauren F 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 11. Crumble into your favor1. Place the “Cheesies” in your food processor and process into small ite soup. crumbs. Add the Parmesan Cheese and pour onto a plate. 12. See what you can build 2. Coat chicken breasts in flour & salt. with them. –Kat S. 3. Combine egg & water. Beat until well combined. Dip floured 13. Build a stick figure. Chicken in egg mixture. –Lauren F. 4. Coat the chicken in the Cheesie crumbs. 5. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet (I use cooking spray). 14. Put them in a sandwich, 6. Bake for 35-45 minutes at 350° until chicken is cooked through no, not a PB&J. (cooking time will depend on thickness of meat). 15. Eat them with original cream cheese. Prep time: 10 minutes 16. Throw them at people. Cook time: 35 minutes (http://www.cheetos.com/view/recipe/cheetos-chicken/ ) –Becci S.
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The next step: seniors preparing for the military By Melissa Murphy, Reporter
High school is a time to find out who you are and pack your brain with as much knowledge as possible. During those four crucial years, people are discovering who they are and what they want to do with their lives. After high school, most people go to college and get a degree, or they go straight into the work force. Then there are a small percentage of those who take it to the next level and join the military. The military is the armed forces of a country, and it must remain strong at all times. There will always be a need for people in the military, so it is a stable option for a career. Here at Fruita Monument, there are young men and women leaving for the military every year. According to the counseling department’s roster at school, there have been seven seniors that have enlisted. Each year there is a handful of new students walking through the halls of Fruita, and little does anyone know, that those students will be making a huge impact on the
near future. Barlow said. ary activity that uses many military Some of the students have graduBarlow has also been in marchprocedures. ated early and left, while others are ing band over his high school Although many people join for waiting until the summer to leave career. Marching band is a disciplin- their own benefit, some join out of for their basic traintradition. There ing course. are many families After long days that have a military and nights of debattradition. ing whether the “A lot of my military is for them, family was in several students the Navy, in fact here at Fruita Monthere has been at ument High School least one person in have set their sights every generation in on joining the our family that has armed forces. been in the Navy,-” Jessie Barlow Barlow explained. and Logan Roberts Not only did are two students Barlow want to here at Fruita hold the family traMonument that dition, but he also have taken the next wanted an exciting step in deciding to career where he join the military. wouldn’t have to As seniors, these sit in an office all two students have a day doing the same lot to offer… boring task. “There are so “I wanted to many reasons why see the world. The I joined the navy,” Navy is something Photo by Madison Wittman
that guarantees that,” Barlow said. The Navy offers many different career opportunities. Some of the options are mechanics, nursing, military police, and even band. The possibilities are endless. “I have always liked aircraft carriers and anything having to do with aircraft. So I wanted a job that would let me follow my dream,” Barlow said. The military has had a huge impact on students, and the students that get impacted, impact the nation. “I am planning on joining the Air Force,” Noah Dennison, junior, said. Dennison is a junior who has been set on joining the military ever since he was little. “I want to be a pilot for the Air Force,” Dennison added. Life as a soldier in the military can be hard but is very rewarding. Those that join seem to always be glad that they took the next step by joining. We wish those students luck as they go on to bigger and better things.
The Catalyst
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Features
April 2013
Senior pranks: what’s to come? By Josephene Owens, Reporter
For many years, seniors have done a class prank to be remembered by. Almost every class does a senior prank and depending on how well they are done, can be remembered by the prank they do. As the year comes to an end, students and teachers wonder what this year’s prank could be. “Put three pigs in the school and number them 1, 2, 4 and make everyone think there’s another pig in the school somewhere,” said Zac Twardowski. Some students all
have ideas of what it’s going to be, but no one actually knows what the final prank will be. “The Harlem shake at graduation,” said Sydney Reinking, senior. Some people have been discussing where in the senior handbook it gives information on senior pranks, and a lot of the students are taking it as they are not allowed to do the senior prank this year which is not the case. The handbook does not state seniors cannot do one. All the handbook says is that if it is legal
Photos by Jennifer Robinson
then it is permitted. “Senior pranks are a tradition that’s been going on for years. Why fight it as long as it’s not harmful or destructive to others,” said Andrea Bolton a counselor at FMHS. No one wants the seniors to not do a prank, even teachers. They just want the prank to be legal and not destructive to school property. So as long as it’s both those things they want tradition to carry on. Major pranks from other high schools around the US were filling Dixie cups with water all around the school than tipping them over and creating a domino like spill, taking all the plastic silver wear from the classroom and putting them in the pool; or removing all dry erase markers from the classrooms. They are all harmless law abiding pranks that were funny and remembered, but not something that was harmful to the school or destructive. The students who did these pranks did not get in trouble for it. Most students still say that the year when they welded the car to the flag pole was the best class prank at Fruita. The students who did this prank later had to come and
take the car off the pole also. The principal had said as long as they did that then the prank followed all the rules. It abided by the rules and was something all students saw and talked about. It also made national news. “The dinosaur one [was my favorite] because it honored a student we lost that year also because they got permission from the dinosaur museum to do everything they
did,” said Bolton. This was a year a student had passed away and the seniors done a prank in remembrance to that student. They went to the dinosaur museum and got a dinosaur, later painting it Fruita colors and putting it where everyone could see. As ideas come forward and old pranks are discussed, everyone just waits to see what the seniors will come up with this year. As the days come to an end and time passes, it could happen any day now.
The 2009 seniors Alex Almy and Jesse Poe welded a car to the flag pole for their senior prank.
Why there’s no fruit in Fruita By Taylor Scofield, Commentary Editor At most, we have known the town of Fruita for 18 years. Some of us less, as we are more acquainted with the Redlands or the center of the Valley. Taking in to account the long history of Fruita it is fair to say that we are just visiting right now. Yet it is undeniable, even to us strangers, that Fruita has a certain beauty. It seems flat and drab at first; a kind of town where you fill up your gas tank and then move on. However, it is the impression and atmosphere of Fruita that has kept the town growing since the 1880s. It is that feeling of wanting to get your hands dirty and plant something. That feeling is the essence of the entrepreneur and without it, Fruita might not exist today. William E. Pabor had this feeling. And while he came to Colorado’s Western Slope to reorganize the Grand River Ditch irrigation project, he ended up selling his shares of the canal and buying 80 acres of land about twelve miles west of Grand Junction. Others had seen this area and moved on but not Pabor; he was determined. It seems odd that Fruita was started by a writer and poet from New York but Pabor fell in love with Colorado the minute he saw it. In fact, Pabor wrote a book called “Wedding Bells” which is essentially an extended metaphor where he is the groom and Colorado is his bride. Pabor goes on a great deal about the Grand Valley and the
“Grand River” now the Colorado River. “Now down the crankled road they sped By the Grand River’s winding, led Through fertile parks and blooming vales, Through gorges where the sunshine pales, Through glens hedged in with odorous pine Home of the orchard and the vine, Till in the Valley of the Grand In wonder and surprise they stand. Here a broad river dangerous deep, Whose waves in rapid current sweep.” And Pabor’s fascination didn’t end with the Colorado River. He goes on to praise the town of Fruita specifically. “Fair Fruita in the sunshine lies,
Photo by Madison Wittman
The fairest village ‘neath the skies; Broad sweep of fertile land around, Where prosperous farmer homes abound; Home of the almond apple peach, And vines whose purple clusters teach That bounteous Nature offers here A generous summer with each year.” Pabor seemed particularly interested in the agricultural prospects of Fruita since it was near the Colorado River and seemed ideal for fruit. His vision for Fruita soon came to life as 2,600 trees were planted by 1900. A crew was kept busy year round with pruning, replanting, irrigation and maintaining the orchards. The Fruita Fruit and Produce Association was established in 1904 and the headquarters
was built on Mulberry Street. From this building, produce was shipped to farmer’s markets in Grand Junction and across the state. By 1911, it seemed like Fruita was destined to become one of the state’s largest agricultural producers. The Fruita Fruit and Produce Association was even listed in Colorado Agricultural College’s 1907 bulletin of state produce. So, why is there hardly any fruit trees in Fruita today? This same thing has happened all across Colorado. A visionary will build up the town up until it looks like it is destined for prosperity, but something will ruin it. It was Horace Austin Warner Tabor and August Meyer in Leadville and Henry Recen in Frisco. Both these towns had huge mining operations but when the mines stopped producing, the town stopped growing. This was surprisingly similar to what happened in Fruita. The fruit
trees in Fruita started to have problems in 1910. There was a large infestation of Codling moths which are basically the quintessential “worm in the apple.” In 1910, there was no pesticide that effectively combated the moths. Then, in 1911, a hail storm passed through Fruita and ruined over $100,000 worth of fruit. This, combined with early spring freezes, basically destroyed the fruit industry. By 1920, most of the orchards had been chopped down and local families decided to farm crops that were more likely to survive in the bipolar weather of Western Colorado. At this point, Fruita should have, by all rights, faded away. The industry was gone and there wasn’t much left to stay for. And for a while, the population in Fruita did flat line. It went from 1,193 people in 1920 to only 1,822 in 1970. However, by 1980 the population was over 2,800. Fruita had found a new industry in tourism. Hiking, climbing, and mountain biking had become more popular and saved Fruita from becoming a ghost town. Many stores and restaurants opened to cater to these tourists, and an entire industry was started . Today, Fruita thrives as a part agricultural-part tourist town. The very existence of Fruita is a testament to the town’s spirit of hard work and determination that arrived with William E. Parbor and has continued ever since.
Seniors
14 April 2013
The Catalyst
Take a look: seniors then and now Calvin Wright
Courtlyn Carpenter
1. What are you doing after high school?
I’m going to college at CU to go into Environmental Engineering.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a vet or an astronaut.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? Starting the composting program here.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Just stay involved with your school.
Photos courtesy of Calvin Wright
1. What are you doing after high school?
I enlisted to the Army and I leave August 12th to Fort Benning for 19 weeks of training to become an Air Born Recovery Scout.
Photo courtesy of Ian Laga
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to go to college to become a firefighter.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita?
All the dances and the junior and senior year weekends. Pretty much just hanging out with my friends.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors?
Enjoy it because time flies and it’s your last year before your life begins, so have as much fun as you can and don’t regret anything in high school because later on in life you don’t want to look back and say, “I wish I would have done that.”
Photos courtesy of Courtlyn Carpenter
Ian Laga
Sarah Mercer
Photo by Eden Laase
1. What are you doing after high school?
Photos courtesy of Sarah Mercer
1. What are you doing after high school?
Western State Colorado University. I don’t know what I’m studying yet, but I’m playing soccer for the university.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a hair dresser when I was little.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? Beating Junction in double overtime with 10 seconds left.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Don’t procrastinate ‘till your last quarter of high school and go out with a big bang.
I’m still deciding if I’m going to Purdue, CU for engineering or CSU for stats. I want to be a statistical actuary/mechanical engineer.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a chef.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita?
I will always remember playing cards in the pool during the boat races with Max.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Make sure you know what your colleges want to see in you.
The Catalyst
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Seniors
April 2013
Smith twins vs. Fair twins Ned Smith 1. What are you doing after high school?
I’m going to a junior college to play baseball, but I want to become a smoke jumper.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? A firefighter.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? All the sporting events, especially football.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Get involved as much as you can and have fun.
Kale Smith
1. What are you doing after high school?
I might be going to college in Arizona, but most likely Mesa Community college.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? Pro baseball player.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? Baseball roadtrips
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Senior year goes by really fast, enjoy it as much as you can.
Spencer Fair 1. What are you doing after high school?
I’m going to Western State to study Biology and I’m also playing football and basketball there.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? Batman.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? The rivalry games are something I’ll never forget.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors?
Get involved with everything. Just look around and be a part of your high school.
Tyler Fair
1. What are you doing after high school?
I’m not sure where I’m going yet, but I’m choosing between Oberlin College, DU, CU and Oxford. I either want to go into biology or pre-med.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a doctor.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? Winning the league championship in swimming last year.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Start applying to colleges early, scholarships too.
Brody Klinglesmith
1. What are you doing after high school?
I am going to Colorado State University for a double major in animal science and agriculture business.
2. What did you want to be when you were little?
I have wanted to be a veterinarian since 2nd grade. There aren’t too many kids who at the age of seven can decide what to do with their life, but I did and I am so excited!
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita?
Well as a senior, we all have a burning desire to get out of here; but part of me is dreading leaving. I have gone to school with some of these people since elementary school. I am also going to miss the spirit that everyone shows. We are all so diverse but brought together by the blue and white. I feel like I am going to miss the FFA program the most because that has shaped me to become the person I am today.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors?
Don’t miss out! I know what senioritis is…it will take over! I promise that! But don’t forget that this is your senior year. Enjoy your time here because you won’t ever get this back again.
Senior favorites: Catalyst edition s e ll
a V n
K
i t s ri
p o h
M
is B t
at
Abby Smith
Most likely to trip at graduation
Most likely to become ski bums Kiani Vogt and Kenny Cordova
Coolest car in the lot
Most outgoing couple
Most likely to be on an MTV reality TV show
Summer Gienapp and Logan McLennan
Catlyn Coughran
Most likely to OD on Starbucks
Spencer Henderson and Hannah Nock
Most likely to get a YOLO tattoo
Blain Uphoff
Most likely to be on American Idol
Peyton Whalen
Rea McLaughlin
Most likely to have a movie made about their life Natalie McCary and Ross Fischer
Seniors
18 April 2013
The Catalyst
Take a look: seniors then and now
Danielle Riggs
Kalin Jackson I’m going to Colorado Mesa University and I’m going into liberal arts.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a professional baseball playeror a firefighter.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? Just the people.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Put all of your effort into school and homework.
1. What are you doing after high school?
I want to go to CMU for a year, then transfer somewhere to major in creative writing.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a stormwatcher until I saw a real tornado.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita?
Almost everything was special, but mostly hanging out with my friends.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Don’t stress, just relax.
Photo by Alyssa Urban
Photo courtesy of Kalin Jackson
Photos courtesy of Danielle Riggs
1. What are you doing after high school?
Wiley Ransbottom 1. What are you doing after high school? Colorado Mesa University to become an EMT/firefighter.
2. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a professional bull rider.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? I had a lot of good times at Fruita. I don’t have just one, they were all special in some way.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Photos courtesy of Wiley Ransbottom
Have fun, don’t stress, and make the most of it because before you know it, it’s gone.
Lauren Ferrante 1. What are you doing after high school? I’m going to the Navy in September to be a Corpsman which is like a medic.
2. What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals.
3. What’s your favorite memory of Fruita? I loved the people and all the friends that I have made.
4. What’s some advice you would give to next year’s seniors? Don’t overwhelm yourself with hard classes during your senior year; just enjoy it.
Photos courtesy of Lauren Ferrante
The Catalyst
19
Features
April 2013
College: how do you begin? By Ariel Eckhart, Reporter
As graduation approaches, you’ll be confronted with the choice of accepting a job or entering college. Which choice is best for you? In fall 2012, a record 21.6 million students are expected to attend American colleges and universities, constituting an increase of about 6.2 million since fall 2000 said the IES (Institute of Education Sciences). Choosing a university is a big decision, but it is a step in the right direction. The best way to compare several colleges is to make a list of the things that are most important to you like location, campus size, field of interests and funds. Then see how each of the colleges you’re considering meets your standards. If you are considering staying close to home, there is the option of going to Colorado Mesa University. If you go to a local university they are less expensive, and you don’t need as high of GPA. Many students choose to do their first year at a local college while they save money for the college that offers more education in their field of interest. Every university is different; they range from sizes to location. The
more you personalize your college search process, the more likely it is you’ll find the perfect fit. Know that your application, transcripts, class rank and entrance exams scores determine your acceptance to most colleges and universities. The ACT and the SAT tests are the ones most looked at by colleges for acceptance. These tests are used with your high school record to evaluate your level of academic knowledge. You also have to pick a college you can afford; the cost of a college education varies widely. In addition to tuition there are fees, textbooks, housing, food and other expenses such as parking. There are many ways to finance your education, including financial aid. All required documents for financial aid must be submitted to their office at least two weeks before the end of spring to be considered for financial aid. The Summer Application for financial aid is available the deadline to submit the application is July. There are also scholarships you can earn to pay for college. You can earn them for you academic
Photo by Madison Wittman performance or even sport performance. Also you can go to the school website then to the counseling. There you can find information on scholarships, selecting a college, and more. Other options for paying for college include grants, loans and campus jobs. Given how valuable college is, cost should not get in your way when pursuing a higher education. There are many resources available that can help turn your dream of getting a college degree into a reality. Senior Alfredo Martinez has plans for college. “I plan on going to CMU for the criminal justice program. To pay for college I will be getting scholarships and using my own money,” Alfredo said. You can also make appointments with your school counselors to
have help finding the right college for you. “The most important thing in picking a college is to take into count your funds, location and the size of the college, and don’t be hesitant to go to a community college because it will cost less,” Catherine Mudd, school counselor, said. The main idea of college is to get a high-quality education and achiev-
ing your goal of your future career, but you can’t always be studying. You need extracurricular activities to make friends, relieve stress and have fun. Most schools offer a variety of student organizations, sports teams and school clubs. College is a time when you can explore and expand your interests, pursue your dreams, meet lifelong friends and define yourself in ways
The life of a high school custodian How to start a club By Ian Sage, Reporter
By Josephene Owens, Reporter There are many different types of clubs all throughout our school with a variety of activities, but not all of these clubs were created by teachers. Students throughout our school have been creating clubs and persuading kids to join them, going through the process and doing whatever it takes to get it up and going. There are many different steps to creating the club you want at school. The first one is you have to find a sponsor that will help conduct and advertise this club. It has to be a teacher of the school and one that knows what your club is going to be about and help you start it up. “The first person we asked to sponsor us said yes, but the next year he retired so we got a new one this year,” said senior Courtlyn Carpenter who started composting club. “But it’s mainly student run and sponsors are only there if you need their help on something specific.” The next thing you have to do is create a constitution to submit to the school administration. In the constitution you should briefly explain what the club is all about and what it’s going to bring to the school. It should explain the rules of the club and the expectations of people in this club. It should also explain the
schedule of the club and explain why you have it scheduled like that. Also, go into detail about the key events you will do at different events and meetings of the club. Then explain and add anything else you think the administrators will want to know about it or anything you want to bring to their attention. “Our application was accepted the first time, but it took a while after they sent it in to be reviewed,” said Carpenter. “Make sure when you get a group of people you get a group of people that are devoted and stick to it and it shouldn’t be that hard.” Once your constitution is done, take it to Denny Squibb in the athletics office who will review it and tell you if you are missing something or if everything seems to be right. If everything is right, he will take it in to his Monday morning meeting and discuss it with other the administrators. Once the meeting is conducted, he will bring the constitution back to you and let you know if it has been approved or disapproved. If approved then it’s automatically a new school club. If it’s not approved, then he will tell you why and what you need to fix for it to be approved.
Many people have a daily routine. For students, it’s get up, get ready, get to school, learn and go through the day. For teachers, it’s similar. Get up, get ready, get to school and teach. Many people, however, overlook the role and routine of a custodian, which is one of the more important roles around a school. A custodian is more than just someone who makes sure the halls are clean; they have an important role in helping to make sure everything goes well throughout the day. A custodian opens the school, prepares and sets up for the activities of the day and helps keep the school tidy throughout the day. The schedule of our own leadday custodian can be more hectic than the one that we go through. He gets up at around 5:00 AM and is at the school by 6:00. By 6:30, he has the whole school opened and operating. From 6:30 to the bell he cleans the tech-ed room, and cleans the cafeteria after the breakfast wave (7:30). By 8:00 he checks in at the athletics office to see what activities are planned for the day and when they take place. At 10:00 he is preparing for the activities, doing whatever is necessary to get them ready. This could be setting up a table in the hall or extending the bleachers for a game. From 10:301:00 he is in the cafeteria, cleaning the tables and monitoring the lunchgoers, and by 1:00 he is checking the bathrooms, halls, and rooms for any required work. At 2:00 he cleans the upstairs area, and at 2:30 he meets with the night custodian crew to explain what all is going to
happen after school. A high-school custodian’s day isn’t all just a regular schedule, however. That is just a simplified version. A custodian’s day varies greatly depending on the daily activities and is dictated depending on when and how those activities need
tunity to get to know some of them. “I think it’s fun being a custodian because you’re not a teacher or an administrator, and sometimes that means that the kids will talk to you more so than if you were,” said our Lead Custodian. The students will talk to the custodians about issues or problems that would normally not be discussed with a teacher. Custodians have the same child abuse and resource training as most teachers, so they will be able to help you with your problems or situations as much as they can. The safety of the students is always first priority. No matter what is on a custodian’s schedule, if something happens that could possibly risk endangering a student then that needs to be acted on. For example, if someone spills one of those XXL sodas from Maverick in the hall, then that could be a safety hazard, as well as if something were to happen in the hall maintenance wise. Any potential safety hazards take priority over any other task. This is why roaming the halls during the custodian’s schedule is very important, more so than most to be operating by. Not long ago would think. we had a table set up at lunch for Being a high-school custodian the Air Force representatives and is a much overlooked job, and before that was an assembly. Things doesn’t receive as much credit as like that are constantly being set up it deserves. These custodians, day and maintained by the custodians and night, work very hard to make throughout the day. They also help sure the halls are safe to wander, the work with maintenance and the rooms are safe to use and the school public, as well as communicate with is safe to operate. Without these administration. So, long story short, custodians, the school would not be one day is never like the other. able to function at the level it does Being a custodian also means now. This is a very important job, that you are constantly around stuand we wouldn’t be able to operate dents, and that gives you an oppor- without it.
Features
20 April 2013
The Catalyst
The days of finals are coming By Megan Hunter, Reporter Finals are the last test students take in school before summer vacation. The days are winding down as students prepare to take the final tests in their classes. Not only are they the final test in those classes, but they also have a big impact on the final grade in that class as well. Students stress to study in an attempt to end the school year with good grade. Finals in high school are really important. They help determine the final grades students send off to colleges and grades that go on their transcript. The stress of these test have an impact on the students. The fact that colleges will be seeing their grades has students under a lot of pressure to do well. “I really want to get into the college I want so these grades really matter to me,” sophomore MiKealy Thomas stated. But there can be certain ways to avoid stress for finals. Instead of cramming a study session the night before, try studying three days prior to the test. Studying beforehand helps you remember things a lot better than cramming a study session the night before. It is much easier to remember something you constantly study instead of trying to
remember something you just read. “It’s a lot easier for me to remember something I studied over time than something I studied last minute and then take the test,” sophomore Rachel Skillicorn stated. Studies show the best way to remember stuff for a test is having someone quiz you and see how much you remember, according to Suzanne Rose. Put together a study group with students in the same class. You can quiz each other and see what part of the test you know or need to study more of. You don’t have to sit there and make it a boring question and answer session. You can make it fun by turning it into a game. Make it a Jeopardy
game with a prize at the end for the winner. There is a ton of other ways to make studying interesting and more enjoyable. Making it a game or make it family game night. See how much your parents or older siblings remember from high school.
See if they know any of the stuff you’re learning now. Make it a family study session and see how well they can remember their high school classes and what it was like to study. “Making studying fun helps me remember things a lot better and it’s
fun to see what other people know.” sophomore Karli Myers stated True studying is hard to turn into a fun time and you can get a little side tracked especially when you have friends over. But if you really focus and try to make it fun it can turn that test into a one hundred percent grade. Finals are important and studying is something no student wants to do especially it being so close to summer vacation. A lot of students brains are ready for a vacation, so it’s hard to study for test especially finals. However, the final grades are what colleges can see on your transcript. The final grades are very important especially in high school. Making the finals count is very important it determines where you go from there.
Hudson Robison, junior, frantically continues to study for the upcoming finals in all of his classes. Photo by Madison Wittman
Suits and silliness: 10 ridiculous legal battles By Noah Turner, Reporter Lawsuits can be nasty things. There are angry plaintiffs, irritated defendants and uncomfortable jurors. However, not all lawsuits are boring argument sessions; some can be mildly entertaining. In particular some can be so ludicrous you can’t help but laugh a little. Here are a few:
2) Self-Suing Criminal
When a person is in jail, they have no source of income. Therefore, if they are sued, the state must pay all lawsuit winnings the plaintiff is awarded. This was the logic of Robert Lee Brock in 1995. While in the Indian Creek Correctional Center in Virginia, Brock devised a plan to sue himself for $5 million claiming that he had violated his own civil rights. He stated that in allowing himself to get drunk and commit various crimes, he had violated his own civil rights and religious beliefs. The case was dismissed and Mr. Brock is still serving his 23 year sentence for breaking and entering as well as grand larceny.
thought so when he sued Michael Jordan and the Nike founder Phil Knight in 2006. Heckard went for $832 million due to allegedly suffering permanent injury, defamation, and emotional pain and suffering. Heckard claimed these wounds were due to several incidences where he was mistaken for Michael Jordan. Heckard decided to drop the case later that year.
5) Hazardous Glass Display
a broken ankle, and she decided to sue the furniture store. When the verdict came in, Robertson was awarded $80,000 by the jury. The strange part is that the toddler who tripped Robertson was her own child.
7) Honda vs. Hand
Carl Truman, a 19 year old from Los Angeles, was awarded $74,000 and medical expenses when his hand was severely crushed. Truman’s hand was broken from being run over by his neighbor’s Honda Accord. Truman was not aware that anyone was in the car at the time as his neighbor was backing out of the driveway. Why was Truman there though? He was trying to steal his neighbor’s hubcaps.
9) Slipping on Soft Drinks
Amber Carson was having lunch with her boyfriend in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when the discussion became heated and turned into a full-fledged argument. Carson stood up, threw her soft drink at her boyfriend, turned to leave, and slipped of the puddle of soda she had created. She then fell and broke her tailbone. After suing the restaurant, she was awarded $113,500.
10) Motorhome Madness
This last is by far the best example of simple incompetence. Ms. Merv Grazinski of Oklahoma City bought herself a brand new 1) Bud Light Buffoonery motor home. Her first trip in the 32 Everyone has seen one of those foot Winnebago was by herself to beer commercials that feature two an OU football game. On her way men taking a sip of beer, followed 3) Sued For Scaring home, she was feeling a bit hungry by them transporting to some dream Did you know that haunted while driving down the interstate, 8) Beagle Bites vacation spot and a horde of beauti- houses are scary? It seems pretty so her logical solution was to set the In Little Rock, Arkansas, a man ful bikini clad women flocking apparent that they would be. Well cruise control to seventy and leave by the name of Jerry Williams them. Well, in 1991, a man named in 2000, Cleanthi Peters decided to decided that he needed to do some- the driver’s seat. She went to the Richard Overton took one of these sue Universal Studios because the thing about his neighbor’s annoying back of the RV and began making commercials too literally. He sued Halloween Horror Nights haunted herself a sandwich. The Winnebago beagle. When his neighbors were the company Anheuser-Busch for house attraction was too scary. Peobviously went off the freeway and gone, Williams climbed the fence putting out a false and misleading ters sued for $15,000 after claiming crashed. Grazinski sustained mild to where the beagle was chained commercial like the one above. to have sustained mental anguish, injuries and sued the Winnebago in the yard. He then repeatedly Under Michigan State law, he sued extreme fear and emotional discompany for not clearly stating in shot the dog with a pellet gun. The them for two accounts of false and tress after visiting the theme park. the owner’s manual that you cannot dog, understandably annoyed, bit misleading advertisements. He then Peters lost the case, and surprisingly leave the driver’s seat while the Mr. Williams on the rear. The bite 6) Broken Ankles and added a third charge for $100,000 in returned to the theme park the next RV is moving. She was awarded was severe enough to need mediBad Kids which he claimed to have suffered year. $1,750,000 and a new motor home. cal attention, so Williams sued his Kathleen Robertson was just emotional distress, mental injury After that, the Winnebago company spending a normal day shopping for neighbor. Williams was awarded the began including in their manuals and financial loss due to no appear4) Mistaken for Michael medical expenses he asked for, and furniture when she trip over a hyance of beautiful women when he that you cannot leave the driver’s Have you ever been mistaken for peractive toddler that was running $14,500. drank a beer. The court dismissed seat unoccupied while the vehicle is a celebrity? Isn’t that insulting? A about the store. The fall resulted in all claims. moving. man by the name of Allen Heckard Have you ever walked into a glass sliding door not realizing it was there? A man by the name of Ba Tran did in a Macy’s department store. While shopping in his local Macy’s, Tran walked face first into a large glass display case in the middle of and aisle. This collision caused Tran to fall down and wrench his back and neck, while the impact itself opened gash above his eye. Tran claims that it was no fault of his that he walked into the case, but that the Macy’s store is responsible for recklessly placing glass cases that are hard to see due to their transparency. The case is still in progress.
The Catalyst
21
Features
April 2013
The rising cost of college By Sam Cyphers, Reporter
Through the dog days of high school, it’s the one place you dream about most. You strive for it. You search for it. You fantasize about the freedom, the experiences, and the new life ahead of you. You’re dreaming about your perfect college. Unfortunately, due to its ever-increasing price tag, you may never go. According to CNN Money, over the past year, the price of tuition at public colleges for in-state students rose 4.8% to an average of $8,655 a year, and the rates for private schools increase 4% to a total of $32,617 per year. This is accompanied by increases in room and board, which now accounts for more than half of the net price of public universities. In 2011-12, the cost of room and board at public schools rose 3.7% to $9,205, which is 65% more than it was 10 years ago. This steep inflation is because students have demanded that
older dorms be upgraded to meet and it is that projected that the cost their expectations for technology, of college will only continue to rise privacy and comfort. This typifor the foreseeable future. This cally involves wifi, the removal of projection has many high school large communal bathrooms in favor students wondering where, if anyof smaller ones shared by fewer people, and more common areas for studying, socializing, and eating. This increases the net price of college to $17,860 per year. What’s even more unsettling is this trend has been persistent Photo by Madison Wittman since 2009,
Planning graduation Story and photo by Alyssa Urban, Co-Managing Editor The speakers, the decorations, the set-up, the performers; everything on graduation day for the 2013 seniors is organized by the senior officers with the help of other members in student senate. The planning of graduation day was a yearlong process as Erica Maestas, president, Eden Laase, vice president and Sabreena Carruth, secretary, started brainstorming at the beginning of the school year. When second semester rolled around, the officers started taking action as May 14th couldn’t have come any faster. “The administration is who schedules when graduation day is, but the senior class officers are in charge of everything else,” said senate teacher Amy Sexe. The junior class members that are in senate are in charge of organizing prom whose profit goes then towards graduation. This means that last year’s prom is what is paying for the 2013 graduation. Therefore, more people go to prom, the more
the class officers will be able to spend on a successful graduation. “The seniors in senate plan out everything from senior ditch day to the flower arrangements at graduation,” said Maestas. Because the seniors plan out graduation, that leaves the juniors and sophomores in senate to set up the stage, chairs and other decorations at Stocker Stadium the day of graduation. Various staff members help as well, but the process only takes about an hour to completely set up. In order to make sure every member involved with the ceremony knows what to do, where to stand and what to say, there is one practice the day before the actual ceremony. Because seniors are out of school before the day of graduation, they are able to have the runthrough during the day. As for caps, gowns, sashes and cords, the individual students take care of this. Girls will order white gowns and boys will order blue and
each person will have various cords depending on what extracurricular they were involved in. The speakers at graduation vary from the principal’s speech to the person reading of the class names. “The class president and valedictorian always speak,” said Maestas. “The senior class also votes on teacher of the year who will also give a speech during the ceremony.” This year’s teacher of the year is science teacher Caleb Hicks. Along with the speakers, there is also a musical performance from one of the seniors each year. During last year’s graduation, Matt Scofield and Taylor Scofield sang the 2012 class song “Good Life” by OneRepublic. This year, Taylor Scofield will again perform with his band. Tyler Fair will be singing and playing the piano as well. Invitations are sent out by students and their families. Most students will order their invites through Josten’s where they can personalize the cards and add their own pictures. The programs that are given to all audience members, though, are from the school. “Last year we had about 1500 programs and we still ran out,” said Sexe. Class sizes may be growing, but the 2013 seniors have about 390 graduating students which is one of the smallest class sizes in a few years. The ceremony may be around 2 hours long, but the amount of attendance and enthusiasm from the audience shows their support each year as they congratulate the seniors and appreciate the amount of hard work and effort that the class officers and members of student senate have put into having such a successful and memorable graduation.
where, they will be able to attend. Not only has the tuition of college risen steadily, but federal aid has stagnated, further elevating the already high price tag of higher education. This means that there are fewer athletic and merit-based scholarships available to exceptional students and athletes. Previous to this termination of growth in federal grant programs, federal aid had risen faster than the price of college, lowering its net price. From 2008 to 2010, the federal grant aid for undergraduates’ funds doubled from about $26 billion to almost $56 billion. However, in 2011, this number dropped to just $49 billion. Since 1985, the American dollar has weakened considerably. The average percent inflation
of consumer goods since then is 107.05%. This is a staggering number in itself. However, the price of college has inflated a mind-blowing 466.8%, well above the inflation rate. This may have Fruita’s future classes are worried about paying for their education. By 2022, the annual cost of a public 4-year university could be $27,917, if current trends continue. In order to combat this, many current college students have turned to unorthodox methods of earning money to pay for college. One student hoping to attend a Florida International University graduate school claimed he has become a lab rat to help with school payments. Whether or not the rising cost of college will discourage Fruita’s seniors and upcoming classes form attending remains to be seen, but many still believe it is a worthwhile investment.
A word from the wise By Adrienne Chiapuzio, Reporter
Graduating is a huge deal. It’s the first step to starting the rest of your life. Teachers and parents do everything they can to prepare you but in the end, it’s all on your shoulders. Fortunately, some teachers here are willing to give their “expert” advice on how to live a successful and happy life. “Get involved, whether it be your education or career, in the things you love,” said Dave Fox, science teacher, channeling his inner Dr. Phil. “Try to find something you love doing,” Fox said. “Develop a work ethic, always maintain a great attitude and show respect to the right people.” Kyle Behrman was a student teacher at the beginning of the year. Being fresher out of school than other teachers at Fruita, he offered up a good piece of advice. “Don’t worry about having a dream career in mind because you will probably end up changing plans.” Behrman said. “Find what you enjoy doing and figure out how to do it for the rest of your life,” said Librarian Ira Creaseman, combining his advice with words from the legendary Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, lecturer and writer. He was best known for his work in comparative mythology and religion. Our principal here at Fruita Monument, Jan Keirns, thought she
could shed some light on our seniors. “You need to identify what you love to do. Find your passion,” Keirns said. “I have seen a lot of different senior classes and they differ from year to year. This class believes. They know they are small, but mighty.” Along with giving her own advice Principal Keirns also dug up some past Valedictorian speeches from as far back as 1942 up to 1996. Co-Valedictorian of the class of 1985 John Panozzo said in his speech, “We have reached that time in our lives when we have to cross the bridge stretching from high school life to the responsibilities of adulthood. This is a very important time, because decisions are made that can last a lifetime.” His partner Brian Owens said, “Although we face a perplexing future, with little hard work and dedication all of us can succeed.” Nicolas A. Mezei was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1996. He started his speech with a poem called “That Mighty Clocks Might Stop” and it really spoke to the class of ’96. “Each of us have the potential for a bright and successful future,” Mezei said. “Always remember to be yourself.” “To show often and much… to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded,” Mezei quoted from Emerson, an American essayist. I end this story with the ending lines of Nicholas Mezei, “Make your lives extraordinary.”
Commentary
22 April 2013
Dear Fruita...
Communism:
By Jen Robinson, A&E editor Four years of my life have been devoted to this high school (including the 8/9 of course). And by “devoted” I mean forcefully having to wake up in the dark and early hours of the morning to drive 20 minutes to a town filled with the smell of chicken carcass and manure. It’s not so bad until that wall of stink hits. Some say you get used to it, but trust me, you never do. These four years were nothing special. In fact, the things I do remember about the past years seem to involve administration enforcing stupid policies. The new dance attendance policy that was put into effect doesn’t do much for us. The new goal should be to get our names onto the list of students who cannot attend a dance. I’m happy to say that senior prom was my last high school dance. Maybe I didn’t get the entire “Fruita Experience” because I didn’t partake in Ag classes. But I think hanging out in the eastern section of the parking lot was enough experience for me. Copenhagen spit never looked so good on the bottom of my sandals anyways. Seeing trucks parked in the most geometrically challenged ways possible was just one of my many morning highlights. (A side note for those of you who must continue to park here in the years to come: just because the ground is covered in snow, doesn’t mean it’s socially acceptable to take up four parking spaces. Tip: use the light poles as a guide.) And although most of you want to blame those of us who drive trucks for the chaos in the parking lot, I’ve seen plenty of students who drive cars that cannot park or drive -- especially
A forgotten but dangerous threat
the underclassmen (thanks to the new color-coded parking passes, we know who you are). Looking at the grades below me, I can be thankful I missed that chaos by a year or two. For those of you who must stay to endure the hurricane that is the class of ’15, I wish you the best of luck mentally and physically. I remember the first day of Reiber’s Personal Fitness and Wellness class at the beginning of my senior year, when I found out I would have to endure a block class with four seniors and an overabundance of sophomore students. That class alone was enough to make me practically loathe the sophomore students of FMHS. After May 14th, I will no longer be a student but an alumni of Fruita Monument High School, and there is no better feeling. Even though I hate to admit it, there’s a special place in my heart for FMHS; a place that holds so many memories. Although I have plenty to complain about, I wouldn’t have wanted to attend another high school in the Grand Valley. Yes, Junction has more school pride and it’s probably because they always win at everything (apparently not football though). I’ll never forget the day Assistant Principal McClaksey made an announcement over the school intercom which ended in “Let’s show them what a bunch of farmers and ranchers can do.” A huge shoutout goes to the football team for beating the Tigers 20 to 14. For the next few weeks, Fruita had an abundance of confidence and pride; our whole school vibe
was different. I’m so glad that was a part of my senior year. Fruita has supplied me with endless memories with some of the best people around. While many of the best moments haven’t taken place at any school related events, I must give props to the public school system for setting me up with such great peers to hang out with outside of school and props to our small town for giving us such a limited choice of fun activities. Seniority isn’t so much walking the halls and being at the top of the class chain, but rather a sense of pride within the town. After four years of attending FMHS and hanging out with a certain crowd of people, you become attached to what Fruita is. For a particular group of seniors, I know that Fruita is what we like to consider “our stomping grounds.” Anyone who really knows Fruita knows that many of the most popular spots aren’t accessible by paved roads. Four wheel driving, visiting the water tower, driving the back roads and desert bonfires are just a few of my favorite memories from this small town. Fruita has left its mark on us, and I’m sure that the class of 2013 has, in one way or another, left our mark on it. I guess what I’m trying to say is that high school has simultaneously been the best and worst four years of my life. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, friends, dating and a job is a very stressful routine which students must endure if they wish to feel successful at this time of life. For those of you who made high school both memorable and bearable (you know who you are), thank you.
Dear Fruita, By Eden Laase, Sports editor You have been a huge part of my life the past four years. Though it seems strange, college is coming up soon and it’s time for me to say goodbye to FMHS. Thanks for all of the memories and friendships that you have provided me with. I will cherish them forever. One of the highlights of this year was beating Junction for the league title in basketball. I love my team and it was the perfect way to end my high school career. Being a Peer Tutor for Side X Side was also a bright spot in senior year. I have gotten to know some incredible people and I’ve never had more fun in a class. They never fail to put a smile on my face, and I can’t wait for Special Olympics. But, there are also some things that I won’t cherish. 1. The Parking Lot: Every day in the parking lot is an adven-
The Catalyst
ture. I love the thrill of a near death experience every time I drive. Also, shout out to those kids who think they are Nascar drivers; I’m really going to miss you guys. 2. The Sophomore Hall: I don’t know why, but it always smells. Enough said. 3. Kids who don’t know how to walk in the halls: Why do people insist on walking so slowly and taking up the entire hall? Also, is it really necessary to stop and chat with all of your friends right in the middle of the hall? The awkward side shuffle that I have to do to get around you is always fun. 4. The Smell: Fruita always has that incredibly unique smell. When I say unique, it’s not in a good way. I certainly won’t come across that smell in college and I’m not
too upset about that. 5. Homework: I know teachers think it’s necessary, but that doesn’t make it suck any less. 6. Waking up at 5:45: I think school would have been much easier if I didn’t have to wake up so early. The 20 minute drive from my house to FMHS didn’t help things. In all honesty, High School could have been much worse. Looking back, things haven’t been so bad, and I secretly kind of enjoyed it (shhhhh don’t tell). So, goodbye Fruita. It’s been an adventure. Sincerely, Eden Laase
Love, The Catalyst’s Seniors
Communism has been the nemesis of the capitalistic republican ideal for almost a century now and is the totalitarian opposite of a democratic government similar to that of the United States. Before communism was a prominent government seen in major countries across the world, it was birthed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. The political ideal was not recognized as correct amongst society until Vladimir Lenin, supporter of the communist ideal, gained power and control of the previously known Russian Empire during the First World War. He turned the state to follow communism, and he created the Soviet Union, the nation known notoriously amongst Republics and Democracies, as the enemy of capitalism. The Soviet Union gained extreme military power prior to World War II. They would eventually begin to clash with their ultimate rival the United States. There were countless conflicts that the U.S. and Soviet Union were involved in; some of the most notable were the Korean War, Vietnam, Maoism, the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the Space Race. This was the beginning of a long contention between the two superpowers, the U.S. and the Soviets, known as the Cold War. As many may think, the Cold War was ended by President Reagan’s out-spending of the Soviet Union to put them to an end economically which would later destroy them. In an old world communist government the market is not free and trade is limited. This is why it Reagan’s plan succeeded. People considered the communist threat to be dying; though the Soviet Union was dissolved, it doesn’t mean that its dangerous essence is gone. One of the most threatening realities in today’s society is China surpassing the U.S. in economics, especially in the past couple of years. China is a Communist nation and has been ever since the well known leader Mao-Zedong. China has adapted a capitalis-
tic trait to their economy. They take part in free marketing and global trade. China is one of the largest producers in the steel industry and exports it every day. Their economy is growing at a rapid rate and takes more and more jobs away from working Americans every year, and people are concerning themselves with “problems” such as illegal immigrants taking their jobs. This is a serious economic threat and it is unseen by many people in this country. On the other hand of being in an economically threating situation, the world has nuclear power and countries want in. Nuclear Missiles are the most destructive weapons that human will ever build. With the right amount (which has already been reached) they are capable to destroy all life on this planet. North Korea has already said they are on the brink of nuclear war with their enemy towards the south. The testing of these weapons has been occurring in Communist North Korea for some time now, and nothing has really been done to put this to a halt. Yes, the U.N. has sent a couple sternly worded letters saying that they advise against it, but those were probably burned before Kim Jong-Il or Kim Jong-Un even thought about opening them. Communist North Korea is very concerning to the people of South Korea, and the United States, and no measures are being taken. It is terrifying to be standing in a line at the grocery store and hear a person say, “what is North Korea?” and everyone around that person acts like that was a even a valid question. Just 50 years ago people were practicing bomb drills and the threat of communism was still real. Of course hiding under the nearest desk is pretty pointless to do if there were to be a nuclear threat, but behind that diplomats and the people fought to remain a society that wasn’t completely annihilating each other. With no knowledge of economic and war ridden conflict with countries like China and North Korea, how are we supposed to counter the enemy of democracy, communism?
This 1927 poster was intended to explain the true motives and ideals behind communism
Photo courtesy of Flikr Commons
The Catalyst
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Commentary
April 2013
Funeral held for the ‘Iron Lady” By Jake Gulden, Reporter Margret Thatcher was a prominent conservative leader of the United Kingdom during the 1970s and 80s and was arguably one of the most controversial Prime Ministers the country has ever seen. On April 8th, Thatcher passed away, 33 years after the end of service as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. When Thatcher was elected in 1975, the social economic system was headed downward and many people were in financial turmoil. Thatcher dealt with domestic affairs and changed the nation’s system, and some think it was for the better or for the worse. She was an extremely influential leader of her country for 15 years, and she had an honorable funeral in London in remembrance of her leadership. Thatcher experienced many events during her term as prime minister of the United Kingdom, some of which were: the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the end of the Soviet Union, the conflict in Afghanistan, and the rise of European socialism. Many of her actions were praised or criticized and her service was either ineffectual for the people or was beneficial to English society. down in history as the generation known only for invent-
ing the Harlem Shake and coining the terms “SWAG” and “YOLO .”Z “She had really changed the economy and she ended up pulling England out of a recession,” said Anne McCorkle, social studies teacher. “She was a companion of Reagan and her leadership was hated by some or loved by others.” She was a conservative leader and she often met with Reagan to discuss international situations and converse ideas of economics. “Reagan and Thatcher had similar policies in the way they ran the economy and government,” said McCorkle. Although Thatcher basically brought the U.K. out of an economic recession, many thought her other domestic policies were unjust and outrageous. The Irish Republican Army made several attempts of assassination on political figures in the British government including Margret Thatcher. The Falklands war was also another event that spurred some to believe that the Thatcher was a poor leader. In the war, 225 British soldiers lost their lives over claims of sovereignty of the island. “I remember the Clash (a punk rock band in the U.K.) and how they expressed certain
Poop Culture
hatred for Thatcher,” said Nancy Schaack, Language Arts teacher. The band was made up of a few rebellious members and they explained their reasoning with society and politics through song. They created songs to describe the militaristic actions of Thatcherism and they told the horrors of how young soldiers were being killed in combat.
It’s times like these that make me lose faith in our generation. As if “Gangnam Style” wasn’t bad enough, pop culture is now obsessed with the “Harlem Shake.” Originating in Harlem back in the early 80s, Al B (the creator of the dance) called it “a drunken shake anyway, it’s an alcoholic shake, but it’s fantastic, everybody appreciates it.” I’d say he was partly right; it definitely resembles a drunken shake (though I would say it looks more like a standing seizure), but as for the fantastic and appreciative aspect, I’d say that’s a little off. As an avid Reddit user, I saw the dawn of all the Harlem Shake dance videos. The first few were pretty cool, but they all went downhill from there. Occasionally someone would come up with something interesting for a video, but most of the time they were all the same. Now, there are even apps for phones to make your very own Harlem Shake video. For those of you still planning on making one, here’s some advice- don’t. Here’s a breakdown of the videos: before the music even starts, a whiny Spanish voice says “Con los terroristas.” For those of who sleep through Spanish class, this translates to “With the terrorists.” (I’m pretty sure the
most people in the world have no idea what PSY is talking about.
with the Irish, and diplomatically solving issues like in the Falklands, got picked up by some of the harshest critics as some of the biggest mistakes in British history. She was a leader who will go down in history and has changed the lives of many, and her ceremony will remember her for that.
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
Thatcher’s funeral was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Tanning: Burnt to a crisp
By Keaton Brown, News Editor rest of the song has nothing to do with terrorists.) A quiet synth noise takes over for the next 14 seconds while a single person proceeds to “dance”. Then, a deep voice says, “Do the Harlem Shake,” the beat drops, and a number of people start convulsing. 15 seconds later, it’s over. “Gangnam Style” recently reached over one billion views on YouTube, and I have no idea how it became so popular. I mean, first of all, it’s in Korean, so
“Besides a political career I do think Thatcher influenced women to get in politics more and participate in government actions,” said Shaack. Thatcher, in the eyes of some, was a powerful and strong leader and her ability to fix the economic problems In the U.K. was an amazing accomplishment on her part. Her poor moves in making peace
The music video is even worse. When it starts, PSY promptly begins spitting beer all over a dancing 6-year-old (which I’m pretty sure classifies as statutory rape in America.) He dances in a stable, walks away from an explosion and walks through a shower of whipped cream. Though this seems to be hopelessly lost for meaning, apparently, it’s about a woman he loves- as he sings- “A classy girl who knows how to enjoy the freedom of a cup of coffee.” Pop culture needs to come up with a new dance craze, and something that isn’t embarrassing to my generation’s reputation (which is already shaky enough). Even with old dances like the “Shuffle” from LMFAO’s “I’m Sexy and I know It” to the ever-popular “Dougie,” I’ve noticed that the newest dance crazes are all single person dances. Maybe my generation just needs to repeat the first half of the nineteenth century when dances were actually intriguing and didn’t go out of style after two months. I don’t want to go down in history as the generation known only for inventing the Harlem Shake and coining the terms “SWAG” and “YOLO .” Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
By Madison Whittman, Photography Editor As winter is ushered out and we welcome the warmer weather of spring, everything around us is infused with color. The barren trees begin to blossom and the dead grass becomes a deep shade of green. And yet somehow, all through the spring season, humans remain a pasty, subdued shade of their natural color. It isn’t until the end of spring, beginning of summer, that we all begin to glow. Basking in the sun for countless hours at a time, we pride ourselves on our tan lines. The more contrast, the better. Unfortunately, some have never been taught the value of hard work; of slathering on some tanning oil and laying exposed to the suns golden rays. In a hasty attempt to win this unspoken tanning competition, they turn to the artificial UV rays of tanning beds. I am all for getting a head start, but you shouldn’t be done before everyone else has begun. When you are your darkest when the ground is its lightest, covered in a blanket of snow, something is wrong. Employees of these tanning salons should have the final say. It seems people become so blinded by their own orange glow that they don’t know it’s time to stop. If qualified receptionists would inform people when they are one tanning session away from be-
coming over baked , so many would be saved. Or even a simple sign: “To enter the bed, you must not be darker than this.” Maybe it’s because I’ve never sacrificed 10 minutes of my time to lie in a glowing coffin, but I don’t understand the fixation. At what point did the tint of skin become such an obsession? Skin color has caused some problems in our nations past to put it lightly, but the now it’s the shade; isn’t that a bit vain? As my skin goes from white to ivory to beige to tan neither my status nor my confidence improves. We’re all just chasing that summer radiance, greedily trying to get it faster. But there is something to be said about a natural tan. Although it may not be as even, it sure isn’t as orange. Tanners get a reputation as being Snookie-esk or oompa loompas, two comparisons that, at the extreme, aren’t that far off. The easy way out does not always yield the same results: lesson learned. The key to tanning: moderation. Contrary to popular belief, there is a solid middle ground between ghostly white and the, previously mentioned, “oopma loompa” orange. A tan can be your best friend or your hidden foe; great in times of sunshine and summer but exposing your fake bake tendencies in the frigid months. A little tan never hurts, but a lot of tan doesn’t help.
Commentary
T-CRAP! By Megan Hunter, Reporter TCAP: when that word comes to mind people think “oh brother.” TCAP is not fun at all. It’s a test students have been taking since the third grade. But finally sophomore year is the last year that students have to take TCAP. The only perk about taking TCAP is having half days and not having to go to regular classes at all that day. TCAP is one of the longest test students have to take during the school year. The nice part about TCAP is you get to have breaks in between and they don’t make you take every single test in two days. There are also many parts of the test students don’t like because it is either too confusing or they don’t give you enough time to take it. “I don’t like the reading part of the test because I feel like I’m rushed. They put a lot of stories that are boring,” sophomore Karli Myers stated TCAP has some of the worst choices for short stories you can imagine, like a story about a man who was a cat. The stories almost make you fall asleep while trying to read them. What a lot of students do is read only parts of the stories in order to finish the test on time. The only perk about TCAP is half days. Taking the test in one day would be way too stressful. Even though most of the time we are wishing it could be over with it would just be too hard to take it all in one day. “Having half days breaks it down so we aren’t so stressed out and it would be hard to concentrate on what we are doing,” sophomore Madison Kirby said. The test really isn’t that hard it’s just how long the test is and how it drags on. When the test goes on for as long as it does it makes it seem more like you’re in class. They give you a long time for the math, writing and science parts but not for the reading. They give you the shortest time possible, and it feels like it is impossible to finish. When you are the last one trying to finish is a lot of pressure because you feel the other student’s eyes looking at you. The stares are almost telling you to hurry up and finish the test so that they can go on break early or leave school early. They stare at you until you close that booklet. Then, they go away until the next portion of the test then the stares are back. TCAP is a test that all student’s dread to take along with every other test. But finally sophomore students are done with TCAP for good. The best part about being done with that is next year students get the day off. But now we just need to worry about taking the ACTs and SATs now that TCAP is over with.
Photo by
24
Trends go fast:
April 2013
The Catalyst
Psy, YOLO, and many others
By Teague Vanpelt, Reporter How long do you think the attention span is at Fruita when it comes to viral videos? Popular videos fly around this school like a crazed weasel and then zing out like they were never there. No popular video seems to last more than a couple weeks here at FMHS. The most watched video ever, is “Gangnam Style”, showing that you don’t even need to understand a viral video for it to be watched. William Wilson, Sophomore, along with others, originally believed the line “Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style” was saying “Open condom store,” and this was not even the strangest of variations on this line. You Tube videos as well as simple sayings spread like an ocean wave through the student population before receding back out to sea. Kade Kennon, sopho-
more, states, “teenagers are getting stupid.” Social trends are controlling our language and how we act. The saying YOLO came into the students’ tiny dictionaries when the popular rapper Drake used it in his album entitled YOLO, creating one of the most recent trends is the saying “YOLO.” YOLO means “you only live once” or “you oughta look out.” Students are saying YOLO constantly. This simple phrase has been rendered to have almost no meaning or it is used to explain dumb behavior. The new saying “YOLO,” has also been said as “YOLO swag,” is a raging tragedy of the things the students will do to seem impressive. “I like the sentiment but
people are using it for an excuse to be stupid,” said Kennon. Recent technology has crept into our expected normal as well as these sayings. We are obsessed with faster technology and it has seen that drive in how we share and receive information especially in the student body. Now nearly every student has an Ipod or Iphone that is being brought out constantly for You Tube, Facebook and Twitter. The “Harlem Shake” recieved publicity recently as hundreds of videos were submitted of people dancing to it in odd costumes and styles. Students have mixed opinions of the “Harlem shake” Other students either liked specific videos
or had strong feelings against it. The one thing that stayed the same is every student knew what it was and only one said he hadn’t seen any of the videos. The phrases we say repeatedly such as YOLO, awesome, dude, what’s up, etc. have been described as laziness. Students don’t want to come up with new sayings. It is easier to follow with others than to put effort into standing out from the rest. It is hard to be different from friends or other students around you, even in little ways like the grammer you use. Teenagers are trying all to fit in when each person is their own person. The trends that rise and fall are a way to connect to others, but it is those that stand outside of expected standard that make a difference. Brilliance and improvement can’t be achieved without risk of ridicule.
and, believe it or not, she’s the one bringing in the laughs. Adam and Blake are not falling far behind with their “bromance” fights. Then you have Usher, who has replaced Cee Lo Green for season 4, as he just sits back with his one leg on the chair. According to The Tufts Daily, “Usher resembled Cee Lo for his lack of personality or wit.” Yet, I feel Usher is opening up; it was almost like he had the “first day jitters.” Let’s see how some of your students and staff feel about “The Voice” this season: Who is your favorite coach on the voice and why? Cassie Lucero(Junior): My favorite coach was Cee Lo Green, but since he’s not here this season I’d have to say Blake Shelton. He just seems like a down to earth guy and is funny. He really tries to help his team succeed and seems like a nice guy. Leah Allard: (Art teacher) That’s a tough one but I’d have to say Blake Shelton because I think he’s hilarious.
think it’s really cool that they are stepping up and taking a chance to help people. It gives the singers a different opportunity to go further. Like when that girl sand in Spanish and Shakira was her coach so she could get different help than she would get from Christina or the other coaches. There are more Latin singers on the voice this year because of Shakira; which gives more people more of an opportunity. Leah Allard: I think it’s great because I feel there are four distinct genres this season. I think it’s going to reflect and make things very different. Also, there is great chemistry this season.
YOLO
This is “The Voice” By Gabriella Nillson, Reporter Now beginning season 4, “The Voice” is a reality signing competition that has continuously brought in many viewers. Unlike shows that we may be more familiar with like “American Idol,” “X-Factor,” and “Americans Got Talent,” where contestants are sometimes judged on their appearance, “The Voice” allows a singer to walk on stage and sing with the coaches back facing them. If the coach likes what they are hearing, they will hit their red button and turn around, letting the contestant know that they have made in onto “The Voice.” When the show first launched in April of 2011, millions of people tuned in; nearly 10 million a week. On the opening premiere on March 25 for season 4, nearly 13.4 million tuned in. According to NBC, “the only problem The Voice had to face was losing viewers each week after the blind auditions; therefore, the voice had to make significant changes for season 4.” “The Voice” will now air twice per year instead of just once. There will be a season every spring and every fall now, according to IMBD. Hopefully, this won’t end up being too much for the show and drop the ratings. The biggest change that “The Voice” made was two Alyssa Urban of the four
coaches leaving to focus on their individual careers. According to HUFFPOST TV, Cee Lo Green has confirmed he will be returning for season 5. “Let’s be straight about this ladies and gentlemen: I’m not leaving ‘The Voice.’ I’ll be back for Season 5. I’m going on hiatus. I’m doing a Las Vegas residency next year,” he explained. As for Christina, she was interviewed after season 3 stating “I’ll probably be back,” she told the publication. “I just need to do my thing for a minute, and then I can come back and be that much better of a coach. I just need a second to get back to me.” Yet, when they caught up with her at the 2012 AMA Nominee awards, Christina had different thoughts, “We’ll see where everything goes,” she said. “But I definitely know that I have to step away from it for a second so that I can regenerate my own artistry and get back to what my ultimate love is.” Not quite sure if that’s a departure forever or if she’s still just considering taking a break for season 4. According to The Tufts Daily, “The departure of record producer Cee Lo Green and pop superstar Christina Aguilera did little to dampen the ratings of the show, because many seem to think Grammy-winning Shakira and performer Usher are arguably more entertaining and likeable than their predecessors.” It’s difficult to not compare Christina and Shakira considering they both have been the only role of a female coach on the voice. Most people were getting tired of Christina acting like a diva and always, somehow, leading the comments back to her; were you jealous or something Christina? As far as Shakira goes, she has developed a more encouraging tone
How do you feel about the addition of the two new coaches? Cassie Lucero: I like them! I
Do you have a favorite singer yet? Cassie Lucero: Honestly, I haven’t seen enough episodes yet to choose. Leah Allard: No not at all. I usually wait for battles to happen before I commit. There’s too much pressure during blind auditions to commit to one person. If you haven’t been watching “The Voice” this season, you’re missing out! Seriously, millions of people have been watching the show each week. According to The Denver Post, “The contestants are topping the iTunes’ charts in the U.S.” Don’t miss out this season; tune in Mondays and Tuesdays 8/7 c on NBC.
Photo by Madison Wittman
The Catalyst
25
Commentary
April 2013
In defense of the right to bear arms By Noah Turner, Reporter
It’s late, well past midnight. You is the right to have an opportunity them out of the hands of people Second Amendment specifically wake up to the sound of breaking for safety. states this is the right of the people, who would not use them safely. glass. There is an intruder in your According to multiple research This means criminals, psychopaths the citizens. It also clearly states house. In the hall a shadow passes studies by Gary Kleck, a professor that this right shall not be infringed. and people with mental disorders. by; you see the silhouette of a gun. at Florida State University and a These regulations shouldn’t just be Merriam-Webster dictionary Your children are asleep, and they foremost authority on gun vioon who can get the guns, it should defines infringed as “to encroach are in danger. What do you do, call lence, every year 2.5 million cases also be on the type of gun. upon in a way that violates law or the police? The average response occur where people are forced to For example, assault rifles. the rights of another.” By repealing time for a 911 call is 11 minutes to defend themselves with a firearm How many bullets do you need to the Second Amendment, the right half an hour as reported by the Den- in America alone. That is 6,849 kill a deer? How about to shoot a to bear arms, to defend oneself, is ver Police Department. The intruder times a day. That means that in the burglar? You see, the purpose of the not just infringed upon. This right could do a lot of harm in that time. five minutes it takes you to read Second amendment is safety, and is eliminated. However, to fulfill So what do you do? this article, there will have been 23 the true purpose of the Second if we don’t safely use this amendYou could reach for a golf club instances in which a person was ment and regulate it then it only amendment, it cannot be left as it or a baseball bat in typical movie forced to defend themselves with a is. works against its own purpose. If fashion, or you could be more firearm. No one can validly say the it isn’t used responsibly, then the One side cannot be completely practical. You reach under the bed Second Amendment is useless; it is right on a topic as complex as Second Amendment could possibly and pull out the ultimate home needed on a regular basis. cause more harm than it protects Second Amendment preservation. defense weapon, a shotgun. Enough against. Therefore, power to stop a man with one gun regulations are hit, yet not powerful enough to not encroachment go through walls and injure your or infringement of family. All you have to do is the Second Amendpoint it in the general direction of ment. Gun regulayour target and pull the trigger. tions are a statement No problem, except, you may not of our right to own have a gun. and bear arms. You may not have a gun. You Marcus Herrera, may not have the right to bear senior, notes that the arms, (the Second Amendment,) Second Amendment as it may be abolished. You may allows for “people not have a gun because some to have a gun with anti-gun rights groups decided a permit.” This that we don’t need guns. They simple statement say that the Second Amendment captures exactly is useless. They say it just makes how the right to bear it easier for criminals to get guns. arms should not go Unfortunately, all too often they unchecked. don’t see what the Second It has Amendment is truly about. been said in Connor Conkrite learns about gun control by reading the Catalyst. They are not the only ones many political who miss the point though. debates, that Often times, even people who supIt has also been said that the keeping the right to bear arms is Therefore here is where I switch port the Second Amendment are Second Amendment was only dangerous, as it makes it possible point of views, in order to provide missing the point. intended for state officials such as for criminals to get guns. This arguthe most amount of truth. The Second Amendment is not police or other government forces ment is irrelevant. There is no way Everyone knows that guns are for the people who go have fun at like the military. Therefore, the dangerous. They are machines bred to avoid the fact that if a criminal the shooting range. It’s not for hunt- Second Amendment is not to be is determined to get a gun, and with one purpose alone; to kill and ers, gun collectors or avid sportsused by the people. This claim perform some sort of crime with it, destroy, and they are very good at men. It’s for the common citizen. that the Second Amendment is not they can get a gun. Second Amendit. Therefore, they should be reguIt’s for the man who is trying to applicable to the people is not true. lated. The purpose of the Second ment or not, it will always be posdefend his family, his property, and The Second Amendment states, sible to get a gun. Outlawing it will Amendment is to ensure that the often his own life. The right to bear “A well-regulated militia being people of the United States are safe, only give it the title of illegal, and arms is as Hudson Robison, junior, necessary to the security of a free most criminals aren’t concerned and have a way to defend themnotes, “the right to self-defense.” It state, the right of the people to bear selves. In order to keep the posses- with breaking the law. Then, when arms shall not be infringed.” The the criminal has a gun and the sion of guns safe, we need to keep Second Amendment is abolished,
What have you really learned in high school?
there will be no one to stop him. He will have the gun, and the people he intends to kill will not. What then shall they stop this monster with? A knife? A baseball bat? Well sure, if you can get close enough without being shot. In reality, about the best thing you can do, is wait until the police get there. However, what if the police don’t have guns? When Britain abolished their version of our second amendment, their standard patrol officers were not allowed to carry guns without extensive training and paperwork. Let’s flip this situation around, you are sitting at a restaurant and a man starts shooting. This time, you have the Second amendment on your side. You have a gun to stop him with. If not, then someone else does, or at least there is the possibility that someone else does. Now, if the criminal isn’t stopped by a citizen, then the police show up. It is guaranteed that they have guns. Now, if someone gets killed, it’s not because the Second amendment was abolished. It doesn’t fall on the heads of those who voted for it to be abolished. The opportunity for self-defense was preserved, and the people in danger were not being revoked of their right to safety. Overall, it’s not hard to see that the purpose of the Second amendment is to guarantee every citizen the right to defend themselves. The Second amendment was made to preserve the opportunity for safety. This works on the flipside as well. The Second amendment will work against its purpose of safety, if it is not regulated safely. So please understand that this political battle consists of two sides that contain valid reasoning as well as bad. Next time you decide to make your opinion on the second amendment known, remember that safety is the biggest issue here. Remember the Second amendment’s purpose, and then decide. Just make sure, that you stick to the heart of the matter, the part that must be upheld. The opportunity for safety and security must not be taken away.
By Lyric Fortson, Reporter Throughout high school we’re taught a lot of, for lack of a better phrase, meaningless crap. Let’s be honest. About 99% of us aren’t going to need to know how to get the tangent line of 33° or prove why two triangles of the same measure are congruent. We probably won’t need to know the death toll of the Cold War to succeed in life or what a rock in a poem symbolizes. From what I’ve seen, high school is about 5% what you learn academically and 95% what you learn from the experience. You walk into the high school—or 8/9, I guess—as a little fourteen year old thinking you know everything. You walk out of high school as an eighteen year old knowing exactly the opposite is true. Nick Rutan’s words to the wise was don’t take what’s not yours. “Well, junior year, I took my dad’s car without asking, and I crashed it. I kind of rear ended a person. I was
only going about ten miles an hour but it was $2,000 in repairs,” said Rutan. It didn’t mess with the car that he hit though, just his father’s car. “That was probably the worst day of my life,” Rutan laughed looking back on it. “So, don’t steal cars. Also, don’t think you’re cooler than you really are. There are way too many high schoolers who think they’re a lot cooler than they are.” Jordan Terry learned a lot in high school, many times, the hard way. “There’s too many women to be with one!” he said. “Don’t get involved in the drama and gossip of girls.” Now that he’s gone through high school, the biggest thing he learned, he said, was not to drink and drive. “I got a DUI. I wouldn’t really recommend it to anyone who is coming into high school because it kind of ruins your high school days. I learned to really love the
social part of school though. My favorite part of it all was just all the kids,” Terry commented. When asked if there was anything else he’d learned, he said, “ Don’t let the lows get your down. There’s always another door opening when one closes. There’s always another opportunity out there.” “Get to know a lot of people,” Eli Combs told me. Ben Karrigan was in agreement. “Don’t be reclusive or all antisocial,” Karrigan said. “I found that it was better once you got to know people you actually have a lot more fun in high school instead of being a loner.” Combs added. “I personally learned a lot more respect for authority, through high school,” Karrigan said. “You learned to cooperate because it’s in your better interest just to smile and nod even if the teacher is being stupid.
And above all else, I learned not to spend money on the dances!” “Show up” is the biggest lesson Jonathan Bohrer learned. “Go to school. It’s really worth it. I screwed up my junior year because the first quarter, I was only at school 25 days. I was absent more than I was at school. I had to drop AP Language because of everything I missed. I never made it up. Going into senior year, I wanted to be taking AP Lit, but AP Lang was a prerequisite.” When Bohrer started looking into colleges, he realized how much grades actually really did matter. “Until then I didn’t really care at all. And then I started looking into Air Force Academy requirements and I was like ‘oh, my God, I’m never getting in.’ That’s how it was with a lot of different colleges I started looking at.” Bohrer knew there was no way he was going to make it into these col-
leges. “I had really crappy grades. I mean, I’m smart, I actually really am, and it’s not too difficult to get good grades, unless you just don’t show up. Which is what I chose to do. Main life lesson learned: just go. It’s worth the time and the effort. More good will come of it than bad.” The next step for the seniors of Fruita Monument High School, whether it be going straight to work, another year of their senior year, or on to colleges local or across the States, is going to be a big one. In the opinions of most, though much of the academic information wasn’t retained, the experience is one they learned a lot from, whether it was good or bad. They’ll be taking what they learned from the last four years of school into their everyday life, now more equipped for the real world.
Commentary
26
The West Leadership Conference: A review
April 2013
The Catalyst
By Lyric Fortson, Commentary editor The West Leadership Conference was a seminar that the City of Grand Junction put on featuring various leaders from the local community. From pastors to CEOs, the conference touched all ends of the spectrum when it comes to attributes of a leader. The Power of Influence Jamie Hamilton-CEO of Home Loan and Investment Company
financial hardship, does my shell look the same but on the inside, am I cold and hard? Or am I like the coffee bean, which actually changed the environment it was in; the very circumstance that brings the pain. When faced with adversity, could you change the situation and elevate to a new level? Your attitude determines how you influence people. The “M” in SMILE is Most Valued Player. “You don’t have to be the best to be the most influential,” Hamilton said. Small, consistent steps over time make a huge difference. The effort you put in will reflect on your physical environment. Through positivity and determination, you will be the Most Valued Player. The “I” in SMILE stands for Impart. Hamilton’s point here was give. “Influential people give.” To illustrate his point he paraphrased from the book Go Give Her by Bob Burt and John David Mann. “The key to all success in life, however you measure it, is based upon those that give.” The “L” means love.
When you think of smiling, what do you think of? Is it something that you do a lot? Do you give in to instant gratification and let your hair down sometimes? Does it feel forced on your face most of the time? Is a smile what you hide behind to mask that you’re broken? Jamie Hamilton has his own way of self-reflection, just as most of us do, and his is through smiling. But not the smile you might think of: “The gift of influence acronym today is S.M.I.L.E.” The “S” in struggle stands for Struggle. This means, how do you react to adversity? Hamilton used the example of boiling carrots, coffee beans, and eggs. The objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water, yet each reacted differently. The carrot went in hard, strong and relentless. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened. The egg was fragile, breakable. But after exposure to the water, it became hard. The ground coffee beans were unique however. After boiling, they changed the water. Which are you? When adversity knocks on your Photo by Madison Wittman door how do you respond? Are you the carrot who seems strong but Do whatever you do out of in the face of adversity wilt love, for love, to create love, and grow weak and lose my to promote love, to allow strength? Are you the egg love and to work towards that starts fragile but changes love. “Our example is not when the heat is on? In face the main thing, it’s the only of a death or breakup or
But he was real. His presentation was one of my favorites, because his point was exactly what his physical appearance portrayed: messy people can make a difference; average people can create immense impact. Hansow, the owner of an organization he started sponsoring struggling families in Uganda, had been in his early twenties when he decided to spontaneously quit his job and move to Africa. There were a thousand reasons why this could be a potentially terrible idea. But Hansow chose not to give his energy to that. “I chose naivety. I chose hope,” Hansow claimed. “I chose not to know what I couldn’t do.” What a beautiful statement. If you don’t know your limits, they do not exist. “I could’ve looked at everything that would happen to me if I did go, everything bad. But I chose instead to look at what would happen if I didn’t go. That is why not taking risks just might be the riskiest thing you ever do.” When faced with a choice to lead or follow, pave your own way or conform, to take the risk or not to take the risk,
sarily right. “What would happen to me if I didn’t go? A nine to five in a cubical life? But what’s more, what would happen to the people I was going to help if I didn’t go?” Hansow was an average, “messy” man, leading an average life, who chose hope and changed the lives of hundreds. He risked – and continues to risk – the “safe” life he could lead, and lives for something bigger than himself. “The older you grow, the more you have to lose. The time is now.” Do you have a risk you’ve been debating to take? In ten years, where do you want to be? Does it scare you to picture yourself where you might be if you take the risk? Because it should scare you more to picture where you might be if you don’t. “When I thought about not moving to Africa when I got scared, it scared me more to think about looking back and wondering what it would’ve been like. The lives I could’ve The Beauty in Risk impacted.” Dave Hansow-Owner of “Stop comparing your Light Gives Heat ‘behind the scenes’ to others’ ‘highlight reels,’” Hansow Former FMHS student said. This means everyone has Dave Hansow stood on the something going on behind closed doors. Everyone is fighting their own battle in life, but the front they put on, or their “highlight reel,” might look pretty good when you compare it to your “behind the scenes,” or your own personal battle. Everyone has a “behind the scenes.” And everyone can put forward their “highlight reel.” Stop comparing yours to others. Hansow knows firsthand and from years on years of experience that you don’t need a three piece suit to argue the truth. You don’t need a Harvard doctorate degree. You don’t need to be of some special family line or inheritance. Messy people like him are sometimes the ones that make the most difference. Hansow spoke with integrity, truth, and an almost innocent vulnerability that made him anythe most respected, though he stage, and in a way, it swalone can come up with hunwalked among the suits and lowed him up. He did not dreds, thousands, millions, ties. have the presence of a Pastor, of reasons not to do it. But *Check out the award wina CEO, or the three piece suit look at what might happen to ning, inspirational documenthat the other presenters did. you if you don’t do it. What a tary made about Dave HanHis hair was tousled, his shirt boring life you’ll lead. Safe, sow and his family: “Moving could’ve been worn to a trip maybe, but safe doesn’t creOn.” to the store. He was “messy.” ate change. Safe isn’t necesthing,” Hamilton said. Lead by example and lead people towards love. “E” stands for execute. “Do what you say you’re going to do,” said Hamilton. Follow through with the goals you set. Inspiration is hard to hold onto, but you must do just that. Many have the what it takes to set goals but only true leaders have what it takes to execute it. “You must coach within your teams limits,” Hamilton pointed out. Your goals must be achievable. They say that when you set goals, you must be 51% sure that it is possible. “And if you’re going to do something, give yourself completely and unconditionally to it. 99% a bitch, 100% a breeze.” If Jamie Hamilton can smile through adversity, keep his head, push his own limits and rise to the challenge of being a leader, many more can.
The Catalyst
27
Commentary
April 2013
Who would be a dope pope? By Taylor Scofield, Commentary Editor We all know that the Catholic Church has chosen a new pope in Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio. However, is he really the man for the job? The Catalyst has analyzed a group of people who we believe were the runner -ups. We will sort out fact from fiction and provide you with a score for each candidate based upon his or her leadership qualities and abilities. Chris Brown-3.5 His aggressive style and powerful auto-tuned voice would quickly earn him respect from the Catholic community. This would be an unusual and highly controversial choice by the Vatican, but it might just be heralded as a new era for the Catholic Church. However, Brown’s shady past may just take him out of the running. It is important for the Pope to remain cool, calm, and collected and who knows what would happen if Chris needed to blow off some steam. Jan Keirns-8 Keirns has proven herself to be a change-oriented leader at Fruita Monument High School. While it is unlikely that the Vatican would notice her drive and passion from across the Mediterranean, she remains an excellent candidate. Her no-nonsense –southern style of speaking would be a soothing change from the harsh syllables of Latin. Also, she would finally end the sin that has been plaguing the Catholic Church. Yes, “grinding” would be forever abolished. The Michelin Tire man-5 This candidate’s best asset? Recognition. I mean who hasn’t seen the Michelin tire man? It would be highly disputed whether or not he could handle the various challenges and diplomacy that a Pope must deal with. However, the exact job duties of the Pope are still quite unknown to most of us. Maybe no one knows; but I like to think the Michelin Tire man could handle them, whatever they are.
Kim Jong Un-4.5 You would be surprised to hear that communism is a very powerful political platform. In fact, there is only ONE political party in North Korea because everyone loves communism so much. Kim Jong Un is the man that has kept America on her toes for many years and who has stood on his toes for an equal amount of time to make up for his Oompa-Loompa build. The only problem is that he’s Buddhist. Maybe Dennis Rodman could be Pope and Kim Jong Un could wield power from behind the scenes? Just a thought. The Cookie Monster-9 At first glance, it seems like the cookie monster is too preoccupied with various obsessions to handle the responsibilities that come along with being Pope. However, his interests would translate perfectly to the new job position! Communion would now be a delicious helping of cookies and milk! He would start a new style of wearing blue instead of red among the Cardinals. Finally, he would bring a much needed mass to Sesame Street where Oscar may finally be converted. Your run of the mill gypsy-2 Despite what you may believe, gypsies are not fun, colorful people who live in wagons and dance the night away. They are, in fact, scary individuals who marry young and talk in over-exaggerated accents. You would know this if you have ever seen “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” on TLC. A random gypsy would probably go crazy with power when he or she became Pope. The Church would quickly become far less conservative as the gypsy ideals were implemented. However, I would take a tambourine and a fiddle over a choir of 30 creepy men any day.
Kim Jong Un would prove to be an authoritative leader
thisiswhyimbroke.com: a review By Keaton Brown, News Editor
Chris Brown’s jewelry would survive the transition from rapper to pope.
Q: What do you call a sleep walking nun? A: A roamin’ Catholic
It turns out the best things in life aren’t free. Out of all the great miracles on the internet, www.thisiswhyimbroke.com is definitely one of the best. From remote-control flying sharks to the “Game of Thrones” throne, Thisiswhyimbroke has it all. As a teenager, I am aware that money is short. Not to fear, however, because thisiswhyimbroke has miracles for every wallet. For example, anyone can purchase miniature cannons. Costing only $29.95, these cannons come in a variety of colors and use black powder to fire small pellets. They are about the length of a cell-phone and can shatter glass (among a variety of other things). Want to spice up your car? Buy some Batman brake-light covers for $6.95. Parents won’t let you have a pet? Buy a flying shark for $20. The inflatable shark has all the capabilities of a real pet (save for actually being alive) and you don’t even have to feed it! Also, if you already have a pet, buy a hoodie for your pet for only $8! Buy a pair of Taser-knuckles for $40 and electrocute everyone you punch! For you Call of Duty fans out there, these are similar to the “galvaknuckles”, only a little less lethal. For those of you wanting to raise your social status in the school, I would recommend the world’s most powerful commercial laser. For only $300, you will be the envy of the school! Forget trying to make your friend see dots in their eyes for a few minutes, one glance in this beam will cause permanent retina damage! Also, it can pop balloons.
If you’re looking for excitement, buy an inflatable hamster-ball! Coming in at a mere $300, this ball lets you float around in pools of water (or the Colorado River if you’re looking for a near-death experience) while giving you the hamster-perspective of the world! Once you graduate college and pursue a wealthy career, you’ll need something to do with the millions of dollars you have (besides buying a car because that’s generic and boring.) Your first order of business, buy a life-size T-Rex sculpture or two to decorate your front lawn. This will cost you only $60,000. Think of all the people that you will impress! No more scaring away birds with straw scarecrows; use these life-size TRexes to terrorize the entire county! As a rich man, you’ll need a symbol of authority, and what better way to show off you wealth than sit in a replica Iron Throne? Modeled after the popular show “Game of Thrones”, this throne costs $30,000 and is made completely out of swords! If you live near an ocean, buy a Killer Whale Submarine and terrorize all of the beachgoers away! As long as you drive a killer whale, the beach will be yours! (For only $100,000, of course.) Money doesn’t grow on trees (for most people, at least), but if you ever come across the chance to buy anything off of thisiswhyimbroke. com, do it! Though a life-size T-rex and a killer whale submarine might not make you king of the world, butthey will sure make you the coolest cat in town!
Sports
28 APril 2013
The tax on lax
own for fundraising, their schedule depends on how much money the teams raise throughout the course of the year before the season. Both boys and girls teams have participated in selling split the pot tickets, working concessions at sporting events, selling restaurant coupon pages and gathering sponsors in order to cover the unpaid costs of transportations and extra games. “To a degree, the lacrosse teams are in better shape because they understand that whatever money they make is what they can use for their games and scheduling,” said Squibb. Based on what budget each team has, Squibb will create the schedules for each sports team. The amount of non-league games a team has and if they travel to other areas such as Denver also largely depends on their budget. The amount fundraising that the lacrosse teams do ultimately determine who they will play that season. “We had to raise $1000 for our first Denver trip with just the varsity and about $2500 for the second
trip to Denver since we take the varsity and JV plus have to pay for buses and hotel rooms,” said Twardowski. There have been some cases where students who wanted to play on the lacrosse team could not afford both athletic fees to the school and Grand Valley Lacrosse plus the cost of personal equipment. Because of the high costs, Grand Valley Lacrosse gives these kids the option of applying for a financial scholarship in which the player will fill out a form and, if accepted, Grand Valley will waive their $100 fee. These cases are entirely confidential and coaches are not aware of who is getting financial help unless a player personally asks them about it. The players will still have to pay the athletic fee to the high school, but by talking to Squibb something can be worked out to cover the high school fee as well. “We won’t keep a kid from playing a sport,” said Squibb, “We can usually fundraise for them and they can do some jobs for the school to pay off the fee.” As lacrosse in the Grand Valley continues to grow, so does the budget of each team which allows parents to afford the costs, coaches to widen the variety of teams they play and players to advance in the type of competition they go up against. “Kids are starting to play younger which means they will play longer and eventually help the high school teams grow,” said Heil.
road trip was the football trip to Heritage in Denver. But what happens on the bus stays on the bus so I can’t say why,” said Basinger. There is a code for most busses that what people say or do can’t leave. If embarrassing stories are told on the bus, they do not leave. Basinger, Kerrigan, and Colson all
agree that what happens on the bus should not leave. “I have told plenty of embarrassing stories to my teammates, and I wouldn’t want that to leave the bus,” said Kerrigan Bus rides are a time to make memories with your teammates and have fun. They are just one of the many ways to have fun and bond while playing the sport you love.
By Alyssa Urban, Co-managing Editor Photos courtesy of Mariah Hartle
As the season of spring rolls into Fruita, Colorado, the season of fees comes along as well. From March to May high school students have to pay for AP tests, graduation supplies and athletic admissions. For all sports, a fee of $140 is required to be able play, that is, with the exception of lacrosse players. The lacrosse players do not get out of the $140 charge, but instead pay for that plus an additional $100 payment. This extra fee goes to Grand Valley Lacrosse which every player must register with in order to play on their high school team. “When lacrosse wanted to become a high school sport, the school district could not sponsor it because they couldn’t afford to support another high school sport with their budget,” said FMHS athletics director Denny Squibb. “That’s why it’s a selffunded sport now.” Lenny Lang, founder of Grand Valley Lacrosse, was originally from Long Island, New York where his son played lacrosse. When he moved to Grand Junction, Lang’s son and passion for the sport inspired him to create the Valley’s first team which grew to be the largest lacrosse program in the Grand Junction area. When
the school board couldn’t pay for lacrosse to become a high school sport, Grand Valley Lacrosse jumped in. “CHSAA approved Grand Valley Lacrosse to be a high school sport which would support the teams since the school board couldn’t afford to sponsor it,” said Robin Heil, current president and secretary of Grand Valley Lacrosse. “This meant that high school lacrosse players would have to pay $100 to Grand Valley Lacrosse.”
The fee does not go towards a profit for Grand Valley Lacrosse, but instead goes back to the school district and helps pay the $50,000 budget that CHSAA gives the Grand Valley each year, which, according to Heil, “is still barely enough.” Grand Valley Lacrosse continues
still continues to run each season because of the support from the growing amount of new players. “Last year we had 28 girls and this year we have 35,” said girls lacrosse coach Mark Twardowski. “The boys team has about 68 players this year.” This is the second year that FMHS and GJHS have had three boys’ teams. Even though lacrosse is self-funded, they still have to pay the $140 fee to the school because this pays for various things such as transportation, referees for the games, fields and other supplies. With all the equipment and protection each person needs, lacrosse in particular is actually a fairly expensive sport. “Over the summer I sent a bunch of e-mails out to different organizations to ask for scholarship equipment for the girls who couldn’t afford it,” said Twardowski, “The owner of Lax World in Overland had started a foundation to give equipment to teams in need and ended up sending us 10 extra sticks and goggles.” Because these teams are on their
The Catalyst
On the road with the Wildcats By Nicole Twardowski, Reporter Each year, teams hit the road to compete with other teams in the league, and show what they’ve got. At Fruita Monument High School, teams begin playing together and bonding as soon as the season starts. Bus trips are something that helps to make teams step up and play well with their teammates. In order to reach their full potential, the teams need a sort of chemistry, and bus trips help to develop that. For several games each year, players on a team travel to away games on a bus. The bus isn’t only a way of transportation for far away games, but an exciting experience for student athletes. It is something athletes can look forward to and something that most enjoy. Bus trips are different for each team, but they provide bonding for everyone. “I like going on bus trips because it is a fun time to just hang out with the guys,” said sophomore Jake Basinger, member of the Fruita Monument Football and Baseball teams. “I would honestly say we have about as much fun on the bus as we do playing the games. We
tell jokes and great stories, and we get to just be high schoolers,” said Senior, Ben Kerrigan who is on the Fruita Monument Men’s Lacrosse team. It isn’t just the guys that enjoy bus rides. Girls have their own way of making it fun. “It is really fun because we get to bond and we’re like a family and we cause lots of mischief together and create lots of memories,” said sophomore Lucy Colson, a member of the Fruita Monument Women’s Lacrosse team. Teams often have games they play to pass time until they reach their destination. “Our baseball team plays a couple fun ones. We play a sign game where we try to get the whole alphabet on billboards. Football plays that one as well,” said Basinger. Games vary from searching for letters to finish the alphabet to belting out the lines of your favorite songs with your friends. “We like to play IPod Hero, constantly. We put headphones on one person, pick them a song, and turn it up so loud that they can’t hear themselves singing. It’s pretty
entertaining,” said Colson. There are also some rules on the bus. “If coach has to pick up any trash off the bus we have to run the whole next practice,” said Kerrigan. The girl’s lacrosse team also has the same punishment if any trash is left behind. “We don’t really have any rules other than don’t hurt each other and pick up after ourselves,” said Colson. Each ride is unique and fun in its own way. Sometimes you are stuck in the bus for up to six hours, or as little as two. “I think my favorite road trip was when Hannah Wood got asked to prom by Chaz (Lakin) with the sign in the car next to us,” said Colson. “My favorite
Photo courtesy of Alyssa Urban
29
The Catalyst
April 2013
Two sports at once By Taylor Eatwell, Reporter Major parts of any high school are the sports. Whether you are playing or cheering on your school team, it’s what shapes many schools. Some athletes even balance two sports at once and school on top of that. ”Having to do homework when you get home after playing all day is definitely hard. It makes you stay up later which results in getting a lot less sleep,” Joelle Lefevre, junior, stated. Lefevre does track for Fruita and plays on Western Slope Colorado Volleyball Club. Going from one sport to the next decreases the time you have to do homework. In order to compete in these activities, athletes need to have passing grades. Having less time to do homework means more difficulty understanding the subject. The less a student understands a subject, the bigger the chance they have on getting a bad grade. Coaches do not need to lose their players because of failing grades, which makes it even more difficult with two sports. Each player is needed to go out and give it all they have so they can play their best. Coaches rely on the players more than anyone. “Trying not to let down and disappoint the coaches is definitely a challenge,” Micheala Hoffman, sophomore, stated. Hoffman does track and soccer for Fruita.
Levfre (top) and Hoffman both participate in two sports at once.
Sports
Photos courtesy of FMHS athletics
Bye Brady, hello Manning Wes Welker has left the Patriots and is now officially a Bronco By Gabriella Nilsson, Reporter
“Instead of choosing just one sport to do, I chose both because I am always up for a challenge and I enjoy playing for both sports,” Hoffman said. “Both sports mean a lot to me and I would rather do both than picking one over the other and regretting my decision later on,” Lefevre said. Falling behind at school is definitely easy while playing a sport but many athletes have figured out how to manage both. After playing for a long day, they go home and get their homework done, go to bed, wake up and do the same thing again. “In college your work ethic increases to get a job for the rest of your life. Doing two sports would make that almost impossible. High school is a lot less demanding which makes it possible to do both sports,” Lefevre claims. High school is different from college in more than one way. Many athletes do not want to play their sports in college because it would be too overwhelming. Although, playing two sports is very difficult, athletes love their sports and cannot give up on one. Even if it was a rough beginning, eventually they find that it gets easier to manage school and sports.
After spending six years with Brady in New England, the wide receiver, Wes Welker, agreed to a two-year deal, worth a reported $12 million, to team up with Manning in Denver. Welker has made 38 touchdowns and has led the NFL twice for receptions; during the six seasons he played with New England Patriots. He was unable to reach an agreement with New England’s $10 million deal and has therefore signed with the Broncos $12 million deal. CBS stating the reason being, “He accepted a deal in Denver which was less than what we offered him. Because, in fact, he has a one-year deal in Denver for $6 million. Our last offer before we thought we were going into free agency was a $10 million offer with incentives that would’ve earned him another $6 million if he performed the way he has the previous two years. But in Denver, he’s going to count $4 million against the cap the first year and $8 million the second year and there’s no guarantee he plays the second year. So he will get $6 million the first year. Our deal, he would’ve gotten $8 million the first year with our last offer to him.” According to New York’s Daily News, John Elway, the Broncos president, wrote on twitter, “Agreed to terms on a 2-yr deal with Wes Welker. Excited to have Wes join the Broncos. His production & toughness will be a great asset.” With Welker joining the team, Broncos are now supposed to be one of the NFL’s most fearsome receiving corps. Welker is being teamed up with a pair of 1,000 yd. receiver’s; Demaryius Thomas (1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns) and Eric Decker (1,064 yards, 13 TDs). Just last season alone, Welker has made six touchdowns, caught 118 passes, and ran for1,354 yds.
to the family. Welker can do great wonders with this team and be a truly great asset. Wade Toothaker, a big New England Patriots fan here at FMHS expressed how he felt about Wes Welker leaving. “I’m not thrilled with him leaving but if he doesn’t want to be on a winning team than that’s on him! He was a loved fan who was a solid player that we knew we could depend on.” Welker talks about both his new and old quarter back on ESPN, stating, ““I think they’re both extremely accurate ... they’re extremely smart players and have a good idea where the rush is, and moving around and buying time and getting the ball out quick and being smart and putting it right on the money. Not being the biggest guy out there, I definitely need a quarterback that can put it on you and just be able to read the defenses like I do and see it the same way, and I think both guys do that well.” CBS reports that the reason for Welker actually leaving is that, “There’s a good chance that some of this comes down to pride: Welker’s behaved in the most Patriots-Way way he could possibly could while with New England, and they never rewarded him the way they should.” According to WEEI radio, “I think a lot of it is just busiroutes than New England’s. ness,” Welker said. “It’s kind of the Welker has 672 regular-season unfortunate part of the business, but receptions in his six seasons with it is what it is. You try to find what New England. That is 80 more catches than any other receiver dur- works for you, as far as financially ing that time. How can you replace and as a player and everything else. I think at the end of the day — forthat kind of production? tunately or unfortunately — it kind Bill Belichick and the Patriof just worked out the way it did.” ots have signed former St. Louis Welker doesn’t seem too stoked Rams receiver Danny Amendola; to leave the Patriots, but hopefully a younger, more-injury prone eshe will become something great for tablished star, according to Yahoo Sports. If Amendola can manage to the Broncos. Although, leaving New England doesn’t mean he’s leaving stay healthy, it could possibly be a everything, “Tom is one of my good net gain, but that’s yet to be seen. Welker is a tough player and hard to friends,” Welker said Wednesday. “We stay in contact often.” Welker replace. said the toughest thing was “leaving Being a New England fan, it’s the quarterback; hopefully this isn’t hard to see him go; yet, for the a goodbye, it’s a see you later.” Bronco fans, it’s a great addition After coaching Wes Welker for six years, Bill Belichick didn’t seem too sentimental about moving on for the 2013 season. According to NFL, “There are changes every year on every team,” Belichick said when asked what it would be like with Welker gone. Belichick continued, “Look I think Wes was everything we’d hoped he’d be when we traded for him. He was tough, competitive, and very productive.” Welker will be turning 32 years old in May, yet, his skills are still better than most receivers. He’s a catch after catch kind of guy who can take passes from any angle and will take the needed steps from there. According to Yahoo Sports, there’s nobody better in the league at running option routes, and no team’s playbook has more option
Welker (center) decided to leave Brady (right) and the Patriots for Manning (left) and the Broncos.
Photos courtesy of MCT Campus
Sports
30 April 2013
The Catalyst
NASCAR: Cash or Crash? By Ian Sage, Reporter Daytona Beach, Florida. The fact that there was a crash was nothing out of the ordinary, as they are a regular occurrence in racing. This one was marked in the history books because of the aftermath. When Kyle Larson’s car crashed during the race, it sent pieces of the car, including a tire, through the catch-fence and into the stands. Some wreckage even made it so far as the top deck. At least 28 fans were injured, and 14 were sent to area hospitals. Two of the injured were carried away in critical condition. This is not the first time that a car has crashed and there have been injuries at a Daytona 500. The last major one was a crash on February 18, 2001, involving the death of the 49 year old racer, Dale Earnhardt. The crash occurred during the last lap of the race, and it sent Earnhardt to the Halifax Medical Center
At schools, the sports that get the most fame and recognition are usually football and basketball, but no matter how amazing, water sports are often overlooked. There are many students that compete in water sports at Fruita Monument and are very successful. Kiani Vogt is one of those students at Fruita Monument with a passion for water sports. She is a senior and competes in three events: water skiing, slalom, jump and trick. “I compete usually every weekend in the summer from June to August then I go to regionals every year in July. I did compete in nationals and I have been on the national team as an alternate,” said Vogt. Waterskiing is a sport that is very time consuming and takes a great deal of dedication. “I water ski from May to Late September every year. I go to camps and get coaching from my dad and other professional coaches.” During the summers Vogt travels to Hawaii and lives and trains there. Just like all other athletes that compete in a multi-event sport like track, swimming, or waterskiing, Vogt has her preferences. “My favorite event would have to be slalom. (Slalom) is a course of six buoys and you have to go through
in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at 5:16 PM, due to blunt force trauma to the head. In both the 2001 and 2013 crashes, there were obvious safety issues. When Earnhardt crashed, HANS (Head and Neck Support) systems were not required for racing. The NASCAR president didn’t want to “react for the sake of reacting” and make them a must, but he does make sure to encourage their use. As of August 19, 2001, 41 out of 43 drivers used a HANS device. A separate crash two months later caused the death of Blaise Alexander, which caused NASCAR officials to state that HANS devices were now required for racers. In addition to the HANS devices, a SAFER (Steel and Foam
Energy Reducer) barrier was added around the course. This absorbs and reduces kinetic energy upon impact, reducing risk of injury. The crash of Kyle Larson warranted some safety measure to be questioned as well. The catch-fence was designed to stop debris and such from flying into the stands, however that did not stop it this time. NASCAR officials are planning a review of the catch-fence, as this is the second time fans have been injured due to the fence not holding back debris. Seven fans were injured in 2009 when Carl Edwards went airborne at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama and hit the catch-fence there. Most of the injured from Lar-
son’s crash had been released from the hospital by the afternoon of February 24. Two remained at Halifax Health Medical Center, but both were stabilized according to a statement released by the hospital. All of these crashes and injuries could warrant a concern in the safety of both driver and spectator in NASCAR races, but plans are being made to counteract these events. One thought was putting up a second catch-fence, so that if something managed to go through the first one, it would most likely not make it through the second. Small changes like this may or may not change much, but the safety of both the drivers and the fans must be secured. Photo Courtesy of MCT Campus
Break out the Boards, its time for watersports
Photo courtesy of Kiani Vogt
Racing is a very eye-catching sport. The fast-paced action, the heat of the moment, the atmosphere, can all just be breathtaking, especially for the racers. However, the stress builds on the racers significantly. Taking in all the action, the pressure of winning, and the risks and rewards can be very intimidating. If they win the race, they get a large payout, especially in the Daytona 500 race. That is the kind of paycheck that could do just about anything, for just one race. However, most spectators don’t go to watch someone win. They go to watch the crashes. When cars going between 150 and 200 mph crash, the result can be spectacular, unless someone gets hurt. Fans didn’t realize that the risk to them was so real until parts of a car went through the protective barrier and into the stands. On February 23, 2013, there was a crash at the Daytona 500 race in
them at a certain speed. My top speed that I can do for Women’s I is 34mph and as I go through the buoys, they shorten the rope from the boat until I fall.” Although slalom is her favorite, Vogt also enjoys trick and jump skiing. “Trick skiing is like a wake board with no fins and your back foot is out and you just do tricks, mostly over the wake of the boat. For jump skiing it is over a ramp,” elaborated Vogt. Vogt’s interest was sparked by her family at a very young age. “I have done it since I was three and a half. It’s a family sport. There’s really no question about me continuing on. I will probably get my family into it later in life.” Although Grand Junction is located in a desert, there are still places to train. “I ski at Lake Mirage in Fruita and I compete at a lot of different places: Denver, Aspen, Vail, California, Idaho, or wherever,” said Vogt. Swim and dive is a popular sport at Fruita Monument. Both Lauren Sullivan and Naomi Neuville compete during the winter. Sullivan is a senior at Fruita Monument. She is a two sport athlete, competing in both swim and
lacrosse. Sullivan is also one of the captains of the Fruita Monument Women’s Lacrosse team. Neuville is a sophomore at Fruita Monument who is a four sport athlete. Neuville competes in cross country, swim, lacrosse and track. She lettered in three out of four sports her freshman year and received her swim letter this year. Sullivan and Neuville competed successfully in swim and enjoyed the sport. The team trains every week day in order to slice off a fraction of a second each race. “Weights in the morning and high intensity swimming speed workouts after school,” said Neuville. “Competitions are very intimidating. They take about five hours.” Just like Vogt, both of these swimmers have their favorite events. Sullivan’s favorites are the 100 breast stroke or 200 IM. (The IM is the individual medley, a race that includes butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.) Neuville’s favorite events are the 200 IM and the 100 fly (butterfly). Neuville does not plan on taking her swim career past high school, but Sullivan is still interested in water sports. “I might play intertube water polo at CU Boulder next year.” Swimming has been proven to be one of the most cardiovascular demanding sports. “Swimming is the best workout alive,” said Sullivan. Neuville agrees saying “It’s the hardest.” The girls agreed that they were both in great shape after the
season ended. Water sports are loved by athletes all over the world. There are many different water sports to compete in and a couple is offered at Fruita Monument. Swim and
Dive is one of those sports and it is enjoyed by many. In the water can be a fun way to spend your time no matter if your skiing over it, swimming through it, or doing your best trick flying through the air into it.
From the field to the pool: Athletes like Sullivan enjoy both water sports, and other sports, like Lacrosse.
What are you doing this summer?
What are you doing this summer?